Become a GP educator in London

As a GP, you have the opportunity to shape our future primary care workforce. Becoming an educator allows you to guide and equip aspiring GPs and primary care healthcare professionals with the skills and confidence to  shape  the future of primary care. 

Why become a GP  educator?

As healthcare transforms to bring care closer to communities, your expertise is essential in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals for this evolving landscape. Step into this rewarding training role and leave a lasting impact on both your trainees and the care they provide. 

Education offers GPs a rewarding way to diversify your career while maintaining clinical practice. It keeps your work varied and intellectually stimulating, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in different ways. 

With you leading the way, multidisciplinary teams can  realise  their potential too. You'll be part of the significant firsts and milestones in someone else's  learning  journey whilst advancing your own career and actively participating in the transformation that will improve patient care. 

Dr Andy Bracegirdle, a GP in Manchester since 1995 and Associate Dean for primary care in the  North West  since 2019 said:

“I was concerned the educational role would detract from clinical practice, but it doesn’t. It's kept me on my toes, up to date and enthusiastic. I am constantly motivated to keep up to date with guidelines and pathways. The best way to learn something is to teach it."

The benefits for you as an educator

Your role as an educator directly contributes to delivering better, more accessible healthcare in local communities. There is strong evidence that training organisations provide better patient care and are better able to recruit new staff, reinforcing the value of education within the workforce. You'll help prepare professionals who are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our growing and ageing population, strengthening the care provided closer to where people live.

You are needed now more than ever to shape the future of primary care.

Becoming a GP educator brings personal and professional rewards:

professional fulfilment from developing the next generation of GPs
teaching enriches your clinical practice
fresh perspectives and enthusiasm from learners
career development opportunities
contribution to solving primary care workforce challenges

Educator roles explained

Educational supervisor (ES)

Responsible for overall progress and development. Supports, guides and monitors trainee progress over the year(s).

Placement named clinical supervisor

Oversees the clinical experience of the trainee on a placement. This is a named consultant or GP working within the same department or GP practice during the placement who oversees the clinical development of the trainee.

Shift clinical supervisor

Has overall responsibility for patients on a shift. Every trainee must, at all times on any shift (daytime and out of hours), be responsible to a specific GP. In GP settings including out of hours and urgent care poviders, a clearly identified GP.

GP educator roles and requirements

Hear from GP educators

Interested in becoming a GP educator but want to know more about how it works in practice? Read our case studies to discover the benefits for you, your service and patients, and see where the role could take your career.

Further information

Find out more about what the applications steps to become a GP educator and the approved learning environment processes in London below:

Contact us

If you have any questions on the role of a GP educator or the approval process, please contact england.WTELondonPrimaryCare@nhs.net.