The practice has been approved by the University of Leeds for the teaching and education of medical students.  In addition the practice has been recognised by the Yorkshire Deanery, a body responsible for doctor training, as a practice qualified to train doctors wishing to become GPs.

To qualify as a GP currently takes a minimum of 10 years of training, split into various stages.  As a training practice, we are involved with training at each stage of a prospective GPs training.

The first stage in becoming a GP involves 5 years of University Education where a student learns about all aspects of medicine and clinical practice.  In their final years at University, students undertake placements in GP Practices where they gain knowledge of how General Practice works.

Bowling Hall Medical Practice has medical students throughout the year.  The students are in the practice for a period of approximately 6 weeks at a time.  They have not yet qualified as doctors, and so will not make decisions about your diagnosis and treatment without a qualified doctor being present.

As they are training and as part of their education, we may ask you to allow a student to discuss your medical history or problems with you, or examine you.  It is entirely your choice whether you allow this or not.

If a medical student is sitting in with the doctor, you will be informed when you arrive for your appointment.  If, for any reason, you would prefer not to be seen with a student present, please let the receptionist or the doctor know.  It is your decision if a medical student be present in your consultation.

When a student finishes their time at University, they qill qualify as a Doctor.  At this point these new doctors usually undertake two further years of training known as foundation years.  During these two years the doctor will have several 4 months placements in various different hospital departments, as well as a 4 month placement in a GP Practice during their second foundation year.  During this placement they are involved in all aspects of the practice, including carrying out consultations and doing home visits under the supervision of a GP.

You may be offered an appointment to see the foundation year doctor and most patients do not find this a problem.  However, if for any reason you would prefer not to see them please make the receptionist aware when you make an appointment.

When a Doctor finishes their two foundation years they will make a decision regarding what part of medicine they want to go into - for example, they could choose to be a General Practitioner, a Surgeon or a Hospital Consultant.  If the Doctor decides to become a GP they face a final 3 years of training during which they have placements in various GP Practices which usually last either 6 months or 12 months each.

As part of their training, registrars are involved in all aspects of the practice, including carrying out consultations and home visits just like a GP.

You may be offered an appointment to see the registrar and most patients do not find this a problem.  However, if for any reason you would prefer not to see them please make the receptionist aware when you make an appointment.