In this month’s update, I share my thoughts on the recently published Medical Training Review Phase 1 report, which sets out a roadmap for much-needed reform in postgraduate medical education. You’ll also find details of upcoming Grand Round and UKHSA webinars, new insights from colleagues across the devolved nations, and a reminder that applications for paediatric sub-specialty training close this Wednesday.
For obvious reasons, I only have firsthand experience of post-graduate medical training. Watching my three post-graduate non-medical children’s early careers, I see very little in common between my own and their post-graduate training. My comparison is based on an “n of three”, but my data analysist, laboratory scientist and accountant offspring have very-little-to-no educational supervision and continuous assessment. Rather reminiscent of the very old days of post graduate medical training. This all brings me to the conclusion that whilst I knew modern post-graduate medical training is complicated, it really is very complicated. And all very complicated structures need very careful maintenance.
The Medical Training Review (MTR) Phase 1 diagnostic report was published just over a week ago. In its historical reflections, the document notes that major changes to post-graduate training previously occurred in 1993, 2003 and 2013. So, the present review is very timely.
You may have seen the College’s briefing for members. The MTR consultation received many thousands of responses, and the headline is that urgent reform is needed. This can be anticipated to benefit our members across the UK. Among its eleven recommendations, it highlights the need to address bottlenecks at all points in training, embed flexibility into all training programmes and support educators to train the future medical workforce in a fit for purpose environment. The MTR recommendations also recognise the need to provide a medical workforce across the UK for the whole population equitably, for all doctors working in the NHS to be supported to progress (regardless of whether they are in a formal training programme) and the importance of clinical academic medicine to the NHS.
How the NHS responds to the MTR is clearly the crucial next step. It seems highly likely that change will come. A balance needs to be struck to allow the reforms to take place whilst both training and service continue to be delivered. We’ll all keep a very close eye on developments.
#WDYCD4U – Your Paediatrics Your Future
I am sure you have also asked the question “what will good will look like in the future?” If so, please tune in to my next bulletin when I share more about our exciting new campaign – Your Paediatrics Your Future. Themes include where the child health sector is headed and hearing how your peers navigate their work life balance.
Introduction of a routine varicella (MMRV) vaccination programme
From 1 January 2026, a varicella vaccination will be introduced into the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme using a combined measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) vaccine, following the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). All children will be offered a combined MMRV vaccine instead of MMR as part of the childhood routine two-dose vaccination schedule. There will also be a single dose selective MMRV catch-up programme for older children (up to age 6). You can read further details in the letter from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England (NHSE).
To help communicate the changes to health professionals, on Wednesday 3 December 2025, 14:00 – 15:15, UKHSA and NHSE will be hosting a webinar on the changes to the routine childhood vaccination schedule which will be implemented from January 2026. This will cover the introduction of a varicella (chickenpox) vaccination programme (MMRV) and a new routine vaccination appointment at 18 months of age for health professionals involved in the commissioning and delivery of childhood immunisations including those working in primary care, screening and immunisation teams, health visiting teams and integrated care boards (ICBs).
Register your interest for attending this webinar. Can’t make it? Don’t worry – it will also be recorded. You can register on the same form to receive the recording.
If you did not see it over the summer, here is the summary of our College’s work identifying barriers to vaccination in children.
Grand Round Webinars
I’m pleased to highlight our next Grand Round webinar, taking place on Friday 7 November, which will explore the theme “Challenges from Primary to Secondary Care.” We’re delighted to welcome Professor Kamilla Hawthorne, President of the Royal College of General Practitioners, as our guest speaker.
This session will provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on how we can strengthen collaboration across primary and secondary care - a vital part of ensuring children and young people receive seamless, high-quality support throughout their healthcare journey. This promises to be an insightful and practical discussion. If you have not already done so, please consider registering so you can see this, all past and (when they happen) all future webinars on our website.
Workforce in Wales
We've recently added a blog from our Deputy Officer for Wales, Dr Malcolm Gajraj on the workforce theme from our 2026 manifesto as well as a spotlight interview with a member on the same theme. Please see:
An RCPCH Wales ask for the next Welsh Government
A spotlight on the child health workforce in Wales
Celebrating Awaab’s law
Awaab’s Law, introduced on 27 October 2025, will be a step change for children as the new law seeks to improve housing conditions and tenant safety in social housing. You might remember that our‘Clean Air, Healthy Childhoods’ report highlighted the vital role health professionals play in recognising environmental risks and advocating for change. That’s why we have called for Awaab’s Law to be expanded to cover private renters in England, and for its introduction and extension across Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. In addition to the report, you might also find other resources on the Air Pollution Companion useful, e.g. knowledge hub, communication and advocacy toolkits. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe home.
Applications for the Paediatric sub-specialty training closes on Wednesday
Please can I draw your attention to an important opportunity for those in paediatric training: applications for paediatric sub-specialty training are now open, and close at 12 noon on Wednesday 12 November.
This is your chance to advance into one of the many recognised sub-specialty programmes in the UK (ST5–ST7), working toward dual accreditation and entry onto the GMC specialist register with your chosen paediatric focus.
If you are considering this path, now is the time to prepare your application, including your Confirmation of Eligibility Form, evidence of relevant clinical experience, and audit or QIP work - be sure to submit everything well ahead of the deadline to allow for technical or administrative delays.
Please see the full guidance and programme summaries.
In case you missed it...
We’re just days away from our first ever Digital Paediatrics conference dedicated to advancing child health through technology. It’s not too late to join us online for an inspiring day, hearing directly from world leading technology companies, NHS digital leaders, frontline research teams and innovative digital startups sharing cutting-edge insights from the tech industry, all to drive better outcomes for children’s healthcare.
Best wishes all round,
Steve
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