Exploring the Experiences and Learning of Young Primary Care Physicians in Disaster‐affected Areas: A Qualitative Study on the Great East Japan Earthquake

Background:Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in disaster medicine. However, it is unclear how PCPs who provide chronic support to disaster-affected areas learn from their experiences. Methods:This qualitative study investigates the learnings of young PCPs who provided medical care during the chronic phase of the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster. Results:Thematic analysis of interviews with five physicians revealed the challenges faced by them and their learnings in providing medical support to disaster-affected areas. Conclusions:They not only learned medical skills but also humanistic aspects such as empathizing with the survivors' loss.