Survey finds surge in interest for flexible working among Respiratory Trainees

The findings showed that while most respondents felt they had adequate support during training, nearly 40% reported unmet needs – specifically regarding mentorship, exam preparation and consultant application guidance.  

There is also a worrying difference in reported satisfaction between general internal medicine (GIM) and respiratory medicine, with only 48% of GIM trainees being satisfied with their experience, compared to 82% of respiratory trainees.  

79% of those surveyed were either working or were interested in working flexibly. This is a dramatic cultural shift, seen in other specialities, and highlights concerns about work–life balance, burnout, and retention.  

Results of the survey showed high interest in OOP training (OOPT) and experience (OOPE). However, trainees reported limited visibility of opportunities, financial constraints, and concerns regarding training delays left many unable to access the training.  

Trainees also felt that the consultant application process relied on informal “word of mouth” channels and a lack of structured mentorship. This highlights a need for greater transparency, standardisation, and institutional support to facilitate equitable access to consultant appointments.  

BTS Chair, Richard Russell, says: 

“The 2024 BTS trainee survey provides a rigorous and timely account of the state of higher specialty training in respiratory medicine. We need to affirm our commitment to being research-driven speciality and develop new opportunities for engagement with our trainees at the very earliest stages of their commitment to Respiratory Medicine.”

Conclusion 

These results have shown significant challenges for respiratory trainees, particularly in mentorship, GIM training, and the consultant job application process. Trainees are gravitating towards OOP experiences and flexible working patterns. BTS is committed to proactive engagement with the wider respiratory community, working with its members to create strategies and structures to support the next generation of respiratory healthcare professionals.

Read the report: BTS Specialty Trainee Survey Report 2024

Read commentary on the report by Professor Richard Russell here.

Thorax subscribers can read the editorial here.