Main description:

A collection of life experiences, anecdotes and suggestions from an experienced GP and GP trainer focusing on the emotional intelligence required to be a great GP.

The Art of General Practice is a short text written by an experienced GP and GP trainer. It is a book which will help focus the mind of the reader (GPs of all descriptions: young GPs, returners to general practice and even jaded GPs) on what it means to be a GP. Too often general practice focuses on guidelines, ever-changing targets, incentives or the academic side of medicine and the art and craft of being a GP is forgotten.

The book aims to redress the balance; it helps the reader refocus on the emotional intelligence needed to be a great GP. The book consists of a number of short chapters so the busy GP can dip in and out of it as time allows - each chapter helps the reader re-centre on the core skills and techniques needed to be a great GP, and the benefits these skills will bring to both GPs and patients alike.

There is almost no medicine in this book; it is a book of life experiences, anecdotes and suggestions - all aimed to help you survive the increasing pressures of general practice and make your life as a GP more interesting and less stressful.

Contents:

SECTION 1 - SOFT SKILLS

1. Greeting the patient

2. More greetings

3. Routines

4. One consultation, one problem

5. Don't say that!

6. Only the lonely

7. I second that emotion

8. Seeing the world through the patient's eyes

9. "Take (extra) care"

10. Second opinions

11. Silence and small talk

12. Shared grief

13. Dying to help

14. It's all a game of chess

15. The return of vinyl

16. The best form of defence

17. The best form of defence, part 2

SECTION 2 - LOOKING AFTER NUMBER ONE or STAYIN' ALIVE

18. Finding the sweet spot

19. "I try to look after myself so I can look after you"

20. I'm curious to know if you're curious

21. Yes but.....

22. Get off the bus

23. Timing is everything

24. Go off-piste

25. Good connections

26. Tools in the toolbox

Conclusion