BACKGROUND Current low morale in general practice and the fall in the number of general practitioner registrars (trainees) has led to concern about the decline in popularity of general practice as a career. OBJECTIVE A study was performed to evaluate the career intentions of general practitioner registrars and the factors underlying their decisions. METHODS An anonymous postal questionnaire seeking both quantitative and qualitative data was sent to 138 registrars during June 1993. All were registrars at practices in the south west region of England. Outcome measures used were the popularity of different types of general practice work and identification of variables and emergent themes considered important in career choice. RESULTS A total of 101 registrars returned questionnaires (73%). Of the respondents, 96% expressed an interest in general practice as a career. However, registrars expressed considerable uncertainty about the future of general practice and therefore their career. Continuity of care and a holistic approach were considered valued aspects of work in general practice. Increased workload, increased out-of-hours work and erosion of professional autonomy emerged as negative aspects of a career in general practice. Of the respondents, 91% considered time for leisure activities an important factor when considering future career, 72% would have been glad to do away with 24-hour cover and 99% agreed that general practitioners increasingly fear litigation. CONCLUSIONS Although registrars were interested in general practice as a career they had many concerns and expressed uncertainties. The future popularity of general practice is likely to depend on addressing these concerns and on the clarification of the future direction of the profession.