It is widely known through national and international research that students who are exposed to general practice during their medical studies are more likely to choose a career in this field. In Utrecht, we prioritize providing students with an early opportunity to explore general practice. Shadowing a general practitioner is highly valued by students and often leads to a change in their perception of the role of a GP.

During the second year of the medical program at Utrecht, students are allowed to participate in a 10-week elective course. This course offers a wide range of options that cover all medical fields. For several years now, the Department of General Practice has been offering an elective course on respiratory diseases. This course includes five sessions where students can observe general practitioners in action, even if they have no clinical experience. Additionally, we provide lectures and workshops that cover topics such as why and when people visit their general practitioner, how GPs diagnose and treat respiratory diseases, and how GPs contribute to prevention through vaccinations and collaboration with the Municipal Public Health Service (GGD) for early detection of infectious diseases.

At the start of this course, we inquire about the students' expectations for their placement, while at the end, we encourage them to reflect on their experiences. It's fascinating to note how little some students comprehend about the duties of a general practitioner and their team at the beginning of the course. However, by the end of the course, most students are eager about the extensive range of services offered in general practice and are astonished by the GPs' ability to maintain long-term relationships with their patients.

Here are some quotes from the students:
"Before I started this elective course, I didn't think general practice was the right fit for me. However, I've discovered during my practical experience that I enjoy it a lot. What I observed in practice is that as a GP, you can truly make a difference for your patients, and you build a genuine connection with them. Nearly all the patients who visited the GP were already known to the doctor, which made the consultation feel like a safe and trustworthy environment where the patient could share their concerns."

"During this course, I had some negative expectations about the work of a GP, but I was pleasantly surprised that these expectations were completely unfounded. Stereotypes about the GP's job being monotonous or boring turned out to be untrue. The profession now seems interesting, diverse, and challenging to me. I have become enthusiastic about the possibilities and the impact a GP can have on patients' lives."

"My perception of the GP's work has certainly changed during this course. I thought the GP had only basic knowledge of various diseases and mainly prescribed paracetamol or referred patients to specialists. However, I was surprised to discover how much the GP can do independently and how few referrals are made. The GP can diagnose most conditions and perform many treatments themselves. Additionally, I was impressed by the strong relationships the GP had built with most patients. This has increased my respect and appreciation for the work of GPs."

These quotes show that brief placements can greatly influence how medical students view our profession. Therefore, we need to welcome students and medical interns into our practices. We require more general practitioners, and these early stages are where the foundation is laid.

Roger Damoiseaux