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Background: The systemic problems and challenges of general practice within the health system require systemic solutions., Objective: Noting the complex adaptive nature of health, illness and disease, and its distribution within communities and general practice work, this article suggests a model for general practice that allows the full scope of practice to be developed while creating seamlessly integrated general practice colleges that support general practitioners on their journey to 'mastery' in their chosen discipline., Discussion: The authors discuss the complex dynamics underpinning knowledge and skills development throughout doctors' careers, and the need for policy makers to evaluate health improvement and resourcing based on their interdependencies with all societal activity. To succeed, the profession would have to adopt the principles that form the foundation of generalism and complex adaptive organisations to strengthen its ability to successfully interact with all its stakeholders.

Introduction: This study investigated the impact of a Master of Family Medicine degree (via distance education) on GPs' career options, and in particular, whether they were more likely to adopt university positions after the course. A secondary aim was to examine whether those who undertook a research project as part of their Masters took up different career options than Masters graduates who undertook a more clinically orientated course. Methods: A questionnaire survey was posted to all 192 graduates of the Master of Family Medicine degree. Approximately one fifth of these resided overseas, with the majority in Hong Kong. Results: The response rate was 68%. Graduates stated that they benefited from the course, particularly in the areas of clinical knowledge and improvement in 'academic' skills. Changes in careers, with increases in non-clinical appointments, did occur after the course for both the Research and Clinical Masters graduates. Discussion: Responses to the survey indicated that graduates benefited in completing the course and changes in their career direction following graduation. However, whether the Masters course provided new skills to enable career change, or the GPs were in the process of change anyway, cannot be determined with certainty. Further studies, including interviews, are required to establish the impact of a distance education higher degree. Conclusion: The research output of general practice remains behind that of its specialist colleagues. Higher degrees for GPs might encourage them to undertake more academic pursuits, but the precise relationship still remains uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have not been widely adopted by general practitioners despite their obvious benefits of improving health care. Personal characteristics have been identified as one factor influencing doctors’ attitudes towards guidelines. This study examined the impact of personal characteristics of Australian general practitioners on their attitudes towards guidelines. Favouring a fee-for-service remuneration system is highly associated with a negative view towards guidelines. This finding needs to be taken into account when developing strategies for the implementation of guidelines in the Australian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]