If you’re looking to diversify your career as a GP, then working as a portfolio GP role may be the perfect choice. This type of GP position is becoming increasingly popular in the face of burnout among medical professionals, as more and more GPs look to mix up their day-to-day with exciting opportunities for development. 

What is a portfolio GP? 

Put simply, ‘portfolio GP’ is a term that describes any GP who works in multiple positions during any given working week. This may include a locum GP position alongside other opportunities to expand their experiences and remuneration.  

Portfolio GPs could be working in their base GP surgery in the morning, and then travel to work with inmates in a prison during the afternoon. They may then choose to work at an out-of-hours surgery into the evening, if time and scheduling allow. 

Why choose to become a portfolio GP? 

There are a number of reasons why people choose to go down the portfolio GP route. Some of the most popular motivations are flexibility, variety, and the desire for a sense of autonomy. 

Unlike a permanent GP role, portfolio GPs can choose their own hours and working pattern to suit their lifestyle. This can be perfect if you’re trying to match your job with existing training or education commitments, or family dynamics that require you to fit work around your life – instead of the other way around. 

Working as a portfolio GP can also reduce the levels of stress and burnout as they are able to choose the type of work they want to do. Nearly three-quarters of UK GPs reported symptoms of burnout and stress in a recent study by the BMA, so it only makes sense that an increasing number of professionals are pursuing jobs that help them to mitigate this. 

Are there any particular requirements for portfolio GPs? 

Because of the highly dynamic nature of portfolio GPs, there isn’t a specific set of requirements that need to be met. 

You’ll need to meet the core requirements of all GPs in the UK, which includes registering with the General Medical Council (GMC) and completion of GP Speciality Training (GPST). Beyond this, however, the requirements will differ depending on the type of roles and environments you’re looking to pursue. 

For more detailed information on what qualifications you may need, please speak to a member of our team. 

Benefits of portfolio GP roles

The sheer variety on offer with a portfolio GP career brings a number of benefits that you simply wouldn’t obtain otherwise: 

  • Enhanced skill acquisition: Portfolio GP jobs expose you to many different healthcare settings, allowing you to develop a broad range of skills and experiences that will boost your overall confidence within your profession. 
  • Flexibility and work-life balance: Instead of a standard nine-to-five, that some may find restrictive, portfolio GP roles can combine various part-time opportunities that work around you. This leaves more time for family, education, or personal development. 
  • Reduced burnout: As mentioned, the nature of a portfolio GP means you’ll rarely be doing the exact same thing day in, day out. This reduces the risk of burnout, and keeps you on your toes (in a good way!)
  • Wider contribution to healthcare: If there’s a certain aspect of healthcare you prefer, or a particular area you’d like to have more of an impact on – pursue it! Your portfolio GP career can be tailored to meet your own personal goals, instead of trying to fit yourself into an existing job structure. 
  • Future-proof your career: By developing lots of different skills and acquiring dynamic experiences, you’re building a strong medical CV that will make you an appealing candidate for future opportunities. 

How to become a portfolio GP

So what kind of portfolio GP action plan should you put together to pursue this exciting new career? The best place to start is to ask yourself the following questions: 

  • What kind of work pattern do I want to have? 
  • Where am I most passionate about my job? 
  • What kind of goals do I want to achieve through my career? 

Once you have this information, you should be able to start identifying opportunities that allow you to work towards your portfolio GP career goals. 

If you need more guidance, please reach out to our friendly team via email or phone, or register your CV with us to learn about exciting opportunities that could help you to progress in your career. 

Develop your portfolio GP career with the London Ambulance Service

We’ve recently partnered with the London Ambulance Service as one of its preferred suppliers to offer exciting roles within the Urgent and Emergency Care services. 

These roles are based in Barking and Croydon, and you’ll be working within multi-disciplinary teams to make an impact on patients’ lives, as well as providing clinical support to healthcare professionals within the community. The hours of work are flexible with many twilight and night shifts available.

Learn more and apply for these roles by visiting our dedicated London Ambulance Service page.