Illuminating Primary Care

The Future of General Practice: Reform, Risk, And Decisions That Matter

Recent documents linked to the government’s 10-year health plan have revealed thinking behind a review of the Carr-Hill funding formula. While the formula itself is widely accepted as outdated, the proposals being explored go far beyond a technical recalibration.
 
They point towards a future in which funding is more conditional, more targeted, and more closely linked to outcomes, patient experience, and workforce participation.
 
For GP Partners, this marks a significant shift – one that will influence not just finances, but leadership, structure, and staffing decisions across practices.
 
Matthew sits down with David Clark, Executive Partner in the Southwest to discuss his thoughts on this.
00:09 Introductions
00:48 Why is reform in general practice inevitable
04:18 Are the current models in Primary Care outdated?
07:32 Looking at the Carr Hill formular
13:12 The potential impact on Practice funding
17:52 How can changes be applied to both large and small practices?
21:04 How can practices mitigate risk?
24:20 How do you find the headspace to consider your approach
28:32 How different approaches to change may look
31:42 How important is it to have someone business oriented in the practice?
37:25 How can you future proof your practice?
44:10 Potential issues with the same format for all practices
47:32 Final thoughts on how to protect yourself and mitigate risk
 

A UK GP's Journey Towards Moving to Australia

In this episode of the Menlo Park Recruitment Podcast, Thomas Tallis sits down with Dr Mandeep Bhattarai, a UK-trained GP who is making the exciting move to live and work in Australia.
Mandeep shares his honest, first-hand experience—from the early thoughts of working abroad, to navigating the Australian healthcare system, understanding the ECFMG process, and embracing a better work/life balance.
This episode is a must-watch for any UK GP considering a move to Australia and wanting real insight into the pathway, challenges, and lifestyle on offer.
 
⏱️ Episode timestamps:
00:56 – Mandeep’s introduction to his clinical background
02:23 – When Mandeep first considered being a UK GP in Australia
07:51 – Why GP practices’ hands are tied
09:14 – A look at the Australian healthcare system
09:40 – Work/life balance
10:26 – What does the pathway to Australia look like?
18:47 – How Mandeep overcame doubts about moving
24:40 – The realities of planning a big move
25:26 – The ECFMG process explained
30:23 – How support helped Mandeep make the move
42:22 – The most exciting parts about moving to Australia
47:04 – Work to live, not live to work 50:58 – What lifestyle can you expect in Australia?
53:46 – Mandeep’s advice for UK GPs considering this move
 
👉 If you’re a GP thinking about working in Australia, or just curious about what life and work could look like down under, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world insight.

How to Feel Fulfilled and Happy as a GP Again | A UK GP’s Experience of Working in Canada

🎧 How to Feel Fulfilled and Happy as a GP Again | A UK GP’s Experience of Working in Canada 🇨🇦
Are you a UK GP feeling burnt out, undervalued, or simply curious about what life could look like working abroad? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Richard, a UK-trained GP who made the leap to Canada, to talk about his journey, the practicalities of moving, and how it transformed his personal and professional life.
Whether you're actively considering relocating or just looking for insight into how general practice differs in Canada vs. the UK, this episode is packed with valuable information and first-hand experience.
 
🔎 Topics covered include:00:00:00 – Introductions00:01:36 – Richard's GP background and decision to move00:04:21 – What inspired the move to Canada00:07:17 – How he discovered opportunities abroad00:09:40 – The process of moving as a GP00:12:01 – Key differences in working as a GP in Canada vs the UK00:14:23 – Canadian patient expectations00:16:10 – Leaving the NHS behind00:19:58 – Comparing primary care in UK and Canada00:24:01 – Building a patient list in Canada00:29:46 – A day in the life of a Canadian GP00:33:05 – GP salary and earnings potential in Canada00:36:50 – Has the move been worth it?00:42:54 – What’s to love about life in Canada00:45:55 – Biggest challenge of relocating00:50:02 – Any surprises about working in Canada?00:54:09 – Final reflections00:57:48 – Advice for GPs considering the move
💬 Thinking about working as a GP in Canada?This episode is a must-listen for GPs, family doctors, or medical professionals in the UK considering emigration, exploring overseas GP jobs, or just wanting to rekindle their passion for general practice.
 
👉 Subscribe for more real stories from doctors working abroad and healthcare professionals sharing life beyond the NHS.

Locked Up, Not Left Out: The GP Bringing Care to Prisoners

What’s it really like to be a GP behind bars?
 
In this powerful episode of Illuminating Primary Care, host Matthew Okey sits down with prison GP Dr Zahra Small to explore the realities of working in one of the most challenging healthcare environments.
 
From the structure of a typical day to managing high-pressure situations, Zahra shares honest insights into the emotional and professional demands of prison medicine, along with the surprising rewards.
 
🔍 Topics covered:
What a typical day looks like as a prison GP
Unique challenges and patient needs in secure settings
Strategies for handling stress and maintaining wellbeing
Why some GPs choose to work in prisons... and love it
 
Whether you're curious about non-traditional GP careers or want to better understand the intersections of medicine and the justice system, this episode offers a rare look into a vital but often overlooked role in primary care.

Life in Canada - Falling in love with Vancouver

Thinking of Moving to Canada as a UK GP? Discover Life in Vancouver, Canada | Podcast with Lee & Thomas
In this episode, Thomas is joined by Lee to explore what life is really like as a UK GP living in Vancouver. From stunning beaches and vibrant city life to world-class ski resorts, Vancouver offers a unique lifestyle that might just be the perfect fit for you.
Lee shares his personal experiences, what drew him to the area, and why he believes Vancouver is a fantastic option for UK doctors considering a move abroad.
👉 Whether you're actively planning or just curious about working overseas, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Inside the Walls: A Day in the Life of a Prison GP

🎧 Inside the Walls: A Day in the Life of a Prison GP
What’s it really like to be a doctor behind bars? In this episode, we sit down with Yusuf Rushdi, a GP who works inside the prison system to uncover the realities of providing healthcare in a secure environment.
We talk about:🔹 What a typical day looks like for a prison GP🔹 Why they chose to work in this unique setting🔹 How it compares to being a GP in a community practice🔹 The challenges, surprises, and human stories from within the prison walls
Whether you're curious about prison healthcare, thinking of working in secure settings, or just want to hear a fascinating and honest perspective — this one's for you.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of healthcare.

Everything You NEED to Know About Hybrid Working in Primary Care

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of hybrid working in primary care, what it is, how it works, and what it means for healthcare professionals, patients, and the future of general practice.
 
Whether you're a GP, practice manager, nurse, or part of the admin team, this episode will give you the insights you need to understand the benefits, challenges, and practical steps to make hybrid working a success in your setting.
 
In this episode, we cover:
What hybrid working actually means in a primary care context
Real-life examples of successful hybrid models
Tips for maintaining team cohesion and patient care quality
How to manage digital and face-to-face workflows
The tech and policies that support hybrid work

Being a UK GP in Canada, everything you need to know

Thinking about taking your GP career overseas? Why not consider Canada?
In this episode, Thomas explores everything you need to know about working as a General Practitioner in Canada.
From what a typical day looks like to where you can practice, we cover the most frequently asked questions and offer a clear picture of what life and work could be like for you and your family in Canada.
Whether you're just starting to explore the idea or already planning your move, this episode is packed with practical insights to help guide your decision.
 
 

Have GPs been let down by the change to ARRS funding?

Has ARRS funding made GP recruitment worse? Matthew and Patrick share part two of their podcast looking into ARRS funding.
Since the de-ringfencing of the ARRS funding, what has this meant for GP recruitment?
Has this change actually made the GP recruitment worse? We take a look into this further.

ARRS Funding… Is it a booster shot rather than a cure?

Matthew and Patrick take a look at ARRS funding and how this is impacting General Practice at the moment. 
 
Is ARRS Funding a booster shot, rather than a cure?
 
Join Matthew and Patrick as they explore this topic in more detail.