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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Palliative Care Physician (M/F) - Villiers-Saint-Denis 02
Employee
4000 - 8000 per month
Villiers-Saint-Denis
A private, nonprofit foundation in Villiers-Saint-Denis, in the Aisne department, is seeking a new palliative care physician (M/F) for a salaried position. Requirements - Salaried position The Organization You will join a nonprofit organization affiliated with FEHAP and covered by Collective Bargaining Agreement 51, specializing in post-acute care and rehabilitation, offering both inpatient and outpatient services. The main facility is located on the border of Department 77 and is expanding rapidly in the region, with the planned opening of a regional branch in the Marne-la-Vallée area. In addition, the Villiers-Saint-Denis site is located within a 48-hectare park and comprises several buildings, offering a structured and multidisciplinary work environment. Compensation - To be determined during the interview, based on qualifications and experience. Responsibilities - Conduct consultations and provide care for patients in palliative care - Care for inpatients and provide outpatient consultations - Participate in on-call shifts and telephone on-call duties according to the site’s schedule - Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care pathways - Contribute to the medical program and the development of specific activities or units - Manage appointments and patient follow-up via Doctolib Benefits - Work environment set in a 48-hectare park - Salaried position under the FEHAP / CCN 51 agreement - Customizable compensation package with the option for a variable component - Mixed inpatient and outpatient practice with opportunities to expand consultation services - Multidisciplinary environment that supports professional development - On-site housing available (studio or villa) for physicians relocating from another region That Extra Little Something The main campus boasts a lush, green setting—a rarity for a healthcare facility—offering spacious outdoor areas perfect for taking breaks and unwinding between patient visits. Qualifications A palliative care physician 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 ID: 13233 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in onboarding healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your role: - 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) - Lyon 5th District
Liberal
4000 - 8000 per month
Lyon 5e
Doctor, this new opportunity might interest you: a private practice position at a multidisciplinary center in Lyon’s 5th arrondissement, in the Rhône department. The terms - Private practice position - Work arrangements to be determined based on your availability and career goals The facility This is a multidisciplinary center located in the heart of Lyon’s 5th arrondissement, bringing together various healthcare specialties to offer patients a comprehensive, personalized, and coordinated care pathway. The center is home to physical therapists, an osteopath, a podiatrist, and a team of home care nurses, all working in modern facilities equipped for a variety of healthcare services. The facility is built on a holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare, grounded in active listening, quality of care, a multidisciplinary approach, and continuing education. Furthermore, collaboration across disciplines is one of the center’s cornerstones, fostering a coherent patient-centered care pathway. Nestled on Fourvière Hill, Lyon’s 5th arrondissement captivates visitors with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, including Renaissance-era Vieux-Lyon, the traboules, and breathtaking views of the city. Compensation For this position, you will receive a 30% share of revenue. Responsibilities - General medical consultations with a diverse patient population - Diagnosis, monitoring, and management of acute and chronic conditions - Prevention and screening - Providing personalized medical care to patients - Referral to appropriate healthcare professionals when necessary - Coordination with other practitioners at the center Benefits - An established multidisciplinary facility - Modern facilities and appropriate equipment - Close collaboration with other healthcare professionals at the center - Organization designed around the patient’s care journey and follow-up - An environment that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration - A medical approach focused on quality, attentive care, and personalized treatment That Extra Special Touch The 5th arrondissement is home to the Basilica of Fourvière, which overlooks Lyon from its hilltop and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. The Vieux-Lyon district features Renaissance-era alleyways and its famous traboules—secret passageways that have made the city famous. Finally, the Roman theaters of Fourvière, remnants of ancient Lugdunum, host the Nuits de Fourvière festival every summer in an exceptional setting. Qualifications General practitioner licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the Medical Board. Contact us at 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 13281 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in onboarding 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) - Paris, 14th Arrondissement
Employee
4000 - 8000 per month
Paris 14e
A facility located in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, in the Île-de-France region, is looking for a new general practitioner (M/F). Requirements - At least one Saturday morning per month - 5 weeks of paid vacation per year The facility This is a free information, screening, and diagnostic center dedicated to sexual health, affiliated with a polyclinic. The center provides screening, diagnosis, and follow-up care for sexually transmitted infections, care for patients living with HIV, as well as sexual health education and prevention services. In addition, the physician has the option to supplement their practice with on-call shifts at the polyclinic and teleconsultation slots. Located in Paris’s 14th arrondissement on the Left Bank, the center benefits from a lively urban environment and excellent public transportation access. Compensation For this position, you will receive a gross hourly rate of €35, with the option to supplement your income through part-time shifts at the polyclinic, for which you will be paid a 44% share of the revenue generated. Responsibilities - Consultations at the sexual health center - Screening, diagnosis, and follow-up for sexually transmitted infections - Participation in the care and follow-up of patients living with HIV - Sexual health prevention and education - Participation, as appropriate, in care related to PrEP, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and vaccinations Benefits - Work focused on sexual health and prevention - Opportunity to supplement your work with part-time shifts at the outpatient clinic - Telemedicine slots available - Five weeks of paid vacation per year - Organization affiliated with a polyclinic That little extra The 14th arrondissement is home to the legendary Catacombs of Paris, a vast underground network where the remains of millions of Parisians lie. The Montparnasse neighborhood was the hub of the bohemian art scene in the early 20th century, frequented by Picasso, Modigliani, and Hemingway. Finally, Montsouris Park, one of the capital’s largest green spaces, offers a hilly oasis of greenery ideal for outdoor breaks. Qualifications General practitioner licensed in France or the European Union, currently registered or eligible for registration with the Medical Board. Contact us at 07 44 71 65 08 or by email at [email protected] Job posting reference: 13316 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, the leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, provides free support until you begin your practice: - Connecting you with our partner faculty members - 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.
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