‘How do I become a GP with an extended role?’ Previously known as a GP with a special interest – GPSI, this is the million-dollar question that so many ask.
There is no particular ‘qualification’, but of course you need to be competent to perform your role. Maybe you’ll do it on-the-job, but for most, there is some sort of interest before starting in an extended role and your existing CPD will naturally reflect that.
This association isn’t just for those who are already a GPwER, or even those who aspire to it – it’s for any GPs, or trainees, with an interest in mental health who wants to maintain knowledge or develop skills further.
What competencies do I need?
A good place to start is to think about the competencies you need to be able to do the job you are doing. If you’re working entirely in primary care, then the core competencies will already be covered in your MRCGP. However, if you have an interest in mental health, it’s likely that people will ask your opinion, or you may see more patients than other GPs. Think about what you are asked about? It is about prescribing, or diagnosis, or risk management? Or something else? When you are clear what it is that you do, it becomes more apparent what you need to know. From this you can identify your initial competencies and make a strategy to achieve them and evidence them in your Appraisal portfolio.
The RCGP is developing some frameworks for GPs working in extended roles. The ones related to mental health are ADHD, gambling and Children and Young people (coming autumn 2024). These frameworks are designed by expert GPs, and help you identify the competencies you may need to develop, as appropriate to your particular role. The CPD and Resources pages on this site offer suggestions and links to good quality sources of further learning and development. There will soon be a reflective template you can use (complete online or download it then fill it in) to help you in your appraisal.
Appraisal is key
GPwER is self-defined, but must be evidenced in your appraisal, in addition to your core GP role. Your NHS GP appraisal covers your whole scope of professional practice, so you’ll need to show how you are keeping up to date.
Demonstrating competencies
You can demonstrate your competencies in any way you feel is appropriate. The Resources page will soon have some tools for you which can be downloaded or used online. They include reflective practice, colleague feedback forms (although you will need to ask someone to collate these for you) and patient feedback forms.
How do I get a job as a GPwER?
There’s no easy answer to this. Visit the online forum to chat with colleagues about their path (you’ll need to register for forum access – NHS email needed – just fill in this form). Take a look at vacancies in local mental health trusts. You may not be on the specialist register for psychiatry, but there are so many unfilled posts that dropping a line to the contact in the advert and suggesting they consider a GPwER instead, might pay off. Let them know what you can do and what training you’ve done.