Practices may struggle to accommodate a proposed doubling of medical school places, according to a new survey.

Some medical students have reported joining up to nine other students on placements in practices – leading to few learning opportunities.

GP Dr Elizabeth Toberty said: “We are frequently approached by local universities asking us to take more students. We would love to take more, but we do not have the physical space within our buildings or the clinician time to spare. In the current climate of pressurised appointments, the idea we could double our time spent with students, and GP trainees is ludicrous. The workforce plan has not taken into consideration that more experienced staff are needed in order to train these medical students.”

The Doctors Association UK has spoken to 151 students and found that 90% had to leave their last placement early because of a shortage of learning opportunities. 75% of the students left their placements believing that doctors do not have enough time to teach them. Nearly one in six students reported being on placements with ten or more students to a ward – and 57.9% said they had five or more students on a ward during their placements.

In general practice, 30% of students reported sharing a placement with at least four others.

One student said: “I have never been shown how to examine a patient. I have completely relied on on-line resources for my clinical teaching.”

Doctors’ Association chair Dr Matt Kneale said: “Medical students are already missing out on some teaching experiences due to a lack of space and doctors onwards. With the proposed doubling of medical student spaces, it is imperative that this is addressed to ensure standards remain high. Our message is clear: If there aren’t enough doctors to teach the new students, the workforce plan will fail. More doctors are good for society. But the current NHS staff tasked with training the next generation need the support and funding to do it properly – currently they have neither.”