Introduction As the downward trend in the number of Foundation Year 2 doctors progressing directly to speciality training continues, NHS trusts are left struggling with rota gaps and reliant on locums. The Royal Surrey County Hospital (RSCH) is no exception. This project aimed to understand why current F2s have decided to take time out and their aims for the coming year. This information then informs the development of an attractive Foundation Year 3 (F3) program that benefits both the trust and the doctor.

Method A list of current F2s was provided by the Medical Education department. A survey was sent using Survey Monkey. Responders were asked both multiple choice and ranking questions. These concerned: their plans for the coming year, what they are hoping to get out of the coming year, and what they would look for in a trust grade position. Results were analysed and graphically represented using Microsoft Excel.

Results 25 doctors responded to the survey. Five are going directly into training; the remaining 20 are taking a year out. There are several reasons for this but the most common was to improve work life balance with 70% citing this as a reason. Just over half also want to travel. More doctors are considering locum work over trust grade employment. Competitive pay and choice of speciality are the most important factors for doctors when considering trust grade appointment. Flexibility in contract length is also an important factor.

Conclusion Only 20% of doctors in this cohort are going into speciality training. There are multifactorial reasons for this but most are seeking to improve work life balance. Many doctors are looking to take up service posts in the UK before making use of the greater flexibility to travel Doctors favour locuming over trust grade appointment but trust grades can be made more attractive by offering flexible contract lengths, competitive pay and choice of speciality.