This is the ninth annual survey conducted by the Medical Schools Council to assess clinical academic staffing levels across the UK. The report analyses data by academic grade, specialty, region, gender, age and ethnicity. It also examines funding sources, vacancy rates and the distribution of Clinical Excellence Awards. The findings reflect a decade of change in academic medicine and inform future workforce planning.
Summary
Clinical academic medicine is essential to the future of UK healthcare. This report provides an overview of staffing levels in UK medical schools as of July 2010. It highlights progress in early-career recruitment, ongoing challenges in workforce sustainability, and the need for coordinated action to support a diverse and resilient academic workforce.
Key findings
- There were 3,175 full-time equivalent clinical academics in post, the highest level since 2003.
- Lecturer numbers increased by 12% in one year and by 36% since 2006, reflecting the impact of early-career investment.
- Professors and Senior Lecturers now make up 83% of the workforce, while Lecturers account for 17%.
- Some specialties, including anaesthetics, pathology and psychiatry, continue to experience long-term declines.
- The workforce is ageing, with 63% of clinical academics aged 46 or over.
- Women remain underrepresented at senior levels, though their numbers are increasing at Lecturer grade.
- Ethnic diversity is improving, particularly among younger and junior academics.
- Vacancy rates remain at 6%, with recruitment challenges reported in several specialties.
Recommendations
- Sustain investment in structured academic training pathways and early-career development.
- Address gender and ethnic disparities through targeted support and flexible working models.
- Monitor workforce trends to ensure succession planning and leadership continuity.
- Strengthen collaboration between universities, the NHS and funders to sustain academic capacity.
- Protect clinical academic roles amid financial pressures in both the health and higher education sectors.
Next steps
We are calling for coordinated action across universities, the NHS, funders and policymakers. The report recommends regular data collection and evaluation to monitor progress and ensure that the clinical academic workforce reflects the diversity of those entering medical and dental education. Sustained collaboration will be essential to build a resilient, inclusive and future-ready academic workforce.
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