Doctor
Diagnose and treat patients in general practice, the front door of healthcare.
This UK doctor career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £36,000 - £45,000 (FY1)
- Mid-career salary
- £70,000 - £100,000
- Senior salary
- £100,000 - £150,000+ (partner)
- Work environment
- GP surgery, mostly clinic-based
- Time to entry
- 10 years
- Degree required
- Yes (medicine + GP training)
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
What a Doctor does
Diagnose and treat patients in general practice, the front door of healthcare.
How to become a Doctor
- Look up Doctor roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Doctor - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Clinical knowledge
- Communication
- Decision making
- Empathy