Global Overview
General practice / family medicine is the largest single specialty in every country. It offers remarkable breadth, continuity of care, community focus and increasingly competitive career prospects. Training duration is shorter than most hospital specialties (2–4 years) and quality of life during training is generally better.
Training by Country
| Country | Training Duration | Programme | Exit Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 3 years | NHS GP Training (GPST) | MRCGP |
| USA | 3 years | ACGME Family Medicine Residency | ABFM Board Certification |
| Canada | 2 years | CFPC Residency | CCFP |
| Australia | 3+ years | RACGP or ACRRM | FRACGP or FACRRM |
| Ireland | 3 years (moving to 4) | ICGP GP Training | MICGP |
| New Zealand | 3 years | RNZCGP | FRNZCGP |
What to Expect in GP Training
- Mix of community general practice placements and hospital specialty rotations
- Significant autonomy earlier than most hospital specialties
- WPBA (workplace-based assessments) throughout — COTs, CBDs, mini-CEX
- Portfolio-based assessment alongside examinations
- Rural and remote general practice opportunities in Australia/NZ/Canada with additional financial incentives
Career Options After GP Training
- NHS salaried GP, partner, locum (UK)
- Private practice / direct primary care (USA)
- Rural generalist medicine (Australia/NZ) — procedural skills, obstetrics, anaesthetics
- GP with special interest (GPwSI): minor surgery, dermatology, cardiology
- Medical education, academic general practice, clinical leadership
- International GP work — high demand globally, particularly in rural areas