North Yorkshire GP Trainee Fellowship

’Oh I do like to be beside the seaside’’

It was after squeezing into another packed London tube on a Friday evening that I saw the email ping into my mobile phone. ‘Cumbrian and North Yorkshire GP Trainee Fellowships for ST3s.’ The opportunity to transfer your training for 4-6 months in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, a quick google of Saltburn- by –the- Sea and I was instantly sold.

I transferred my training from ( Imperial GP Speciality Training Scheme- Marylebone Health Centre) to ( Durham and Tees Valley VTS- Huntcliff Surgery, Saltburn) in April, and have loved every minute.

My Practice Huntcliff surgery was a stone’s throw from the beach, and a short drive to the breath taking North Yorkshire Moors.

Work life balance is emphasised by the practice and I have been able to find time to join a running club, Tai Chi and walk every day. I’m cycling to home visits and enjoying a much more outdoor lifestyle.

I’m also really enjoying working in a close knit community; it’s not unusual to bump into my patients in the bank, or supermarket. Observing how my trainers interact with their patients around the town, I have learnt to love working in a small place where everyone knows you and you may well be a friend as well as a doctor.

But it isn’t all ‘’lemon tops’’ and ‘’Parmo’s’’ on the beach- working in a North East semi-rural setting has provided me with different challenges and experiences. I see more minor injuries (the practice is several miles away from an A and E department) and unfortunately downturn in local heavy industry has also meant that I see my fair share of stress related problems and social consequences of unemployment.

Overall, I absolutely love life as a rural GP- and would definitely consider it in the future! I would encourage all London GP Trainees to think about applying for the fellowship and see what amazing opportunities it can bring!

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