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 F/H - Bordeaux 33
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Job General Practitioner M/F - Bordeaux 33 We are recruiting a general practitioner M/F to join a multidisciplinary medical structure located in Bordeaux, within the framework of a private practice installation Description and duties You will be working as a private practitioner in a multidisciplinary medical facility. You will have at your disposal an independent consulting room, recently repainted and air-conditioned, with a surface area of 15m2 with a water point. The structure also features: - A shared waiting room. - A shared technical room with sanitary facilities, coffee machine and water point. - Access by elevator and staircase. You'll be joining a dynamic team of two pediatricians, a midwife and four homecare nurses. You'll provide general medical consultations, with the possibility of working alongside the other specialties present. The structure's DNA This structure is backed by a pharmacy and brings together six practices of healthcare professionals. It favors multidisciplinarity and care coordination. Located in a quiet environment with private parking, it offers comfortable, functional working conditions. The atmosphere is friendly and focused on the quality of patient care. Compensation Rent of 600 euros excluding charges, with 60 euros monthly charges Advantages - Contract in liberal installation, full or part time - Moderate rent: 600 euros + 60 euros charges - 15m2, air-conditioned, recently renovated practice with water point - Private parking for practitioners and patients - Shared waiting room and relaxation area with coffee maker - Multidisciplinary environment with good care dynamics - Easy access by staircase and lift Profile sought Qualified general practitioner M/F registered with the Conseil national de l'Ordre des médecins Contact us at O7 44 71 65 O8 or by email via: [email protected] Advertisement reference: 10282 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, accompanies you free of charge right up to the start of your activity - Language training (Level B2) - Put you in touch with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Consultant dedicated to your support
General practitioner - Les Riceys 10
Liberal
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A medical center in Les Riceys, in the Aube region, is looking for a new general practitioner for a self-employed position. The structure This is a multidisciplinary medical center already in operation in Les Riceys, comprising a physiotherapist, a dentist, five nurses and two doctors. In addition, the pharmacy is located opposite the premises, which include spacious, functional practices, a shared waiting room and two immediately available practices. In addition, a project has been validated for the opening of a second health center in a new building already available. Remuneration Exceptional support: rent paid Assignments - Comprehensive patient care in general practice - Takeover and follow-up of a patient base of around 3,500 patients - Follow-up of chronic patients and coordination of care pathways - Regular visits to retirement homes - Possible participation in emergency services (SAMU / urgencies) - Collaboration with medical center professionals and local partners The benefits - Spacious, functional offices - Pharmacy across the street for easy patient access - Multidisciplinary team in place - Housing available for 1 to 2 years - Office rent paid for the first year - Start-up grants (ZRR zone, estimated subsidies between €50,000 and €70,000) - Development project with potential for growth and a large patient base to take over The little extra Les Riceys is located in the heart of the Champagne region and is renowned for its Rosé des Riceys, a unique wine production. The village offers a peaceful, natural setting, a rich cultural heritage and local professional opportunities, particularly in the wine sector, suitable for spouses. 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: 12489 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 - Contact with 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.
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