Fully qualified doctors

With specialist training completed, a doctor goes on to either the General Medical Council’s (GMC) Specialist Register or GP Register – depending on their training -  and is considered a fully qualified doctor.

A number of career paths open up at this stage, some of which are described below.

Consultant

If specialty training in a medical specialty is seen through to the end - usually taking seven or eight years – a doctor is eligible to apply for a consultant position. Consultants accept ultimate responsibility for the care of patients referred to them, so it is a position of considerable responsibility.

Read more on the consultant grade.

GP

Those who have completed specialty training in general practice are eligible to apply for GP positions. GPs work in primary care, as a first point of contact for most medical services. Work is generally carried out during consultations or home visits, and GPs provide a wide range of care within the local community.

Surgeon

Those who have undertaken core surgical training, followed by training in a surgical specialty, are eligible to apply for surgeon positions. Surgeons operate on particular parts of the body or to address specific injuries, diseases or degenerative conditions.

Specialty doctor

Specialty doctor is the new term for the former 'specialty and associated specialty grade' (SASG) doctor. This role requires at least two years of specialty training, and is more focused on meeting NHS service requirements than a consultant role. It also has more regular hours and fewer administrative functions , which may suit some doctors. It is sometimes used as an interim option for those unsuccessful in applying to consultant posts.