Doctor (Medical)

Doctors diagnose, treat and prevent illness across all medical settings. Day‑to‑day work depends heavily on specialism: GPs run 10‑minute appointments managing chronic disease, minor illness and referral; hospital doctors work in teams across emergency, medical, surgical or specialist services; specialist consultants lead clinical decision‑making in their field. All UK doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and complete a structured training pathway that begins with a 2‑year Foundation Programme.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and treat patients across primary care, hospital and specialist settings.
• Lead clinical decision‑making in specialised areas.
• Work as part of multidisciplinary teams in emergency, medical, surgical or specialist services.
• Provide continuity of care for chronic disease, minor illness and referrals.

Qualifications & Training Pathway

• Completion of Foundation Programme (FY1–FY2) with GMC registration at the end of FY1.
• Specialty training (ST1–ST8) in one of 60+ specialties, requiring successful Royal College examinations.
• Attainment of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) to become a Consultant or GP Partner.
• For overseas graduates: PLAB Part 1 & 2 + English proficiency (IELTS/OET).

Salary Ranges (UK)

• Foundation doctors: £36,000–£42,000 per year.
• Specialty trainees (ST1+): £45,000–£75,000 per year.
• Consultants: £93,000–£128,000+ per year (plus London weighting £4,300–£1,200).
• GP partners and private consultants: £150,000–£300,000+ per year.

Typical Entry Routes

• Graduate‑entry MBBS – 4 years (accelerated for graduates).
• UK medical school degree (MBBS, MBChB, BMBS).
• Medical Doctor Degree Apprenticeship – 5 years, employer‑funded.
• PLAB route for overseas‑trained doctors.

Key Skills

• Empathic patient communication.
• Resilience across long hours and emotional caseloads.
• Teamwork across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ethical decision‑making (GMC Good Medical Practice).

Typical Career Progression

• Years 0–2: Foundation Doctor.
• Years 2–5: Core / Specialty Trainee (ST1–ST3).
• Years 5–10: Higher Specialty Trainee (ST4–ST8).
• Years 10+: Consultant or GP Partner (post‑CCT).

Additional Opportunities

• Private hospital groups and GP partnerships.
• Defence and overseas medical services (Army, Navy, RAF).
• Academic medicine with joint NHS/University appointments.

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