• Question: How can you advise students, looking to pursue a career in the general practice zone, to handle the high levels of stress which the job encounters?

    Asked by Hollie to Simon, Shehla, Katharine, Jonathan, Emma, Chris on 22 Jun 2017.
    • Photo: Katharine Bradbury

      Katharine Bradbury answered on 22 Jun 2017:

      That’s a really good question. I’m afraid many jobs and life situations are stressful so it’s not unique to general practice. If you’re able to manage the demands of A levels and medical school that will help equip you to cope. Other things that are important are having hobbies and keeping active. I enjoy running to de-stress. I also belong to a book group which meets monthly. Having a supportive network of family and friends is really helpful and I found it was good to stay in touch with my non-medical friends to give me grounded perspective. I also have trusted colleagues I can talk to if I have specific work related problems.

    • Photo: Emma Rowe

      Emma Rowe answered on 22 Jun 2017:

      Any job can be stressful. In life, there’s no getting away from stress.
      However, your training to work in healthcare deals with coping with stress, including time management skills sessions, bereavement training, communication skills etc.
      It’s really important to look after yourself physically and mentally. A good support system can really help you combat your worries.
      I like to meet with friends, see my family as well as having time to myself reading novels and gaming – since qualifying, I’ve got pretty good at video games. It provides a temporary escape from reality and the worries that come with that.

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