Whether you’re just starting out on your journey as a GP or you are an established doctor at a successful practice, there is always room for career growth.

Successful people in every professional field never let the grass grow under their feet and GPs are no different.

Here are our top tips for General Practitioners to consider for career growth to help ensure their success in work and in life.

Continuing Professional Development

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is required for health practitioners of all kinds not just to maintain but improve their skills and expertise.

Few professions demand as much further education throughout the lifetime of a career as medicine.

Advancements in technologies, new techniques and seismic shifts in how some conditions are treated all make being staying abreast of the latest information and practices a constant challenge for doctors.

Failing to expand your knowledge will soon find you at the back of the pack.

GPs who are serious about career growth should participate in regular CPDs not just to ‘tick the boxes’ but most importantly to update their skills at both a professional and personal level.

Become a leader

There are many ways to show leadership which amounts to personally investing in your workplace and colleagues.

It may be taking on a leadership role at your practice. Or it could be as simple as providing encouragement when others perform well or taking ownership when something goes wrong.

It’s something that doesn’t come naturally to everyone but there are leadership coaching services offered by the Australian Medical Association.

Another great way to show leadership is to serve on a medical committee or board, helping make changes for the better in your chosen field.

Mentoring – find one and be one

Everyone needs a mentor at some stage in their career, even experienced GPs can benefit from a fresh perspective.

A mentor can sew new ideas and open up new networks and opportunities as well as help you develop relationship skills.

Becoming a mentor can be even more rewarding.

You can help a young GP navigate the challenges they face through the early part of their career with some sage advice as well as providing a valuable second opinion on difficult medical questions.

Volunteer in an under-privileged community

There is no more noble cause than volunteering your skills and services at one of any number of overseas destinations in desperate need of health professionals.

The experience of working on the front line in a foreign environment out of your comfort zone will almost certainly make you a better doctor.

You’ll meet new people and further your education while on the job.

There are a number of organisations you can contact to help out abroad including Australian Doctors International, Doctours, Australian Red Cross, MSF Australia, World Vision, CARE Australia, Marie Stopes International and Save the Children.

Of course, there are many and varied needs in your local community too. Some will directly relate to your field of health but there will be other opportunities to lend a hand and support those around you.

Set goals

No-one is going to have a greater interest or investment in career than you!

So being proactive about your career makes perfect sense.

That means thinking about what you want to achieve and how you are going to make it happen.

Consider where you want to be in two years, five years, 10 years.

The sooner you begin actively planning, managing and reviewing those goals, the smoother the ride will be.

Understand the business of the practice

Even if you are a young GP employed at a family practice, it makes good sense to know and understand the business aspect of it.

Being aware of how much money has to come in to make the business profitable, what draws people to your practice, how to retain them and how to balance the books will be key if you want to one day start your own practice.

You’ll learn about how to draft a business plan, insurance, technology, communication systems, marketing and online presence – it’s all part of running a general practice.

Look after yourself

Remember that all work and no play is not sustainable.

Your own health and wellbeing, both physical and mental, is paramount and something we take very seriously here at AHA Clinics.

The pandemic has pushed doctors around the world to their limits with many suffering burnout.

It is imperative GPs maintain a good work-life balance, eat well and sleep well, to function to their capacity.

Take regular leave, take time off if you’re sick and put your trust in your own GP rather than self-diagnose.

Grow your career with AHA

AHA Clinics encourages personal development, career growth and provides training and mentoring for doctors of all ages who are keen to progress their careers.

We especially love to help junior medical professionals find their footing with a specially crafted support structure to ensure they thrive.

You will love our purpose built, state-of-the-art facilities that utilise natural light and make coming to work here a joy.

We take great pride in on our fantastic culture that supports doctors of all ages both professionally and personally.

There are some outstanding opportunities for doctors at our two clinics at Seaford and Seaford Meadows.

If that sounds attractive to you, we’d love to hear from you.

You can learn more about our practice and register your interest here or email recruit@aharecruitment.com.au.

Our AHA leadership team will contact you soon to arrange an informal discussion.