Medical Training

Howden is one of West Lothian's best known teaching practices.  Countless General Practice Registrars, Junior Doctors, Medical Students, and Nursing Students have passed through our doors over the past 30 years.  We are one of only a handful practices in Scotland which provides training for newly qualified doctors.

General Practice Registrars

These fully registered doctors are near the completion of their vocational training in General Practice.  They will have already completed a minimum of 3 years of postgraduate hospital training before starting the final GP year.  During their year working at Howden they will be supervised by their GP Trainer, and undergo progressive assessment over the year.  On successful completion of this year they will be able to practice as independent GPs.

Junior Doctors

These newly qualified doctors each spend 4 months working at Howden under the close supervision of one of the senior GPs.  This post is rare in the UK, but gives junior doctors an early insight into how General Practice works.  Howden has been involved with junior doctor training since 1999.  The Howden junior doctors rotate through other posts at St John's Hospital during their pre registration year.  On successful completion of their training, they become fully registered doctors with the GMC.

Medical Students

Howden GPs have been teaching 4th year medical students from Edinburgh University for many years.  The main objective of their 3 week attachment to the practice is to improve their consultation skills.  Patients may be asked if they will see a medical student for a consultation to help in this training.  They will then see one of the supervising GPs.