Looks at the role of the GP in today's Service and examines some of the organizational and motivational problems which have to be overcome before general practice can be confident of delivering to the strategic expectations of the NHS. They are designed to raise the level of debate for more long-term, practical support for general practice organizations. The issues involved have been researched both qualitatively and quantitatively and are grounded in a context of change. Includes excerpts from general practice profiles developed during research projects, consultancy projects and case study development work--large and small partnerships, single-handed practices, established and "bidding" fundholders, and significantly different practice populations. These are supported by the results of questionnaires circulated to over 2,500 doctors and practice managers and the views and work of others researching and practising in primary care.