How many years to become a GP in the UK?

Becoming a GP in the UK takes a minimum of 10-11 years: 5-6 years for medical school, 2 years for the Foundation Programme, and 3 years of specialized GP training (GPST), though some pathways like Broad Based Training (BBT) or academic routes can extend this. This journey starts with an undergraduate medical degree and ends with gaining a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).

How long does it take to become a GP in the UK?

To become a GP you'll need to complete: a degree recognised by the General Medical Council which takes 5 years. a foundation course of general training which takes 2 years. general practice specialist training which takes 3 years.

Is it worth becoming a GP in the UK?

Career stability

Becoming a GP allows you enjoy a relatively high income early in your career. The majority of graduate trainees find employment with trust practices in the NHS as salaried doctors.

What doctor makes $500,000 a year?

Doctors in high-demand surgical and specialized fields like Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, Radiology, Cardiology, and Gastroenterology often earn over $500,000 annually, with some top earners in Thoracic Surgery or Neurosurgery making significantly more, while even family doctors can reach this level through practice ownership or specialized services.
 

Is UK or US med school harder?

Is medical school tougher in the US than in the UK? Ans: Medical schools, in general, are longer in the UK but also less intense comparatively. In the UK, a minimum of 5 years is required to complete the residency, whereas it can be done in 3 years in the US.

Highest Paid Doctor Specialties in 2026 (💰New Leaders)

Are doctors paid more in the US or the UK?

Yes, American doctors generally get paid significantly more than UK doctors, often earning multiple times their UK counterparts, largely due to the US private, for-profit healthcare system versus the UK's publicly funded National Health Service (NHS). While US doctors face higher education costs and medical malpractice insurance, the overall pay disparity is substantial, with average US salaries around $300k+ compared to UK averages often below $150k for experienced physicians. 

What are the disadvantages of being a GP?

Administrative burden – GPs often have a significant administrative workload, including medical note-taking, insurance documentation, and coordination with other healthcare providers. These administrative tasks can be time-consuming and detract from direct patient care.

Which doctor is easiest to become?

The 7 Easiest Types of Doctor to Become & How to Get There

• Anesthesiology.
• Emergency Medicine.
• Family Medicine.
• Internal Medicine.
• Pediatrics.
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
• Psychiatry.

Can a UK GP work in the US?

United States: The USA is a popular but challenging option. The U.S. does not automatically recognise foreign medical degrees, even one from the UK. To work as a doctor in America, you must pass a series of licensing exams called the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination).

How many hours does a GP work in the UK?

A working day typically lasts from around 8am until 6.30pm, although this can vary. Time is divided between face-to-face patient appointments, administration and phone consultations.

Do doctors work 7 days a week in the UK?

The vast majority of hospital staff, including junior doctors and nurses, already work shifts across all 7 days of the week.

How long does it take to become a GP in the USA?

Becoming a doctor in the United States is a comprehensive and time-consuming process that involves several stages of education and training. The entire journey typically spans between 10 to 14 years. Below, we'll conduct a step-by-step breakdown of the requirements, emphasizing the time commitment for each stage.

What is the lowest rank of doctors?

The lowest rank of a fully qualified doctor in the US hierarchy is often an intern (first-year resident) or junior resident, following medical school, while in the UK it's a foundation doctor, both undergoing initial postgraduate training under supervision before becoming independent specialists or general practitioners. They work under senior residents and attending physicians, handling patient care tasks but still learning.
 

Do doctors work 7 days on 7 days off?

Yes, many hospital-based doctors, especially hospitalists, work a "7 days on, 7 days off" schedule, working long 12-hour shifts for a week and then having the entire next week off, which provides significant blocks of personal time but can lead to burnout during the work week and disconnect during the off week, as schedules vary widely by specialty and setting. 

What is life as a GP in the UK?

Life as a GP

You'll be part of a wider team that promotes, prevents and offers treatment. You'll care for people with chronic illness and long-term conditions, aiming to keep them well and in their own homes. A full-time working week usually comprises of eight sessions, which equates to four days.

How old is the youngest doctor?

The youngest doctor in history is Dr. Balamurali Ambati, who earned his medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1995 at the age of 17 years and 294 days, setting a Guinness World Record. He achieved this remarkable feat through accelerated schooling, graduating high school at 11 and college at 13, and remains the youngest physician ever recorded.
 

What country has the best doctors in the world?

There's no single country with universally "best" doctors, as rankings vary by criteria (training, outcomes, patient satisfaction), but Australia, the Netherlands, UK, US, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, Canada, and Spain consistently appear in top tiers for medical excellence, high training standards, advanced facilities, or strong overall healthcare systems, though the US often leads in advanced tech/specialization but struggles with equity, while nations like the Nordics excel in work-life balance for doctors. 

What type of doctor makes the most money in the UK?

The 10 Highest Paying Healthcare Jobs in the UK

• Consultant Cardiologist.
• Consultant Neurosurgeon.
• Consultant Psychiatrist (CAMHS / Forensic / Locum)
• GP Partner / Urgent Care Locum GP.
• Consultant Radiologist (incl. ...
• Consultant Anaesthetist (NHS + Private)
• Locum Consultant (Any Specialty)

What country pays doctors the most?

While data varies, Switzerland, the United States, and Luxembourg consistently rank among the highest-paying countries for doctors, with specialists earning well over $200,000 annually in some cases, though high living costs and taxes in places like Switzerland and the US are factors. Other top earners include Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands, with significant variations based on specialty, experience, and location. 

What is the toughest degree in the UK?

What are the hardest degree subjects?

• Aerospace Engineering. Aerospace Engineers study the design, manufacturing and testing of aircrafts. ...
• Law. Law is officially the hardest subject to get a first class degree in4, so we all know it's hard going. ...
• Chartered Accountancy. ...
• Architecture. ...
• Chemistry. ...
• Medicine. ...
• Pharmacy. ...
• Psychology.

What is the #1 med school in the world?

There isn't one single "No. 1" medical college, as rankings vary, but Harvard Medical School (USA) consistently ranks at or near the top across major lists like QS and U.S. News, often followed closely by institutions like the University of Oxford (UK), Johns Hopkins University (USA), and Stanford University (USA), with other strong contenders including University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and University of Pennsylvania (Perelman).
 

Is a 70% an A in the UK?

UK degree classifications are as follows: First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above) Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%)