Abstract
Have a career or related problem that needs answering? Can't find the right person to point you in the right direction? Log on to the Advice Zone for reliable medical careers advice. You can post a question or see if one of our 300 advisers has already answered a similar question. Here is a selection of questions and answers posted on the site.
You are sensible to plan your questions. You will be much more likely to find out whether you and the practice are suited, and you will give a favourable impression as a person who thinks and plans.
Start by writing down some headings (see below). Then think about what you really want to know under each heading. Talk to colleagues who are in the same boat about areas they have found it profitable to probe. Ask your trainer, if you are a registrar, and your spouse, if you have one. Look in the “how to” books written for registrars and scan the medical magazines (GP, Doctor, Pulse), which quite often have articles on applying for partnerships.
When you have a list of questions, grade them in importance. Are there questions to which the answer might make the difference between accepting a partnership or declining it?
Here are some possible headings and some lines of questioning.
Partnership and team—do you share their ethos? How are decisions made? What is the hierarchy like and is there real teamwork? Try to talk to members of the team other than the partners, and remember to ask to see the practice agreement
Work—how are clinical and managerial responsibility divided? What developments are planned? What scope will there be for you to realise your ambitions? Ask about patients. What is the attitude to patients? Is there continuity of care?
IT and premises—is the practice paperless, or on the way? If not, why not? Who owns the building and what are the financial responsibilities likely to be?
Money—see the question on scrutinising accounts in the GP Work Matters section of Advice Zone
Primary care organisation and the wider professional environment—educational, research and training opportunities, local support groups, clinical governance
Environment—is the partnership in a place you and your family will be happy to live for the foreseeable future?
Remember to ask about the future as well as the present. You don't want to commit yourself and then find that your idyllic village is about to become the centre of a huge urban development.
The most important question is the one you have to ask yourself—is this the practice for me? Take your time and be honest with yourself. Your answer will determine your future life. ■
Footnotes
Cover: Tourism Australia
MORE ABOUT THE ADVICE ZONE
More than 2000 doctors and medical students have already posted their queries on the Advice Zone (www.bmjcareers.com/advicezone) on everything from exams and career choices to maternity leave or bullying bosses. Read what our advisers have suggested, or submit your own question to the panel.
WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE?
If you have anything helpful to add—perhaps you have been in a similar situation yourself—then you can post your own comments on the Advice Zone by going to the relevant section, select the question, and simply click the ”Reply to Question” button. Alternatively, you can send a rapid response to any of the questions and answers on the page.
