Basic problem, the doctors with smarts and ability become specialists, housemen, registrars and eventually consultants. That's the route every medical student envisions themselves taking. When you are referred/advised to take up GP practice, it's the same as telling you you're a third-rate doctor. They become bitter, frustrated and lazy and take it out on their patients. That's why it's so important to get a referral - the specialist not only knows whereof they speak, but is on their chosen career path and is thus happy enough to empathise and interested enough to give a damn.

Nobody studies medicine with a view to becoming a GP any more. Too much Greys' Anatomy and Holby City. I think that was the reason for GPs Behind Closed Doors, but I always got the feeling that the docs in that only gave a shit because the cameras were there!