What is a GP Registrar?
Quedgeley Medical Centre is a Training Practice, which means we actively support the training and development of the next generation of NHS GPs. Patients often question if GP Registrars are actually qualified doctors – yes, they are!
This page explains what it takes to become a GP, and why our GP Registrars are such an important part of the team caring for you.
Meet the GP Registrar
A GP registrar is a fully qualified doctor who has already completed medical school and the first years of their postgraduate training. They are now in the final stage of specialist GP training, fine-tuning their skills in family and general practice medicine.
Key things to know about GP registrars:
- They can prescribe all medications.
- They can diagnose, treat, refer, and manage your healthcare needs just like any other GP.
- They work independently but have direct access to senior GP trainers for complex cases.
- They also have regular tutorials and training sessions.
The Road to Becoming a GP
Training to become a GP takes over a decade of hard work, dedication, and learning. Here’s the journey in a nutshell:
Step 1 – From A-Levels to Medical Degree (7+ years)
- Achieving top A-level grades in science subjects
- Completing 5–6 years at medical school to earn an MBBS or MBChB degree
- Passing rigorous final exams
Step 2 – Foundation Training (2 years)
- Foundation Year 1 (F1): Working under close supervision in hospitals and GP practices
- Foundation Year 2 (F2): More responsibility across different specialties
- Achieving full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC), giving full prescribing rights
Step 3. GP Specialty Training (minimum 3 years)
- First Year: A mix of hospital and GP placements, developing skills in areas like paediatrics, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and obstetrics & gynaecology.
- Second Year: Like the first year but with greater responsibility and consolidation of skills.
- Third Year: Primarily based in a GP surgery, managing their own patient lists and preparing for independent practice.
Along the way, GP Registrars undergo continuous assessments and pass national exams set by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).
When all this is complete, they are awarded the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) – and can practice as fully independent GPs.
Why GP Registrars are Great for Patients
- Up-to-date expertise: They bring the latest medical knowledge and guidance from recent hospital and academic training.
- Extra support: They have immediate access to experienced GP trainers for second opinions.
- Passion for care: They’ve chosen family medicine because they’re committed to providing whole-person, long-term care.
Why we’re Proud to be a Training Practice
Not every GP surgery can train registrars; it’s a mark of quality. To be approved as a Training Practice, we must demonstrate:
- Excellent patient care
- Experienced, qualified GP trainers
- A rich variety of patient cases for learning
- Commitment to the highest standards and continuous improvement
Hosting registrars allows us to help shape the future of the NHS while benefiting from the fresh ideas and perspectives they bring.
If you see a GP Registrar at Quedgeley Medical Centre, remember: you’re being cared for by an experienced doctor, building on years of training, and dedicated to providing you and your family with the very best healthcare.