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Background General practice/family medicine has a different outlook, and a distinct body of knowledge compared to other disciplines in clinical medicine. High-quality research is considered essential to guide the practice of modern medicine. The modern research doctorate was designed in the early 19th century to develop an independent researcher capable of being appointed as a university professor. Doctorates are an important process in advancing the academic strength of our discipline.
Aim To identify newly acquired doctorate academics in general practice whose doctorate was awarded in the period 2000–2024.
Method All doctoral theses written by qualified or training GPs/FPs between 1 Jan 2000 and 31 Dec 2024 were sought. National doctoral databases, websites of departments of GP/FP, international journals of GP/FP, and proceedings of international conferences were searched to identify those GPs/FPs who possessed a doctoral qualification. Medical registration, university department, university libraries LinkedIn, ORCID and ResearchGate websites provided data on date and university of initial medical degree and doctorate along with the title of the thesis.
Results As of 30 Sept 2024, 3001 doctorates written by 2998 GPs/FPs from 68 countries were identified. 51% of authors were female. 930 authors were now professors or associate professors. The highest thesis-producing countries were Spain (16%) the Netherlands (11%) the UK (10%) Sweden (8%) Australia (6%). Only 12 universities produced more than 2 theses a year on average. Non-OECD countries except for Brazil had very small numbers.
Conclusion Are the numbers of trained researchers sufficient to provide for our needs, particularly in less developed countries? Can the process be improved?
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British Journal of General Practice
