UK internal medicine training in the time of COVID-19.

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on internal medicine training in the UK. Many unprecedented changes have been made to prioritise the care of affected patients. The medical workforce was re-shaped, training programmes were disrupted, Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) examinations were cancelled and their format changed on re-commencement, teaching programmes were suspended and delivery methods amended, out of programme (OOP) opportunities deferred, non-COVID related research halted, trainee progression impacted and trainee mental health and wellbeing suffered. Despite this, the pandemic has undoubtedly created a plethora of unique learning opportunities for trainees that could make them better doctors and healthcare leaders in the future.