GP recruitment and medical education: part of the solution?

Abstract

The current crisis in recruitment to general practice in the U.K. is likely, in part, to be caused by students’ and recent graduates’ negative perceptions of this career choice, perceptions which may have their roots in their experiences of general practice teaching and the effect of the ‘hidden curriculum’ in medical schools. There is some evidence that the expansion of the contribution of general practice in medical school curricula has stalled, and may even be shrinking, and of the diminishing visibility of general practice departments. Coupled with negative media and professional perceptions of general practice, the profession faces significant challenges in re-invigorating and re-inventing itself as an attractive career choice for students and recent graduates. General practice teachers and researchers in medical schools have significant opportunities to influence and improve many of these difficulties.