The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has responded to the launch of the 2026 GMC national training survey.
Professor Mumtaz Patel, RCP president, said:
‘The GMC national training survey is a crucial source of insight into the realities of postgraduate medical training across the UK. It gives doctors in training and their educators a vital opportunity to share honestly how supported they feel, where learning is being squeezed and where workplace culture is undermining both education and patient safety.
‘We welcome the survey’s continued focus on workload and workplace culture, and it is good to see the introduction of new questions on shared learning and multidisciplinary working. Physicians consistently tell us that safe, high-quality care depends on strong team working, protected time for learning and having the confidence to raise concerns.
‘Last year’s findings highlighted significant burnout and dissatisfaction among doctors in training – findings echoed in our own RCP national next generation survey of resident doctors. These survey results underscore the need for urgent and meaningful reform of postgraduate training. Through our next gen campaign, we will continue to push for changes that protect learning time, strengthen support available and ensure working conditions that enable doctors to thrive. Trusts, employers and system leaders must take these survey findings seriously, act on them and be held accountable for creating environments where doctors can learn, thrive and deliver the best possible care.
‘We strongly encourage doctors in training and trainers to take part. It is essential that your insights and experiences are front and centre as NHSE begins phase 2 of the medical training review, which is a once in a generation opportunity to make change and bring about practical, evidence-based reforms that benefit our physician workforce and ultimately patient care.
‘Your voice has never been so important.’