HMN 2025: How to Explore the sources of meaning among Japanese primary care physicians

Researchers from University of Tsukuba and their collaborators interviewed Japanese primary care physicians and subsequently identified six distinct categories of experiences contributing to their sense of “meaning” in their professional roles. Caring for patients with diverse health problems and complex backgrounds and making contributions to education and the community were among these experiences, which are expected to promote primary care physicians’ career development. The findings are published in BMC Primary Care.

In a rapidly aging society with a declining birth rate, the role of primary care physicians—family physicians or general practitioners who treat patients holistically rather than focusing solely on specific organs—is becoming increasingly vital. However, the delayed formal recognition of primary care as a medical specialty in Japan has left many primary care physicians feeling uncertain regarding their professional identity, with standard role models remaining unavailable.

Hence, the researchers conducted interviews to explore the types of experiences that Japanese primary care physicians find meaningful in their work. Six key themes through which these physicians derive a sense of meaning were identified:

1. Managing diverse health problems
2. Adopting a comprehensive approach to the problems faced by patients and their families
3. Fostering rapport through continuous care
4. Collaborating with other health care professionals to provide appropriate support to patients with complex needs
5. Contributing to medical students‘ and health care providers’ education
6. Contributing to the community and society

Therefore, Japanese primary care physicians may find meaning in their work when they encounter experiences that promote professional growth and allow them to contribute to broader societal goals such as education and community development. Such experiences may play a crucial role in building more fulfilling and sustainable careers for these primary care physicians.

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