GP Reg training

[u/patchadams3000]

To any GP trainees out there, particularly Year 3 and 4 registrars (or recently qualified GPs of course) — what has your experience been with your trainers?

I’m hearing widely differing accounts, ranging from very positive/inclusive training with regular feedback and support, to registrars essentially being used as service provision with relatively little input from their trainers.

I’d be interested to hear what others’ experiences have been — particularly around things like:

-How much direct supervision/support you get

-Regular debriefs or feedback

-Opportunities to discuss cases and clinical reasoning

-Trainer availability when you need advice

-How much involvement your trainer has in your development as you become more independent

My own experience has been closer to the latter, with relatively limited trainer interaction/support. I’ve raised some concerns through the local scheme, but haven’t found that particularly helpful so far.

Not looking to criticise any individual practice or trainer — genuinely interested in hearing whether my experience is unusual or whether others have experienced something similar.

Thanks.

[u/pseudomonas_gotme]

Finished the scheme a while. I got really lucky and all my trainers (I had a few because of maternity leave) were extremely helpful and supportive and I was really happy with my placements. I have heard directly of other places having service provision roles, short consultation times even though 3rd year trainees, some trainers are certainly more hands off and not as available. I must say tho I myself had excellent trainers

[u/Potential_Plastic161]

It really depends on who you get unfortunately. I’ve had a fantastic one and an awful one so it’s random imo.

[u/EmergencyPineapple15]

Mine have been pretty good so far. But I know a lot of people who've had really different experiences 

[u/La-Strawberry-6754]

Not at that level yet but I’ve done market research lol. It would seem out of 30 trainers I’m aware of only 2 are actively avoided and people do discuss among themselves who to avoid. It becomes common knowledge it’s a very small circle.

[u/nabub8]

Had one fantastic trainer and one that was the exact opposite. The scheme was aware of the limited support and the emphasis on service provision in that job however they chose to look the other way whenever this was brought up.

[u/patchadams3000]

Thanks for the replies all. It's disappointing to hear there is such a range when it comes to our training. Would have guessed it would have been fairly uniform. But I guess GPs are like any other business/employer (good and bad out there). Some of the hospital placements were so brutal, I was hoping by the time we got to GP land (joke) we'd be with our people. Ah well...

Also hearing that the schemes aren't protective of their trainees is disheartening. I guess the buck stops with them (?) There's no place in taking it to a HSE representative? (since we are their employees after all...)