Supervision

A GP supervisor is a general practitioner who plays a pivotal role in fostering an educational relationship that supports both the clinical and personal development of a learner – whether that learner is a medical student, prevocational doctor, specialist international medical professional, or a GP/RG registrar.

GP supervisors fulfil multiple responsibilities, including:

• Clinical Overseer – ensuring safe and effective patient care while learners observe and participate.
• Educator – providing instruction and imparting knowledge tailored to the learner’s level of expertise.
• Mentor – guiding the learner through both professional challenges and personal growth.
• Role Model – demonstrating best practices and professional standards in everyday clinical work.
• Assessor – evaluating the learner’s progress and competencies in a structured manner.
• Coach – supporting the learner in developing particular skills and fostering their self-efficacy.
• Pastoral Carer – attending to the emotional and psychological well-being of the learner.

In fulfilling these roles, GP supervisors must balance the competing demands of patient safety, the educational experience and safety of their learners, in addition to managing their own well-being, their patient load and the supervision team.

This multiplicity of roles makes GP supervisors fundamental to the training and development of future GPs and RGs, underscoring their status as the cornerstone of GP training and thus central to the future health of our communities.