Training and Teaching

Our Practice supports and trains doctors during their specialist GP training. These doctors are fully qualified doctors who have worked in a variety of hospital specialities. Our practice also supports the training of student nurses and qualified nurses taking a degree in Community Health. We do this in a variety of ways. We might have someone sitting in on surgeries or occasionally we will video a consultation. We also host medical students. 

You will always be told when this might happen and you can always choose to see the doctor without these additional training activities. We are regularly inspected to ensure the quality of training is maintained. This may mean your medical records are viewed. If you object to this in any way, please, tell the practice manager.

Training at Ferguson Medical Centre

At Ferguson Medical Practice we facilitate the training of doctors at different stages of their training

LearnerStage of TrainingPlacement durationRolesSupervision
Medical Students(Supervisors – Dr McGuire & Dr Pearson-Stuttard)Undergraduate students from Edinburgh University in 4th year of studies4 weeks at a timeObserving all members of the team to gain experience. May take blood & may see a patient at times, before the patient then sees a GPFully supervised at all times
FY2(Supervisor – Dr Black)Fully qualified junior doctor, not yet specialising4 monthsDevelop consultation skills & experience with patientsAlways supervised by an experienced GP
GPST1(Supervisors – Dr Cuthbert & Dr Mackie)A fully qualified doctor, now specialising in General Practice. In their first year of training.6 monthsDevelop consultation and examination skills Carry out projects Improve knowledge and skills in common patient presentationsAlways supervised by an experienced GP
GPST2(Supervisors – Dr Cuthbert & Dr Mackie)A fully qualified doctor, now specialising in General Practice. In their second year of training.Occasional days onlyAttends the practice for occasional days during hospital attachments to spend time in host practice. May see patients.Always supervised by an experienced GP
GPST3(Supervisors – Dr Cuthbert & Dr Mackie)A fully qualified doctor, now in their final year of training to become a GP.1 yearManage more complex patient presentations independently Improve consultation and examination skills Carry out projects, audits, and reviews Complete final professional examsSupervision is based on clinical experience and confidence
GP Retainer(Mentor – Dr McGuire)Fully qualified GP (may have had up to 2 years away from work)Up to 5 yearsGain confidence, experience, and satisfaction as a GPSupervision is based on clinical experience and confidence
GP Returner(Supervisors – Dr Cuthbert & Dr Mackie)Fully qualified GP who has not worked in UK General Practice for > 2 years3 to 6 monthsReintegrate into working in UK NHS, gain confidenceSupervision is based on clinical experience and confidence