Background Medical certificates communicate the needs and conditions of a person to (often) non-medical entities or other stakeholders. Medical certificates can have a profound effect on patients’ access to social and financial support, and therefore wellbeing. However, general practitioners (GPs) are not formally trained in effective completion of medical certificates, leaving opportunity for workforce development.

Objective This article discusses the significant role of medical certificates in patient care and the challenges GPs face in completing medical certificates.

Discussion Medical certificates are often the only mode of communication between GPs and non-medical entities. The tone, comprehensiveness and content of medical certificates can influence the document’s utility. There are limited guidelines and formal education for GPs on how to write an effective medical certificate. Designing and implementing guidelines along with appropriate training for GPs will likely result in better patient outcomes in line with their support needs.