Junior Doctors Renamed Resident Doctors in NHS

Junior doctors in Northern Ireland and across the UK will now be referred to as 'resident doctors' following a decision by the British Medical Association (BMA) to adopt the change. This new title aims to better reflect their qualifications and expertise, addressing concerns that the term 'junior' undermines the capabilities of these doctors who often have significant experience. The change coincides with a recent acceptance of a government pay deal, granting a 22% increase over two years, although tensions remain regarding future pay adjustments. The BMA argues that the term 'junior' has been misleading and infantilizing, which could confuse patients about the doctors' qualifications. Health ministers have also agreed to this terminology shift as part of efforts to improve relations with NHS doctors. The title 'resident doctor' aligns with terminology used in the United States and is seen as more neutral and representative of their roles.