Heather Brand is a GP registrar in her final 6 months of training who works in a GP practice with a special interest in women's health. She had initially not wanted to be a GP after a bad experience as a medical student, but realized in hindsight that her student experience did not reflect the real work of a GP. Her training path included an internship, residency program, obstetrics work, and a medical trip to Cambodia before beginning GP training in 2010. She enjoys working with pregnant women and babies but also likes the variety that prevents boredom as a GP. The flexibility of a GP career allows her to balance work with spending time with family and friends.

1. Being a GP Registrar:Why choose GP?Heather Brand

2. Who am I?GP registrar in my final 6 months of trainingWork in Currambine in a GP practiceSpecial interest in women’s health

3. What does training look like?

4. How did I get here?Never wanted to be a GPHated it as a medical studentIn hindsight: real GP has nothing to do with what I experienced in general practice as a student. Moral of the story: don’t write off GP because you had a bad time as a student.

5. Obstetrics in VanuatuMy student elective

6. Medical trip to CambodiaI was in intern working with GPs

7. How did I get here?Intern at Charlies in 2008Community Residency (PGPPP) in 2009Then 6 months at King Eddies (O&G)Started in GP training in January 2010Sat the RACGP exams earlier this year

8. Why GP?I worked out I like pregnant women and babiesBut I also like lots of other thingsGP lets me do what I enjoyGP has the variety to keep me interested

9. Why else?I like peopleGP lets me connect with people It allows me to build long term doctor – patient relationshipsPeople choose to see me

10. Why else?At the end of the day I want to come home to this… And have time to do this…

11. Why else?And I get to spend time with family and friends…GP training offers flexibility that suits what I want, whilst doing something I enjoy.