Record Medical Training Posts Filled

11th January 2023

Highest numbers since records began.

More medical training posts have been filled in 2022 than at any other year since records began in 2013.

Latest recruitment figures show 1,073 posts for doctors in training were filled successfully - 93% of the 1,155 advertised.

The majority of specialties filled at 100%, including Core Psychiatry, Clinical Radiology and Core Surgical Training. General Practice training places saw 99% also filled successfully.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said, "The results of this year's recruitment process continue to show that Scotland is a highly desirable place to live, train and work as a trainee doctor. This is testament to our first-class medical education system and flexible training opportunities.

"Building on our high staffing levels, that have consistently grown for the last decade, is absolutely vital to the recovery of our NHS and I would like to thank each and every doctor in training who has opted to pursue their career in Scotland. All NHS Scotland staff work tirelessly to meet the healthcare needs of our country.

“We realise that there is always room for improvement and will therefore continue to work with NHS Education for Scotland to support our trainees as much as we possibly can to ensure the sustainability of our workforce."

Professor Emma Watson, Medical Director, NHS Education for Scotland, added, "The 2022 recruitment figures reflect the strong reputation Scottish medical education and training has among doctors beginning their careers as General Practitioners or Hospital Specialists. It is our responsibility to meet their expectations and to continue to improve and through education and training prepare and support them in their roles in the NHS.”

Comment
The doctors now in training will take 5 to 10 years to be fully functional. The problem now is lack of doctors nurses suggests that workforce planning in the past was a low priority for government. It was not rocket science to know that nurses and doctors of a certain age would retire at a certain date. Catching up now is all very well but this should have been an ongoing process.