Recruitment of GPs is at a 30 year low, according to the Department of Health's Statistical Bulletin. GP registrar numbers in England continued on their downward trend, falling from 1623 in 1992 to 1404 in 1995. The decline in registrar numbers coincides with a demographic bulge of non-UK graduates nearing retirement. The figures provide an explanation for the fall in the number of applicants for partnerships that many practices have experienced.

   A revised and updated career guide, which includes information for doctors entering the new specialist registrar grade, has just been published by the BMA. The guide also gives an overview of all career paths open to doctors, and regularly updated supplements provide comprehensive information on pay and the number of doctors in each specialty. Medical Careers - a general guide is available free to BMA members from local offices, and to non-members from the BMA Bookshop, priced £10.