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 - Marseille 13
Employee
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Marseille 9e
Are you looking for a position as a general practitioner near Marseille, in the Bouches-du-Rhône region? We've got just what you're looking for: an opportunity within a growing hospital establishment. The structure's DNA You'll be working in a facility that dates back to 2024, was certified with honors in June 2024, and is currently expanding with the opening of new beds. The facility is also home to units dedicated to geriatric and palliative care, as well as specific Alzheimer's units. What's more, the Marseille location offers a dynamic living environment, with access to urban amenities and public transport. The working environment is geared towards multidisciplinary collaboration and quality care for elderly patients. Description and responsibilities You will join the SMR, geriatrics (UGG and palliative care) and long-term care departments. Your main tasks will be : - Provide medical care for patients in geriatric general medicine and palliative care. - Ensure continuity of care in full hospitalization and long-term care units. - Participate in the follow-up of Alzheimer's patients in cognitive units. - Work in close collaboration with the nursing team and all paramedical professionals. Please note that there are two vacancies: one in May for full hospitalization, and a second for this summer, with a view to opening the multi-purpose/geriatric ward in September. Flexible working hours: full-time or part-time working arrangements possible. Compensation For this position, you will benefit from a remuneration ranging from €100k to €120k gross per year, including on-call duty, to be negotiated during your job interview according to your profile. Benefits - Medical platform adapted to geriatric and palliative care - Modern and recent premises - Dedicated nursing team on each ward - Collaborative and developing work environment - Full- or part-time practice options - Parking and on-site catering at 2.93 euros - Works council and employee savings scheme Profile sought General practitioner qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12016 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
General practitioner M/F - Nice 06
Liberal
7500 - 12 000 per month
Nice
Job General Practitioner M/F - Nice 06 We are recruiting a general practitioner M/F to join an unscheduled care center located in Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes region, as part of a liberal collaboration. Description and missions - Be part of an immediate care center open 7 days a week (8:30 a.m.-9 p.m.) and provide: - Walk-in consultations (acute pathologies, benign traumatology) - Simple sutures, plaster cast immobilization, ECG, aerosol therapy. - Rapid referral thanks to biology/imaging access (results - Work in tandem with a medical assistant - Typical schedule: 2 full shifts or 3 ½-days per week (8-10 full shifts/month). Trial period before association. Structure DNA Member of a network of 6 centers (Nice-Cannes-Mandelieu-Fréjus). Two consultation rooms, dedicated reception desk, centralized secretariat. Accounting and regulatory obligations managed by the SELAS. Average patient flow: 60-70 patients/day. Compensation Retrocession 60% - royalty 40%. Teleconsultations and on-call duty: 30%. Advantages - Self-employed status within a SELAS. - Full administrative management. - Light emergency equipment available on site - Multidisciplinary collaboration and regular diary Profile sought General practitioner M/F registered with the Ordre des Médecins in France, with experience or appetite for emergency medicine. Contact us at O7 44 71 65 O8 Or by email via: [email protected] Advertisement reference: 10429 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with. Candidates from the European Union: JoberGroup, France's leader in the integration of healthcare professionals, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your business: - Language training (Level B2) - Contact with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Consultant dedicated to your support
General practitioner F/H - Nice 06
Liberal
7500 - 12000 per month
Nice
Job General Practitioner M/F - Nice 06 We are recruiting a general practitioner M/F to join an unscheduled care center located in Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes region, as part of a liberal collaboration. Description and duties - Working in an unscheduled medical center (8.30 a.m.-9 p.m., 7 days a week), you will be in charge of: - Acute episodes and seasonal pathologies - Sutures, plaster casts, ECGs, aerosols, minor technical procedures - Instant coordination with lab and radio partners - Supervision by a permanent nursing assistant - Flexible working hours: 3 ½ days or 2 continuous days / week (8-10 shifts per month for a full-time position). Structure DNA Network of 6 Côte d'Azur locations. Each site: 2 cubicles, treatment room, digital reception. Integrated accounting and legal back-office; monthly medical meetings. Strong patient base (≈ 70 acts/day). Compensation 60% of sales paid back - 40% fixed costs. Tele-acts & on-call at 30%. Advantages - Secure self-employment in a SELAS. - No hidden costs, accounting included - Complete benign traumatology equipment - Dedicated medical assistant every shift Profile sought General practitioner registered in sector 1 or sector 2 OPTAM, with experience in emergency medicine. Contact us at O7 44 71 65 O8 Or by email via: [email protected] Advertisement reference: 10430 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with. Candidates from the European Union: JoberGroup, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your business - Language training (Level B2) - Contact with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Consultant dedicated to your support
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