National Assembly for Wales

We do not have a complete set of figures for the five years requested. However, we do hold information about the number of enrolments within Cardiff and Swansea Medical Schools as set out in the table below:

We have been working with both our medical schools to explore how we can increase the number of Welsh domiciled medical students studying in Wales. Both universities have and continue to review their admission processes, for example Cardiff successfully introduced a multiple mini Interview approach for the 2017/18 student intake arrangements.

One of the key issues in increasing the number of welsh domiciled students studying medicine in Wales is to ensure they are aware of the value of a medical career, how they can achieve a career in medicine and equip them with the support necessary to realise their potential. There are a number of ways this can be achieved.

Both medical schools have collaborated on a work experience programme to introduce students to the work of medical doctors in general practice. Two successful pilots have been completed with a total of 111 students participating (32 in 2016-17 and 79 in 2017-18). We are currently considering the evaluation reports to inform future arrangements.

In addition we are working with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol and others to introduce a programme of support for Welsh Medium students, to equip them with skills to assist them make a successful application to medical school and prepare for interviews. The programme will also seek to enhance students’ knowledge of how the ability to communicate in Welsh can enhance employability and emphasise the importance of people in Wales receiving high quality appropriate care. The aim is to increase the number of Welsh speaking welsh domiciled applications, predominantly to medical school in Wales.  Work is also underway in planning similar provision for English medium students.

The reasons why medical graduates choose locations to progress their careers is complex and multifactorial. It includes family circumstances, reputation and quality of training and the lifestyle each individual is hoping to achieve. The issues will be different for each student. Throughout their studies individuals are exposed to the values and benefits of working in Wales this is reinforced through the ‘This is Wales:  Train, Work, Live Campaign’.