16 September 2026
The Medical Education and Training Review (METR) is developing its recommendations to reform postgraduate medical education and training. We have been working to ensure rheumatology’s voice and priorities are reflected, as this is a key opportunity to help shape the future of training.
Phase 1 of the review, led by Professor Chris Whitty, published a diagnostic report setting out the current position, 11 recommendations and four key priorities. Phase 2, led by Dame Jane Dacre, is now considering how these recommendations can be translated into meaningful improvement and reform.
Raising rheumatology’s voice
Earlier this year, we met Dame Jane Dacre alongside the Rheumatology Specialty Advisory Committee (SAC) and Arthritis UK to raise concerns about the pressures facing academic rheumatology trainees.
Since then, we have written joint letters to METR leads and continue to highlight the specialty’s priorities through LinkedIn (see our posts and share them with your network). Our recommendations are informed by an extensive SAC-led survey of rheumatology specialty trainees on the impact of General Internal Medicine (GIM) on their training, alongside feedback from BSR’s Trainee Committee.
Together, our recommendations for adult rheumatology training aim to protect high-quality specialty learning, support academic careers, strengthen accountability and ensure the workforce can meet future patient need.
- Protect specialty training: Provide at least two years of protected rheumatology training, with GIM commitments restricted to one acute unselected take per month and no ward cover duties.
- Support academic trainees: Exempt academic rheumatology trainees who secure a clinical lectureship (or equivalent) from GIM service requirements beyond those needed for accreditation.
- Strengthen accountability: Establish clearer national expectations and accountability for the delivery of high-quality specialty training.
- Plan for future demand: Ensure sufficient rheumatology training and consultant posts to meet growing demand for specialist care.
Our METR work is continuing across both adult and paediatric rheumatology training. Alongside our recommendations for adult rheumatology training, we are working with paediatric colleagues to highlight the distinct issues facing paediatric rheumatology training and help ensure their experiences and training needs are reflected in the review.
Have your say on the future of medical training
METR’s upcoming Town Halls provide an important opportunity to contribute to the review. Members can hear what is being discussed, ask questions and help ensure that the needs of rheumatology trainees, trainers and services are understood.
Join METR Town Hall: Rotations and Curricula
Wednesday 30 September, 12:00 to 14:00
Join METR Town Hall: Educators, Training Facilities and Training Delivery
Thursday 1 October, 10:30 to 12:00