Developing a career as a GP educationalist: contemporary challenges and workforce solutions

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Primary Care
• Workforce Development

Background:

• General Practice (GP) educationalists play a key role in medical training and primary care advancement.
• Current opportunities for GP educationalists in the UK are fragmented and inconsistent.
• The sustainability of this clinical academic group faces significant challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify challenges impacting the sustainability of GP educationalists.
• To outline career development opportunities for GP educationalists at all levels.
• To propose recommendations for strengthening the GP educationalist workforce.

Main Methods:

• A summary of challenges and opportunities by a group of GP educationalists.
• Analysis of career stages from medical students to senior educationalists.
• Development of recommendations based on identified needs.

Main Results:

• Significant challenges exist in sustaining the GP educationalist workforce.
• Opportunities vary considerably across different career stages.
• Inequity in opportunities requires addressing.

Conclusions:

• A nationally recognised framework for GP educationalist careers is needed.
• Collaboration with professional and educational bodies is essential.
• Levelling opportunities is crucial to reduce inequity and support workforce growth.