A resident doctor in the UK is a fully qualified doctor who is either in postgraduate training or gaining experience as a doctor.
The term ‘resident doctor’ was officially adopted by the British Medical Association (BMA; a UK doctors’ union) on 18th September 2024, replacing the previous terms ‘junior doctor’ and ‘registrar’ (these are more experienced than a junior doctor, nearer to being a consultant).
The Government has also agreed to follow this terminology.
The change was made after years of calls to retire the term ‘junior’ as it was considered misleading and demeaning.
Resident doctors are the largest group in the UK’s medical workforce. They work under the supervision of the most senior doctors, either a hospital consultant or GP. And their training can take up to 10 years depending on the specialty (e.g. 5 years if they want to a GP, and 10 years for a consultant).
The term ‘resident doctor’ encompasses the following 3 groups (grades):
- Year 1-2 after qualification: Foundation Doctor (FY1/2) – least senior and experienced
- Years 3-4: Core Trainee (CT)
- Years 5+: Specialty Trainee (ST; ‘registrar’) and Specialty Doctors – most senior and experienced.
Summary
So, in summary, resident doctors are fully qualified doctors who are either currently in postgraduate training or gaining experience as doctors, to become the consultants, GPs or specialists of tomorrow.
Other resources
What is a junior doctor?
What is a registrar?
Titles and ranks of NHS doctors
Resident (junior and registrar) doctor training in the UK
