Primary Care Career Perceptions: Comparing Temperament and Character Inventory Profiles of Medical Students with General Practitioners

The structural integrity of the Hungarian healthcare system is threatened by a systemic shortage of General Practitioners (GPs), with 1021 districts remaining vacant as of March 2026. This study assessed demographic characteristics, perceived career attributes, and temperament and character traits of 144 medical students and 72 practicing GPs, achieving an overall response rate of 91.5%, using the TCI-55 inventory to identify factors influencing professional pathways. Statistical analysis utilized Mann–Whitney U, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests. Results showed only 6 students indicated family medicine as their first choice, compared to 49 GPs (p < 0.001). Students frequently perceived the field as “boring” (82 students vs. 1 GP, p < 0.001) and burdened by “trivial patient problems” (44 students vs. 7 GPs, p = 0.001), while GPs highlighted “stress” (15 GPs vs. 4 students, p < 0.001) as a primary disadvantage. Students scored significantly higher in the temperament dimensions of Novelty Seeking (p < 0.001) and Reward Dependence (p < 0.001). Addressing these educational misperceptions and urgently mitigating the structural drivers of occupational stress and workforce fatigue are critical public health priorities required to ensure the sustainability of primary care, maintain the continuity of preventive services, and safeguard equitable population health outcomes.