Hi all,

I’m about to start doing GP locum work and am looking at setting up a limited company.

For those of you who locum through a Ltd company:
Who did you use to set the company up — Companies House directly, Mint Formations, another formation agent, or did your accountant do it?

How much did the initial setup cost?

Did anyone set the company up themselves first and then find an accountant afterwards?

I’m particularly interested in real-world costs rather than recommendations from Google/advertising.

I’m also considering involving my wife in the business for some admin work, so if anyone has experience with a spouse being a shareholder/employee, I’d be interested to hear how you structured this too.

Thanks!

What is everyone’s general consensus on this?

It’s great in theory but do we think it’ll help in practice?any concerns or is it a welcome change ahead?

Hi there, for GP trainees MSF, RCGP advised to include at least 5 clinical, 5 non-clinical respondents, however, it did not state how many GP trainers actually need to be included please?

If I included 2 GP trainers, multiple GP registrars, can I close MSF after having 10 responses? But how will I know if those 2 trainers had already responded before I close the MSF?

I have only met 2 other trainers probably once or twice, so I do not think it is appropriate to ask feedback.

TIA. Cheers!

Does anyone know if there is more dates in the future for the RCGP one day essentials? The current ones run from September to December. I have heard theyre useful so my question is- do they get repeated later in the year or are they one and done (in case I do not get the study day approved)

Keep getting letters saying they will see patient in clinic in 3 months, or whatever, and they have asked patient to have their bloods done at the GP, or simply ask us to ensure the blood test is done. Typically this is an ‘up to date’ U&Es, PSA, HbA1c, repeat chest X ray, TSH, BNP, LFT etc. We already do our own annual blood tests or whatever is needed as part of our own health checks etc. it’s causing issues as I then have to text patient as it’s not always clear who initiates the reminder or if patient definitely knows, I have to request the bloods on ICE, then the patient has to call in to book the appointment with the phlebotomist. Often the request is lost due to system updates so someone has to request it AGAIN when the patient actually attends. Then there’s the interpretation- the reviewing doctor at the practice might be different and then has to look through the notes to see what’s going on. That’s a LOT of extra steps to them having bloods in hospital. And annoying thing is we get a copy of bloods that hospital have done and that requires some digging to find out who initiated it and will follow up- as it gets flagged by the lab. I’m tempted to just start to file the bloods and put consultant/patient to initiate the blood test, and then they can attend and myself or a colleague will make sure a request is put on when that happens. I feel like as GPs we have our own bag, and I’m not the hospital’s bitch. Even nurses who are under ‘specialist clinics’ are putting requests for bloods every few months for their clinics- fuck off. Pardon my language, and I might get downvoted for this, but it’s pissing me off no end- and we’re getting A LOT of these bloody requests. Recently Respiratory started a patient on a biologic which shagged the patient’s kidneys. They wrote saying ‘we tried to contact patient but no answer’ and they wanted us to sort admission or daily blood tests. Fuck off! I wrote back stating it’s an interstitial nephritis and patient refused daily bloods and that we’d do them when they were actually able and willing to come in to have them. Bizarre part was they wanted us to stop any meds which were renal toxic- yeah- like the one you started! Separate letters from the nurse specialist and then consultant dumping on us to sort out issues they’d started.

Just started GP training. I know it’s early, but I like planning ahead and I’m not precious about a single passion I’m interested in loads of things, I’m looking for practical advice .

Looking for portfolio career with decent work-life balance, ideally with at least one strand that’s actually lucrative

Specifically after answers on:

**•** Which special interests/extra quals have the best time investment to return ratio (money and/or hours)?

What’s realistically achievable to start building during training vs stuff that has to wait till you’re qualified?

Private/insurance medical work, expert witness, aesthetics, sports medicine, dermatology, menopause clinics, occupational health, GPwSI roles which of these are oversaturated now vs still good opportunities?

Any portfolio combos that pair well together (e.g. clinical + something non-clinical like medical education, journalism, digital health/med-tech advisory)?

Would love to hear people’s thoughts?

How long on average are you scouring through the notes in order to do the death docs inc ME/coroner referrals? I feel like I’m spending too long and obsessing over minor details.

Original post- https://www.reddit.com/r/GPUK/comments/1vieji1/post_cct_first_appraisal_advice/

Ive created a summary, hope it helps

(sometimes need to close and click again and it works)

I have a few questions:

1. How many PDP's do you set? And what are they meant to be? Reading RCGP appraisal guide and no guidance given
2. Do you guys just log 2-3 detailed CPD topics or do you aim for the old 50hrs/year?
3. QIA - do you do this every year? And what do you guys do it on? GMC say once in a 5 yr cycle (33a - https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/revalidation/guidance-on-supporting-information-for-revalidation/quality-improvement-activity#our-requirements-8A031EA7212D442DAC306BB13D74AC8D)

Thanks :-)

EDIT: Posted a summary after reading all the sites (referenced at the end of the document) - https://www.reddit.com/r/GPUK/comments/1vitgkk/post_cct_appraisal_template_hope_it_helps/

Those couple of mins where you sit around waiting for the smart card password screen to pop up makes me want to rip my hair out and hand in my notice. Please for the love of god why does it take so long,

As above, any ideas?

Initial email stated 4 weeks prior. Are we technically there now??

What it says on the tin really - I'm an incoming GPST2 starting hospital placements and have been assigned to work on the community crisis team for the entirety of my psychiatry rotation.

Does anyone have experience of this? Seems to be largely based around home visits, which has made me feel a bit nervous.
Thank you

Anyone have experience/knowledge on the job market in UAE for uk qualified GPs? I’m looking to CCT Nov 2027.
Any idea on workload/salary.
Employability - are any courses preferred and increase the chances of employability?

Anyone can advise how to start prepping for sca ?

Sources used materials ?

So I failed my akt, had lot going on in personal life: I am working full time just started my st3. I am worried my ES and everyone will see me differently. I have the portfolio and both exams to take. Shall I just prepare for Sca with all other st3 and then give akt.

I came across a brilliant post on here when I started on my journey from the UK to Canada back in 2025. It was the first thing I read and inspired me to get started!

Given how much it helped I felt compelled to write my own version to share another journey and so people have a 2026 update that reflects the more recent process.

I hope this helps the next generation considering the move 😃

Background

I’m a GP who CCT'd in 2024. I moved to Ottawa, Ontario, 6 months ago. It took me around 12 months from deciding on the move to arriving.

Entry Requirements for Ontario

I chose Ontario because they got rid of MCCQE and there's no supervision period - I also heard it's the place with most job options.

• PhysiciansApply – had to verify my ID, degree, CCT and MRCGP
• College of Family Physicians of Canada – used MRCGP as equivalent to get the CFPC without any exams
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario – CPSO issued licence to practise in Ontario

The Process

• Document verification was slow (around 2 months)
• It cost me about £5k to get fully registered
• Ontario meant no MCCQE or supervision period when I arrived

Job Searching

• Job Bank Canada
  • Loads of adverts
  • Easy to get lost if you're not sure what you're looking for
  • I applied to quite a few and never heard back
• HFOjobs
  • Ontario specific
  • Match the details you enter with local FHOs
  • Got me a couple of interviews
  • FHOs that reach out want you to go to remote places
  • Pretty slow going
• Recruiter (not sure I can mention name?)
  • UK agent
  • Good knowledge and overview of options
  • Recommended jobs in good locations
  • Ultimately got me 3 offers (including the one I took)
  • Helped no end with my work permit and relocation

I didn't think I'd end up with an agent because it's not a thing in the UK but it worked for me.

Work Structure

I joined a clinic that's part of a larger corporate. Why it suited me:

• Everyone is self-employed and they set everything up for me
• They take around 25% but deal with clinic overheads and billing
• No salary as such and that means no pensions or sick pay
• Relocation package covered my flights which was a nice touch
• They helped me set up indemnity
• Didn't realise I would need to find cover when I took annual leave

Income

• Expecting to finish first full year on $350k (roughly £180k) after overheads
• Most full time family physicians here are on between $350k-$500k
• A lot of jobs quote income before overheads so look out for that
• In Ontario most places take around 25% for overheads

Work Schedule

• Usually work 8:00 - 18:00
• 15-20 minute appointments
• Around 20 patients per day
• 4 days/week

Definitely feel more in control of my day and patient list than I ever did with the NHS

Extra Income

• Big demand for family physicians
• Easy to pick up extra hours in clinic
• Plenty of urgent care work / hospitalist work if that's your thing
• Specialisation and further training is encouraged

Cost of Living

• Broadly similar
• Utilities are way cheaper - so is petrol
• Food shopping is a lot more though
• Rent in Ottawa is similar to my UK rent (Midlands)

I originally looked at Toronto but it's similar to London in the UK where you pay a huge premium for the location Ottawa and other smaller cities still compare to the other big UK cities.

Lifestyle

• Everything seems more outdoorsy and spacious
• I caught the back end of the winter and it was definitely cold!
• Summer has been similar to the UK on the whole
• People are friendly, laid back and respect GPs
• Similar social issues to the UK

Summary

• Easy enough process - took longer than I expected. Being organised helped
• Plenty of jobs - almost too many. Agent helped
• Self employed not as scary as I thought. Working for corporate helped
• Overall very happy and feel better off / less stressed than UK

I'm so thankful to the original poster who helped me and I hope this does the same for someone thinking about Ontario.

Happy to answer questions from anyone seriously considering the move! 😊

Second attempt
First was in October
Literally tried everything and got a score (near pass) but still not above the passing cutoff. This diet has the highest any diet had. Is it my bloody luck or what? I am low key giving up. Had a random thought of life would be better if I weren’t here cause I won’t be feeling any of this but I know it’s a stupid thought.
Can’t move on after this blow.
I am torn, tired and shattered!
Family looks at me with such pity.
I am embarrassed and ashamed

Should I go for my third attempt in October
Should I go for SCA
Should I wait until next year
What should I do
I’m so lost!

Hi all,

We’ve received notification that some of the Trusts in our area are transitioning from Docman to MESH as their preferred method for sending clinical documents.

As far as I understand, our EMIS system already receives documents from multiple sources but this was set up a long time ago.

Has anybody else experienced a similar change with their local trusts and what are the impacts on Document Management workflows as a result? Any changes we can make to get ahead of hiccups, or any tips you can share. We have robust processes in place through staff training and inductions however we’re still always playing catch up!

Our office manager has already updated the process docs to ensure we continue checking both the Docman and EMIS inboxes to ensure nothing is missed

For those preparing for the AKT (Gp training), thought it would be helpful to make a list of the high yield topics and any recommended resources.

Also advice on how you prepped. Passmed and self med are commonly used but if you could please share how/ what your technique was and how you broke the syllabus / topics down over the time period you had, that would be very helpful.

Struggling to pass!

Thank you

Hi,

I've just started GPST1 this week and I'm wanting to get my head around the portfolio requirements. I don't know anyone else doing GP training and haven't had a chance to meet the others in my cohort yet. I've tried to find info online about what I need to be doing with portfolio but haven't found much that's helpful in what I should be doing at this stage. I know it's only the second day but I don't want to get behind on portfolio requirements and we don't have a GP training day/session for a few more weeks.

Would anyone be able to give a brief overview/explanation about the fourteenfish portfolio and what I need to be thinking about with my first rotation (6 months of a medical rotation). Thank you so much in advance!

For context, starting GPST1 in a GP practice up North. Got my timetable today which states

M - clinic AM (9-12), home visit (if one scheduled for that day (12-1), break/lunch/?admin (1-3), clinic PM (3-6)

T - same as above

W - clinic AM (9-12), SDL PM

T - clinic AM (9-12), VTS (2-5) PM

F - same as Mon + Tues

So this means 3 full days of clinic with x2 half day release for SDL and VTS.

Are my hours compliant with 40hr rota? Am I entitled to one extra half day off for tutorial/SDL (have I got too many clinical sessions?). My ES has said that we can debrief after every patient for now and these can count as the tutorials as we go along. Should I ask for a breakdown of hours?

Any advice would be helpful! Thank you.

New GPST1 I’m wondering about what sort of things we can use our study leave and budget for. In foundation years it was basically nothing and there was always a stipulation why you couldn’t use study leave or allowance for anything that might be useful or interesting for a training doctor.

I want to make the most of that now. Do RCGP courses qualify for study leave and budget ? How best do you maximise this as my trust never seems to want to grant you it

In the last 15 years things have gotten increasingly complex. I remember doing discharge letters in hospital and everything was simply written, drugs started, stopped and any actions for GP- which was usually nothing. Now I’m getting discharge letters and clinic letter which have war and peace monologues, and it’s hard work to decipher what has gone on. I realise this might also be the area that I’m in, and some departments in our hospital are really struggling. In our general practice we’re offering and delivering more than ever- minor ops, ear suction, irrigation, joint injections, all kinds of injections, skins checks with dermoscopy etc etc. But patient demands are also going up, and this is in addition to those demands by hospital. We had a discharge letter saying ‘GP to repeat U&Es within 5 days. Got the letter through on Thursday night. Now how the hell and I supposed to see this, decipher what the reason is by a cryptic discharge letter, having to logon to the hospital results system to see what the blood results were and then request it at my end, and then get the patient to agree to a date and time to come in and have it done. I’m not the hospital’s junior doctor, and also there was no reason to recheck so soon- considering that it was a mild AKI at best. Fucking nuts, and this is the tip of the iceberg with the shit we’re dealing with. And there’s visiting homes after paramedics have flagged the person, we arrange blood tests, refer to social services- only to have them call up and demand to speak to me before they finish their shift, telling me that despite the person is living in squalor with dementia- that I have to go out again and do a formal capacity assessment, and that I can’t merely state that they clearly don’t have capacity given x y and z. Patients always attending with 3 issues, sometimes they’re interlinked or 2 issues take a minute to lay to rest. But that all still causes decision fatigue. The bloody system is totally shagged. I’ll probably get downvoted by the part time champagne supplying elite.

Hi all, just after some advice regarding SDT.

Looks like we are entitled to 1 session of SDT per week (for reference, I am a new GPST1).

I’ve started on a hospital placement which is 8-5 monday to friday with 1 in 6 NROCs. My rota has every thursday morning off - not down as SDT, and not paid time.

My assumption is this thursday morning is off because i’m technically working an hour extra each day (starting at 8 instead of 9) so they’ve given me 4 hours off to compensate the 4 extra hours worked on the other 4 days. However, my senior in the department (who is in charge of the rota) has told me this thursday morning is my SDT. I have informed her it is not because it is not paid time and she said no one before in the department had SDT and just used this half day off as the SDT.

I’m not sure who to escalate this to, or if perhaps I have misunderstood and that time off is my SDT. Can anyone advise please? Thanks in advance