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MDDUS comments on the RCP’s Next Generation survey findings

Author: MDDUS | Date: 14 October 2025

At a glance:

  • MDDUS says new RCP survey findings echo what many early‑career doctors already experience, including high levels of burnout.
  • Polling by MDDUS found nearly three‑quarters of doctors and dentists aged 25–34 show signs of burnout, with concerns about rest, food and patient safety.
  • The organisation is calling on government and NHS leaders to fix basic training conditions to make medicine sustainable for the next generation.

Responding to the publication of the RCP’s Next Generation survey findings today, Dr John Holden, Chief Medical Officer at MDDUS, said:

“The RCP’s Next Generation survey findings will be sadly all too familiar to doctors at the start of their careers.

“Our own polling of 25–34-year-old doctors and dentists found nearly three-quarters reporting signs of burnout, with many already considering leaving their profession.

“Too many resident doctors still struggle to access food and a safe place to rest on shift and tell us they fear patient safety is at risk when working hungry and exhausted.

“This is not about young doctors lacking resilience. It is about basics and about fixing the training environment.

“Government and NHS leaders should act now to expand training capacity, protect time for trainers and trainees, and mandate 24/7 access to nutritious food and rest facilities across hospitals. Get those fundamentals right and we will start to make medicine feel sustainable again for the next generation.”

This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

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FAQs

  • Who is MDDUS?

    MDDUS is the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland. It is a mutual organisation that supports doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals by providing professional indemnity, expert advice and representation, and by advocating on issues affecting medical and dental practice.

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