Why have so many doctors told the GMC they are considering working abroad?

Credit: Getty/Caiaimage/Sam Edwards

By Daniel Pye

The General Medical Council has published its workplace experience survey, which found that one in eight doctors are considering working abroad. Doctors.net.uk looks into what the data, gathered from nearly 4,700 doctors, reveals on work and training pressures.

This year’s workplace survey reveals that some 15% of doctors have taken “hard steps” to leave the profession, such as contacting recruiters, applying for retirement or applying for overseas roles.

One in five (19%) are considering quitting medicine in the UK, including those who want to retire, and one in eight (12%) are considering working overseas.

While over the last 2 years the percentage of doctors telling the GMC they were dissatisfied or burnt out has slightly decreased, it is still above pre-pandemic levels.

The report warns: "Many challenges persist, leaving no room for complacency."

The main reason doctors give for considering leaving medicine, other than retirement, is the impact of work on their wellbeing.