My Journey Through Medical School and Becoming a GP

By Dr. Sandeep Geeranavar

Going through medical school in the UK was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. The curriculum was intense but meticulously designed, blending scientific theory with practical application. In the early years, I spent countless hours studying anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Evidence-based learning was central to our education; we were constantly taught to critically analyze research and apply it to real-world scenarios. This not only gave me a strong foundation in science but also prepared me to keep up with the ever-evolving world of medicine.

One aspect that stood out during medical school was the emphasis on communication skills. Before I had any direct patient contact, I spent hours practicing with simulated patients—actors who would recreate various medical scenarios. These sessions were invaluable in teaching me how to build rapport, actively listen, and handle sensitive conversations, like breaking bad news. By the time I met real patients, I felt more confident in my ability to connect with them on a human level.

When we finally started clinical placements, everything changed. Seeing patients for the first time was both exciting and daunting. From my second year onward, I spent time shadowing doctors, attending ward rounds, and even taking patient histories myself. These experiences were transformative. They grounded all the theory I had learned in real-world practice and showed me the importance of empathy, teamwork, and clinical reasoning.

Graduating and becoming a junior doctor was an entirely different challenge. The Foundation Program was a steep learning curve. In my first year (FY1), I worked long hours, often under pressure, as I learned to manage acutely ill patients, prescribe medications, and coordinate care. Although I was always supervised, the responsibility was real, and it taught me resilience and decision-making skills. By my second year (FY2), I rotated through specialties like orthopedics and general medicine, which helped me appreciate the breadth of medicine and refine my career goals.

I decided to pursue general practice because I wanted a career where I could build long-term relationships with patients and tackle a variety of medical problems. The GP training program was a perfect fit for me. Over three years, I rotated through hospital specialties like dermatology and rheumatology while also working in GP surgeries. These experiences taught me how to provide holistic care and manage both acute and chronic conditions.

Now, as a qualified GP, I look back on my journey with pride. Medical school and training were incredibly demanding, but they shaped me into a compassionate, competent doctor. The combination of evidence-based learning, early patient contact, and a strong emphasis on communication prepared me not just to treat illnesses but to care for people—a privilege I value every day.