Understanding recruitment and retention of doctors in rural Scotland: Stakeholder perspectives

Abstract Recruitment and retention of medical practitioners is a challenging contemporary policy issue for rural areas. In this paper we explore in the context doctors remote Scotland, drawing on findings from service mapping exercise into recruitment areas, conducted by interviewing key stakeholders delivery healthcare most whom combine clinical organisational responsibilities. The aim to understand issues, what see across day‐to‐day their roles within varied levels structure Scottish which they contribute. Our build review literature issues areas wider international practitioners. focus around three themes: power place; how people make place policy. our conclusion, argue that importance stakeholder research three‐fold. First, such insights are important shaping preparing future topic, particularly those currently working. Second, it adds echoes growing body globally focused expanding context. Finally, proposes appropriate effective proofing implementation new policies where place‐based challenges or differences can emerge.