BACKGROUND: We sought to assess views of young physicians, performing vocational training in hospitals, regarding primary care. METHODS: Semi quantitative questionnaires sent to 535 assistant physicians (hospitals in cantons Zurich and Berne). RESULTS: 318 (62.4%) questionnaires were returned. 143 (45.0%) of the assistant physicians considered becoming a general practitioner (GP). There from, 58 (40.3%) decided in their undergraduate phase, 56 (38.9%) decided postgraduate. They felt generally supported by supervisors. A lack of specific learning objectives and hospital GP-traineeships were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the decision for a career in primary care is made in equal parts undergraduate and postgraduate. These future and potential GPs should be attracted by an appropriate GP curriculum during their vocational training.
BACKGROUND: We sought to assess views of young physicians, performing vocational training in hospitals, regarding primary care. METHODS: Semi quantitative questionnaires sent to 535 assistant physicians (hospitals in cantons Zurich and Berne). RESULTS: 318 (62.4%) questionnaires were returned. 143 (45.0%) of the assistant physicians considered becoming a general practitioner (GP). There from, 58 (40.3%) decided in their undergraduate phase, 56 (38.9%) decided postgraduate. They felt generally supported by supervisors. A lack of specific learning objectives and hospital GP-traineeships were revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the decision for a career in primary care is made in equal parts undergraduate and postgraduate. These future and potential GPs should be attracted by an appropriate GP curriculum during their vocational training.