DAY IN

TH

E LIFE O

F A GP

DO

CTOR

They are knowledgeable, because they always have to find out new things and apply it to patients. They take training courses, read books and newsletters and get updated with the new things happening in medicine. They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have importance and develop understanding across a large range of topics.

They are principled, because they are honest with the patient, explain the condition and keep secrecy with the patient.

They are inquirers, because they are looking, finding and searching for new things happening and also inquiring about the patient and their health. They develop their natural curiosity and develop the skills needed to help the patient.

They are caring, because a doctor has to care about their patients and treat them with care, kindness and understanding as well as with the nurses. They show empathy towards the needs and feelings of their patients.

They are risk takers, but they will make sure that it is still safe; they fully understand all of the dangers. They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, they are brave and defend their ideas or concepts for the safety and health of the patient

They are communicators, because they communicate the problem, diagnostic and treatment with the patient and nurse as well as any specialist or concerning family members. They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one form such as through email, speeches or sometimes even models.

They are open- minded, because they use more than 1method, use new things and try to expand their understanding of everything through new technology. They understand all cultures and are open to new ideas to help the patient; they are used to searching information and are willing to grow from their experience as a doctor.

They are balanced, because they have a balance between work, life balanced with patients in their ob because they have knowledge of everything about the human body unlike an eye doctor who only knows about the eye.

They are reflective, because they have to evaluate or follow- up the patient to see if the medicine worked, also to see if they made the wrong diagnostic or maybe to change or stop the medicine. They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand the position of their patient.

They are thinkers, because they have a clear understanding of everything. They apply thinking skills to solve hard problems, and make good decisions.

IB LEARNER PROFILE

In order to qualify for a GP, high results are required in GCSE. As well as a minimum of three A-levels at subjects like math or science subjects. Competition for places at medical school is high, and possible students must have a high level of academic achievement. Graduates of medical school are required to work in a general hospital for two years, where they are shown a number of different medical conditions. To become a GP the graduate must study a ‘Specialist Training In General Practice ’which takes three years to complete. All GPs are required to advance their skills throughout their careers by completing courses and updated on developments in medicine. Ever since school, they have to maintain a 90+ grade to be able to pursue this job. It takes 5-8 years to study this field of medicine, but it varies in different places; it took him 6 years to complete his studies’ in Mousul College of Medicine in the North of Iraq, it is one of the top 3 in the country (he studied in English). Subjects include biology, anatomy, pathology and physiology in the first 2 years. After that they have to study medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Skills•An excellent long-term memory. •An ability to examine difficult problems. •A natural empathy to help people. •Patience. •The ability to work under extreme pressure •Confidence when making decisions and the ability to become a risk taker.•Good mathematical ability. •IT skills

WHAT IS A GP?General Physicians are medical doctors that specialize in

all types of ranges in medicine; they also care for patients of all ages starting from newborns, to the elderly. General practitioners, known in some places as family doctors are knowledgeable in a range of different medical conditions

and complaints. They build relationships with their patients and often work with them lifelong. General

practitioners also give health education and preventative care in addition to treating medical conditions in serious

and small cases; they give general care as they don’t focus on a specific topic. In addition to having a general knowledge of medicine, these doctors may also become general practitioners with special interests, such as

surgery, pediatrician…

What the job entails:1. Diagnoses and treats variety of

diseases and injuries in general practice: Examines patients, using medical instruments and equipment.

2. Orders or executes various tests, analyses, and diagnostic images to provide information on patient's condition (blood tests or x-rays.)

3. Analyzes reports and findings of tests and of examination, and diagnoses condition.

4. Prescribes treatments and drugs.5. Vaccinates patients to immunize

patients from diseases.6. Advises patients concerning diet

and hygiene.7. Reports births, deaths, and outbreak

of contagious diseases to governmental authorities.

8. Refers patients to medical specialist or other practitioner for specialized treatment.

Day to day life:First, he has to see if there are any pending results of previous patients, call the old patients and ask about their health, see new patients, check medical websites, read his emails and study medical information papers. They have to do a total of 8 hours a day, and 48 hours per week. It is their choice for the timing, but if he wants to work in the morning, then he will come to work at 9 am and leave at 5 pm or if he wants to work in the afternoon, then he will come to work at 2 pm and leave at 10 pm. If there are any new patients then he will:See his patient’s medical history and ask basic questions about their condition.Do an overall clinical examination.Perform a more detailed investigation such as blood tests or x- rays.Give them a diagnosis or send them to a specialist if necessary.Send them with their treatment, and follow up to see if there are any results.

REFERENCES

• http://www.imsanz.org.au/about/genphys.cfm (2004)”What is a General Physician?”ACCESSED ON THE 28TH OF SEPTEMBER 2012 www.imsanz.org

• YouTube “occupational video-general practitioner” by alis.alberta.ca

• http://www.myjobsearch.com/careers/general-practitioner.html (2009)”Life of a General Practitioner” ACCESSED ON THE 29TH OF SEPTEMBER 2012 www.myjobsearch.com

• http://www.prospects.ac.uk/general_practice_doctor_job_description.htm (2011)”General Practice doctor job description” ACCESSED ON THE 29TH OF SEPTEMBER 2012 www.prospects.ac.uk

• http://dot-job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/GENERAL-PRACTITIONER.cfm (2012)”General Practitioner” ACCESSED ON THE 29TH OF SEPTEMBER 2012 www.careerplans.com

• http://www.hunterslanehs.mnps.org/Page9033.aspx (2012) “IB learner profile” ACCESSED ON THE 29TH OF SEPTEMBER 2012 www.hunterslaneh.com