Vice-Chancellor Professor David Greenaway is to lead a major independent review that will shape the way doctors are trained in the UK.

Prof Greenaway will oversee the Independent Review of the Shape of Medical Training, a year-long evaluation of UK postgraduate medical education and training which aims to ensure the next generation of doctors is equipped to meet the changing needs of patients, society and health services.

Jointly sponsored by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the General Medical Council, Medical Education England, the Medical Schools Council, NHS Education Scotland, NHS Wales and the Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, the review will consider:

• the balance between specialisation and generalism

• the implications for community-delivered healthcare training

• balancing workforce demands with training needs of trainees

• how to create flexible training models which can respond to changing needs of both patients and healthcare service.

Prof Greenaway said: “I am delighted to accept this post. The challenge of ensuring that we provide the right education for doctors in training cannot be underestimated. Changing expectations from patients and advances in technology mean we must undertake a review of training now to ensure we continue to produce high quality doctors for patients in the future.”

The Shape of Medical Training Independent Review has been asked to produce a final report with recommendations by June 2013 to the Sponsoring Board, which is overseeing the review. It is expected that the recommendations will put in place a structure for postgraduate medical education in the UK for at least the next 10 to 15 years.

Christine Outram, managing director of Medical Education England, said: “Patient expectations and the future health needs of a population that is living longer will require a more flexible system that can provide care within different environments and in different ways. We are delighted that Professor Greenaway has accepted the role of Chair of the Shape of Medical Training Review and we look forward to working with him.”

Niall Dickson, GMC chief executive, said: “This review has the potential to make a real difference.

“It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the structure, approach and content of postgraduate education in the UK and make sure that doctors trained here are among the best in the world, delivering cutting-edge, high-quality care for patients. We are delighted that Prof Greenaway has agreed to chair the review — he brings experience, objectivity and rigour to this new and important role.”