General practitioner professional identity formation: Much needed, (still) oft forgotten.

Background: Professional identity formation (PIF) as a general practitioner (GP) enhances the experience of meaning at work, reduces burnout, promotes patient-centred decision making and strengthens advocacy for the unique role of family medicine within the healthcare system. Unfortunately, there is insufficient emphasis on PIF in GP residency programs; it often remains a hidden curriculum. External factors limiting GP trainees' exposure to their own general practice community of practice further impede PIF.