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Opportunities for GPs in gynaecology


Making the decision to embark on specialist training in general practice can be agonising. Were you as a foundation year doctor passionate about one particular specialism or did you consider yourself a confirmed generalist? For many trainees the answer is rarely clear cut. Fortunately the medical profession has begun to recognise this and it is now becoming increasingly possible to do both. A well-known GP “super-partnership”


recently advertised for a gynaecology GP with an extended role (GPwER) providing sessions within a single practice but also working/training within a busy community gynaecology service. Such opportunities are likely to become more common as the NHS across the UK moves to more integrated primary and community health services. Gynaecology is certain to be one of the


core specialties in the RCGP launch of a new framework for GPwERs, which replaces the current designation of GPs with a special interest (GPwSI). Opportunities for GPs to develop an interest in OB/GYN are numerous, including the option to pursue a diploma from the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DRCOG) which is open to GP registrars in ST1/ST3, especially during O&G placements. Find out more about the new RCGP framework at tinyurl.com/y5tvamem


pregnancy. Her symptoms were making it difficult for her to go out and care for her children. With the use of an interpreter, we were able to find out what her concerns were – much to her relief. We discussed long-acting contraception, which would also manage her bleeding. I was able to give this patient the coil. It wasn’t a difficult consultation by any means. The coil was very easy to insert but the impact this had on her made it a very memorable consultation. She still hugs me every time she sees me.


What are the most common misconceptions about your job or about the specialty itself? A lot of patients think they need to see a consultant gynaecologist. This is despite me explaining that many gynaecological problems can be managed in primary care without input from our secondary care colleagues.


Describe a typical working week. Busy. No two weeks are the same. I work four sessions. I am on call on Tuesdays, where anything and everything can walk through the door. I supervise the trainees, which is a great way of keeping up-to-date with all things non-gynaecology. Even though the on-calls are busy, I enjoy being able to see a variety of


patients with different medical complaints, of different ages, and the occasional man at some points! I have one session for routine patients and one session for my well woman clinic. Once a month I have a coil clinic too. I am on hand to advise about any gynaecology-related issues that I am skilled, trained and competent to advise on.


What are the tools and resources that you can’t live without in your day-to-day work? I never start a women’s health clinic without my guidelines from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), female anatomy diagrams, a contraception comparison chart with statistics, speculums of all sizes, gloves and access to a chaperone for intimate examinations.


What qualifications/training/experience are essential to your role? DRCOG (Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and DFSRH (Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare) are essential qualifications. Good communication skills and being able to adapt are also essential. Each patient is different and has different needs.


What opportunities are there for a GPwSI/ GPwER working in gynaecology? I currently work in a GP surgery, where I also have the opportunity to teach other colleagues and trainees. I have colleagues working in hospital clinics as associate specialists in gynaecology and some in GUM (genitourinary medicine). There are plenty of opportunities available to work as a GP with a special interest/extended role in women’s health.


Is there any advice you could give to a trainee GP considering a career in gynaecology? General practice offers the opportunity to not only be a generalist but also, if you choose, to have a special interest. Patients appreciate having special clinics within the primary care setting and it allows GPs to focus on a branch of medicine that they may enjoy. Many practices would welcome a salaried GP/GP partner who is able to bring additional skills and services to their practice. Gynaecology gives the opportunity to develop practical skills too, such as inserting coils and implants. These consultations are rewarding and patients are often very grateful. Having a special interest in women’s health allows you to really lead and develop a service for the women of your area.


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