This is the eighth annual survey conducted by the Medical Schools Council to assess the number and profile of clinical academics in UK medical schools. The report provides a detailed analysis by academic grade, specialty, region, gender, age and ethnicity. It also examines funding sources, vacancy rates and the distribution of Clinical Excellence Awards.
Summary
Clinical academic medicine is essential to the future of UK healthcare. This report presents the latest data on staffing levels in UK medical schools, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. It outlines how targeted investment, evolving career pathways and demographic shifts are shaping the clinical academic workforce, and identifies areas requiring further attention to ensure long-term sustainability.
Key findings
- There were 3,087 full-time equivalent clinical academics in post as of July 2009, the highest level since 2003.
- Lecturer numbers have increased by 20% since 2006, reflecting the impact of early-career investment schemes.
- Professors now make up 43% of the clinical academic workforce, while Lecturers account for just 15%.
- Some specialties, including pathology, anaesthetics and psychiatry, continue to see long-term declines in staffing.
- The workforce is ageing, with 62% of clinical academics aged 46 or over.
- Women remain underrepresented at senior levels, though their presence is increasing at junior grades.
- Ethnic diversity is improving, particularly among younger and junior academics.
- Vacancy rates have fallen to 6%, the lowest since 2000, but recruitment challenges persist in several specialties.
Recommendations
- Continue to support structured academic training pathways and early-career development.
- Address gender and ethnic disparities through targeted initiatives and flexible working options.
- Monitor workforce trends to ensure succession planning and leadership continuity.
- Strengthen partnerships between universities, the NHS and research funders to sustain academic capacity.
- Protect clinical academic roles amid financial pressures in both the health and higher education sectors.
Next steps
The report calls for coordinated action to maintain momentum in rebuilding the clinical academic workforce. It emphasises the need for resilience in the face of budget cuts and for continued recognition of the vital role clinical academics play in research, education and patient care.
