The majority of GPs are combining their role with private practice and teaching as a way to manage the pressures of the job, research finds. 

Three-quarters of GPs now have portfolio careers, combining NHS practice with roles such as teaching, research, consultancy and private practice. The findings, from financial services provider Wesleyan, highlight a growing shift towards more varied and flexible ways of working in general practice. 

A survey of 500 doctors found that varied career paths are also becoming more common across the wider medical workforce, with 67% of doctors now holding multiple roles, up from 55% in 2024.

Alec Collie, head of medical at Wesleyan, says many are using portfolio careers as an “escape” and a way to manage the pressures of full-time NHS work. “And for the NHS, it’s become a retention strategy,” he added, with doctors staying for longer in frontline roles. 

The doctors surveyed said greater flexibility, opportunities for professional development and increased earning potential were among the reasons for pursuing additional roles. Among those without a portfolio career, most said they would like to pursue one in the future.

However, the report found that balancing different roles is, unsurprisingly, not without complications. Nearly six in ten doctors with a portfolio career said they had considered returning to just one job over the past year, citing workload pressures, administrative burdens and financial complexities among the reasons.

Those surveyed by Wesleyan said improved well-being support and greater access to financial advice would help make portfolio careers easier to manage.

The findings reflect a trend over recent years of GPs cutting down their hours. Last year, it was reported that just one in 13 early career GPs work full time, with unsustainable hours, overwhelming administrative tasks and the unrelenting stress of the job given as reasons. 

In April, the new GP contract came into effect, aiming to improve patient access through same-day urgent appointments. The government has also pledged almost £500 million to improve capacity, as part of ongoing action to recruit GPs. 

The new contract has not been welcomed by many; 99% of British Medical Association GP members voted to reject the changes, and the union is calling for collective action.