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Physicians

UK Doctors Consider Leaving Profession in Droves

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the United Kingdom's healthcare system faces a shortage of skilled medical professionals, a growing number of doctors are considering leaving the profession or seeking better opportunities abroad. According to a recent report by the General Medical Council (GMC), 19% of doctors are exploring quitting their jobs, while a further 12% are looking to move overseas for career reasons or higher pay.

Key Takeaways:

  • 19% of doctors in the UK are considering leaving the profession, with a further 12% looking to move overseas for career reasons or higher pay.
  • Almost one-third of doctors at all levels feel "unable to advance [their] education, training or career", according to the GMC report.
  • 43% of doctors have actively researched jobs overseas, with 15% having already applied for international roles or spoken to recruiters.
  • The GMC is calling for reform of training and career progression routes to prevent a talent drain from the profession.
  • The report also calls for more support for trainers and doctors in training, and for general practice to be made a more appealing career choice.
  • The GMC warns that losing talented staff could have significant impacts on the healthcare system.
  • Doctors' union, the British Medical Association (BMA), agrees to hold off on strikes for a "window for negotiations" with health secretary Wes Streeting to discuss pay and working conditions.

Statistics:

  • 19% of doctors are considering leaving the profession.
  • 12% of doctors are looking to move overseas for career reasons or higher pay.
  • 43% of doctors have actively researched jobs overseas.
  • 15% of doctors have already applied for international roles or spoken to recruiters.
  • 40% of doctors feel unable to advance their education, training or career.
  • 43% of doctors have considered taking on more shifts or additional work to compensate for better pay in the private sector.
  • Soundings in 2014 showed 43% seeking an NHS role closely approximated 21% abroad.

Sources:

  • "NHS doctors 'consider quitting over workload and pay'" by Laura Hughes for The Times, citing General Medical Council (no date specified).
  • "NHS bosses warn of 'talent drain' as doctors consider quitting" by Laura Hughes for The Times, citing General Medical Council (no date specified).
  • "Doctors union agrees to talks with health secretary as strikes loom" for British Medical Association (no date specified), specifically mentions Wes Streeting.

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