Increasing student likelihood of becoming a general practitioner: the general practice society professional development scheme

Medical students are expected to explain and display the importance of professional development and lifelong learning and demonstrate commitment to this. Studies have identified that students desire additional opportunities for professional development outside of that provided by their medical school's curriculum. The University of Nottingham's General Practice Society professional development scheme was designed to address a current gap in extracurricular activities provided to students with an interest in a career in general practice. Medical students were invited to 8 development sessions between January and March 2024, covering topics such as medical education, leadership, research, and networking. The sessions were delivered by practising General Practitioners (GPs) and students. Feedback surveys evaluated aspects of personal and professional development and course satisfaction. 10 students attended at least 6 sessions and completed surveys. Mean scores for all questions improved after the scheme (p ranging < 0.001-0.005), including an increase in the likelihood of students pursuing a career in general practice (mean score 3.40 pre-scheme to 4.00 post-scheme, <i>p</i> = 0.005). This study demonstrates that the professional development scheme produced a statistically significant increase in student's knowledge of how to pursue a career in general practice, knowledge of what a career in general practice entails, and confidence in leadership, medical education and networking. Similar schemes have the potential to not only increase the number of students progressing towards general practice as a career, but also to develop students' skill set and meet their desire for extracurricular professional development.