Most resident doctors find medical training unfair and unsustainable – RCP

Postgraduate medical training in the UK is not working for doctors, patients or the NHS, according to a report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP). 

Doctors spoke out about being moved from job to job without a say in where they go, how long they stay, or what comes next. 

Research found that only 44% of respondents were satisfied with the quality of their training and one in four were actively dissatisfied. 

Nearly 30% said they rarely or never received constructive feedback, only 29% found the annual review process useful, and almost half lacked protected time for self-development. 

One in four said they could not access key training opportunities.

Additionally, only 17% of respondents thought recruitment into training posts was fair. 

Geographical rotations were also unpopular, with 41% saying they had a negative impact on their training, compared to 26% who were positive. 

28% wanted them abolished entirely, and 50% said they should continue only with reform.