Our practice supports and trains doctors in the final year of their specialist GP training. These doctors are fully qualified doctors who have worked in a variety of hospital specialities and usually work here for one year. 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.
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
| Learner | Stage of Training | Placement duration | Roles | Supervision |
| Medical Students
(Supervisors – Dr McGuire & Dr Pearson-Stuttard) |
Undergraduate students from Edinburgh University in 4th year of studies | 4 weeks at a time | Observing all members of the team to gain experience. May take blood & may see a patient at times, before the patient then sees a GP | Fully supervised at all times |
| FY2
(Supervisor – Dr Black) |
Fully qualified junior doctor, not yet specialising | 4 months | Develop consultation skills & experience with patients | Always 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 months | Develop consultation and examination skills Carry out projects Improve knowledge and skills in common patient presentations | Always 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 only | Attends 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 year | Manage more complex patient presentations independently Improve consultation and examination skills Carry out projects, audits, and reviews Complete final professional exams | Supervision 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 years | Gain confidence, experience, and satisfaction as a GP | Supervision 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 years | 3-6 months | Reintegrate into working in UK NHS, gain confidence | Supervision is based on clinical experience and confidence |