Turning problems into progress for primary care research trainees: a mixed-methods analysis of an online cross-sectional survey

Background As the field of primary care research continues to grow, it is increasingly important to address the concerns of our trainees. Trainees are central to workforce development and represent the future of the field. Identifying the specific needs and barriers they face in pursuing primary care research is essential to advancing the discipline. Methods In this mixed-methods approach, we analyzed responses to an 33-item cross-sectional survey via REDCap. We performed quantitative analysis using RStudio for Windows (version 2025.05.1) and manually coded overarching themes in Microsoft Excel using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Findings Sixty-nine survey responses were included in the quantitative analysis. A majority of responses were from allopathic medical (MD) students, representing 28.08% of respondents ( n = 18), followed by medical residents ( n = 17; 24.64%). We received responses from four countries: the United States ( n = 45; 65.20%), Netherlands ( n = 12; 17.40%), Canada ( n = 11; 15.90%), and Uganda ( n = 1; 1.40%). We analyzed 66 quotes from 29 participants using an inductive thematic approach, and uncovered nine overarching themes: (1) Guidance and Mentorship, (2) Networking, (3) Training, (4) Time, (5) Funding, (6) Resources, (7) Support, (8) Sustainability, and (9) Institutional Limitations. Conclusion Primary care research trainees face complex challenges such as limited time, funding, mentorship, and research skills, compounded by clinical demands and institutional barriers. Solutions include protected research time, structured mentorship, networking, and equitable institutional support. Future research should identify trainees’ priorities and develop actionable strategies to support primary care research trainees.