This month, we hear from Dr Pim Dhahan, a GP in Birmingham with a special interest in minor surgery. He shares his journey into minor operations, emphasising the importance of accredited courses and hands on experience gained through observation and supervised practice. He also outlines a number of benefits of the role such as providing a practical and engaging alternative to GP work and reducing hospital wait times.
Top Tips
Observe and get involved in your local area - If your practice already offers minor surgery, Pim suggests that you go and attend a session to see what is involved. If your practice does not perform minor operations, find out who does within your local Primary Care Network (PCN) and see if you can observe them. Observing others will help you determine if you truly have an interest and will enjoy this type of work.
Complete an accredited course - To carry out minor procedures in practice, you must first complete an accredited course. Look for courses run by the RCGP or through the Association of Surgeons in Primary Care. Pim, for instance, used his study budget to do the RCGP minor surgery course. These courses may include a small assessment, potentially involving practical elements like removing a paintball pellet from pig skin or assessing your suturing skills.
Gain hands-on experience with supervision - After completing an accredited course, do not immediately start performing procedures on your own. Pim advises you sit in with or assist someone who already performs minor surgery so they can observe you and ensure you are comfortable. Start by performing small procedures with a supervisor to build your confidence, then gradually move to doing them independently. It is important to build up your portfolio of accreditation and experience.
Explore funding opportunities - If you are a GP trainee and interested in minor ops, consider using your study budget to attend RCGP-accredited courses. However, if you are an established salaried doctor or partner, present a case to your practice. Highlight that minor surgery is beneficial for patients and can bring in funding that will surpass the cost of the course itself.
- Commit to regular practice and continuous auditing - Minor surgery is a skill that needs to be performed regularly to maintain proficiency. Continuously audit your work, checking for complications like infections, and assessing the accuracy of your diagnoses. Pim noted that he gets about 70% of his differentials correct, which is acceptable as long as no cancers are accidentally removed.
Further reading
RCGP Minor Surgery courses:
www.rcgp.org.uk/learning-resources/courses-and-events/minor-surgery
Association of Surgeons of Primary Care (ASPC):
www.aspc-uk.net/
Dr Pim Dhahan is a Birmingham based GP Partner, Trainer and TPD with a special interest in Minor Surgery and interest that started as a GP Trainee in Dermatology. His main focus of work is as a grass-roots GP based in North Birmingham.
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