A quantitative analysis of resident composition within GP training practices across the UK

Increasing workload in primary care has prompted an increase in general practice (GP) training places. These additional places have historically been filled by international medical graduates (IMGs); in 2025 52% of UK GP residents were IMGs. However, disparities in allocation to training practice may disadvantage IMGs thereby causing problems in training progression.

To analyse the allocation of residents to GP training practices across the UK to determine whether this varies with socio-economic deprivation.

A quantitative analysis of data obtained from freedom of information (FOI) requests to UK bodies governing GP training.

Main outcome is composition of residents within training practice; classified as IMG-only, UK medical graduate (UKMG) -only or mixed. Variable of interest is Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile.

We observed a 23% increase in number of UK GP training practices from 2020-2025. In this time, composition of residents shifted from predominantly UKMG-only to more mixed and IMG-only practices. Number of training practices serving the most deprived communities varied; 15% in England to 34% in Northern Ireland (NI). In England, Scotland and NI, IMG-only training practices were significantly more likely to be in areas of higher deprivation than UKMG-only practices. Prevalence of diabetes and COPD were higher in IMG-only compared to UKMG-only practices.

Findings highlight the substantial contribution of IMGs to the UK primary care workforce from 2020-2025; however, we must acknowledge and address disparities in the allocation of GP training placements and further investigate impact on resident progression.