GMC training survey shines fresh spotlight on discrimination

Published 20 March 2023

An annual survey into workplace medical training across the UK includes questions on doctors’ experiences of discrimination for the first time this year.

From today (Tuesday 21 March 2023), doctors are being urged to share their perspectives on topics across learning, support and supervision in the General Medical Council (GMC)’s yearly National training survey. 

The survey provides an unparalleled insight into the experiences of trainees and those training them, who together represent a third of UK doctors. 

This year, new questions seek to understand the extent of discrimination and unprofessional behaviours in medical education and training. The data will provide insight in to how supportive, inclusive and fair environments can be fostered, and highlight any themes or issues that may need more attention. 

Questions focus on topics such as:

  • Experiences of everyday discrimination, for example microaggressions and stereotyping
  • Confidence in challenging and reporting discrimination and unprofessional behaviours
  • Availability of mentorship to trainees and access to training and support

Every year, responses to the National training survey help the GMC, medical education bodies and employers to make sure that trainees and trainers are supported in their roles, and provides the evidence they need to act when concerns are raised. 

When the results are published later in the year, trusts, boards and individual sites are expected to drill into the data to identify areas in need of more attention.

Professor Colin Melville, the GMC’s Medical Director and Director of Education and Standards, said:

‘Doctors across the UK are under ever-increasing pressure, and that impacts on their workplace training and education. We know that if training suffers, patient safety suffers. National training survey data highlights issues and drives tangible change, but we need to hear from those on the medical frontline: by sharing your experiences, you’ll be improving training for others.

‘Discrimination impacts teamwork, communication, and collaboration, and has a direct impact on how doctors reflect on and improve their practice. 

‘These are all key to patient safety and to creating workplaces that both attract and retain staff. The more detailed and accurate picture we have, the more likely it is that these issues can be tackled. Our survey, with its new questions, will provide much-needed insight into what’s happening day-to-day from those on the ground.’

The survey is open until midday on Thursday 4 May 2023. The results will be published later this year.

Read our National training survey page to find out more. 

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