First5 and locum support

After finishing the VTS life can be challenging. For this reason, the RCGP has set up First5.

The aim of this initiative is to support GPs when they have qualified.

But how do you get to that stage? Listed below is a comprehensive (some say dummies guide) to prepare for those last few days when you are finishing training. Please note this information is specific to West Yorkshire, local variations will occur.

Finishing the VTS- Dummies Guide.

When working as a locum, finding information can be hard, organising yourself, and creating networks. As a result, feel free to look at a book designed for those of you who have just qualified:

 

The New GP’s Handbook is a comprehensive guide to working as a newly qualified GP. It covers various topics from the history of the profession, job finding, commissioning, leadership, networking, practice management, and learning.

Written by Peter Davies (Yorkshire GP guru), Lindsay Moran (Yorkshire GP) myself and Adrian Roebuck (Yorkshire practice manager), with a foreword from Clare Taylor (former First5 CPD lead). It is an ideal resource for all First5 GPs and in truth for any GP. For RCGP members click here. For non-members or ebook readers go via the egplearning store found here.

 

For finance, try the money page on this site, also:

Pennyperfect – a great resource for organising your finance forms, pension forms, and calendar, does require licence payment but well worth it.

My Locum Manager – offers a complete suite of services that you may need as a locum.

Locum Organiser – does what it says and can create a website of you to show prospective practices.

For networking:

Social media offers a multitude of methods to engage with clinicians and peers.
For twitter: a good way to find useful people to follow is my DrGandalf UK Primary care list.

Facebook has many groups for GPs and those working in primary care. Here is a brief summary of some:

GPSurvival – working to support grassroots GPs (DOI I am the treasurer)
Resilient GP – supporting primary care to be more resilient

Tikos GP Group– the original GP Facebook group. Useful for clinical questions.