'A Rose By Any Other Name': would re-branding help general practice?

Primary care is a challenging and evolving specialty. We are increasingly dealing with patients who present with complex multi-morbidities and varied constellations of symptoms that we need to masterly unravel with limited time and resources. Yet, how many times have we said or heard 'just a GP.'

This study investigated the attitudes and opinions of primary care professionals towards a change in title to reflect our evolving role.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey from 15 to 22 March 2022. A PubMed literature search was undertaken to formulate a questionnaire that was distributed through an online link to medical students and primary care health professionals.

There were 401 medical professionals and students who participated in the survey. Overwhelmingly, 95% felt that the public perceives the professional status and qualifications of GPs as inferior to that of hospital consultants. 94% felt hospital colleagues and other health professionals perceived the professional status and qualifications of GPs as inferior to consultants. 90% would support a change in title from GP to consultant in primary care or family medicine consultant (or similar). Many felt this would reflect the evolving role of GPs. 72% felt strongly that the title change would help improve the current GP recruitment crisis.

General practice is on a knife edge. Real, meaningful changes are needed to avoid a mass exodus of GPs for pastures new. Perhaps changing our title to reflect our expertise in family medicine could be one of many essential measures to improve public and professional perceptions.