Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Medical student survey shows exodus from Wales
Junior doctors and members of the British Medical Association (BMA) outside the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, January 4, 2024

DOCTORS’ leaders warned today that medical students in Wales plan to leave the country after graduating to work where pay levels are higher.

A BMA Cymru Wales survey of medical students has revealed that 39 per cent plan to leave Wales after graduation to start their medical careers elsewhere for better pay and working conditions. 

The survey of students at Cardiff, Swansea and Bangor’s medical schools revealed that 80 per cent of those who intend to leave Wales plan to begin foundation training in England and 15 per cent in Scotland, where junior doctors receive higher pay.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
WELSH SHIFT: Plaid Cymru Leader Rhun ap Iorwerth (left) and Deputy Leader Delyth Jewell (right) with newly elected Senedd member Lindsay Whittle at a rally after victory in the Caerphilly Senedd by-election on October 24 2025
Features / 6 February 2026
6 February 2026

Morning Star Wales reporter DAVID NICHOLSON analyses polling for the Senedd election — and it’s bad news for Welsh Labour