Starting in General Practice
A practical guide for Physician Associates starting work in UK general practice. Build confidence with consultations, supervision, escalation and everyday clinical decision-making. You do not need to know everything — you need to know how to practise safely.
Start Here
Four key areas to help make the transition into general practice easier.
Your First Week
Understand induction, supervision, appointment structure, practice systems, debriefing and what to expect when settling into the team.
Explore →Running a Consultation
Build a safe consultation structure covering history, examination, assessment, management, documentation and safety netting.
Explore →Supervision & Escalation
Recognise uncertainty, understand your professional limits and know when a patient or clinical decision needs senior clinical input.
Explore →Common GP Presentations
Approach common presentations such as chest pain, breathlessness, headache, abdominal pain, dizziness, urinary symptoms and more.
Explore →Educational guidance: PA responsibilities and local scope can vary between organisations. Always work within your competence, local governance arrangements, current national guidance and appropriate clinical supervision.