University Medics Choose to Stay Local, Boosting NHS Workforce
By Health Correspondent
More than four in 10 newly qualified doctors graduating from the University of Leicester this summer have chosen to stay and work in the local NHS.
Around 41% of this year's graduates will begin their careers in Leicester, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland, helping hospitals and GP services across the region as they take their first steps as doctors.
The figures highlight the close links between Leicester Medical School and local NHS organisations, with many students choosing to remain in the area where they trained.
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.
"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."
This summer, 297 students are graduating from Leicester Medical School, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year and has trained almost 8,000 doctors.
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Students spend much of their training working alongside NHS teams in hospitals and community healthcare settings, giving them valuable experience before they qualify.
Rachel Parry, Foundation School Director for the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Foundation School, said training locally gives students a strong understanding of the hospitals, healthcare teams and communities they will go on to serve, helping them settle into their first NHS roles.
For many graduates, staying close to where they studied was an easy decision.
Dr Ahmad Khan, who graduated in June, is about to start his dream job as an academic doctor, combining clinical work with research.
He said: "Now, when I look back, I have a sense of huge fulfilment. I've gained exceptional clinical teaching, exciting research opportunities, inspiring mentors and great friends."
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The experience and support he received at Leicester helped him secure an academic foundation post at University Hospitals of Leicester.
Fellow graduate Jemima Ball will also stay in the region as she begins the Specialised Foundation Programme.
She 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."
Gang Xu, Medical Director at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and a graduate of Leicester Medical School, said the decision by so many graduates to stay in the area would help strengthen the local NHS workforce and support patient care for years to come.
With the NHS continuing to recruit more doctors, the number choosing to stay where they trained is good news for local patients and a sign that many young medics are putting down roots in the communities where their careers began.
