- Page navigation anchor for What factors influence intention towards a career in general practice?What factors influence intention towards a career in general practice?We read with interest the article by Merrett et al1 on young doctors’ attitudes towards a career in general practice (GP) and have collated complementary data from students. We have surveyed all final year medical students at Newcastle University, on completion of their rotation in GP, over the last two academic years. Responses were received for 578 students (response rate=85%). Students were asked whether they intended to pursue a career in GP and which factors influenced their decision.We identified a range of themes that positively influenced career intention. These included: specific practice related factors such as good GP role models; “Dr X has shown me how important a good GP can be”; career related factors such as work life balance; and speciality related factors such as variety of presentations encountered: “Find GP an interesting career with good opportunity to see a large variety of patients and build up a good rapport. However main benefit for me was also the work-life balance”. Negative influences on GP career intention included stress amongst GPs, lack of procedural skills and lone working: “I feel GP is slightly exhausting, and there is not as much interaction with other professionals during the day”.Negative comments from hospital doctors were also cited: “GP has appealed to me in the past, however the berating they get from...Show MoreCompeting Interests: None declared.