We’re proud to play a role in training the next generation of doctors and nurses. This year, we are hosting 4th year medical students, and in previous years have taught GP registrars and a Nurse Practitioner.
Taking the time to teach and support future clinicians is an important part of our practice and helps strengthen the future of healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand.
General Practice is so Fulfilling
A big part of what we offer is showing students the unique relationship that exists in general practice, something they don’t often see during hospital training. General practice is about continuity, trust, and understanding the bigger picture of a patient’s life and health over time. Helping students see this broader perspective is a core part of what we do.
Even if students don’t go on to become GPs, what they learn here still matters. If they become specialists, they will better understand - and hopefully value - the role general practice plays in the community and within the wider health system. And occasionally, they may even be inspired to join general practice after seeing how meaningful and rewarding it can be to build long-term relationships with patients and work as part of a close, supportive team.
Our team works hard, and caring for people in general practice takes energy in many different ways. We do this work because we genuinely care about people. We give much of our emotional reserves to support other human beings.
While we have the ability and energy to do so, we believe it’s important to pass it on. Teaching is one way we can contribute, by showing students that medicine can still be hopeful, meaningful, and grounded in connection. The goal is to help them see the cup as half full, and perhaps inspire the kind of clinicians we need for the future.
Hippocratic Oath
When we graduated, we made a professional commitment, a modern reflection of the Hippocratic oath, which includes passing on knowledge to those who come after us. Teaching is part of that responsibility, and something we take seriously.
Your Choice Matters
You may occasionally be asked if a medical student or trainee can be involved in your care. They are always supervised by an experienced clinician. Your consent is important - you are completely free to decline or request that a student is not present at any time. Your care will not be affected in any way by your decision.
We hope this helps explain why you may sometimes see students involved in your care, and why we value teaching as part of what we do.
