Medical Workforce Planning

The Medical Workforce Planning team in National Doctors Training & Planning (NDTP) carries out a number of functions:

• Analysis reports of the medical workforce
• Specialty Specific Reviews
• Workforce research projects
• Supporting operational projects

Analysis Reports of the Medical Workforce Data

NDTP produces two detailed reports annually, the Medical Workforce Analysis Report and Recruitment and Retention Report. These reports explore the current trends and present data relating to NCHDs and consultants working in the public health system.

These reports can be found here.

Specialty Specific Reviews

Our latest specialty reviews can be found here.

Workforce Research Projects

The unit also carries out qualitative and quantitative research projects directly related to medical workforce planning.

In February 2023, NDTP published an article entitled The Retention of Training Doctors in the Irish Health System. The aim of this study was to estimate the number of trainee doctors leaving the Irish health system and the numbers returning. A link to the article can be found here.

In October 2025, NDTP published a research study, which used qualitative methods to understand the retention of qualified specialists (CSCSTs). This article is linked here.

Supporting Operational Projects

The unit also supports operation projects across the health system. These include:

• Regional medical workforce planning
• Workforce planning for the Elective Hospitals
• The development of a physician Associate Role