RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Distilling the essence of general practice: a learning journey in progress JF British Journal of General Practice JO Br J Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP e167 OP e176 DO 10.3399/bjgp09X420626 VO 59 IS 562 A1 John CM Gillies A1 Stewart W Mercer A1 Andrew Lyon A1 Mairi Scott A1 Graham CM Watt YR 2009 UL http://bjgp.org/content/59/562/e167.abstract AB Over the past 5 years, general practice in the UK has undergone major change. Starting with the introduction of the new GMS contract in 2004, it has continued apace with the establishment of Postgraduate Medical Education Training Board, a GP training curriculum, and nMRCGP. The NHS is developing very differently in the four countries of the UK. Regulation of the profession is under review, and a system of relicensing, recertification, and revalidation is being introduced. The Essence project, initiated by RCGP Scotland in conjunction with International Futures Forum 4 years ago is a constructive response to these changes. It has included learning journeys, a discussion day for GPs, and commissioned short pieces of 100 words from GPs and patients. From an analysis of these, some characteristics of the essence of general practice have been defined. These include key roles and core personal qualities for GPs. It is argued that general practice has important and unique advantages — trust, coordination, continuity, flexibility, universal coverage, and leadership — which mean that it should continue to be central to the development of primary care throughout the UK.