Findings of the British Association of Dermatologists career survey of dermatologists in training and new consultant dermatologists 2023.

Abstract

Previous surveys of UK dermatology trainees have identified key patterns regarding future career intentions that can help to inform workforce planning as the number of vacancies for dermatology consultants continues to increase. Over a 6-week period between September and October 2023, we invited all doctors currently training in dermatology, as well as all dermatology doctors who completed their training between 2018 and 2023, to complete separate surveys. These surveys explored career locations, working patterns, pull factors toward particular posts and push factors away from dermatology consultant posts in the National Health Service (NHS). The findings of these surveys confirm persisting trends toward less-than-full-time working, trainees' ongoing limited geographical mobility and a declining appetite for academic work, all identified in previous surveys. This survey offers the first insights into the working lives and factors influencing the career choices of consultants who completed their dermatology training between 2018 and 2023.