From GP to Lead Physician
Andrea's Story
Andrea joined the team at Bupa a few years ago, originally as a GP before progressing into the Lead Physician role. We caught up with her to find out how she's been supported to take that next step in her career.
Tell us about yourself?
It took me a long time to know that I wanted to be a Doctor. Strange way to start this I know! I started my working life in Nursing, however after a while I left the profession to try new things before eventually deciding to come back and retrain as a Doctor. Like most I started off as a GP for the NHS before deciding to supplement my NHS work with some work at Bupa, allowing me the chance to focus more on preventative medicine.
Working for Bupa really suits the way I consult as a Doctor, and for me great reward is the time you get with the patient. I love the stories that people bring with them when they come in. At the start of the day you start with what is just a list of names and appointments, but once that person is in the room it’s a great privilege and joy to get to know them and help them. It was so different to what I was used to in my previous roles as a GP. When I went to medical school, I had an idea in my head of what medicine would look like but the reality was far from that. Once I found my feet at Bupa though, it was the medicine I had always hoped it would be.
How did you end up in the role of a Lead Physician?
We’re a busy clinic and we needed one! Well it wasn’t quite that simple. The practical side of it was that we did need someone to help manage the centre but for me it was because I loved everyone there, the team and I wanted to do something different. I didn’t know whether I would enjoy it, or whether I’d actually be good at it! It was a steep learning curve, but it’s been an opportunity to develop new skills, manage a new team. I felt I was good with people so it was almost a natural step. Everyone’s been so supportive, from the admin team to the managers, other doctors and Health Advisers. There’s always someone on the other end of the phone, email or even in the next room if you need anything so I knew I’d be supported and never feel on my own.
What do you like most about working for Bupa?
Put simply, it’s a great opportunity to offer fantastic medicine, that’s my priority. What we offer at Bupa is the best evidence-based care with the gift of more time to help your patients. We really support our Doctors to be their best through education, peer support, appraisals and more. You’re never on your own, it’s very much a team environment here. The Clinical governance here is great, with clear clinical standards, policies and fail-safes in place and colleagues across all levels looking to see that we work to high standards and deliver for our patients. Having that network around you that wants you to succeed is so reassuring.
Does any particular moment stick out?
I’ve had so many amazing moments working for Bupa, but for me it’s every time that patient leaves the room and I know I’ve been able to make a difference; the nature of our appointments means that I can really help to untangle the issues that are concerning them. It’s gratifying for me to see the trust that builds with the patient, and seeing them open up to you. Everyone gets a bit nervous when they go to the Doctor but seeing the nerves wash away and having them open up to you and knowing you’ve really helped them is a feeling I don’t ever want to forget.
What’s next for you?
We’ve just moved! We’re setting up in our new Basinghall Health Centre which will be brand new and purpose built to create a shared space with Cardiology, Dermatology and other specialisms that we wouldn’t normally work with on a day to day basis so that’s going to be really interesting and give us a great opportunity to learn from each other across the specialisms. I’ve also just completed fantastic in-depth menopause training for our new Menopause plan which I can’t wait to deliver for our customers. Going through the menopause can often be a difficult and challenging time for women and I just know that this will make a positive difference and can really change lives. It makes me really proud to see the investment from Bupa in women’s health and how we’re continually developing new services and offerings so we can help everyone live longer, healthier, happier lives while making a better world.
Looking to take that next step and develop your career as a GP with Bupa? Click the link below to register and one of our recruiters will be in touch to tell you more.
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