New insights into Medical Training Across Aotearoa New Zealand: Survey results now available

The results of the Torohia Medical Training Survey for New Zealand are now available. Launched for the first time in 2025 by the Medical Council of New Zealand, the Torohia offers a new lens into the training journey of RACP trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The survey ran between August and September 2025, providing anonymous, data-driven insights to help us strengthen the quality and consistency of our training programs.

These results are more than just numbers – they’re a reflection of trainee voices and a roadmap for continuous improvement. We encourage all members to explore the findings and consider how they can inform local education and advocacy efforts.

The Torohia was completed by 19 per cent of RACP trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand (n=205).

Survey findings relating to key areas such as supervision, workload, trainee wellbeing and workplace culture are outlined below, as well as comparisons to the Australian 2025 Medical Training Survey (MTS).

Key findings

The quality of training and clinical supervision are reasonable:

• 75 per cent of trainees would recommend their current workplace to others as a place to train (compared to 79 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 82 per cent of trainees agreed that their training programme is relevant to their development as a doctor (compared to 84 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 76 per cent of trainees rated the quality of their clinical supervision as excellent or good, (compared to 86 per cent in the 2025 MTS).

We continue our work to improve the support we provide to our members who occupy vital supervisor and educational leadership roles. We know those of you who take on these roles are strained. We are also looking to also improve our recognition of supervisory roles in 2026.

High workloads impact trainee wellbeing and ability to meet training requirements:

• 60 per cent of trainees felt their workload was heavy or very heavy, (compared to 53 per cent in 2025 MTS).
• 58 per cent of trainees reported the amount of work they are expected to do adversely affected their wellbeing always or most of the time (compared to 31 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 69 per cent of trainees felt their job responsibilities prevented them from meeting training requirements sometimes or often (compared to 46 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 63 per cent of trainees reported that having to work unpaid overtime adversely affected their wellbeing always or most of the time (compared to 23 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 42 per cent of trainees did not have access to protected study time/leave (compared to 19 per cent in the 2025 MTS).

In 2026, the College will continue its new Workforce and Healthcare Reform Advocacy program featuring increased calls for protected training and education time for members. We are also looking at our Accreditation Standards to see how these can better support legitimising and protecting education activities as a core function of accredited training settings. We recognise the significant strain that high workloads are placing on our trainees, particularly in Aotearoa where the challenges are even more significant.

The importance of safe training environments:

• 90 per cent of trainees agreed that most senior medical staff are supportive (compared to 93 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 63 per cent of trainees agreed there is a positive culture at their workplace (compared to 78 per cent in 2025 MTS).
• The incidence of bullying, harassment, discrimination and racism, both experienced and witnessed, by trainees is unacceptably high (25 per cent experienced; 42 per cent witnessed, predominantly perpetrated by senior medical staff and patients or their families. These behaviours were formally reported by less than 20 per cent of trainees.

We continue our important work to improve the psychological safety of trainees in training settings and we maintain our zero-tolerance stance on unprofessional behaviours. Please refer to the RACP Wellbeing Services page for more information on the support available for trainees.

Need for increased support for trainee wellbeing:

• 58 per cent of RACP trainees agreed that their workplace supports wellbeing (compared to 77 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 32 per cent of RACP trainees agreed that their workplace supports them to achieve a good work/life balance (compared to 62 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 35 per cent of trainees agreed that the RACP supports flexible training arrangements (compared to 56 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 25 per cent of trainees agreed that the RACP provides access to psychological and/or mental health support services (compared to 35 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 62 per cent of trainees agreed they have access to sufficient opportunities to develop their Hauora Māori (Māori health and wellbeing).
• 18 per cent of trainees agreed that there are safe mechanisms for raising training/wellbeing concerns with the College (compared to 36 per cent in the 2025 MTS).

The Member Health and Wellbeing Strategic Plan outlines the College’s commitment to enhancing member wellbeing at both individual and systemic levels. Individual support is free and readily available through the RACP Support Program and our range of other resources. We recognise the pressing need to strengthen support for trainee wellbeing, particularly in Aotearoa, where the challenges are more pronounced.

Need for increased communication and support from the RACP:

• 13 per cent of trainees agreed that they received support from the RACP when needed (compared to 33 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 57 per cent of trainees agreed that the RACP clearly communicates the requirements of their training programme (compared to 68 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 49 per cent of trainees agreed that the RACP communicates with them about changes to their programme and how they will be affected (compared to 57 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 4 per cent of trainees agreed that the RACP provides clear and accessible information about how their fees are spent (compared to 13 per cent in the 2025 MTS).

We recognise we still have significant work to do to meet trainee expectations for quality and timely services. Our recent investments in the Member Support Centre, along with new technology and processes, will continue to strengthen the communication and support we provide to our members throughout their training journey. We’re working with members, including the Aotearoa New Zealand Trainees’ Committee, on how we can better meet your needs.

Future career intentions:

• 90 per cent of trainees intended to continue in their specialty training programme (compared to 94 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 58 per cent of trainees were interested in Māori health/healthcare
• 23 per cent were interested in rural practice (compared to 26 per cent in the 2025 MTS who ‘intended to work in rural practice’).
• 76 per cent of trainees were concerned about whether they will be able to secure employment on completion of training (compared to 62 per cent in the 2025 MTS).
• 16 per cent of trainees are considering a future outside of medicine in the next 12 months (compared to 10 per cent in the 2025 MTS).

In 2026, the College will continue its work to support physician workforce capacity and policy reforms and increase the visibility and accessibility of Māori health/healthcare learning pathways. We will also commence work on new support resources for new Fellows as they make the transition to unsupervised practice.

How to access the results

You can explore the findings further through:

• The 2025 Torohia for RACP report
• The Torohia interactive reporting dashboard – available from early 2026. This dashboard allows you to filter and customise reports based on your interests — including by training division and type — making it easier to find the insights most relevant to you.

How RACP uses the survey data

The RACP leverages these survey results to:

• Enhance training programs and activities
• Drive strategic change by informing broader initiatives to improve physician training, member services, and the culture of medicine.
• Identify and support training settings where results suggest potential concerns, working with local leaders to advocate for improvements

We would like to thank all RACP trainees who participated in the Torohia in its first year - your feedback is vital to shaping improvements that will strengthen the quality of medical education.