General Practitioner

General Practitioner (GP) Doctors treat and prevent illnesses, diseases, injuries, and other physical and mental impairments.

General Practitioner Job Description

Advise patients and community members about diet, hygiene, and disease prevention measures.

Explain procedures, test results, or prescribed treatment regimes with patients.

Monitor patients' conditions and progress and re-evaluate treatments whenever necessary.

Participate in clinical research on new cures and treatments and communicate research findings.

Perform minor surgical procedures on patients to remove, repair, or improve infected or injured body parts.

Note

While General Practitioner Doctors focus on common illnesses and ailments, they also need to be able to diagnose issues that may be more serious for further investigation.

What you should know about General Practitioner jobs in Singapore

Nature of work

You will conduct regular patient consultations involving health assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Key advice

Stay updated with the medical research and advancements in primary care to provide the best possible treatment to your patients.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
In Singapore, a medical degree is only available at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) or the National University of Singapore (NUS). In NTU, applicants need to take the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) on top of the GCE 'A' Level examination.

Alternatively, you may join the Duke-NUS Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme or overseas medical programmes recognised by the Singapore Medical Council.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a General Practitioner career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Diagnostic and Clinical Management

Proficiency in diagnosing a wide range of health conditions and managing them clinically.

Knowledge of Adverse Drug Reactions

In-depth understanding of various medications and their potential adverse reactions.

Emergency Response

Be adept at handling urgent medical situations, providing immediate care and treatment or referral.

Soft Skills

Compassion

A compassionate approach to patient care, essential for understanding and addressing their health concerns.

Empathy

The ability to empathise with patients, crucial for building trust and providing personalised care.

Communication

Excellent communication skills, vital for explaining medical conditions and treatment plans clearly to patients.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What if aspiring candidates cannot get into local medical schools?

There are a couple of options available: Take an undergraduate course in a related degree e.g. Biomedical Engineering. Then apply for a master's degree at Duke NUS or overseas universities recognised by the Singapore Medical Council or a degree from overseas universities recognised by the Singapore Medical Council. Lastly, they can retake A-Levels in the United Kingdom.
Can General Practitioners choose which hospital to work in?

No, it is the medical school's decision. House officers are usually posted to hospitals that need more Doctors. Each posting lasts around four months. There are three postings, whereby a house officer works at different departments within the same hospital.
How does the role of General Practitioners differ from other specialities?

There are many differences between the role of General Practitioners and other specialities. For example, General Practitioners serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking medical advice, and handling initial assessments of patients who may require specialised care.
Can General Practitioners perform surgeries?

No, General Practitioners generally do not perform surgeries.
How do General Practitioners collaborate with Specialists and other Healthcare professionals?

General Practitioners often refer patients to Specialists for further evaluation and treatment, allowing patients to receive specialised care while they continue to oversee the patient's health.