I don't regret my choice to do medicine, but there is no way on earth I would choose to do it these days. I was the in the last cohort of the 'old system', did a decent number or hours as a junior doc and learnt a hell of a lot. These days the juniors have no responsibility and spend all their time filling in unvalidated assessment forms instead of learning by seeing patients.
ALL potential doctors must read the following. This has been written by NHS employers (essentially the government) and sets out their plans for doctors in the future:
NHS Employers: Medical workforce latest news
In short:
GPs will 'increasingly employed as salaried practitioners'
ie. GP's will not own their own practices any more and will be employed by the PCT, just like the cleaners.
Specialty doctors - The 'number of training posts proportionate to other grades will decrease'
ie. Competition for hospital specialties will rocket (more graduates and less places)
'Employers are clear that the future role for doctors on the specialist register ... is going to be different to the current role of consultant working as they do today .... (future)CCT and CESR holders cannot all be accommodated in the current consultant grade'
ie. even if you train as a consultant you are likely to end up doing a subconsultant job
'There is some evidence that patients are less concerned with doctors' job titles and more concerned with having experienced, qualified people to meet their healthcare needs promptly'
ie. Noctors taking over doctors jobs
'The specialty doctor and consultant contracts are similar in structure and could be adapted locally to support new or developing roles.'
ie. They will screw with the contracts
'A small planned oversupply in the medical workforce would facilitate this (greater flexibility in training)'
ie. Unemployed doctors fighting for fewer jobs driving wages down
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