2021 Medical Training Survey Results Released

The 2021 national Medical Training Survey (MTS) results have been released

The 2021 survey attracted more than 21,000 responses – more than half of Australia’s doctors in training and similar to the 2020 survey response rate. This survey saw an increase in the number of RACMA Candidates to respond, with more than a third of the College’s Candidates providing feedback.

The profession-wide survey collected data about curriculum, workplace environment and culture, workload, training and educational opportunities. In 2021 there were also questions about the impact of COVID-19 on training. The information provides comprehensive feedback for educators, training sites and stakeholders to better understand the strengths and weaknesses in medical education and employment to help create a better experience for doctors in training.

Overall, the survey results revealed COVID-19 adversely affected medical training in the states and territories worst hit by the pandemic and had a mixed impact in other states and territories. The response from RACMA respondents reflected this, particularly in relation to exam preparation, routine teaching and workload.

Once again there were some positive results for our College across the areas of:

• the supervision of our Candidates
• the opportunity to access teaching to develop knowledge and skills needed
• the quality of training to raise patient concerns

However, there are also areas where RACMA can improve, including our communication with Candidates about their training requirements, and whilst the report highlights that exams ran smoothly on the day, there are other aspects of the exams where the College could improve.

It was also encouraging to see positive feedback from RACMA Candidates regarding the culture and support within their workplaces.

To view RACMA’s report based on your responses CLICK HERE. The report provides a comparison with national data, however there are some areas where there was no specific data to the College provided as there were less than 10 responses received.

Visit https://www.medicaltrainingsurvey.gov.au/ to explore all aspects of the survey results and customise your own reports.

The College will continue to work with Candidates on the areas where RACMA can improve its work to deliver the best training program possible.