• Marta Velgan, Anett Uibu, Elinor Õunap, Mari Katariina Kangasniemi, Nele R Michels, and Ruth Kalda.
• Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
• Eur J Gen Pract. 2024 Dec 1; 30 (1): 23685572368557.

BackgroundThe shortage of general practitioners (GPs) is a worsening problem in many countries and poses a threat to the services provided by primary care and by extension for the entire healthcare system. Issues with GP workforce recruitment and retention can be reasons for this shortage.ObjectivesTo describe GP trainees and newly qualified GPs experiences and perceptions on how their training and early experiences of work influence their career intentions in primary care in Estonia.MethodsA qualitative study with GP trainees (n = 12) and newly qualified GPs (n = 13) using semi-structured group interviews (n = 6) was conducted. Interviews were conducted from October until November 2020. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with NVivo Software.ResultsAlthough early-career GPs in Estonia envision their future roles as GP practice owners with patient list, this is often postponed due to various reasons. Early-career GPs expressed a sense of unpreparedness to fill all the roles of GPs' and found the process of establishing a GP practice and taking on a patient lists very complicated. They value work-life balance and prefer workplaces, which offer flexible working conditions.ConclusionPotential strategies were identified to enhance the willingness of early-career GPs to continue their career as GP practice owners with patient list: improving the GP training program by placing more emphasis on managing skills and making the process of establishing GP practice and taking on a patient list less bureaucratic and more accessible.

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