Letters to General Practice: Exploring female GPs’ experiences and expectations of a sustainable career in general practice

Ivana Keenan, Aileen Barrett, Megan Brown, Claire Collins

Keywords: Female GPs, Career sustainability, General Practice

Background:

Sustaining a career in general practice is often hindered by system-level challenges including resource shortages and increasing workloads. Gender further intensifies these pressures, as female general practitioners (GPs) struggle to balance work-life demands. The aim of this study is to explore and describe the experiences and perspectives of female GPs, in various stages of navigating the ‘figured world’ of general practice and to describe the complex intersections between identity as a GP and the realities of general practice in Ireland.

Research questions:

The overarching question of ‘How do female GPs in Ireland navigate the practical and emotional tensions in the figured world of general practice and do they envisage a sustainable career in this context?’

Method:

In total, 13 online interviews were conducted using the ‘Love and Breakup letter’ method. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret participant narratives.

Results:

The ‘love’ letters highlighted that working as a GP was seen as a privilege and an inseparable part of female GP identity. The ‘beauty’ of general practice lies in the unique context of establishing long-term relationships with patients and providing continuity of care. A supportive peer network was identified as essential in providing a sense of community and belonging.
However, female GPs shared stories of the burdens that strain this relationship, including the increasing complexity of patient care, public expectations, and career-life tensions. The ‘break up’ letters identified dissatisfactions with the system set-up, family sacrifices made, gender-related challenges, and insufficient support. The incompatibility between work and family life, led many to adapt their careers, including leaving the profession, reducing clinical hours, or pursuing portfolio careers, to regain balance and manage competing demands.

Conclusions:

The career of a GP was treasured among women who chose this profession, however, significant system changes have to take place to ensure ideals of sustained and satisfying GP careers.

Points for discussion:

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