GP registrars

It's normal to feel nervous, and you won’t be the only one. It's also easy to get caught up with all the requests that will come your way from colleagues, supervisors and, of course, patients. The first few days, you may not even realise, as you'll be fuelled by adrenaline. But this is not sustainable.

Make sure that you eat, stay hydrated, and take time to recharge when needed. There's plenty of support available to you. It might be your clinical and educational supervisors, your peers, your family, or local GP registrar representatives. If things get too much, further support organisations such as Practitioner Health are on hand. 

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that being a GP Specialty Trainee (GPST) is all about training to become a GP, especially with the amount of time spent in hospital posts early on.

Each job and training scheme is very varied. It is helpful to consider how you can apply each specialty to general practice, particularly when reflecting for your Trainee Portfolio.

Try to spend some time early on learning how to navigate the Trainee Portfolio, and putting in regular learning logs.

Starting the Trainee Portfolio can seem daunting. However, if you take some time to write at least one or two good quality entries a week, you will be on the right track. Try to keep on top of it as you go along. Remember, your Trainee Portfolio represents you, so make it shine.

No exams are required as part of ST1. So it might seem like a good idea to fill your time with self-improvement projects, explore a professional interest, or undertake a relevant course or diploma.

However, trying to do too much can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Try to find the right balance, and keep your workload as manageable as possible. Check out our #CelebrAiT video for top tips on finding balance.

Whenever you change to a different specialty, ward, practice or department, there will be lots of things that will be new to you. If there is anything you are unsure of, don’t be afraid to ask.

Your trainer has your best interests high on their priority list, and they're just a phone call or email away. It's helpful to get to know them early on in your training, particularly before your first Educational Supervisor Review (ESR). Drop them a line as soon as you’re in your first post.

Paperwork is never a highlight - but if you don’t do it, it can seriously impact your training. Find out when you need to submit important documents such as Performers List applications, DBS applications, and required ARCP paperwork. That way, you can keep on top of it all.

It is also worth familiarising yourself early on with all of the relevant training guidance. Be sure to keep this to hand should you need it in the future.

GP training is an enjoyable learning experience, and general practice is the best job in medicine! Keep the end goal in mind.

Celebrate all of your achievements along the way, however big or small. There will be many wonderful times and proud moments, with new colleagues to meet, and a lot to learn.

There will also undoubtedly be some challenges along the way. But remember, we are here as your professional home to help you through it all.