Top tips

Know your limits and don’t be nervous of asking for help from your supervisors or GP colleagues. Remember, you can also call the MDU’s free 24-hour helpline for confidential advice on ethical matters such as patient consent, confidentiality or assessing capacity.
Mind the gap! State indemnity only covers clinical negligence claims, so you will need MDU membership for advice and assistance with other matters, including patient complaints, GMC referrals, ombudsman investigations, performers’ list actions, coroners’ inquests/fatal accident inquiries, media inquiries and criminal investigations.
Make the most of your support network, whether this is your new practice colleagues, your friends or family or the MDU. They will help you stay on top of things and maintain your work-life balance.
Keep up the good habit of reflecting on your practice after qualifying as a GP. Reflection can help you identify areas for improvement and gaps in your knowledge, which will help you become a better GP.
Focus on your communication skills as this will help you and your patients get the most from each consultation. Many patients want a GP who listens without interrupting as much as they want a diagnosis.

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