The Medical Clinical Academic Survey is a way for institutions such as universities, hospitals and research funders to understand the current pool of clinical academics. With this information they can better plan for the future of clinical academia, ensuring that it continues to benefit patient care.
Historically this information was not collected in a coordinated way, so recognising shortfalls in particular specialities was difficult. The first survey was undertaken in 2000 and the Medical Schools Council assumed responsibility for the survey in 2003, after which it has been undertaken annually. Over the same period, the Dental Schools Council has conducted a survey into the numbers of dental clinical academics.
Data collected include the numbers in each specialty and at each career stage, as well as by region, funding source, age, gender and ethnicity.
Previous versions of the survey can be found in the publications section.