Welcome to this job description for general practitioners! Here you'll find all the information you need to know about this profession, from educational requirements to the skills you'll need. Here's an overview of this leading profession in the healthcare sector.
What is a general practitioner?
The general practitioner is probably the doctor most familiar to the general public, as he or she is the first point of contact for sick citizens. As the cornerstone of the system, they provide primary care to a varied population of all ages, sexes and conditions. Their primary mission is to provide comprehensive care, treating common illnesses, carrying out preventive examinations and referring patients to specialists when this is beyond their remit.
Training and career paths to become a general practitioner
Before applying for a job as a general practitioner, you'll need to complete one of the longest and most challenging academic paths available. This seriosity ensures that the best possible doctors are trained. As in most medical specialties, mistakes must be kept to a minimum, and GPs must be able to adapt to any situation they are presented with. Having defined his or her mission, let's now look at how to become a GP.
To enter the jungle of secondary education, the aspirant must first obtain a general scientific baccalaureate. While other school diplomas can lead to general medical studies, the scientific stream provides the required foundations. Once this first stage has been completed, the student can move on to the Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS) or the Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS). One year later, and subject to success, they can enter the two years of general medical studies common to all specialties. At the end of the curriculum, they will sit the final externship exams (EDN and ECOS), the results of which will give them the opportunity to choose their specialty (in order of priority according to ranking). Once they have embarked on their specialization in general medicine, they will have a further 3 years of study under the internship system, enabling them to tackle all aspects of this profession in detail and apply them within French healthcare structures.
If you'd like to find out more, take a look at our general practitioner study sheet!
What's more, while general medicine is a specialty in its own right, some GPs choose to overspecialize in specific areas such as pediatrics, geriatrics, sports medicine or emergency medicine, enabling them to respond to the population's specific needs.
Roles and responsibilities of the general practitioner
The GP's roles and responsibilities are varied and cover many aspects of patient health:
- Diagnosis and treatment: diagnosing and treating a wide range of common illnesses and conditions.
- Chronic disease management: monitoring patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or asthma.
- Prevention and advice: provides advice on prevention, vaccination and healthy living.
- Care coordination: coordinates care with other health professionals, referring patients to specialists when necessary.
Working environment and daily practice of a general practitioner
Different workplaces
Depending on their status, GPs work in a variety of settings, including..:
- Private practice: as part of a self-employed collaboration or a self-employed status, GPs occupy premises that they manage as they see fit. They can also use the equipment of their choice, and are free to set their own fees in line with the regulations of the sector's agreements.
- Health centers: health centers offer multidisciplinary working environments where GPs collaborate with other health professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists or psychologists. This ensures comprehensive patient care and smoother care coordination.
- Hospitals: GPs can work in hospital outpatient departments or emergency wards. They may be salaried, offering job stability and access to a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Working in a hospital also enables them to manage more complex cases and interact with specialists.
- Teleconsultation : this digitalized practice has become increasingly popular in recent years, not least because of the Covid-19 pandemic. GPs can treat even the most benign cases quickly and easily, and prescribe appropriate treatments. What's more, they can reach isolated populations or those unable to travel easily.
Tools and technologies used in general practice
To auscultate and prescribe the most appropriate treatments, GPs use a wide range of tools, from stethoscopes to blood pressure meters and laboratory testing equipment. What's more, digital technologies such as electronic medical record management software have become indispensable to ensure efficient and secure patient follow-up.
Key skills and qualities required of a general practitioner
As well as mastering the full range of diagnostic, medical and procedural skills, GPs need to be empathetic, good listeners, good communicators, patient and caring. They must also be able to adapt to different patients and environments, and have good organizational skills.
Career opportunities and prospects for a general practitioner
The profession of general practitioner offers many career opportunities. In addition to private practice, GPs can move into teaching, research or positions of responsibility in healthcare organizations.
Salary of a general practitioner
Salary scale and influencing factors
Generally speaking, GPs enjoy a comfortable income, thanks to the many years of study required for their practice. However, remuneration data vary according to the following factors:
- Experience: as in all professions, GPs at the start of their careers earn lower salaries. As they gain experience and build up a loyal patient base, their salaries will automatically increase.
- Geographical location: when setting up a practice, there are a number of criteria to take into account that will influence income. These include the standard of living of the local population, the prices charged by other practitioners, and population density.
- Practice environment: the environment in which a GP works inevitably affects his or her income. For example, a GP working in a private practice will earn more than a salaried GP.
If you'd like to find out more about the average remuneration for this specialist, take a look at our GP salary sheet!
Salary comparisons by region
In France, GP salaries vary from region to region. They are influenced by factors such as population density, standard of living, competition and demand for general medical services.
The regions where GPs enjoy the highest salaries are the most densely populated, as they offer a steady flow of patients. However, the level of competition can be higher, particularly in large conurbations. Finally, within the same city, people's standard of living can vary from one neighborhood to another, further modifying these data.
The regions with the highest average GPsalaries:
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Île-de-France
- Nouvelle-Aquitaine
- Occitanie
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Regions with the lowestaverage GPsalaries:
- Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
- Centre-Val de Loire
- Corse
- Normandie
In conclusion, the profession of general practitioner is a demanding and rewarding medical specialty that combines technical skills, scientific knowledge and interpersonal skills. GPs play a crucial role in improving and monitoring patients' health. Thanks to technological advances and new treatment methods, this field offers increasingly effective solutions. Those who choose this career embark on a long but fulfilling training course.
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General practitioner - Penne-d'Agenais 47
Employee
6500 - 8000 per month
Saint-Sylvestre-sur-Lot
A care and rehabilitation facility in Penne-d'Agenais, Lot-et-Garonne, is looking for its new general practitioner M/F on a permanent contract. Terms and conditions - CDI - Full time - 5 days a week - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m The structure You will work in a private, not-for-profit establishment located in Penne-d'Agenais, about 30 minutes from Agen. Housed in a renovated, air-conditioned château, the facility boasts a 13-hectare park planted with trees, ideal for patients' rehabilitation and well-being. What's more, the facility boasts highly stable teams, low staff turnover and a healthy financial situation. Its medical and paramedical teams enjoy a high degree of autonomy, and work in a friendly, collaborative atmosphere. Your salary - 6,500€ net/month (up to 8,000€ depending on seniority) - Value-sharing bonus possible Missions - Medical management of patients in multi-purpose SMR and polypathological elderly people - Follow-up and management of day hospital patients - Participation in therapeutic education programs, particularly for chronic low back pain - Follow-up of palliative care and chronic pain management in conjunction with the team - Coordination of care pathways with the multidisciplinary team and external partners - Participation in clinical meetings and medical file management - Contribution to the extension and modernization of the technical facilities The benefits - Renovated, air-conditioned building with character, offering a pleasant working environment - 13 hectares of wooded parkland for rehabilitation and outdoor breaks - A complete and stable multidisciplinary team to ensure smooth organization - Low turnover and high degree of medical autonomy - Shared on-call duty, mainly by telephone, limiting the need to travel - Continuous training encouraged and prospects for professional development - Expansion project financed to support changes in practices and equipment Equipment - Two rehabilitation technical platforms - Bobath tables - Arthromotors - Balneotherapy A little something extra Penne-d'Agenais is a hilltop bastide with beautiful views over the Lot valley and a pleasant local heritage to discover. Its proximity to Agen, just 30 minutes away, offers easy access to amenities and road links, as well as a quieter living environment conducive to outdoor activities. Profile required 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: 12714 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) - Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, 94
Employee
90 000 - 130 000 per year
le Kremlin-Bicêtre
As part of its business expansion, a medical facility in Kremlin-Bicêtre, in the Val-de-Marne department, is seeking a new full-time general practitioner (M/F). Terms and Conditions - Permanent contract - Full-time or part-time - Open 7 days a week, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Facility You will join a medical facility that was recently taken over and renovated within a shopping mall near Porte d’Italie. The premises cover an area of 250 m² and include eight consultation rooms, furnished break areas, and air conditioning. In addition, the mall generates a significant flow of patients, ensuring a steady volume of business. Compensation - Compensation of 50% of gross revenue Responsibilities - Provide general practice consultations and patient follow-up - Prescribe medications and perform routine medical procedures in the office - Coordinate patient care pathways with specialists and allied health professionals on staff - Participate in scheduling and clinical meetings - Help ensure that patient records are properly maintained Benefits - New, air-conditioned facilities - Technical facilities equipped with Topcon and a streamlined leasing solution - Reception services provided by two experienced secretaries - Doctolib set up for appointment management - Private parking for practitioners and direct access to the subway - High patient traffic thanks to the shopping mall - Great flexibility in scheduling That little extra something Le Kremlin-Bicêtre offers direct access to Paris via Line 7 and is located just a few minutes from Montsouris Park, providing a pleasant setting for breaks and walks. Qualifications General practitioner licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered with or eligible for registration in the French Medical Board. Contact Us Contact us at: 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected]. Job Posting ID: 12886 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 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) - Caen 14
Employee
9000 - 9000 per month
Hérouville-Saint-Clair
A multidisciplinary healthcare facility located near Caen, in the Calvados department, is actively seeking a general practitioner (M/F) for a permanent position. Requirements - Permanent contract - Full-time or part-time The Facility You will join a private, multidisciplinary healthcare facility that is well-established in the region and has a stable team of two part-time physicians. Compensation - €9,000 gross per month, depending on qualifications and experience - Paid on-call duty Responsibilities - Medical coordination of the home hospitalization service - A hybrid role combining medical practice and coordination - Working as part of a team with a physician and a multidisciplinary team - Participation in the development of the service and the integration of the mobile palliative care team Benefits - A rapidly growing department driven by an ambitious development plan - Long-term position for a physician looking to make a lasting commitment That extra something The city is a major site of remembrance, with its famous memorial dedicated to World War II and the D-Day landings. At the same time, the ocean is only about fifteen minutes away: the D-Day beaches and the seaside resorts of the Côte de Nacre, such as Ouistreham, offer wonderful weekend getaways. Qualifications General practitioner licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the French Medical Board. The position is open to various specialties, including general practitioners, geriatricians, pain management specialists, gastroenterologists, allergists, and sleep medicine specialists. Contact us at 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 12782 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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