‘Needing to be seen and heard’: is this why GPs are educators?

Background Recruitment and retention of undergraduate (UG) GP educators is vital, they are essential to educating the next generation of doctors. The expected loss of GPs as they retire and leave the profession means clinical delivery is under tension; adding to the strain on the number of GP educators. With GP educators numbers decreasing and student numbers increasing, the pressure on the system is growing. Aim To explore the experience of the GP educator, investigate the impact participation in UG medical education has, the barriers there are, and what support educators need to continue. Method This qualitative study uses individual semi-structured interviews of four active GP educators with at least 4 years of experience teaching medical students in a primary care setting; these were then transcribed and thematically analysed. Results One of the most surprising results showed that GPs’ enjoyed their work as educators as it allowed them t’o be seen and heard’ . One participant stated; I want ‘ my blood, sweat and tears to mean something to somebody [the students] ’. It also allowed the GPs’ to reflect on their life’s work and gave them a platform to demonstrate this. Conclusion The Wass report, 2016 showed that students’ exposure to GPs in UG education plays a significant role in choosing a career in general practice. This exposure needs GPs to act as positive role-models. Further research is required to examine the GP educators’ need to ‘ be seen and heard ’, and if this can be used to recruit/retain GP educators.