GPs (General Practitioners) have spent many years training to become a family doctor. This includes six years in medical school getting a medical degree, one or more years as a hospital intern, and may include a further three years in on-the-job training in general practice. The Medical Council, which is the registration body for all doctors in Ireland, recognises general practice as a medical speciality.

GP training schemes ensure young doctors get the widest possible experience. The hospital part of this training is very relevant to general practice.

Membership of the Irish College of General Practitioners or Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP) show that the doctor in question has successfully taken the main general practice examinations, usually after their GP training course, and is a member of the professional body for general practice, the ICGP.

Even with these qualifications under their belts, GPs continue their studies in particular areas to give them extra expertise and to keep them up to date with advances in treatment and research into certain illnesses.
For example, they may do courses in family planning, child health or minor surgery. Even though your GP may be many years in practice, he or she still attends educational meetings and courses to brush up on skills and to update their medical knowledge in a fast moving world.

Although most GPs have the same qualifications, there is a wide range of types of general practice, from one-doctor (singlehanded) practices to larger surgeries with a number of GPs and practice staff.

If you do not have a medical card you must pay for the services provided by GP.  There are no set fees or charges in Ireland for GP services. If you wish to check costs, you have to contact the surgery directly in advance of a visit for more information. The relationship between a patient and a GP is essentially a contract - you enter into a contract with your GP to provide you with services and you pay for the service. GPs may provide certain services to private patients free of charge - for example, maternity and infant welfare services and immunisation and vaccination services if they have agreements with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to do so. In the case of some vaccination services, (for example, the flu vaccine), the arrangement for private patients is that the actual vaccination is free of charge but you must pay for the GP's service. Standard blood tests are also free, as these tests are processed in public hospitals. Again, you must pay for the GP appointment.