It's Decision Time!

Congratulations to those of you who were successful at the recruitment centre in Edinbugh.  Now that you have successfully obtained a place in GP specialty training the only decision left is where to apply for!  We have 5 options open to you, 3 and 4 year Grampian Programs, 3 and 4 year Caledonian Programs and our Rural Program.

So why would you want to come and train in the North of Scotland?  Well, as we have pointed out on the blog already, it's a great place to live and a great place to do your GP training, but don't just take our word for it, look at the evidence.

• Quality of training:- North of Scotland has over the years consistently been ranked highly in the GMC Trainee survey and in the latest 2012 survey we ranked number 1 in the UK. Not only that, feedback on our training program is consistently high.  Have a read of our trainee blogs and see what they say.

• Lifestyle:-  You will be spending 3 to 4 years in your GP training so it is important to find somewhere you really want to live.  The North of Scotland ranks at the very top of a number of lifestyle surveys.  Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and the Western and Northern Isles all rate highly.  GP trainees who come here want to stay here.  The vast majority of trainees that come here from elsewhere in Scotland or the UK end up wanting to stay.  So whether it is the great outdoor experiences of the Highlands and Islands or the restaurants and nightlife of the vibrant cities of Aberdeen and Inverness....we have something for everyone.

So make the right decision, come to the North of Scotland, 1st for Training, 1st for lifestyle!  We look forward to meeting up with you in August.

Stop Press, Some Late Rotation Changes.

Aberdeen Harbour Control

We have made some late changes to the Grampian 4 Year Rotations.  We have removed one of the orthopaedic posts in the 4 year program and replaced it with Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Rural Track Program

If you are interested in our rural track programs you may find this video helpful in your decision making.  The first couple of minutes are the best bit.  It gives a balanced view on both the rewards of rural practice and some of the challenges faced in providing rural health care and in working in rural areas..



For more information on our rural track programs go to our rural track program page or alternatively read this article from BMJ Careers in 2012. 

We have now released full details of our Rural Track Program rotations to start in August 2013.

If you wish to discuss our rural track program you can email Dr Elizabeth Barr the Program Director.

Recruitment Centre

Aberdeen Harbour Entrance at Sunset

Recruitment Centre opens in Edinburgh on Monday 4th February so good luck everyone!  Just to let you know there will be folders giving full details of our programs in the Candidate waiting rooms but don't worry if you dont get a chance to look at these as all the information is available here on our blog.

Members of the North Deanery Team will be working in the centre over the week however Recruitment Centre tends to be extremely busy for all concerned!  If you have any questions about our programs just drop Linda Crawford an email.

Remember, we are "1st for Training and 1st for Lifestyle", so why not come and start your new career in General Practice in the North of Scotland?

Winterwatch Comes From Aigas Near Inverness

This weeks Winterwatch series on BBC2 has been based at the Aigas Field Centre near Beauly, just outside Inverness.  There has been some fantastic photography both around Aigas and also up in the Cairngorms.  If you want to get a feel for some of the beautiful countryside around Inverness and up into the Eastern Glens  along with the plentiful wildlife that lives there then have a look at the Winterwatch series on iPlayer (only available for the next few days).

National Geographic Votes Moray Coast in Top 20 Coastal Destinations in The World

Findhorn

National Geographic Magazine has voted the Moray Coast equal 10th in its survey of the top 99 coastal destinations in the world.  So why not come and work on one of the most beautiful coasts in the world.  Our Caledonian program has several training practices including Buckie, Lossiemouth Forres and Elgin.

North of Scotland Programs Finalised

We have now finalised our GP Training Programs for the August 2013 entry so for details of all our programs follow the links below.

Grampian 3 Year Program
Caledonian 3 Year Program
Grampian 4 Year Program
Caledonian 4 Year Program

So come and train on the UKs most popular training program (as voted by trainees in the 2012 GMC survey) and live in one an area with outstanding lifestyle (as voted by numerous surveys)!