Retraining as a GP - Dr Radhika Mistry

GP in West Midlands. Previously a Gastroenterology Registrar

I’m currently a part salaried and part locum GP, based in the West Midlands. Nearly 3 years ago I retrained as a GP on the ATCF scheme in the Black Country having previously worked as a registrar in gastroenterology. I switched over to GP training whilst I was on maternity leave. Although it was quite a daunting change of career at first as I really enjoyed my gastroenterology job, I made the decision mainly based on the increased flexibility and variable working hours that GP offers.

I’m now able to spend time with family and enjoy a better work life balance as well as being able to continue to practice medicine and develop my career. I feel my previous experience, has been invaluable to me as it has given me more confidence to work independently and manage various conditions, so I don’t regret for a second having come into GP slightly later in life.

Going to the gym or having a swim during my lunch break was simply unheard of when I was a hospital trainee but this is something I now incorporate into my working week and feel fitter and healthier for it. GP allows me to travel more and do other things I’m passionate about and like volunteering abroad. I recently visited a home for street children in Tanzania which was very rewarding. There is a plethora of opportunities available to you in GP and you can essentially do as much or as little as you like. As a trainee I attained the Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecologists (DRCOG) and now, I plan to do the RCGP Certificate in the Management of Drug Misuse and I’m also considering the Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual and reproductive Healthcare (DFSRH).

So far I have enjoyed working at different surgeries, in various locations, meeting new people giving me a flavour of how people work in addition to my sessional work. Doing endoscopy lists used to be my favourite aspect of the working week and, I thought I might miss this, but funnily enough am very content working as a GP and feel, having trawled through years of post-graduate exams (as we all do!), that I’ve have finally reached my destination.