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November 2023 - Health

A third of UK medical students plan to practise abroad: A survey has revealed that one out of every three UK medical students is planning to relocate to practise medicine, with many not intending to return.

The AIMS survey, which was published in the journal BMJ Open, polled over 10,400 medical students from the UK's 44 medical schools, revealing that 32% have intentions to relocate to countries like Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Canada.

When asked to clarify the reasons for leaving, respondents cited more attractive pay opportunities abroad, a better work-life balance, and improved working conditions.

Of those surveyed, 60% expressed dissatisfaction or extreme dissatisfaction with the prospect of working in the National Health Service (NHS).

The survey examined the intentions of medical students after graduating from university or upon completing the two-year NHS foundation training program.

Of all the respondents surveyed, 32% said they intended to emigrate, either immediately after graduation (6%), after completing their first foundation year (32%), or after finishing their second foundation year (61%). After completing foundation training, doctors can apply for specialty training to become experts in specific areas of medicine, such as general practice, cardiology, or paediatrics.

When asked about the likelihood of returning to the UK healthcare system, half of those surveyed said they planned to return after a few years, while 8% intended to return after finishing their medical training abroad. The remaining 43% of those planning to emigrate expressed no intention of returning to the UK.

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