New ICGP figures reveal a rising level of interest in becoming a GP, with 1,311 medical graduates having applied for GP training in 2024.
According to the ICGP, this was the highest ever number of applications for GP training places. The College also noted that 350 places will be filled on the 2024 training programme, a record increase of 20 per cent on last year’s intake.
“It is very encouraging that so many doctors are choosing general practice as their career, which offers a good work-life balance with strong career prospects and great opportunities to specialise,” said ICGP CEO, Mr Fintan Foy.
“The College is working with key stakeholders to establish new training schemes and additional day release within existing GP training schemes. We are working closely with the HSE NDTP [National Doctors training and Planning], using a data-driven approach to target areas of high population growth and areas of unmet need.”
A statement from the Department of Health described the level of interest as ‘unprecedented’.
In the statement, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly welcomed the figures and stated that “general practice is building on its already strong reputation as a worthwhile career choice for medical graduates”.
“The expansion in the number of training places for GPs to 350 in 2024 confirms the commitment to deliver this reform by increasing the number of GPs delivering essential services to patients,” according to the Minister.
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