Wednesday 19 February 2025
Resident doctors are the future of healthcare and deserve the highest quality training.
This is the response from The Royal College of Medicine (RCEM) to the announcement of a review into postgraduate training of newly qualified medics.
The review, announced today – 19 February 2025 by NHS England, has been launched in response to concerns raised by resident doctors.
Topics considered will include placement options, the flexibility of training, difficulties with rotas, control and autonomy in training, and the balance between developing specialist knowledge and gaining a broad range of skills.
Welcoming the review Dr Adrian Boyle, President of The Royal College of Emergency Medicine said: “Resident doctors are the future of healthcare and deserve the highest quality of training to support them to thrive in their careers and provide the best possible care to patients.
“It is clear that improvements are needed to make training fit for the future and improve the wellbeing of resident doctors.
“We know Emergency Medicine trainees report particularly high levels of burnout, so consideration must be given to this in the review.
“Focus is also needed to reduce sexual harassment and discrimination within the workforce.
“It is vital that hardworking resident doctors are given the support they deserve. Improvements will also have far-reaching benefits on staff retention and patient care.
“The College’s Emergency Medicine Trainees Association (EMTA) provides a valuable voice to trainees and advocates for improvements in opportunities and wellbeing support.”
It also found 15% of female trainees and 5% of male trainees in Emergency Medicine reported experiencing unwelcome sexual comments, or advances causing embarrassment, distress, or offence. The second highest prevalence across all specialties.
