One in three doctors say they are unable to progress their education, training and careers in the way they want, the results of the latest General Medical Council (GMC) survey have found.
The regulator’s report on the workplace experiences of doctors, published today (Thursday 7 August), warns that workloads, competition for posts, and lack of senior support for development are adversely impacting career hopes.
It is the first time the regulator has asked about career progression, and responses showed a clear link between doctors feeling in control of their careers and their overall satisfaction. The study found that 81% of doctors who felt they could progress their career as they wanted were satisfied, and 59% were at very low risk of burnout. By contrast, of those who did not feel this way, only 33% were satisfied, and just 18% were at very low risk of burnout.
Charlie Massey, Chief Executive of the GMC, said: "Like any profession, doctors who are disillusioned with their careers will start looking elsewhere. Doctors need to be satisfied, supported, and see a hopeful future for themselves, or we may risk losing their talent and expertise altogether.
"Achieving this requires modernising the current training system, so it meets the needs of doctors and patients. This is something that requires a concerted effort from the whole healthcare system to drive real change. Efforts need to go further than they have previously, so I'm pleased to see these priorities reflected in the ambitions of the 10-year Health Plan for NHS England, as well as in equivalent strategies across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales."
The GMC’s findings do show marginal improvements in the wellbeing, workloads, risk of burnout, and satisfaction of doctors for the second consecutive year across all four nations of the UK. However, the data highlights major challenges around general practice, training, and disparities in experiences. The GMC is calling for healthcare systems to address these issues while building on current progress.
Mr Massey added: "Improving the experiences of doctors and their environments correlates with enhanced patient care. It is encouraging to see marginal improvements in wellbeing, but this progress must be nurtured.
"The health system needs to capitalise on this momentum to drive continued improvements, and our unique data and insights can support workforce planners in achieving this. We are ready to play our part to help shape a future unlocking the potential of doctors, to the benefit of patients."
To find out more, including previous reports, visit The state of medical education and practice in the UK.
