The Post-CCT Fellowship: A Step Towards Growth and Opportunities for New GPs
Are you a newly qualified GP eager to kickstart your career with a financial boost and exciting opportunities? If so, the Post-CCT Fellowship might be just what you're looking for. In this blog, I'll share my journey as a Northwest Post-CCT Fellow, how to apply for it, and what you can do with the extra income. Stick around until the end for a valuable tip for future partners in the medical field.
My Story
After achieving my CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) in October 2017, I initially embraced the locum lifestyle. However, the repetitive 12-hour shifts and monotonous tasks left me yearning for more in my career. I craved the very things GPs often mention when asked why they chose this profession – variety, continuity of care, and camaraderie with a clinical team.
I found guidance and inspiration through the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) by attending their free member sessions. This led me to discover the Post-CCT Fellowship, a remarkable opportunity for newly qualified GPs.
The Post-CCT Fellowship
The Post-CCT Fellowship is a program funded by deaneries to provide one to two sessions (roughly 9 to 10k) for newly qualified GPs. These sessions are meant for personal development or to contribute to a service in the area. The project proposal should align with the practice's goals and, if approved by the deanery, they advertise the position. As a new GP, you can then apply for this fellowship.
If you're working six clinical sessions, you'll receive payment for one or two additional sessions, providing you with extra time to develop your project or interests. Additionally, you'll receive 3 to 5k for further education, such as pursuing a PG Cert or diploma in your area of interest.
My Project
When I applied for the fellowship, my goal was to focus on medical education. By collaborating with Manchester University, I identified a shortage of GPs and practices supervising medical students. This became my project. In my "fenced-off" time, I attended unpaid training sessions and local RCGP events to improve my CV and gain a better understanding of how to support medical students effectively.
While the pandemic disrupted my plans with Manchester University, I landed a fantastic job at another nearby university, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
In hindsight, receiving the Post-CCT Fellowship was one of the best things that happened to me after becoming a qualified GP. I am immensely grateful to the first fives who introduced me to this opportunity and to Leanne, the deanery administrator, for her encouragement and support.
The Bonus for Future Partners
Before concluding, here's a bonus tip for aspiring partners. Check out the New to Partnership Payment Scheme portal launch. It's worth exploring if you're considering a partnership in the medical field.
In the end, while money isn't the primary motivator for most doctors, it's essential to be recognized and valued for the years of dedication and training. The healthcare profession demands rigorous training, and many of those years are spent with little financial reward. Recognizing and addressing this issue can help retain highly skilled medical professionals within the NHS.
I hope you found this information valuable. If you have any questions or would like to see more content like this, please subscribe and feel free to email me directly. Best of luck in your medical career!