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Resident doctor

Formerly junior doctor

A resident doctor is a qualified doctor in postgraduate training.

Updated 12 October 2026 (1 minute read)

Summary

  • The name replaced junior doctor in September 2024, because many of these doctors have years of experience.
  • The grade runs from the first foundation year to the end of specialty training.
  • Resident doctors work under the supervision of consultants or GPs.
  • Their pay dispute with the government has led to repeated strikes in England since 2023.

Interview questions

  • Why was the name junior doctor dropped?
  • What are the stages of training after medical school?
  • What do you know about the resident doctor strikes?

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Cases that turn on it

Resident doctor strikes Beneficence Doctors in training in England first went on strike over pay in March 2023. By the time they accepted a deal, by 53% to 47%, the argument was as much about a shortage of jobs.

More NHS hot topics, medical ethics case studies and medical school interview questions are in AlphaMED Resources, which we add to and update through the application cycle.