Relevant experience

Medical schools are looking for applicants who have:

• Had people focused experience, providing a service, care or help to others and that applicants understand the realities of working in caring profession.
• Developed some of the values, attitudes and behaviours essential to be a doctor. These include being conscientious, good communication skills and the ability to interact with a wide variety of people.
• An understanding of the realities of medicine and the physical, organisational and emotional demands of a medical career.
• Work experience is one way to obtain these experiences and develop these skills.

In the past, many medical schools had entry requirements which specifically asked for clinical work experience. However, many entry requirements now ask that applicants have gained understanding, but not specifically through work experience. The Medical Schools Council now talk about 'relevant experiences' which include work experience in general practice or secondary care settings. These also include reading relevant books, and articles, listening to suitable podcasts, watching documentaries, undertaking voluntary work or part time paid work, and informal conversations with healthcare professionals.

Applicants can use examples from, for example, their part-time work - during interview - to demonstrate that they have developed their communication skills. Many skills are transferable, and these examples can tell interviewers a great deal about you.

Due to insurance and safeguarding pupils under the age of 16 cannot undertake work experience with a GP, but in the meantime they can find out more about pursuing a career in general practice.

The RCGP is delighted to work closely with the Medical Schools' Selection Alliance to support young people who are interested in studying medicine.

Before registering

1. Watch the introductory video, so you have an idea of what to expect.
2. Download and, if you can, print our reflective diary (PDF file, 2.1 MB) to write notes and complete complementary activities.

Pupils aged under 16 unfortunately aren’t able to register to access the platform. The content of the experience has also been carefully designed for pupils aged 16 and over.

How to access the platform

1. Click on one of the buttons below and complete the registration form.
2. Once you have registered you will be sent an email with a link to the platform, this may take a few minutes, be sure to check your junk mail. 
3. KEEP THIS EMAIL to return to the platform in the future.
4. When you click on the link you will be asked to insert your name and email address to create a login directly on the platform. 
5. DO NOT use the login button on the RCGP web page - this is for the 53,000 GP members of the College. 
6. To return to the platform, continue to use the link you were emailed. 

• Aspiring medics' registration
• Teachers' registration

About Observe GP

Observe GP registration

Currently, registration to access the platform is only open to aspiring medics living in the UK. We are aware that there are aspiring medics living outside the UK who would like to complete the platform and will be reviewing access over time.

Observe GP for medical school applications

Observe GP is supported by the Medical Schools Council as a suitable element of relevant experience to help prepare an application to medical school. Aspiring medics should use Observe GP to gain insights, reflect and to provide examples at medical school interview. 

Applicants to medicine are required to demonstrate on their application - and at interview - that they have gained an understanding of some of the realities of medicine and that they have witnessed and developed the core values and attributes needed to study medicine. 

For more information about entry requirements, visit the Medical Schools Council (MSC) website.  

Observe GP content

Observe GP offers the most important lessons and has been developed by GPs, healthcare professionals and those involved in admissions to medical school. The video content allows students to observe differing members of the primary care team, and we continue to add more scenarios and roles to support further learning. We do not provide an Observe GP completion certificate, but we regularly review our offering to provide maximum value.

Teachers and careers advisers can use the platform to improve outreach and participation, and we welcome these staff members familiarising themselves with the content. 

Resources

• Becoming a GP
• MSC work experience guide 
• Reflective diary (3 MB PDF)
• Brighton and Sussex Medical School: Virtual Work Experience

Widening Participation work experience programme

Since 2016, RCGP has partnered with medical schools around the UK to offer general practice work experience placements to pupils from widening participation backgrounds. The programme is administered by UK medical schools who select eligible pupils and deliver workshops prior to and after their work experience placement. 

Practices often prefer to partner with an established work experience programme, for example with a medical school, social enterprise or local training hub, to reduce their administration and feel reassured that pupils are suitably prepared.

RCGP provides partners with all the materials required, including guidance for practices, and workshops slides. An outline can be found on our Widening Participation programme overview (PDF file, 175 KB).

If you work for a medical school and would like to discuss partnering with the RCGP, please contact us at member.programmes@rcgp.org.uk

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