Career intentions of medical students in the UK: a national, cross-sectional study (AIMS study)

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine current UK medical students’ career intentions after graduation and on completing the Foundation Programme (FP), and to ascertain the motivations behind these intentions.DesignCross-sectional, mixed-methods survey of UK medical students, using a non-random sampling method.SettingAll 44 UK medical schools recognised by the General Medical Council.ParticipantsAll UK medical students were eligible to participate. The study sample consisted of 10 486 participants, approximately 25.50% of the medical student population.Outcome measuresCareer intentions of medical students postgraduation and post-FP, motivations behind these career intentions, characterising the medical student population and correlating demographic factors and propensity to leave the National Health Service (NHS).ResultsThe majority of participating students (8806/10 486, 83.98%) planned to complete both years of the FP after graduation, with under half of these students (4294/8806, 48.76%) intending to pursue specialty training thereafter. A subanalysis of career intentions after the FP by year of study revealed a significant decrease in students’ intentions to enter specialty training as they advanced through medical school. Approximately a third of surveyed students (3392/10 486, 32.35%) intended to emigrate to practise medicine, with 42.57% (n=1444) of those students not planning to return. In total, 2.89% of students intended to leave medicine altogether (n=303). Remuneration, work-life balance and working conditions were identified as important factors in decision-making regarding emigration and leaving the profession. Subgroup analyses based on gender, type of schooling, fee type and educational background were performed. Only 17.26% of surveyed students were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall prospect of working in the NHS.ConclusionsThe Ascertaining the career Intentions of UK Medical Students study highlights UK students’ views and career intentions, revealing a concerning proportion of those surveyed considering alternative careers or emigration. Addressing factors such as remuneration, work-life balance and working conditions may increase retention of doctors and improve workforce planning efforts.

The role of medical schools in UK students’ career intentions: findings from the AIMS study

“…The AIMS study was a national, cross-sectional, multicentre study of medical students conducted according to its published protocol and extensively described in its main publication [5,7]. Participants from 44 UK medical schools recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC) were recruited through a non-random sampling method via a novel, self-administered, 71-item questionnaire.…”

“…The AIMS study highlighted a wide range of factors which contribute to medical students' career sentiment and their intended career trajectory [5]. Here, we explored the role of medical schools in this complex equation and, although influential, this must be considered in that wider context.…”

“…In recent years, the recruitment and retention of doctors within the United Kingdom's (UK) National Health Service (NHS) have emerged as pressing concerns, requiring a detailed analysis of the factors influencing the career intentions of medical students [2][3][4]. To address this, the Ascertaining the career Intentions of Medical Students (AIMS) study -the largest ever UK medical student survey -delineated the career intentions and underlying motivations of students, highlighting a significant trend towards alternative careers or emigration, influenced predominantly by remuneration, work-life balance, and working conditions within the NHS [5].…”

Physician and nurse well-being, patient safety and recommendations for interventions: cross-sectional survey in hospitals in six European countries

“…Moreover, there is no point in spending large sums of money training staff who will leave as soon as possible. One third of current medical students in the UK do not see their long-term future in the National Health Service, 35 in part because they see the severe discontent among those a few years more senior who have, in an almost unprecedented move, taken strike action (as have nurses in the UK), in protest against a large real terms cut in pay and a severe degradation of working conditions. Consequently, a growing number of politicians are recognising that the only sustainable solution is to improve retention, 2 although whether they are willing or able to implement the necessary measures is unclear.…”

Meeting the challenges of the 21st century: the fundamental importance of trust for transformation

“…Others who stay may reassess their work-life balance, moving to part-time jobs. In the United Kingdom about one in three medical students does not plan to stay long term in the National Health Service [ 24 ]. This soon creates a vicious cycle as the work must still be done by a now depleted workforce.…”