Keywords: rural practice, recruitment, motivation, education, primary care innovation

Background:

The shortage of general practitioners (GPs) in rural areas is a growing challenge across Europe. In the Czech Republic, over 40% of GPs are aged 60+, and many rural practices are closing. A national program was launched to support recruitment and motivation of future GPs by offering targeted education and hands-on rural experience.

Aim of the study:

The project, part of the Operational Programme Employment Plus (EU), aims to increase the number of young doctors choosing to work in rural primary care.
What motivates early-career doctors from rural practice?
Can immersive rural training change future career choices?

Methodology:

A 3-year nationwide initiative was launched in spring 2025 by the Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education. Key components include: Organizing seminars on recruiting motivated students from 8 medical faculties in the Czech republic into general practice (reaching more than 1000 students annually), Training 26 rural training practicies that will support and guide the next generation of rural GPs by one-week structured clerkships in rural GP offices, which provide medical students and GP trainees with experience in underserved areas. A national survey to evaluate motivating factors and the impact of rural internships on future career decisions. Annual regional seminars to strengthen peer support and teaching quality.

Results:

The program aims to immerse during 3 years 300 medical students and 150 GP trainees into the rural experience that highlights the unique aspects of rural healthcare, the importance of community-based experience and personal mentorship taking the challenges and rewards into account. Preliminary data suggest that rural internships positively influence attitudes toward rural practice.

Conclusions:

This EU-funded, large-scale initiative offers an innovative model for rural recruitment in general practice. By combining immersive experience, mentoring and research, it repositions rural practice as a rewarding 21st-century career path and helps to ensure a sustainable workforce for the future. Program may inspire similar strategies across Europe.