The decision to abolish the medical training initiative (MTI) scheme (Medical colleges condemn scrapping of NHS placements for overseas doctors, 31 July) risks reversing years of progress in medical diplomacy and repeating earlier mistakes in the UK’s treatment of international medical graduates (IMGs). Following strong lobbying by the medical royal colleges, the MTI scheme was introduced to allow suitably qualified doctors to come to the UK for a maximum of two years before returning home. The scheme benefited the UK, the NHS, international graduates and UK trainees, while also serving as an effective example of UK soft power. Abolishing the scheme removes a successful route for international collaboration, including education and research, and risks signalling again that nationality takes precedence over merit. Dr Peter TrewbyRetired consultant physician and former director, international medical graduates, Royal College of Physicians