Foreword by Roger Neighbour Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations UK GENERAL PRACTICE 1. Working in general practice 2. Working in the team 3. Working in the wider health service GETTING STARTED 4. Starting at the practice 5. Contract and finances 6. Practical preparations for clinical work CLINICAL WORK IN GENERAL PRACTICE 7. The consultation: survival tips for the new GP 8. Prescribing 9. Medical records and computers 10. Referrals 11. Investigations and results 12. Paperwork, certificates and benefits 13. Extras in the working day 14. Home visits 15. Out-of-hours work EDUCATION AND ASSESSMENT 16. Educational aspects of the GP registrar year 17. Summative assessment 18. The MRCGP exam 19. The video 20. Appraisal and revalidation MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECTS OF GENERAL PRACTICE 21. Guidance for good professional practice 22. Clinical issues with legal stipulations CAREER OPTIONS 23. Career options for general practitioners Appendix 1: Useful websites Appendix 2: Useful contacts