WHAT DO THEY DO? Consultant physician

Consultants receive the same basic medical training as doctors, but also get specialised training. Therefore, becoming a consultant often takes longer than becoming a GP. Because of the additional training, they’re at the top of the medical ladder. Most hospitals divide their wards into different speciality areas and a senior consultant will usually be in charge of this ward, overseeing the other consultants and doctors.

In the NHS, there are more than 60 specialities such as anaesthetics, ophthalmology and paediatrics. Each speciality has its own college or faculty that sets the standards for consultants, and all consultants need membership to the relevant faculty or college before being allowed to practice.