BackgroundDespite improvements in psychiatric teaching, British medical schools have never produced enough graduands aiming for psychiatry.AimsTo inform the strategy for improving recruitment.MethodA literature review.ResultsThe number of psychiatrists required depends on the role of psychiatry, which is constantly changing. The present requirement is about 250–300 per year, including replacements and new posts. The number of psychiatric trainees has always been higher than expected from the career plans of newly qualified doctors, but the number of British graduates passing the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Membership examination has still fallen short, requiring a supplement of foreign medical graduates. The recent 50% expansion in medical students may make this country self-sufficient.ConclusionsTo improve recruitment, the College should focus on influences before and after undergraduate training – the kind of student entering medical school and the factors favouring sustained psychiatric practice after graduation.