Work life balance in vibrant Valleys practice

Dr Gwyndaf Williams, 36, is already a senior partner in a thriving GP practice in the Rhondda valleys.

Acutely aware of popular misconceptions surrounding valleys life, he is keen to separate the fact from fiction and encourage more GPs to the area.

He explains: “I graduated from Cardiff University Medical School and completed my training at the Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr.

“Then, after a few years as a locum GP, I settled with my young family in a small town in the heart of the South Wales valleys.  I’ve been a senior partner at the DeWinton Field Practice in Tonypandy for the past two years.

“Many people are quick to dismiss the valleys of South Wales as an area with few long term prospects.

“In reality you’ll find warm, vibrant communities steeped in history and surrounded by some of the most picturesque mountains and forests around.

“There’s also lots of vibrant, young work places in the Welsh valleys and my own GP practice is no exception.

“I’m very proud to be one of the two senior partners at DeWinton Field Practice, which employs a dedicated group of five GPs, all under the age of 40.

“We’re a thriving young practice that delivers quality health care for the community in an environment where GPs can quickly progress and develop their careers.

“We’re also dedicated to supporting the next generation of medical students and have taught several at our practice over the last year.  In fact, we aspire to become a GP training practice in the future.

“Another bonus about training, working and living in Wales is the affordable cost of living compared to other areas across the UK.

“It’s also now easier than ever before for qualified GPs to register to work in Wales and start practising much sooner.

“And did I mention the fantastic work-life balance?

“Even though I’m a senior partner in a small but busy practice, I still have plenty of time outside of the day job to enjoy with my family and friends.

“Since settling in Tonypandy, I’ve made the most of the mountainous terrain to perfect my personal fitness.

“There’s nothing nicer than running and cycling in the great outdoors – it’s the perfect training ground and enabled me to prepare for the 140-Kilometer ‘Velothon Wales’ charity bike ride this year in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

“Don’t dismiss the South Wales valleys, take a closer look before deciding where to train, work and live.  You might just be pleasantly surprised.”

 

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