Characteristics of a GP

There are many important characteristics if you want to be a good doctor or GP, not just the obvious medical knowledge and skills. A GP’s job is always about dealing with people, in some cases during the most difficult or physically and emotionally painful time of their life, communication skills are key to being a fantastic GP. We’ve all heard of a doctor’s bedside manner but what other things are NHS trusts looking for when recruiting a GP?

Compassion for people

What seems like day to day work for you can be very upsetting and stressful for your patients, it is important you can show compassion and care towards them. You need to be interested in the people you treat.

Be prepared to ask

Your patients may not volunteer all the information you need to make a diagnosis and help them with their illness. It is important that you can delve a little deeper and ask the right questions to get the information you need.

Problem solving

Facts are very important in the role of a GP. You will need to examine and analyse facts, results and the information given to you by patients to solve their problems, you’ll need a logical approach to doing things to rule out based on evidence.

Open minded

You’ll see many different people from all walks of life whilst working as a GP, people of all ages, backgrounds, sexual orientation and heritage. You’ll need to be able to communicate with people and get along with people who may have a very different background or view on life to your own. You’ll need to be able to see things from their point of view.  

Patience

You will need to be able to show that you are patient with people, some patients due to age or illness may find it hard to talk to you and explain their issues, so you need to be able to go at their pace and not become impatient if they are finding it difficult to explain what they mean and communicate with you.