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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General Practitioner (M/F) - Nanterre, 92
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A health center in Nanterre, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, is looking for a new general practitioner (M/F) for a permanent position. Conditions - Permanent contract - Full-time or part-time (1 to 5 days per week) - Complete freedom regarding scheduling and practice activities The Facility This is a health center offering optimal working conditions in a modern and stimulating work environment. The center provides state-of-the-art technical facilities and medical equipment, as well as a paramedical team available to support the practitioner on a daily basis. In addition, administrative tasks are fully handled by the center, and patient flow is carefully managed—with the number of appointments tailored to the practitioner’s comfort level—so that they can focus entirely on the quality of care. Compensation For this position, you will receive a 50% gross revenue share. Responsibilities - General practice consultations with a diverse patient population - Diagnosis, monitoring, and management of acute and chronic conditions - Prevention and screening - Providing personalized medical care to patients - Collaboration with the center’s multidisciplinary team Benefits - Compensation not contingent on a minimum number of patients - Controlled patient flow and a number of appointments tailored to a comfortable workload - Complete freedom regarding scheduling and workload - Access to patients’ medical records - Full administrative support provided - Paramedical staff available daily - State-of-the-art technical facilities and medical equipment That little extra something Nanterre is home to the La Défense business district and its Grande Arche, an architectural marvel aligned with the historic axis leading to the Arc de Triomphe. The city is home to André-Malraux Park, a vast 25-hectare green space that serves as a true oasis of greenery amid the skyscrapers. Finally, situated along the Seine and perfectly connected by the RER and the tram, it combines economic vitality with a pleasant living environment just outside Paris. 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: 13329 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, a leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - 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.
General Practitioner (M/F) - Ris-Orangis, 91
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4000 - 8000 per month
Ris-Orangis
A medical center located in Ris-Orangis, in the Essonne department, is seeking a new general practitioner (M/F) for a permanent position. The Facility This is a multidisciplinary medical center spanning approximately 270 m² across two floors, bringing together a medical team as well as paramedical and dental professionals. You’ll benefit from a high volume of patients—with about thirty consultations per day—in a structured and collaborative environment. Additionally, Ris-Orangis is ideally located in a peaceful town on the banks of the Seine. Compensation For this position, your compensation will be determined during the interview, based on your qualifications and experience. Responsibilities - Providing medical care to patients - Management of chronic conditions, particularly diabetes and long-term care - Providing contraceptive care and gynecological follow-up - Opportunity to develop an obstetrics practice, depending on the practitioner’s preferences Benefits - Spacious 270 m² facility spread over two floors - Medical, paramedical, and dental staff - High patient volume - Practice focused on gynecology with potential for expansion - Parking - Employee benefits That little something extra Ris-Orangis stretches peacefully along the banks of the Seine and is home to Le Plan, a renowned music venue in the Île-de-France region where many touring artists perform. The town is also close to the vast Sénart Forest and its trails, offering a beautiful balance between nature and cultural life, less than thirty minutes from Paris via the RER. Qualifications General practitioner licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered with 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 reference: 13362 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, will assist you free of charge until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner professors - Assistance with registration with the Medical Board - 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.
General Practitioner (M/F) - Moissac 82
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