Dr Chee Yeen Fung

GPST LeadersGP ST4 OOPE (Out of Programme Experience), London, National Medical Directors Clinical Fellow Health Education England (HEE) and Founder of the Dr Me Projecthip Fellow, Yorkshire & the Humber

I applied for GP training straight after completing the foundation programme. As a foundation doctor, I really enjoyed the variety in my posts. General practice specialty training is unique in providing that ongoing breadth of experience.

The structure of the GP training programme allows trainees to take ownership of their learning and tailor a career to fit individual interests and skills, whether clinical or non-clinical. I have a particular interest in medical education and leadership, so I applied for an Out of Programme Experience (OOPE) post to take up a Clinical Education Fellowship at Imperial College London and the National Medical Directors Clinical Fellowship at Health Education England during my training.

As part of my training, I’ve also taken the opportunity to act as a representative and Chair for my local Health Education England (HEE) GP trainee committee and Associate in training representative at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). These opportunities have led to further unexpected projects involving GP curriculum and e-portfolio.

General practice training has furthered my foundational clinical basis to pursue my personal professional passions. My GP experience has significantly contributed to the development of the health promotion and widening participation programme ‘Dr Me Project’ which trains doctors and medical students to teach basic self-care in local primary schools and recently received the RCGP GP Specialty Trainee Award.

Currently as a fellow at Health Education England, I am continuing to use my knowledge and experience to inform and support national policy and strategy-making, which has proven critical during times of change and uncertainty in the NHS – something GPs are very familiar with!

These have all been privileged opportunities which I would have struggled to achieve in any other specialty. I have been continually encouraged to develop skills in education, leadership and policy alongside my clinical work.

As someone who has always enjoyed exploring new ideas and interests, I have found that GP is the ideal medical specialty and recommend for any doctor who like me, wants to shape a flexible career and pursue a variety of interests alongside clinical work.