1. © Imperial College LondonPage 1 Imperial College GP VTS Application Course Professor Azeem Majeed Department of Primary Care & Social Medicine

2. © Imperial College LondonPage 2 Why take this course? Applications for GP VTS places are becoming increasingly competitive New application process introduced for posts starting in August 2007 Guidance on how to approach the assessment and selection process

3. © Imperial College LondonPage 3 What is general practice? An academic and scientific discipline, with its own educational content, research, evidence base and clinical activity, and a clinical specialty orientated to primary care Normally the point of first medical contact within the health care system, providing open and unlimited access to its users, dealing with all health problems regardless of the age, sex, or any other characteristic of the person concerned Makes efficient use of health care resources through co- ordinating care, working with other professionals in the primary care setting, and by managing the interface with other specialities taking an advocacy role for the patient when needed Develops a person-centred approach, orientated to the individual, his/her family, and their community

4. © Imperial College LondonPage 4 Why a career in general practice? General practice is as an increasingly important element of a modern NHS Patients able to retain a personal relationship with their doctor Holistic approach to care, with a ‘patient-centred’ approach Promotes health & well-being as well as disease management Varied clinical workload & opportunities for a portfolio career

5. © Imperial College LondonPage 5 What not to say I’ve heard GPs can earn £200,000 a year I won’t have to work nights or weekends I don’t have to take any more exams after I finish my training I’ve heard that being a GP is an easy and stress-free job I’ll be able to spend my afternoons playing golf or in the gym

6. © Imperial College LondonPage 6 TimeTopicPresenter 9-00 to 9-15Arrival & Registration 9-15 to 9-35IntroductionProfessor Azeem Majeed 9-35 to 10-00The Application ProcessProfessor Azeem Majeed 10-00 to 11-15Clinical Hot TopicsDr Sian Stanley 11-15 to 11-30Tea 11-30 to 12-45Exam 1: Clinical Problem Solving Dr Jo Athos 12-45 to 1-15Question and Answer Session Professor Azeem Majeed & Dr Jo Athos 1-15 to 2-00Lunch 2-00 to 3-15Exam 2: Professional Dilemmas Dr Jo Athos 3-15 to 3-30Break 3-30 to 4-45Non-Clinical Hot TopicsProfessor Azeem Majeed 4-45 to 5-00Questions and Answer Session Professor Azeem Majeed & Dr Jo Athos 5-00 to 5-15Feedback SessionProfessor Azeem Majeed 5-15Close

7. © Imperial College LondonPage 7 General tips Keep your reading focused Questions aim to reflect the diagnosis, symptom recognition, investigations and management of conditions commonly encountered in UK general practice Rare but important conditions (for example meningitis and malaria) may also be covered Know about guidelines for common problems such as diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol management & asthma Be knowledgeable about common problems in ENT, ophthalmology, dermatology Practice as many MCQ, SBAs, EMQs etc. as you can Work with your friends and colleagues Internet access is essential as a study tool

8. © Imperial College LondonPage 8 Some suggested reading Hot Topics for MRCGP and General Practitioners. Louise Newson, Rupal Shah, Ash Patel Oxford Handbook of General Practice. Chantal Simon, Hazel Everitt, Tony Kendrick MCQ Books. MRCGP Multiple Choice Revision Book Second Edition. Peter Ellis, Rob Daniels. Get Through MRCGP: New MCQ module. Una Coales Web sites: www.onmedica.net, www.practitioner-i.co.ukwww.onmedica.netwww.practitioner-i.co.uk Clinical and Registrar sections in weekly GP magazines such as Pulse, Doctor, GP

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12. © Imperial College LondonPage 12 Conclusions GP training places are becoming increasingly competitive Good preparation is essential to success Use good learning techniques MCQ, SBAs, EMQs etc. Group work and discussions It’s not too late to start!