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- Page navigation anchor for Is it time to train British general practitioners as hospitalists?Is it time to train British general practitioners as hospitalists?
I read this thought-provoking editorial on action to improve general practitioners’ (GPs) status.1 Not a GP myself, I also agree that undermining GPs is unprofessional, and affects students’ career choices.2 It makes you wonder whether this hostile behaviour is a sign of insecurity and low self-esteem.3 One way to bridge the gap between primary and secondary care practitioners is to assimilate them. Should we learn from the North Americans, who provide opportunities for GPs to train as hospitalists?4,5
Although ones can become GPs with Special Interest (GPwSI) in the UK, opportunities to work in hospitals are sparse. Hospitals should consider hiring GPs to fill the rota gaps. Despite not equivalent to core medical trainees, most GPs have at least 18 months of hospital in addition to primary care training. Some even have completed core training before becoming GPs. Furthermore, GPs have independent practice experience, which many non-consultants lack.
If GP hospitalists work alongside secondary care practitioners, the bashing of GPs will be reduced, as hospitals will have GP hospitalists who understand the hardship in both sides. Rather than denying GP training as a black hole when ‘falling off the ladder to become a consultant,’ recruiters can promote GP training as an alternative to become specialists. This alternative would offer more flexibility and security in one’s career than t...
Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.