The training of a physician.

Training of the physician in the United Kingdom comprises two separate but contiguous elements: (1) Preparation for and success in the entrance examination (MRCP or equivalent); this is usually covered by the title, General Professional Training (GPT); (2) further or Higher Medical Training (HMT) in General (Internal) Medicine or one of its specialties; this usually leads to accreditation which is a desirable but not essential prerequisite to appointment as a consultant. The minimum period associated with these is 3 years for GPT and 4 years for HMT.