Why Doctors are Leaving and What No one’s Talking About👩🏻‍⚕️

A quiet crisis inside the NHS

Hello!

You’ve probably seen the headlines. The NHS is growing its workforce. More doctors are joining than ever before. But behind the numbers, there’s a different story unfolding.

In 2023, over 11,000 doctors left the UK medical workforce. That’s nearly 4% of all licensed doctors stepping away in just one year. On paper, it doesn’t look alarming. After all, we’re seeing record numbers of new doctors entering the system.

But here’s what the numbers don’t show: We’re losing experience. We’re losing mentors. We’re losing leadership.

Why Are Doctors Really Leaving?

Doctors are stepping away not simply because they’re tired, though many are quiete exhausted. They’re leaving because the current system doesn’t allow them to practise medicine in the way they believe in.

Instead, they’re dealing with:

  • Overwhelming bureaucracy

  • Not enough say in how they work

  • The guilt of not being able to give patients the care they deserve

And this is happening at the same time the demand for care is rising. By 2037, the population aged 85 and over in England is expected to grow by 55%. Two-thirds of those over 65 will be managing multiple health conditions. So what happens when the most experienced doctors are no longer part of the system?

It’s clear that we need more than just workforce growth. We need new models of leadership and career development that support doctors beyond the hospital walls.

At Medic Footprints, we’ve spent the last 11 years helping doctors explore exactly that. Careers in healthtech, consulting, policy, and entrepreneurship, spaces where clinical skills translate into high-impact, fulfilling work.

And more importantly, we help doctors rebuild their confidence, take back control, and define success on their own terms.

So, What Can You Do Next?

If you’re thinking about your next move, the 90-Day Industry Catalyst can help you transition into consulting, leadership, or strategy, no MBA needed.

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Abeyna and the MF Team