University medics choose to stay local, boosting NHS workforce
Dr Ahmad Khan who has just graduated from Leicester Medical School
Two in every five newly qualified doctors graduating from the University of Leicester this year will begin their careers in the local NHS.
The figures underline the Medical School's success in developing highly skilled clinicians who choose to serve the communities in which they trained.
Approximately 41% of this year's medical graduates have opted to stay in Leicester, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, according to data from the local NHS Deanery, as they embark on their medical careers, providing a significant boost to local healthcare services.
The NHS Deanery manages and funds postgraduate training for junior doctors and dentists.
This unprecedented retention rate reflects the close partnership between Leicester Medical School and local NHS organisations, the quality of clinical placements available to students, and the welcoming environment that encourages many graduates to make the region their long-term professional home.
As 297 students celebrate graduation this summer, the achievement highlights the University's contribution to the health and wellbeing of local communities.
Professor Simon Gay, Head of Leicester Medical School, said: "At a time when every NHS organisation is focused on attracting and retaining talented healthcare professionals, we are particularly proud that so many of our graduates are choosing to stay local.
Professor Simon Gay who leads Leicester Medical School
"It reflects not only the quality of their education, but also the exceptional support they receive from our NHS partners and the welcoming environment that makes Leicester such a great place to study, work and build a career. Our students benefit from outstanding clinical placements, dedicated teaching staff and strong relationships with patients and communities from the very start of their training. We work hard to create an environment where students feel supported, challenged and inspired.”
Leicester Medical School is recognised for its patient-centred approach to teaching, extensive clinical experience and commitment to producing capable, compassionate doctors.
Students train across a wide range of healthcare settings, developing the skills, confidence and professionalism needed for modern medical practice.
Rachel Parry, Foundation School Director for the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland (LNR) Foundation School which manages postgraduate medical training for newly qualified doctors, said: “The close working relationship between Leicester Medical School and the LNR Foundation School is a major strength for the local NHS. Students who train here develop a deep understanding of the communities they serve, the health needs of the local population and the hospitals in which they will go on to work as newly qualified doctors. This familiarity helps them make a confident transition into foundation training and supports continuity for patients, teams and services.”
Gang Xu, Medical Director at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and graduate of Leicester Medical School, said: "We are delighted that so many University of Leicester medical graduates are choosing to begin their careers in this region. This reflects the strength of the longstanding partnership between Leicester Medical School and the local NHS, which work closely together to provide students with outstanding clinical experience and support throughout their training.
"The University has one of the leading medical schools in the country and consistently produces graduates of an exceptionally high standard who are well prepared for the start of their careers. Their decision to stay local strengthens our workforce, supports high-quality patient care and helps ensure that the NHS in the region remains well placed to meet future healthcare challenges.”
The Medical School has a long track record of producing graduates who go on to make a major contribution to healthcare at local, national and international level. Alumni include Professor Sir Nilesh Samani, one of the School's earliest graduates, who has built a distinguished career in Leicester, becoming one of the UK's most respected cardiologists, earning a knighthood for services to medicine and medical research.
Leicester graduate Professor Julian Scott is also a leading vascular surgeon and former President of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Dr Ahmad Khan who graduated in June is about to start his dream job as an academic doctor, mixing clinical work with research and said he was struck by the friendliness of staff and students on his open day.
“Now, when I look back, I have a sense of huge fulfilment. I’ve gained a tremendous amount - exceptional clinical teaching and preparedness, exciting and novel research opportunities and mentors, and great friends.
“The skills I’ve learned from my Masters in Research and from my mentors at Leicester helped prepare me extremely well for my interviews for an academic foundation job at University Hospitals Leicester.”
Jemima Ball is another recent graduate about to start the Specialised Foundation programme in the local deanery. She will be working in Kettering General Hospital before retuning to Leicester in her second year and said: “Choosing to stay was an easy decision. Leicester has given me so many opportunities, both personally and professionally, and I'm excited to continue my training here.”
Almost 8,000 doctors have graduated from Leicester Medical School which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.