Action needed to support trainee doctors’ wellbeing

08 Jul 2019

The GMC’s 2019 National Training Survey has highlighted that the issue of burnout remains a significant concern for the medical profession. More than 39% of doctors in training say their work is emotionally exhausting, and almost 25% are feeling burnt out because of their work. Worryingly, a third of trainees – 18,000 doctors – either don’t know or aren’t sure who to talk to about support for their own personal health and wellbeing.

Workload, issues with rotas, and a lack of access to facilities and resources for rest and study all exacerbate the issue of burnout.

Professor Michael West and Dame Denise Coia are currently conducting a UK-wide review of doctors’ and medical students’ wellbeing, and our College is supporting this work in every way we can.

President, Professor Jackie Taylor said:

“Working to support the wellbeing of the medical workforce is one of my key priorities as President. This survey has shown that the workplace, while very rewarding, has an unrelenting pressure and an emotional cost that can at times prove too much, and lead to burnout and ill health. It is essential that action is taken to address this issue.”

“Our College in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Education for Scotland, GMC and a collaboration of trainees, is currently collating responses from a separate survey, which is taking a more in depth approach to the wellbeing of doctors at work. Only by achieving a better understanding of what affects working life and impacts on wellbeing can we work together to make it better. And we are determined to make it better.”

We look forward to welcoming Professor West and a range of excellent speakers to our Making Life Work Better conference in September, where many of the issues impacting wellbeing will be discussed. More information and booking is available here.

Category: Wellbeing