(Watch the video at the end of this page).
On 12 September 2026, AIPPS Ireland successfully organised a hybrid educational guidance forum titled “Your Career as a GP in Ireland”, bringing together doctors and aspiring General Practitioners from different parts of Ireland for an afternoon of practical career guidance, professional discussion and networking.
The event focused on two important routes into General Practice in Ireland: the ICGP Training Scheme and the HSE Non-EU Rural GP Scheme. These were the two principal pathways highlighted in the official event programme.
Held as a hybrid event, the session gave participants the flexibility to attend in person in Letterkenny or join remotely on ZOOM. This format enabled AIPPS Ireland to reach doctors beyond the local area and create an accessible educational opportunity for those considering General Practice as their future career.
Bringing GP Career Guidance Closer to Doctors
Choosing a career pathway can be challenging, particularly for international medical graduates and doctors who may be unfamiliar with the structure of postgraduate medical training in Ireland. Questions around eligibility, application requirements, timelines, examinations, references, training opportunities and long-term career progression can often make the process appear more complicated than it actually is.
The purpose of this session was therefore simple: to bring doctors who have experience of these pathways together with those who are now preparing to apply. Instead of relying only on written guidance, attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from doctors familiar with GP training in Ireland, ask questions and gain practical insights into the application process.
The programme was designed around education, realistic career planning and peer-to-peer support, reflecting AIPPS Ireland’s wider commitment to professional development and community support for doctors. The official event material highlighted advocacy for doctors, professional development and community support as key areas of AIPPS activity.
Understanding the ICGP Training Scheme
A significant part of the discussion centred on the ICGP GP Training Scheme, one of the main routes for doctors wishing to train as General Practitioners in Ireland. The session provided attendees with a clearer understanding of the application journey, including the stages involved, preparation requirements and the importance of planning ahead.
Practical information around application timelines and the different stages of the selection process was particularly valuable for doctors preparing to apply for upcoming training places. One of the major strengths of an event like this is that participants are able to move beyond simply reading eligibility criteria. They can hear how the process works in practice, what preparation may be required and where applicants should focus their efforts. For doctors who may be applying for the first time, this type of guidance can help them approach the process with greater confidence and a more structured plan.
Exploring the HSE Non-EU Rural GP Scheme
The programme also covered the HSE Non-EU Rural GP Scheme, providing information for doctors interested in another pathway into General Practice. The official event programme specifically identified both the ICGP Training Scheme and the HSE Non-EU Rural GP Scheme as the focus of the forum.
Having both pathways discussed in the same session gave participants an opportunity to better understand the options available to them and consider which route may be most appropriate for their individual circumstances and career goals. This was particularly useful for doctors who may have heard about different GP pathways but were unsure how they differ or where they should begin.
Experienced Speakers Sharing Practical Insights
The forum brought together doctors with direct experience of General Practice training pathways in Ireland. The official programme listed Dr Fatima Mueen, ICGP Trainee in Kilkenny; Dr Salman Aslam, ICGP Trainee in Donegal; and Dr Hafiz Haseeb, Rural GP Scheme Trainee, among the speakers.
Their contributions helped make the session practical and relatable.
Rather than presenting General Practice only as a theoretical career option, the speakers were able to discuss the pathway from the perspective of doctors who have experienced the system themselves. This gave attendees an opportunity to learn about application preparation, training expectations and the realities of progressing towards a career in Irish General Practice. The interactive nature of the event also allowed participants to raise their own questions and seek clarification on areas particularly relevant to them.
Doctors Travelled From Across Ireland
One of the most encouraging aspects of the event was the geographical diversity of the participants. Doctors travelled to the in-person session in Letterkenny from different parts of Ireland, including Dublin, Dundalk, Portlaoise, Sligo and Buncrana, while others participated online. Seeing doctors travel significant distances to attend demonstrated the level of interest in clear and accessible information about GP careers in Ireland. It also highlighted the value of organising educational activities outside the larger cities. Letterkenny provided an excellent setting for doctors from the North West and beyond to meet one another, exchange experiences and develop new professional connections.
More Than a Lecture: Building Professional Connections
Although education was the central purpose of the event, the session also provided an opportunity for networking and informal conversation. Food and refreshments were served during the in-person gathering, allowing attendees to spend time together before, during and after the educational programme. These informal conversations are often an important part of professional events.
A question that someone may feel reluctant to raise during a formal presentation can sometimes be discussed more comfortably over food with a colleague who has already gone through the same experience. The gathering therefore became more than simply a presentation about GP applications. It created a supportive environment where doctors could meet, share experiences and help one another understand the next steps in their careers.
A Hybrid Model for Professional Education
The hybrid format was another important feature of the event. The official programme offered participants the opportunity to attend the Letterkenny session while also making the event accessible online. For doctors working busy hospital rotas, living in different counties or unable to travel, online access can make the difference between being able to participate and missing an educational opportunity altogether.
At the same time, maintaining an in-person element preserves the networking and community-building benefits that can be difficult to reproduce entirely online. AIPPS Ireland hopes to continue using accessible formats like this to connect healthcare professionals across Ireland and support doctors at different stages of their careers.
Watch the Full Event Recording
Continuing AIPPS Ireland’s Commitment to Doctors
This successful guidance forum reflects the broader mission of AIPPS Ireland to support doctors through education, advocacy, professional development and community engagement. For doctors beginning their journey towards General Practice in Ireland, access to reliable information and experienced colleagues can make career planning considerably easier. AIPPS Ireland would like to sincerely thank the speakers, moderators, organisers, volunteers, online participants and everyone who travelled to Letterkenny to take part.
AIPPS Ireland will continue working to create educational opportunities that help doctors make informed career decisions, develop professionally and build stronger professional networks across Ireland.
