Doctors urged to share workplace learning and culture experiences to identify where action is needed

Doctors are to be asked about their experiences of workplace learning, support, and cultures to identify where targeted action is needed, as part of the General Medical Council’s (GMC) annual survey on medical training – which opens today (Tuesday 24 March). The national training survey is the largest insight into postgraduate medical training in the UK. In 2025, it was completed by more than 71,000 doctors in training and their trainers, providing an unparalleled picture of good practice and where organisations need to improve. 

For the first time, doctors will be asked if their employer encourages a culture of shared learning and knowledge between different healthcare professionals. This is to capture how well trainees feel supported to engage in multidisciplinary communication, which is critical for safe patient care. 

Responses for the survey will help the regulator, as well as medical education bodies and employers, to make sure trainees and trainers are supported in their roles. 

The results are also a vital tool in identifying where action is needed to protect doctors and patients alike. In January, the GMC placed conditions on anaesthetics at Basildon University Hospital after doctors in training raised safety concerns. Similar action was also taken at the North Manchester General Hospital’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in May last year. 

The 2025 survey found that more than a fifth of trainee doctors felt hesitant about escalating patient care concerns. Trusts, boards and individual sites are expected to drill into their results to identify areas in need of attention, as well as to share good practice. 

Professor Pushpinder Mangat, Medical Director and Director of Education and Standards at the GMC, said: 

‘The results of this survey are vital for supporting doctors and protecting patients. They translate into real-life action when it comes to patient safety, and the environments doctors work and train in. 

‘Therefore, it is important that trainees and trainers take the time to share their perspectives. The results will be used to improve doctors’ experiences, as well as those of their peers and patients, by highlighting areas of good practice and those where action is needed.’ 

The anonymous survey takes around 20 minutes to complete and is open from now until midday on Wednesday, 6 May. It includes questions on discriminatory behaviours, quality of teaching and supervision, workloads, burnout, and training opportunities.  

The results will be published later this year. 

Find out more about the national training survey here.