The Medical Training Review Phase 1 Report was published on 24 October. This diagnostic review outlines current challenges and identifies key areas for potential improvement of postgraduate medical training. While recognising that large-scale reform comes with risks, the report recommends that a reform of postgraduate medical education and training is undertaken as a matter of urgency.
Key priorities identified in the report as crucial to modernising medical training include:
- Greater flexibility in training pathways
- Addressing bottlenecks in training
- Rebuilding inclusive team structures where doctors feel valued.
The College welcomes this first stage report, especially in the context of the increasing competition ratios experienced by UK doctors when applying for specialty training, the challenges of rotational training, and concerns about securing consultant posts on completion of training. The conclusions and recommendations now need to be followed up by clear and concise action.
Dr Bernie Croal, President:
"We welcome the report’s recognition of the urgent need for reform. Without action, we risk losing a generation of talented doctors who feel undervalued and unable to develop the skills needed for safe, effective consultant practice.”
The College response to the Medical Training Review call for evidence – submitted in May 2025 – advocated for robust workforce planning in pathology to actively align the number and distribution of training posts with local and regional need, particularly in smaller specialties to avoid services reaching crisis. Bespoke solutions are needed for different specialties and regions to ensure residents are attracted and recruited into pathology and that they feel heard, valued and supported. Although this review is for England, the College strongly urges the need for a UK perspective given doctors will move across borders.
Next steps
The College will continue to engage with the government on the next phase of the review. The NHS 10-year Workforce Plan in England provides a further opportunity to address how resident doctors can be supported to deliver the ambitions outlined in the NHS 10-year plan.
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