What makes a good doctor?

Medicine is more than just a job

Do you want a career where your passion fuels impact? Medicine is more than just a job – it's an opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives. 

Imagine yourself in a hospital ward, where your critical thinking and curiosity guide you to making an accurate diagnosis. How about using your focusing and communicating skills to contribute to improving a person’s mental health? 

Your empathy and sense-making abilities could help you become a trusted general practitioner, providing compassionate care in the community. Maybe you're attracted to the cutting edge of medicine, where groundbreaking research is shaping the future of healthcare. 

With 65 specialties and 31 sub-specialties in medicine, you'll find your perfect fit.

Personal and professional growth

Working in the NHS, you’ll provide vital person-centred care no matter which type of doctor you choose to become. But it's not just about helping others. You'll grow so much as a person, learning every day, as you tackle complex problems and overcome unpredicted difficulties.

Seeing someone you’ve helped get better? It’s the most rewarding feeling.

Good Medical Practice

Good Medical Practice is a set of professional standards from the General Medical Council (GMC). It is designed to help doctors provide the best possible care for patients and build strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues.

Discover the Good Medical Practice framework.

Outcomes for graduates

As a doctor, you'll need to use your knowledge and skills with confidence, especially when facing complex medical challenges. Think of it as stepping up to lead, using everything you've learned about medicine to guide the way. 

The GMC has created a helpful resource - Outcomes for graduates. It maps out the essential knowledge, skills, and professional qualities you'll need as you graduate from a UK medical school. It’s your guide to becoming a confident and capable leader in healthcare!

Learn more about Outcomes for graduates.

Choosing a career in medicine

Now you know what it takes to study and practise medicine, is it the right career path? Take a moment to think about what really matters to you. Do your needs, values, and career goals line up?

Doing some personal reflection now is great practice for your medical school application!

Find out more about the medical school application process.