Becoming a general practitioner is a path that combines rigor and courage. As we have already seen in our job description for a general practitioner, he or she is the first point of contact in the health sector, and plays an essential role in the smooth running of the medical system. Students wishing to pursue an academic course in this field will need to be patient. In France, it takes 9 years of study to become a general practitioner. Let's take a look at them in detail in this article.
Initial stages of medical training
Preparatory studies and admission to medical school
Before entering higher education, a future general practitioner must pass the baccalauréat, preferably in a scientific stream, in order to master the essential basics. They then have two options:
- The Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Années Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a miscellaneous minor. This structure not only diversifies skills, but also offers the possibility of reorientation.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Students who are admitted to the program enter the health sector.
- Those who do not pass can reorient themselves towards their minor. They can retake the exam the following year.
- The PASS reduces the pressure of the single PACES entrance exam and diversifies students' skills.
- The Health Access License (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of health study courses on offer, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, L.AS students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, encouraging skills and reorientation.
General medical studies
After the PASS or L.AS (see above), studies to become a general practitioner are divided into two parts:
- The Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : a three-year course (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) comprising theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical placements in hospitals.
- The Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM): a direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study incorporating specialist courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.
Externship examinations
During the final year of the second cycle, students must pass a series of exams which, depending on their results and rankings, will enable them to choose their specialty as well as their city. Here's the list:
- Épreuves dématérialisées nationales (EDN): these take place in October and account for 60% of the final grade. To pass, students must obtain a mark of at least 14/20 in the theoretical knowledge required by all doctors, regardless of their specialty.
- Objective and Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE): these are held in May and account for 30% of the final grade. They test students' ability to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The minimum grade is 10/20.
- Academic progress grade: this continuous assessment takes into account the student's commitment, curriculum, mobility and level of English, and accounts for 10% of the final grade.
Specialization in general medicine
Once they have completed their general medical studies , students specializing in general medicine begin a three-year internship. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:
- Theoreticaltraining : interns follow theoretical courses covering the various aspects of general practice.
- Practicaltraining : interns in general medicine spend time in various departments, such as emergency, pediatrics or psychiatry, to familiarize themselves with the realities of the profession.
They must also write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. On completion of this specialization, the intern obtains the Diplôme d'Etat de Docteur en Médecine. After 9 years' study to become a general practitioner , he or she can finally practise the profession!
Careers and opportunities in general medicine
Status of general practitioners
Young GPs registered with the Ordre des Médecins can now apply for GP jobs. They will also have to choose the status under which they will practice:
- Liberal: GPs work as independent professionals in their own practices or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. They are autonomous in managing their own schedules, choosing their own equipment and setting their own fees. However, they must assume administrative and financial responsibility for their activity.
- Salaried : GPs may work as salaried employees of the hospital civil service, in health centers or practices. This gives them access to state-of-the-art medical equipment and job stability, but less autonomy than private practice.
GP practice locations
GPs can choose to practice in the following locations:
- Private practice
- Hospitals and university hospitals
- Private clinics
- Health centers
- Companies (occupational medicine)
- Non-profit sector
- Universities and medical schools
- Teleconsultation
In conclusion, studying general medicine is a long and demanding process. From initial selection via the PASS or L.AS, through to specialized training, this pathway ensures a comprehensive and versatile training, preparing general practitioners to meet the health needs of the population in a variety of professional contexts.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more, don't hesitate to discover our GP salary sheet !
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As part of its business expansion, a hospital in Loches, Indre-et-Loire, is seeking a new general practitioner (M/F). Requirements - Hospital Physician or Contract Physician - Full-time The Facility You will work at a facility that includes a long-term care facility (EHPAD) with 185 beds for permanent residents spread across five living units, a day care center (PASA) with 16 spots, and six day care spots dedicated to patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the position is located on the same site as the 30-bed Medical and Rehabilitation Department and provides access to the hospital’s technical facilities. Compensation - Based on the pay scales for hospital physicians/contract employees under category 1 or 3 Responsibilities - Provide medical care for residents in collaboration with the department’s geriatrician - Collaborate with hospital teams and the Medical and Rehabilitation Department - Utilize and coordinate care using the on-site technical facilities Benefits - Integration into a multidisciplinary team - Close collaboration with the Medical Care and Rehabilitation (SMR) department - Access to the hospital’s technical facilities - Pleasant living environment near Tours That Extra Something Loches offers an exceptional living environment with its medieval heritage, historic keep, ramparts, and a lively local market. Additionally, its proximity to Tours provides easy access to a wider range of cultural offerings and services while allowing you to enjoy a quieter lifestyle. Qualifications General practitioner licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Board. Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected]. Job Posting ID: 13076 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides you with free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the French Medical Council - A dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our Jober Group website and mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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