Portfolio GP - Aesthetic Medicine

Working as a General Practitioner with a Special Interest in Aesthetic Medicine 

Aesthetic medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on improving the appearance of the skin and body. General practitioners (GPs) with a special interest in aesthetic medicine have additional training and experience in performing non-invasive and minimally invasive aesthetic procedures. They can help patients to achieve their aesthetic goals, while also ensuring that their safety and well-being are paramount. 

What it takes to become a GP with a special interest in aesthetic medicine 

To become a GP with a special interest in aesthetic medicine, you must first complete a medical degree. After graduating from medical school, you must complete a 3-year GP training program. Once you have completed your GP training, you can then pursue additional training in aesthetic medicine. There are a number of different ways to get additional training in aesthetic medicine. You can complete a postgraduate diploma or fellowship in aesthetic medicine, or you can undertake a period of supervised training with an aesthetic medicine specialist. There is currently no regulation to what qualifications you need, many non-medical do this sort of work. The advantage of being a doctor is being able to prescribe some of the medicines needed. Also note that you don't need to be a GP to do this sort of work. 

What to expect in your role 

As a GP with a special interest in aesthetic medicine, you can expect to see a wide range of patients, from those who are looking to improve their appearance in subtle ways to those who are seeking more dramatic results. You will need to be able to assess each patient's individual needs and concerns, and then develop a personalized treatment plan. 

Your treatment plan may include a combination of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, such as: 

• Botulinum toxin injections 
• Dermal fillers 
• Chemical peels 
• Laser skin treatments 
• Microneedling 
• PRP injections 

You will also need to provide your patients with information about the procedures you are recommending, and answer their questions. It is important to be honest and realistic with patients about what they can expect from treatment, and to ensure that they are making informed decisions. 

In addition to your clinical work, you may also be involved in teaching and research. You may teach other GPs how to perform aesthetic medicine procedures, or you may conduct research on new aesthetic medicine techniques and technologies. You likely have to grow your clinic by creating a 'brand' on social media. You will need to know how to use this to generate business.

The benefits of working as a GP with a special interest in aesthetic medicine 

There are a number of benefits to working as a GP with a special interest in aesthetic medicine. 

These include: 

• The opportunity to help patients to achieve their aesthetic goals and improve their quality of life 
• The satisfaction of seeing patients' confidence increase after treatment 
• The opportunity to develop expertise in a growing field of medicine 
• The opportunity to teach and mentor other healthcare professionals 
• Financial rewards. This is outside the scope of the NHS so you can set your own rates. As you build your business, you can likely increase your rates as you get more experienced or even create new clinics elsewhere. 

If you are interested in a career as a GP with a special interest in aesthetic medicine, there are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself: 

• This could involve volunteering at an aesthetic medicine clinic
• Complete a postgraduate diploma or fellowship in aesthetic medicine. 
• Undertake a period of supervised training with an aesthetic medicine specialist. 
• Network with other GPs with a special interest in aesthetic medicine.
• Keep up to date with the latest developments in aesthetic medicine research and practice. 

Working as a GP with a special interest in aesthetic medicine can be a rewarding and challenging career. It is a great opportunity to help patients to achieve their aesthetic goals, and to improve their quality of life. It can also appeal to those who are business minded, as you will have to handle advertising and your own finances