ABSTRACT
In the process of modernising the National Health Service (NHS) it remains crucial to develop its workforce. For general practitioners (GPs), nurses and allied health professionals working in primary care, developing their roles will enable more patients to be managed out of hospital and away from the secondary care sector. Before attempting to understand what we mean by a GP with a special interest, we need to know what a GP actually is. The definition of a GP varies from time to time as their role changes and develops. Having a 'special interest' is nothing new. Traditionally, many GPs over the years have had special interests in subjects such as education, occupational health, management, complimentary medicine and many others. Although the term 'GPs with special interest' (GPwSI) is new, the concept is not. However, this new term gives recognition to the training and work of many generalist GPs who have pursued other clinical interests.
