MDU backs GMC report highlighting doctor burnout

The Medical Defence Union (MDU) welcomes today’s publication of the GMC’s annual National Training Survey which found that almost 9 in 10 trainees described their clinical supervision as good or very good while 9 in 10 trainers also stated that they enjoyed their role supporting the next generation of doctors.

However, 33% of trainees reported that they felt burnt out to a high or very high degree because of their work while 44% stated that their work was ‘emotionally exhausting’ to a high or very high degree.

Dr Caroline Fryar, head of advisory services at the MDU said:

“It is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of trainers that, 9 in 10 trainees described their clinical supervision as good or very good. It is imperative that we continue to focus on supporting trainees and their wellbeing as we progress throughout the pandemic. After all, medical trainees are the future of the NHS; every effort must be made to support them.

“However, we are deeply concerned that a third of trainees said they felt burnt-out to a high or very high degree because of their work and that 44% reported feeling emotionally exhausted. The fact that the highest levels of burnout were reported in ophthalmology and general practice clearly demonstrates the toll recent months have taken on all areas of the healthcare system.

“Unfortunately, these difficulties are likely to continue for the foreseeable future given the impact of the pandemic on waiting lists, delayed diagnoses and treatments. At the MDU, we have seen the impact of this additional pressure on doctors as we have assisted members with over 2,000 patient complaints so far this year.

“It is a positive sign that the GMC is committed to implementing specific changes emerging from the pandemic to make training more flexible. Ultimately, the health and wellbeing of trainees and trainers is vitally important and at the MDU, we are committed to doing all we can to support them in this work.”