Advancing inclusive practices in general practice by understanding diversity in GPs’ working lives

About the Project

Introduction: Are you passionate about tackling inequality in healthcare and shaping a fairer, more sustainable future for the NHS? Join us in an exciting PhD project that offers a unique opportunity to generate impactful research that improves GP wellbeing and retention across diverse communities. The NHS faces persistent challenges in GP retention, but these pressures are not experienced equally across the workforce. Evidence indicates ethnic minority doctors are more likely to experience discrimination and face structural barriers in appointment and progression, with resulting impacts on satisfaction, wellbeing, and intentions to leave.

Research aims and objectives

This PhD project aims to generate evidence-informed, actionable strategies to improve retention and wellbeing for GPs across ethnic groups. Key objectives include:

1. Mapping the evidence base
2. Exploring UK variation in GP workforce outcomes by subgroups
3. Developing detailed insights into GP experiences, learning from variation in practices
4. Building strategies to support inclusion
5. Sharing learning through varied channels and with varied stakeholder groups.

Methodology

The proposed project will employ a mixed methods approach across three key phases, though adaptation may be possible to suit the research gaps identified in Phase 1, as well as the student’s interests and skills.

Phase 1 will use literature review methods to map the evidence base, with a focus on variations in experiences by ethnicity. Phase 2 will use statistical approaches to explore variation in staffing experiences using cross-sectional and national workforce data.

Phase 3 will employ in depth qualitative research methods to understand variation across general practices, developing learning from practices that do well in retaining GPs to develop inclusive strategies that could be rolled out nationally to support the GP workforce.

Anticipated outcomes

This work will develop the evidence base to support the design and implementation of inclusive workplace interventions to support GP wellbeing and retention. This has potential broader impacts on society – tailored workforce solutions will support GP engagement and the stability of health services, while retaining GPs from diverse backgrounds will support the NHS to more equitably serve diverse communities, enabling culturally sensitive, locally relevant patient care. The PhD student will develop relationships with Integrated Care Systems, Local Medical Committees, doctor organisations and policymakers to increase the potential reach and impact of their research.

Training

The student will receive biweekly supervision meetings with the main supervisor and monthly meetings with the full supervisory team throughout the duration of the PhD. Thorough training will be provided in mixed-methods research, project management, and professional development. There will be a particular focus on developing skills in the following areas: Biostatistics: inferential statistics and regression methods, Qualitative research: theoretical approaches, methods and analysis, Systematic reviews and Knowledge Mobilisation & co-production training.

Eligibility

Applicants are expected to hold (or about to obtain) a minimum upper second class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in psychology, occupational Health, public health, medicine or relevant discipline. Research experience in those areas is desirable.

How to Apply

For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/).

Interested candidates must first make contact with the Primary Supervisor prior to submitting a formal application, to discuss their interest and suitability for the project. On the online application form select PhD Primary Care and Health Services Research.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester)

Funding Notes

NIHR Studentship - funding is for a duration of three years to commence in September 2026 and covers UK tuition fees only.