A career in academic general practice

摘要

As a GP, you will make a difference to the lives of many thousands of patients over the course of your career, but as an academic GP you could make a difference to hundreds of thousands, even millions of lives. GPs can have an impact, not just in the consulting room or in patients' homes. Differences can be made to the lives of many through the education and training of doctors, the work of commissioning boards seeking the best services for a community, or through research and development of the latest treatments. Primary care is a highly cost-effective part of NHS healthcare, and has a key role in promoting health and wellbeing. However, these roles would not be possible without contributions from academic general practice; the continuing success of primary care depends on the academic community that supports, researches, and develops best practice.