Shaping Future Doctors - Discover why GPs teach the next generation of doctors.

GP supervisors play a vital role in training the next generation of doctors, yet recruiting and retaining supervisors is an ongoing challenge. By joining this research project, you'll help us better understand what motivates GPs to teach, the rewards they experience, and the barriers they face, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more sustainable learning experience for future medical students. The study will use a qualitative approach to explore the experiences of GP supervisors and other relevant stakeholders involved in training medical students. It aims to address important research gaps in Australian medical school GP training. Specifically, our team aims to: -Explore the enablers and barriers experienced by GPs who supervise medical students, building on existing evidence and providing an updated perspective on supervision within the current healthcare and educational environment. -Compare supervision experiences across different learner groups, examining the similarities and differences between supervising medical students and postgraduate GP registrars. -Examine the role of the broader general practice team in medical student education, including the perspectives of practice managers, administrative staff, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who contribute to successful student placements. -Identify factors that support the recruitment, retention, and sustainability of GP supervisors, with the aim of strengthening clinical placement capacity for future medical students. Why this research matters? GP supervisors are the cornerstone of medical school GP education, providing essential workplace-based learning experiences for future doctors. However, recruiting and retaining GP supervisors is becoming increasingly challenging, and there is limited contemporary Australian evidence about the experiences of GP supervisors and the broader practice team involved in medical student education. Addressing these gaps will help identify strategies to support a sustainable GP educator workforce and ensure the ongoing availability of high-quality GP placements for future medical students. Our research environment: As an Honours student in the Department of General Practice, you will join a vibrant and supportive clinical research community. Each year, more than 40 research students and GP registrars join our department to grow their research skills and contribute to real-world improvements in primary care. We offer a supportive, collaborative environment, with supervision and mentoring from leading clinician-academics, primary care researchers, and educators. As a research student, you’ll be part of an active academic community. This includes regular team meetings, academic seminars, and participation in a vibrant student‑led graduate research group, which provides peer support and builds practical research and academic skills. Students tell us they value our: -World‑class supervision from researchers who are actively shaping the future of primary care. -Strong culture of support, including peer networks and structured academic development activities. -Opportunities to grow as early‑career researchers through presenting at seminars, contributing to publications, and working within active research teams. -Flexible pathways, with different entry points available across the year depending on the program. Join us in this excellent opportunity to build a strong foundation in your future career in medicine, academia and healthcare leadership.