Training for purpose - a blueprint for social accountability and health equity focused GP training

The way that we train our future GPs does not always prepare them to identify and meet the health needs of the individuals and populations they serve. In this article we describe how GP training could adapt to incorporate concepts and examples of social accountability and contribute to health equity. We explore the concept of social accountability and how it applies to GP training; the social determinants of health; and the role of the GP in mitigating health inequalities. We give examples of where GP training supports social accountability and health equity and propose twelve principles of training for purpose, which provide a blueprint for action to ensure that future GPs can meet the health needs of the population they serve and help reduce unfair, unequal patient outcomes.