Overseas doctors taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration must attain MRCEM. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the Royal College of Emergency Medicine examinations (MRCEM), provided certain eligibility criteria are met. FRCEM however can only be sat once practicing in the UK, so is not a suitable route for international doctors who have not yet practiced in the NHS. To help doctors understand the FRCEM and MRCEM exams the following guide will provide you with key information covering the exams, dates, fess, eligibility, preparation and application.  These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is FRCEM and what is MRCEM? FRCEM Route MRCEM Route Eligibility for MRCEM Eligibility for FRCEM Where can I take the exam & how much will it cost me? How do I apply? How to prepare and what resources are available Should I take an MRCEM course? Passed? What next? What is the Royal College of Emergency Medicine? The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is the professional body responsible for the specialty of Emergency Medicine throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession in the UK. What is FRCEM and what is MRCEM? Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College is awarded to candidates who pass three examination components.  There have been a few changes to the MRCEM and FRCEM examination structure over the last few years, as such there are currently two routes to an accreditation in Emergency Medicine, both leading to RCEM Membership. These two routes are: Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM) MRCEM & FRCEM are one several routes an overseas emergency medicine doctor can take full GMC registration. Read our blogs on acceptable postgraduate qualifications and PLAB if you are unsure what route to take. For doctors who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCEM or FRCEM would be the best route to take. MRCEM Examination Route The alternative route, Membership by Examination (MRCEM), is offered to candidates who have passed all the following components: FRCEM Primary or (MRCEM Part A) One written paper, three-hours total FRCEM Intermediate SAQ (replaces MRCEM Part B) Short Answer Question paper - 3 hour paper comprised of 60, 3-mark questions MRCEM OSCE Practical examination setting with 18, seven-minute stations  FRCEM Examination Route The Fellowship Examinations consists of the following components: FRCEM Primary Examination one, three-hour written paper FRCEM Intermediate Certificate Short Answer Question Paper (SAQ) Situations Judgement Paper (SJP) FRCEM Final Examination  Critical Appraisal (Short Answer Question Paper) Quality Improvement Project (QIP) Clinical Short Answer Question Paper Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)  Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College is awarded to candidates who pass three examination components, using either route above.  Eligibility for MRCEM Examinations Eligibility for FRCEM Primary: To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. Eligibility for FRCEM Intermediate: To be eligible you must hold a PMQ recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme and have passed FRCEM Primary Examination after 1st August 2016. You will also be eligible if you have been granted exemption from the FRCEM Primary as a result of obtaining MRCS or MRCSI after 1st January 2012. Eligibility for MRCEM OSCE: To be eligible to enter the MRCEM OSCE (Part C) you must meet the following requirements: Hold a medical qualification approved by the GMC and Have completed the UK Foundation Programme of equivalent (electronic evidence required at point of application) and Have passed the FRCEM Primary examination after 1st August 2016 or Have passed the MRCEM Part A examination after 1st August 2012 and prior to 31st July 2016 and Have passed the FRCEM Intermediate SAQ after 1st August 2016 or Have passed the MRCEM Part B examination after 1st August 2012 and prior to 31 July 2016 and Have 36 months experience including 6 months experience in Emergency Medicine at a level above Foundation Year 1 (post full registration) Eligibility for FRCEM Examinations Eligibility for FRCEM Primary: To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. Eligibility for FRCEM Intermediate: To be eligible you must hold a PMQ recognised by the GMC, have completed an equivalent to the UK Foundation Programme and have passed FRCEM Primary Examination after 1st August 2016. You will also be eligible if you have been granted exemption from the FRCEM Primary as a result of obtaining MRCS or MRCSI after 1st January 2012. Eligibility for FRCEM Final Examination: To be eligible you must have FRCEM Primary and FRCEM Intermediate Certificate, attained after 1st August 2016. Where can I take the exams & how much will they cost me? Examination and application dates are regularly updated by the Royal College and can be found here.  Please remember, applications made outside the application period will not be accepted. Examination Location Fees FRCEM Primary Short Answer Question Paper UK £310 Iceland, Malaysia, Oman, India £390 FRCEM Intermediate Certificate SAQ UK £305 Iceland, Malaysia, Oman £385 FRCEM Intermediate Cert. (SJP) UK £200 Kuala Lumpur £200 MRCEM OSCE UK £450 India £450 FRCEM Final Clinical SAQ UK £300 FRCEM Final Critical Appraisal SAQ UK £240 FRCEM Final QIP N/A £150 FRCEM Final OSCE London £420 How can I apply? All applications are made online and links to all application forms and windows are available here. It is worth noting, the application can take some time to complete, so it is always advisable to apply well in advance of the deadlines. Please remember, applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted. How do I prepare for each exam and what resources are available? With lots of resources available online, such as FRCEM Success, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Emergency Medicine as set out in the Emergency Medicine Training Curriculum 2015. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.  Information Packs: These provide detailed information for the relevant examination components so that you can best prepare for your studies and what to expect on the day: FRCEM Primary FRCEM Intermediate FRCEM Final Examination MRCEM OSCE SAQ Blueprint: The blueprint for the new Intermediate SAQ exam can be found on page 8 of the FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here. SJP Blueprint: A blueprint of the new Intermediate SJP exam can be found on page 11 FRCEM Intermediate examination pack, downloaded from the RCEM website here. Sample questions:  Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below: Primary – sample questions Intermediate Certificate – sample SJP questions Final – successful QIP Reducing referral rates of paediatric patients to plastic surgery Management of fractured neck of femurs in the ED Final – unsuccessful QIP Critical Appraisal Questions – Advice to Candidates  Critical Appraisal – Most Frequently Offered Answers Glossary of Terms:  The royal college uses many terms that may cause confusion, so take plenty time to understand the terms and definitions used in this guide. Candidates are expected to be rigorous in their use of these terms. Glossary of terms used in RCEM exams. Examination Report: The Royal College recently began to publish reports on the performance of those sitting FRCEM examinations. Below is the first report published and helps to break down results for those in training and those out of training.  2018 Examination report. Online resources:  There are lots of resources online, such as videos on YouTube, FRCEM courses and useful reading materials. We think that these are a great addition to your study plan, just be sure to check your sources.  For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation. As ever at IMG Connect we believe in preparation. In order to succeed in the clinical exam, IMGs have told us that it is vital that you practice your clinical examinations as frequently as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague. This will give you confidence in approaching and examining patients with examiners present. Should I take a course to prepare for the OSCE? Whilst it is not essential to take a course when preparing for the MRCEM or FRCEM OSCEs - there is no doubt it will help your preparations both technically and mentally, and should be considered an investment towards your future career plans. Have a read of our blog on recommended MRCEM courses for Emergency Medicine doctors. You can find a full range of articles covering MRCEM and FRCEM examinatins to help you to make a success of your preparations here. Passed? What next?  First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of FRCEM or MRCEM you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding, CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS job & hospital locations for you. For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Interviewing over Skype is the typical method for NHS interviews for overseas doctors. Regardless of your experience, your interview is your chance to make a good impression for a potential employer. You must sell yourself and interviewing via video can make that hard. IMG Connect has arranged countless successful interviews and we'd be happy to share our experience and tips with you directly. However, here we share some tips and advice from doctors and employers: 1. Check your IT!!! One of the biggest mistakes is not checking everything works before you are due to do your interview.   “test your equipment, check your camera and microphone are working. Then be logged on about 15 minutes in advance, just as you would for any interview, early! Also, make sure your username sounds professional, mine wasn’t and I recall that this was shared with the interviewer!”  Dr Arshad SHO in General Medicine 2. Think about your backdrop You might be at home doing this interview, but you still need to look and be professional.   “Interviewees should be careful in ensuring that the background is appropriate, I remember somebody was in their kitchen and it didn’t look great! First impressions count after all” Francis, HR Manager Be sure to switch off TV’s, ask the children to play in the other room and be as quiet as they can be.  3. Remember your body language still counts.  You cannot shake someone’s hand on Skype, but you still need to be aware of how you come across. You need to be engaging and since you are not in the room with them, you need to think about how you engage with the interviewers. IMG, Dr Cardenas, said a good idea is “to give a pleasant nod of the head to acknowledge those doing the interview. And SMILE!”. He added that “candidates should still remember to use eye contact, look directly at the camera and not at themselves all the time!”.  Eye contact by Skype is just as important as in a face to face interview. 4. Dress for an interview You might be at home, but staying in your dressing gown and pyjamas won’t go down well. It is also not a good idea to dress from the waist up, as some may suggest.  HR Manager Sarah advised, “You are in an interview, so dress like it, otherwise don’t expect to be hired!” If you look professional, you will feel more confident.  5. Use a cheat-sheet Not being in the same room as the interviewers means you can take advantage of little tips to help you through the most difficult questions.  IMG, Dr Cardenas, used this to his advantage:  “During my video interview, I had a prompt sheet, behind the screen at eye level, it gave me confidence, though nothing beats full preparation. The guys at IMG Connect made sure I was fully prepared and knew my stuff!” Be careful though, for some this is distracting, and can stop you from concentrating on the question at hand or making eye-contact.  It is after all better to be prepared!  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

The Medical Oncology SCE is a postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a higher specialist qualification for medical oncologists. It is one of 11 SCEs offered by the Royal College and offers physicians a postgraduate qualification which demonstrates achievement of a high standard (equivalent to UK specialist trainees) to prospective employers.  Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) Medical Oncology Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in medical oncology. We cover the exam content, fees and eligibility, summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:  What is the medical oncology SCE? Where does the SCE fit into my oncology training? What is the structure of the SCE? How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas medical oncologist? How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG? I’ve passed? What’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.  MRCP (UK) Medical Oncology SCE The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK.   The medical oncology specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in medical oncology for all UK trainees.   The purpose of an SCE is to:  ensure that certified specialists have sufficient knowledge of their specialty to practice safely and competently as consultants  complement workplace-based assessments  provide a rigorous national assessment to establish public confidence  offer a challenge similar to sub-specialty certification examination in North America  For in-depth information on each of the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.  Medical Oncology SCE as Part of Training in Oncology As the MRCP exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (CT1-CT3), an SCE allows medical oncologists to demonstrate that they are able to practice independently.  The SCE has no official entry requirements (both for UK and overseas candidates), however, UK trainees would normally take the SCE in their penultimate year of higher specialty training (ST5).  To find out more about the medical oncology training pathway in the UK, see our blog on this topic here. Exam Structure The SCE assesses candidates on a wide range of common and important disorders, as set out in the syllabus of the curriculum:  Topic  Number of questions  Breast cancer  14  Colorectal and anal cancer  14  Lung and thoracic cancer  14  Carcinoma of unknown origin  7  Ovarian cancer  7  Germ cell tumours  7  Oesophagogastric cancer  6  Lymphoma  3  Uterine cancer  3  Hepatobiliary cancer  5  Skin cancer  5  Sarcoma  5  Leukaemia  1  Prostate cancer  3  Urothelial cancer  3  Cervical cancer  3  Head and neck cancer  2  CNS cancer  2  Renal cell cancer  3  Endocrine cancer  2  Scientific basis of malignancy  18  Professional skills  14  Acute oncology  20  Clinical research, ethics and economics  8  Systemic anticancer therapy  18  Supportive therapies and palliative care  10  Standard operating procedures  3  Total  200    All SCEs are computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE at a test centre in the UK or internationally.  Medical Oncology SCE Applications SCEs are held once a year and applications are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, within the Upcoming Exams section of the Royal College website.   The application process is as follows:  Register online through My MRCP(UK) (candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any special arrangements)  Request a preferred test country and city  Pay applicable examination fee  Application is confirmed via an automatically generated email  Receive test centre confirmation email from Pearson VUE within four weeks of the examination date.  The Royal College has created a helpful video guide on SCE applications which you can watch here.  Cost  The cost of the MRCP exams are as follows:  UK centres: £665  International centres: £833  Exam Centres UK Centres  Candidates choosing to sit the exam in the UK must contact Pearson VUE to book their test. There are up to 137 test centres throughout the UK for each SCE, and the Royal College advise that candidates should book their exam as early as possible to secure their preferred test centre, as bookings operate on a first come, first served basis.  International Centres  Candidates are given a choice of regions and are then asked to nominate a particular city in that region as their desired test location. MRCP (UK) will pass this request to Pearson VUE once the application period has closed, and Pearson VUE will confirm final test centre details to candidates via email at least three weeks before the date of the examination. If the exam is not available in a requested location, candidates will be offered a choice of the nearest available test centres.  Please note, international candidates should not book their own test centre with Pearson VUE, and attempting to do so may delay a candidate's application.  The full list of international SCE test centres can be found here.  Preparation and resources for the Medical Oncology SCE With lots of resources available online, it can be difficult for IMGs to know where to start with their preparation and revision. This list should provide a good starting point for any international medical oncologists preparing to sit the SCE:  Curriculum - Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Medical Oncology as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a roadmap for your study.   Guidelines - These resources are helpful for supplementing your knowledge:  British Journal of Cancer 2009 March 100 (5) 684–692 Jones et al. – guidelines for Herceptin modification  British Thoracic Society (BTS) - pleural disease guidelines  International Prognostic Index score for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma  National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) - guidelines for follicular lymphoma  NHS Cancer Screening – guidelines for bowel and other cancers  Books  Candidates can find information on genetics and some basic science in the Oxford Desk Reference of Oncology 2011.  Sample questions It is a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge by testing your knowledge and progress throughout your preparation using example questions from the current exam syllabus. You can find these here.  For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, the best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connect's Top Tips for exam preparation.  IMG Oncologists Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded oncology SCE aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. I’ve passed? What’s next? First, congratulations - this is a fantastic achievement! Armed with your MRCP and medical oncology SCE qualifications, you can apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Nice one!   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG oncology recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, oncology positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.  To receive the latest news and updates on all things oncology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

An application for GMC registration is completed online. In this article we take an in depth look at putting together your online application for the GMC and cover the following topics:  Preparing and understanding what documents you need  Applying for Online Registration Paying your registration fee Providing the required evidence GMC ID Checks I've had my ID checked, what next? Preparing and understanding what documents you need to apply for GMC online All applicants must have prepared: Evidence of English Language Test  Evidence to support your fitness to practise Explanations for breaks in medical practice Preparation specific to EEA Doctors: Acceptable Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ). Preparation specific to non-EEA Doctors: Acceptable overseas PMQ (different from GMC recognised PMQ) Verification of primary medical qualification Knowledge and skills fit for UK practice (PLAB or Postgraduate Qualification or Accepted Licensing Exam) Read our blog on accepted PMQs here. Or read up on verifying your PMQ with the GMC here. At IMG Connect we always recommend that you prepare all of your documentation and get organised before starting any application. If you do, completing the online application will prove to be much quicker. Applying for GMC Online Registration Applications are completed online here.  Paying your GMC registration fee online For full information on fees and discounts available visit the GMC website. Standard fees are £420. Discounted fees of up to 50% are available depending on your gross annual worldwide income. If you are unsure if you qualify for a discount speak to your IMG Consultant at any time. Providing the required evidence Once you have made your online application the GMC will email you telling you what evidence you will need to provide copies of (which you will already have prepared). Gather your documents and scan them as one PDF file. Email these documents within 28 days of receiving this email to keep your application live. Once the GMC have received your documents they will assess them and respond to you within five working days. At this point they will either ask for further evidence or consider your application complete.  If further evidence is required you will have 14 days to responds to keep your application live. GMC ID Check Congratulations! You are nearly there… Now your online application is complete, the GMC will invite you to attend an identity check at one of the GMC offices in either London or Manchester. You must bring your original documents to this meeting. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the GMC temporarily suspended in-person ID checks, however from Tuesday 19th April 2022, doctors applying for, or restoring their registration, will once again need to complete a GMC ID at the London office before they will be granted registration. You will have six months to book an appointment and complete your check. If you don’t complete it within this time, you will have to start a new application. If you were granted registration without an identity check earlier in the pandemic, the GMC will offer you an ID check at the earliest convenience, so do look out for an email from them. When you attend the GMC ID check, it provides us with a great opportunity to meet our doctors face to face and introduce ourselves over a coffee or lunch. Your IMG Consultant would love to arrange this with you, should this fit in with your busy schedule of course! I've had my ID checked by the GMC, what next? Congratulations are in order! Once you have attended your ID Check and presented your original documentation you are granted registration and can now work as a doctor in the NHS and Private UK Healthcare!         

IMGs from any country in the world can apply for Specialist Registration, provided certain eligibility criteria are met, though there are different routes available based on a doctor’s qualifications and training.  Here we explore specialist registration in histopathology for overseas consultant pathologists and specialists more closely. We’ll cover the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) specifically, including the application, costs, and eligibility criteria, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is Specialist Registration? What route to Specialist Registration is best for me as an overseas pathologist? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? Do I need FRCPath for Specialist Registration? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence do I need to submit for a CESR in histopathology? How much does CESR cost? How long is the CESR application process? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Specialist Registration  Specialist registration in any specialty means that you can be appointed to a substantive (permanent) consultant position in the NHS. All physicians who wish to take permanent consultant roles in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience in order to gain Specialist Registration.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC and is therefore not required to practice as a histopathologist in the UK.  Routes to Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC for specialist registration across all specialties, and the type of certificate you receive depends on which training route you followed.  For pathologists who have completed their full training outside a GMC-approved training programme, CESR is the route they will usually take towards attaining specialist registration. This route does not require further training, but rather the submission of an application.   Doctors who have trained outside the UK or Switzerland, but within an EEA country, will be awarded CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) after a successful specialist registration application. Specialist Certifications from across the EU are deemed as equivalent by the GMC, and therefore a straightforward application can be made.   Pathology Positions in the NHS without CESR  It is important to note that you attain more senior histopathology roles in the NHS, such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or a locum consultant without being on the Specialist Register.  Similarly, overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS.  In these NHS roles, you will have better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. While working in these positions, you can collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK histopathology curriculum.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  FRCPath for Specialist Registration  Whilst it is always beneficial pathologists to complete FRCPath, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not necessarily need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the CCT curriculum are the FRCPath exams, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the Histopathology Curriculum.  FRCPath is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.  However, if CESR applicants have not successfully completed these exams, they must provide alternative evidence that demonstrates equivalent knowledge to histopathologists who have passed the FRCPath exams.  Even if the competencies covered by the exams require something that someone in your position would not routinely undertake (in your sub-specialty for example), you must still provide evidence of it – as the evaluators will not make assumptions outside the evidence presented.  CESR Equivalence Process  Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current histopathology training programme requirements, in order to be awarded CESR.  The equivalence process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC, consisting of:  training and/or competence  skills and knowledge  The Royal College of Pathologists will assess each application against the relevant Curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision.  Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC. Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there.  Evidence Requirements for CESR in Histopathology  Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in histopathology must cover the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application may be unsuccessful.  Capabilities in Practice: The Royal College of Pathologists has divided the Training Curriculum into 11 different Capabilities in Practice (CiPs) – each comes along with its own descriptor and guidance on where such CiPs would be evidenced.  Applicants are required to gather evidence by area of competence and attach this under the relevant section of the online application.  Generic CiPs  Able to function effectively within healthcare and other organisational and management systems to deliver consistent high-quality patient care.  Able to work within ethical and legal frameworks across all aspects of clinical practice.  Communicates effectively and is able to share decisionmaking, while maintaining appropriate situational awareness, professional behaviour and professional judgement.  Maintains patient safety at the forefront of clinical working. Can utilise quality improvement activity realistically within the constraints of the role.  Able to contribute to and support research.  Behaves as an educator in the context of the role and promotes educational culture.  Able to self-appraise, learn and adapt.  Histopathology-specific CiPs  Able to demonstrate leadership and management within the laboratory setting for the benefit of patient care.  Able to use laboratory and other services effectively in the investigation, diagnosis, and management of patients, relatives, and the deceased.  Able to manage and contribute to a multidisciplinary team effectively.  Able to take, manage and interpret pathological specimens accurately and safely, mindful of risks to self and others.  Audit and Governance: You are required to submit evidence of your active leadership in audit, including evidence that you have completed at least one audit cycle. Currency of evidence: Your evaluators will be looking for evidence of current competency, generally defined as within the last five years. If you have completed training before this point, it is crucial that you provide evidence of maintaining competency across the whole area of the curriculum.   The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – you can find this on the GMC website here.  As a general guide, the GMC usually expects to see about 800-1000 pages of evidence, divided into four different domains, reflecting those of Good Medical Practice. The GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as shown below:  Domain 1 - Knowledge, skills, and performance  Domain 2 – Safety and quality  Domain 3 – Communication, partnership, and teamwork  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area.  The full list of evidence required for each domain can be found on the GMC website here.  The Cost of CESR Applications  All histopathology applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. For CESR, this fee is £1,676. For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £439.  How long does it take to complete a CESR in Histopathology application?  The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.  As there is a substantial amount of evidence to gather for a CESR application, the process of preparing all the necessary documentation and applying for CESR can take even longer than this, and a typical candidate will usually set out to complete this within 1 – 3 years.  It is worth noting that more senior histopathologists, such as consultants, are more likely to have achieved all the competences outlined in the curriculum.  The indicative period of training for a CCT in histopathology is five years, so it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. Therefore, CESR is not suitable for more junior pathologists.  #IMG Tips  Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.   Gather evidence prospectively – this is much easier than retrospectively trying to pull together the evidence under additional pressures.  Make sure that your evidence is of the highest possible quality and is current – you will be assessed against the most recent curriculum.   Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the histopathology curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Histopathology Specialty Training Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the 11 CiPs headings – organise your evidence directly into these sections to manage your progress.  Do not submit original documents – all your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier).  Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS histopathology posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by the Trusts, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the IMG Histopathologists community – as well as support on Royal College exams, our online community of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  Getting started  Many pathology IMGs likely haven’t completed a UK-approved training programme, but you could be eligible for Specialist Registration with the GMC via the CESR route. Take a look at our guide to CESR Applications for Histopathology for more information on how to apply and what to expect.  If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS histopathology posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.   Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:              

Overseas histopathologists wanting to secure a job in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists in Histopathology or FRCPath in Histopathology, a sub-specialty exam of FRCPath. FRCPath is the UK qualification and a GMC-recognised postgraduate route. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the sub-specialty FRCPath in Histopathology examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics: What is FRCPath in Histopathology? Eligibility for overseas doctors FRCPath in Histopathology structure and format FRCPath in Histopathology: Part 1 - MCQ/EMQ FRCPath in Histopathology: Part 2 - Practical Examination As an overseas candidate where can I take the exams and how much will it cost me? How do I apply? How to prepare and what resources are available? Passed? What next? What is FRCPath in Histopathology? Set against the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology, the examinations are designed to recognise histopathologists close to the end of their training who can demonstrate sufficient knowledge and technique for independent practice. In other words, completion of the full set of exams (Part 1 & 2) demonstrates your ability to work at consultant level. Eligibility for overseas doctors: Below we outline the eligibility for overseas doctors looking to sit both FRCPath Histopathology exams. For international candidates, the eligibility criteria for FRCPath specialty examinations can be a little confusing when looking online so IMG Connect spoke to the Royal College directly in an effort to clarify this. Time spent in histopathology training is stated as a requirement of eligibility and the Royal College do consider equivalents to NHS training programmes though there is no list of countries with accepted or unaccepted training programmes. The royal college advises you should speak to your Educational Supervisor or Sponsor (if you have one) who can advise you if you are ready or eligible to sit the Examinations if you are unsure. Remember, there are many overseas doctors applying for all parts of the FRCPath exams so don’t be put off applying! Top Tip: If you have the required months training in a recognised programme in your country for Histopathology specifically, the chances are you will be eligible. Eligibility for Part 1:You are required to have trained in a recognised training programme in Histopathology for a period of no less than 12 months.  Did you know? Candidates who have passed the FRCPath Part 1 examination in Histopathology who, after appropriate training, can attempt the Part 2 examination in one of the following: Forensic Pathology, Neuropathology or Paediatric Pathology. Eligibility for Part 2: The Royal College expects you to have at least three years of specialty training specific to Histopathology in your own country. Furthermore, the Royal College strongly advises candidates to attempt Part 2 at least 12 months after passing Part 1. FRCPath in Histopathology structure and format: The FRCPath examinations consist of two parts: Part 1 – One paper comprised of 125 multiple choice questions (SBAs and EMQs) Part 2 – six-part practical examination held over two consecutive days. Part 1 examination: FRCPath Histopathology Part 1 One comprises of 125 multiple choice questions in both single-best-answer (SBAs) and extended-matching-questions (EMQs). The exam is orientated towards assessing your overall knowledge and understanding of: histopathology/ cytopathology basic science underpinning pathology (inc. molecular biology) full range of autopsy practices undertaken in an NHS District General Hospital Part 2 Practical Examinations: The exams consists of six components taken over two days, summarised below: Part 2 Practical examinations Surgical history 20 cases in 20-minute slots Cytopathology 8 cases in 20-minute slots Macroscopic pathology 4 cases with 20-minute reviews followed by 20-minute discussions OSPEs 2 20-minute stations Long cases 4 20-minute stations Frozen sections 6 cases in 2, 20-minute stations. One meeting with examiners in separate 20-minute station. Surgical history: 20 cases are provided in 10 pairs of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides in 20-minute slots over 3-hours 20 minutes of the second morning. The cases will represent a range of difficulties, with some proving complex cases requiring detailed description, differential diagnosis and special techniques or cases not diagnosable on a single H&E. Cytopathology: Held on the first morning of the exam. Eight non-gynaecological cytology cases will be provided in pairs in 20-minute slots. Macroscopic Pathology: This part is designed to allow candidates to demonstrate their capabilities in discussing gross pathology and familiarity with block selection in the context of the RCPath Minimum Datasets. Four cases provided in the form of photographs of gross pathology specimens. Two 20-minute slots will be provided for 2 cases, followed by 20-minute discussions with 2 examiners.  OSPEs: 2 x 20-minute stations. One of which is conducted face-to-face with 2 examiners while the other is a written exercise only. Possible topics can include management/clinical governance type and MDT type cases. Long Cases: 4 x 20-minutes stations provided on the first afternoon including cases which cannot conventionally be covered in a single H&E stained section. Frozen Sections: 6 cases viewed in 2 x 20-minutes stations (3 cases per station) before meeting with a pair of examiners in a 20-minute station. You need to take notes and be able to provide the examiners with a bottom-line diagnosis only, to form basis for discussion in face to face meetings. Where can I take the exams and how much will they cost me? The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruption to Royal College exams across all specialties, and unfortunately the RCPath exams have been affected also. For the most up-to-date news on the RCPath examinations please refer to their website here. FRCPath Part 1 (current COVID-19 arrangements): In 2022, the Part 1 examination will be offered using online delivery to candidates. This means you can take the exam remotely and will not need to travel overseas to sit the exam, or attend an examination centre. The College will deliver the written components of these examinations through a company called TestReach, the Oral components (including oral OSPE stations) will be delivered using a video-conferencing platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams and for the written examinations, candidates will be given the opportunity to trial the TestReach system to familiarise themselves with it ahead of the examination. You can read more about the new, remote examination process further here on our website. Previously, the Part 1 examination was sat in multiple overseas centres and once the pandemic is under better control globally, it is highly anticipated the Royal College will return to previous set-ups. The FRCPath Part 1 exam costs £622. You can see how the Royal College breaks down the cost here on their website. FRCPath Part 2 (current COVID-19 arrangements): Part 2 exams will be held in person in the UK in 2022. There will be no online delivery for the exam. Keep an eye on the RCPath website for the most up-to-date news on the exams. The FRCPath Part 2 exam costs £1,308. You can see how the Royal College breaks down the cost here on their website. How do I apply? Applications must be made via the Royal College of Pathologists website, with applications only available once an application window is opened by the Royal College. This is usually twice a year, in SPrin and in Autumn. How do I prepare for RCPath exams and what study resources are available? With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with consultants the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams.  Curriculum: Questions are set against the Curriculum for Specialist Training in Histopathology We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a road map for your study plan.  Regulations and Guidelines: Before applying for FRCPath examinations, the Royal College recommends you read both the General & Specialty Specific regulations and guidelines: General Regulations and Guidelines Royal College - Histopathology Regulations & Guidelines Sample Questions:Testing yourself against previous exam questions is always a recommended way to prepare. Histopathology Part 1 sample questions Cancer Datasets and Tissue Pathways: The College’s datasets for Histopathological Reporting on cancers have been written to help pathologists work towards a consistent approach for the reporting of the more common cancers and to define acceptable practices in handling pathology specimens. Whilst these are not specific to FRCPath examinations they are certainly relevant to the wider practice in histopathology. IMG Connect advice: Part 2 – food and drink:With multiple exams taking place for Part 2 in one day bring supplies! It will be a long day and there may not be access to food. Hiring a microscope: For Part 2 you will be required to sit examinations in the UK and will require a microscope. The examination centres will not provide equipment for any applicants so you will need to hire a microscope in advance. There are a few companies easily accessible through a web search, find a microscope and book well in advance of the exam. You can arrange for the company to drop off and pick up the microscope from the exam centre, don’t worry! I passed the FRCPath exams! What next? First of all, congratulations! After you have passed both parts of FRCPath in Histopathology you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a histopathologist in the UK.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG Consultant to discuss UK job options in Histopathology, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable locations for you.  The Royal College makes it clear that individuals who reach the standard required to pass the FRCPath examination in their chosen specialty are deemed to have the necessary professional competence to practice unsupervised. FRCPath also greatly contributes to the Certificate Confirming Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), the alternative route to the Specialist Register for doctors who do not complete their training in an approved UK training programme.  Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

Are you an overseas psychiatrist taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration through the MRCPsych exams? Are you interested in sitting the exams in the future? As part of IMG Stories, we're introducing Dr Bilal Zafar, a psychiatrist who has recently sat and passed the MRCPsych Paper A exam. Bilal will be sharing his experiences of the first of the Royal College of Psychiatrists exams, taking you through his preparation, experience of sitting the exam and sharing some hot tips for international MRCPsych aspirants. 1. Tell us about yourself... what should the IMG Community know about Bilal Zafar? My name is Dr. Bilal Zafar and I'm from Karachi, Pakistan. I graduated from Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in 2018 and cleared my FCPS residency entrance exam from College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan. Currently, I'm working as a psychiatry resident at Liaquat National Hospital in Pakistan. I am also Editor in-chief at MEDizzy UK, Global Executive Member at Oli Health Magazine Turkey, and an i-act manager for mental health certified by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK. I served as an ambassador for Banja Luka International Medical Congress (BLIMC) 2019, the 25th Scientific Congress of Hellenic Medical Students and the 13th International Forum for Medical Students and Junior Doctors from Pakistan. More recently in 2022, I excelled in the MRCPsych Paper A examination by Royal College of Psychiatrists. 2. What motivated you to sit the MRCPsych exams? When I started my residency, I was originally convinced to aim for PLAB, however during my practice, I watched one of my supervisors clear all the Royal College exams. This inspired me to switch to my focus to MRCPsych. 3. At what point in your career and training did you sit the MRCPsych Paper A exam? I took the MRCPsych Paper A exam in December 2021. For me, the timing was appropriate as I was in the second year of my residency, therefore more aware of the fundamentals. By this point, I had built enough thorough clinical experience to tackle Paper A. 4. How far in advance did you start preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A and how much time did you spend on revision? I started studying for MRCPsych Paper A soon after clearing my FCPS entrance exam. I had initially allocated 2 hours of studying daily, but as I was at the beginning of my residency so my dedicated study time fluctuated. However, I did my best to adhere to my study plan. When I was around 6 months away from the MRCPsych Paper A exam date, I started aggressive preparation. This is what I recommend to everyone; you will never feel ready for the exam. Book a place, start your preparation and take the exam! 5. Did you benefit from speaking to senior colleagues or peers about the exam? Did you study with other candidates? I was grateful to find very professional, concerned and co-operative senior colleagues. Their thorough guidance and support provided me with the strategy and study materials for this exam. Around 6 weeks before the exam, I joined a study group of IMGs (which I found through IMG Connect) where I found an amazing study partner. She had more than 5 years' experience in clinical psychiatry, and together we solved MCQs and discussed concepts - her experience benefited me a lot! 6.  You are one of the creators of the fantastic MEDizzy UK Journal. How has this impacted your study and practice as a psychiatrist? MEDizzy is the world's fastest growing medical learning communities. I joined the community 4 years ago. Back then, I was doing my internship and preparing for the residency entrance exam. For me, MEDizzy is a door to non-stop medical exposure, and I've learned a lot from the app and journal. MEDizzy journal was launched in 2020 and since then I've served as Editor-in-Chief. We serve the global medical community with the latest news, medical cases, medical technology, inspirational interviews and much more. I must say, sometimes it becomes difficult to maintain a work and study balance and there's no perfect formula for this. I would say my studies have made me what I am today and MEDizzy polished me. 7. How did you manage to juggle other commitments whilst studying for the exam (without panicking)? Sometimes I don't know, myself! After booking my exam, I created a study plan. At the same time, I had to juggle my residency, medical writing on Fiverr, MEDizzy projects and, most importantly, my wedding. It was scheduled for the day after my MRCPsych Paper A exam. I was tangled in multiple commitments and you can only imagine the difficulty. Fortunately, I could manage my personal life, residency and exam and passed the exam on my first attempt, despite the odds. The key is to remain calm and believe that nothing in this world is impossible. 8. What resources did you use to prepare and practice for the MRCPsych Paper A exam? I relied on SPMM notes, SPMM high yield MCQs and mock exams. For my MRCPsych Paper A, I used a retro approach to studying. In this technique, I first solved the MCQs of any topic and studied the same topic later from the SPMM notes. I practiced mock exam questions 6 times. Always remember - revision is the key. You may cover a long list of topics but if you don’t revise what you studied earlier you won’t retain this information. While practicing questions, read them carefully and memorise the explanations. Lastly, I also used the Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry and Kaplan Neuroanatomy. 9. What is the single best resource you would recommend for IMGs to use when preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A and why? SPMM and SPMM only. The mock exams and practice questions are similar to real exam questions. Take the mock exams 6 weeks prior to the actual exam and solve them in the provided time. This will give you real insight about your time management and retention and recall power. 10. Let's face it, exams are not everyone's favourite day out... so on the day of the exam, what did you do to relax? Nobody should study on the day of exam. This makes you more anxious. For me, I was getting married the very next day and I had so much going around at home and in my mind. My exam was at 12pm, so I woke up at 7am, took a shower, got dressed, and left for the examination centre at 10:00 am.  11. What was your experience like on the day? My experience was overwhelmingly amazing! It was an online exam at a local examination centre. In the exam there were 3 sections of 50 questions each. We had an option to take a break after completing each section, but I didn’t take any breaks as I thought it might disturb my continuity. Most of the questions were doable for me as I had practiced mock questions. However, there were some entirely new questions as well. In every section, I gave a reasonable amount of time to at least 5 questions. The rest of them didn’t take much time. Therefore, I completed the exam in 2 hours. 12. What was the most challenging part of the exam? The most challenging part of the exam was the EMIs. They took a fair amount of time and I had to recall my basic concepts and put them together to solve these questions. 13. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently? After the exam, I was confident about my performance. I thought I'd taken a good approach to the exam and ws confident in the results. 14. What nuggets of advice would you give to any MRCPsych Paper A aspirants? I would recommend that you not wait for the ‘right time' or a time when you're ‘fully prepared'. There is neither a right time nor any point when you're completely prepared. Book the test, make full use of the question banks, take mock exams, start studying and sit your exam. 15. What did you do to celebrate passing the exam? On the day the exam results were to be released, I was at home, and my wife and I were anxiously waiting for the email from the Royal College. The moment we saw “PASS” in the email, my wife literally shouted “You did it, Bilal!”. It was a priceless moment. Later that night, we arranged a gathering of close friends and family to celebrate my achievement. 16. What are your plans going forward? So far, I am a candidate for FCPS (Psych) and MRCPsych. My plan is to take the intermediate module of FCPS in August 2022 and then take MRCPsych Paper B in September 2022. I aim to complete MRCPsych by next year. As far as MEDizzy is concerned, we aim to expand the community by initiating new projects such as the ambassador program and advancing MEDizzy Inspire where we interview the most deserving personalities from the world of medicine who can become inspiration for young healthcare professionals. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded overseas MRCPsych aspirants. For news and updates on all things psychiatry, follow us on social media and join the conversation.             

The Dermatology SCE is the higher postgraduate qualification provided by the Royal College of Physicians as a specialist qualification for dermatologists. It is one of 11 SCEs offered by the College and offers physicians a higher postgraduate qualification than MRCP which can be used to demonstrate to prospective employers the achievement of a standard equivalent to UK specialist doctors.  Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) Dermatology Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in dermatology. We cover the content of the exam, as well as fees and the eligibility criteria, which we’ve summarised below with a broad look at the following topics:  What is the SCE in Dermatology? Where does the SCE fit into my training? What is the structure of the Dermatology SCE? How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas dermatologist? How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG? I’ve passed? What’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.  MRCP (UK) SCE in Dermatology  The dermatology specialty certificate exam is administered as a compulsory element of assessment towards the Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in dermatology for all UK trainees.   The purpose of an SCE is to:  ensure that certified specialists have sufficient knowledge of their specialty to practice safely and competently as consultants  complement workplace-based assessments  provide a rigorous national assessment to establish public confidence  offer a challenge similar to sub-specialty certification examinations in North America  The SCE as Part of Training in Dermatology  Since the MRCP(UK) exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (ST1-ST3), the dermatology SCE allows physicians to demonstrate that they are able to practice independently at a consultant level.  The SCE has no fixed entry requirements (both for UK and overseas candidates); however, UK trainees would normally sit the SCE in their penultimate year of higher specialty training (ST6). UK trainees should have made at least one attempt at the dermatology SCE by the time of their penultimate year assessment.  For an in-depth guide to the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.  Exam Structure  The SCE comprises 200 questions which assesses candidates on a wide range of common and important disorders, as set out in the syllabus of the curriculum. This should be taken as an indication of the likely number of questions for each section – the actual number may vary:  Topic  Number of questions  Cutaneous allergy  10  Dermatopathology  10  Dressings & wound care  10  Formulation & systemic therapy  10  General dermatology & dermatology in primary health care  50  Genito-urinary disorders and oral medicine  10  Infectious disease  10  Paediatrics & genetics  30  Photodermatology  10  Psychodermatology  5  Skin biology & research  15  Skin oncology  20  Skin surgery and cosmetic dermatology  10  Total  200  There are two three-hour papers, with the questions in each category distributed across both papers.  All SCEs are computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE at a test centre in the UK or internationally.  Dermatology SCE Applications  The SCEs are held once a year and all applications are made online through the My MRCP(UK) account, found in the Upcoming Exams section of the Royal College website.   The application process is as follows:  Register online through My MRCP(UK) (candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any special arrangements)  Request a preferred test country and city  Pay applicable examination fee  Application is confirmed via an automatically generated email  Receive test centre confirmation email from Pearson VUE within four weeks of the examination date.  The Royal College of Physicians has created a helpful video guide on SCE applications which you can watch here.  Cost  The cost of the SCE exams are as follows:  UK centres: £665  International centres: £833  Exam Centres  UK Centres  Candidates who choose to sit the dermatology SCE in the UK must contact Pearson VUE to book their test. There are around 137 test centres throughout the UK for each SCE, and the Royal College of Physicians advise that candidates should book their exam as early as possible to secure their preferred test centre, since bookings operate on a first come first served basis.  International Centres  Candidates are given a choice of regions and are then asked to nominate a particular city in that region as their desired test location. The Royal College of Physicians passes this request to Pearson VUE once the application period has closed, and Pearson VUE will confirm final test centre details to candidates via email at least three weeks before the examination date. If the exam is not available in the requested location, candidates will be offered a choice of the nearest available test centres.  Please note, international candidates should not book their own test directly with Pearson VUE - attempting to do so may delay a candidate's application.  The full list of international test centres for the SCE can be found here.  Preparation and Resources for the Dermatology SCE  It can be difficult for IMGs to know where to start with their preparation and revision, particularly as the exam requires a wide breadth of knowledge around the curriculum and should involve reading textbooks, journals and guidelines.  This list should provide a good starting point for any international dermatologists preparing to sit the SCE:  Curriculum - Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Dermatology as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board’s Specialty Training Curriculum for Dermatology. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a blueprint for your study.   Below are some other good reading materials and sources:  Textbooks  Rook's Textbook of Dermatology - Eds DA Burns, SM Breathnach, N Cox, CE Griffiths Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology - Eds AD Irvine, PH Hoeger, AC Yan Dermatology - Eds JL Bolognia, JL Jorizzo, RP Rapini McKee’s Pathology of the Skin - JE Calonje, T Brenn, A Lazar, P McKee Journals  British Journal of Dermatology (BJD) Clinical and Experimental Dermatology (CED) Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) Journal of Investigative Dermatology The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Websites  British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) British Society for Investigative Dermatology (BSID) British Society for Cutaneous Allergy British Society for Medical Dermatology British Society for Dermatological Surgery (BSDS) DermIS (dermatology image resource) eMedicine online reference DermNet NZ (New Zealand dermatology society) Dermatology e-learning resource Sample questions: It is a good idea to regularly assess your knowledge and progress using example questions from the current exam syllabus. You can find these here.  For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, the best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, check out at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.  I’ve passed? What’s next?  Congratulations – what an achievement! With your higher postgraduate qualification, you will be able to apply for NHS roles above ST3 which are likely more suited to your seniority and experience – nice one.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG medicine recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, dermatology positions in the NHS, salaries, suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.  To receive the latest news and updates, including the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

In response to the high number of inquiries we've had from overseas pathologists about the arrangements for the Autumn sitting of the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam, we've been in contact with the Royal College of Pathologists and have summarised these updates under the headings below. When will the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam be held? The publicised dates for the exam are Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 October 2022, although these are subject to change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The withdrawal deadline for the exams is Friday 15 July 2022. Can I sit the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam in Autumn 2022? The RCPath guidance which asks candidates to wait to sit the Part 2 exam the year after passing the Part 1 exam was in place to avoid overwhelming the limited capacity of the exam centres. Those who were successful in the Spring 2021 Part 1 exam are able to sit the Part 2 exam in Spring 2022. If the College needs to prioritise bookings, it will be done in the same way as previously. Therefore, if there is a requirement for candidates who have passed in Spring 2022 to wait until Spring 2023 to apply, a notice will be put on the News section of the examinations page around the end of May/ beginning of June. It is therefore important to check regularly for updates to the examinations page, which you can do here. Where can I sit the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam in Autumn 2022? Details on the Autumn 2022 sitting of FRCPath Part 2 have yet to be finalised, however, unlike Spring 2022, it may be possible to arrange to sit the exam in Irbid (Jordan), Dubai (UAE) or Cairo (Egypt) if there are sufficient applicants. The availability of FRCPath Part 2 examination centres outside the UK will be indicated on the Royal College website (when the application window opens for Autumn 2022 at the end of May) and candidates should contact the Examinations Department to express their interest in taking the exam in the available centre when they make their application. We therefore advise that you keep an eye on the RCPath application page here. Will the College have any microscopes available for me to use for the exam? The College's overall policy is that the College and centres have no obligation to provide microscopes. Candidates can bring their own as this is equipment they are familiar with, or can hire a microscope. Some overseas centres may be more able to provide microscopes and if that is the case it would be stated on the letter sent to candidates with their centre confirmation.  If you would like to borrow a microscope for your FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam, we advise that you check well in advance what the options are for your chosen centre, or are available to you online.  If you have any further questions about the FRCPath exams, your route to the UK as an overseas histopathologist, or any other aspect of GMC Registration, the NHS or relocating to the UK, please get in touch with us here.   We'd also like to invite you to join the IMG Histopathologists online community - as well as support on Royal College exams, our Facebook group of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

For many overseas psychiatrists, as well as UK based trainees, the MRCPsych exams can be overwhelming. Where do you turn for study materials? How do you prepare for the exams? What are the exams dates and fees? Where can I sit the exam? How can I find support online?   To help a little, in this blog we will explore MRCPsych Paper A and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, taking a detailed look at the following topics:  An overview of MRCPsych What is MRCPsych Paper A? How is the exam structured and marked? Am I eligible to sit this exam? As an international psychiatrist, when and where can I sit the exam? Where and how do I apply? How much will the exam cost? What is the best way to prepare for MRCPsych A? #IMG Tips Passed? What next? If you know what you're looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section! An overview of MRCPsych  The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK. The examination series is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills needed for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.     Full MRCPsych satisfies the postgraduate requirements for full GMC registration for international psychiatrists taking this route towards working in the UK.   The exams within the series are as follows:  MRCPsych Paper A  MRCPsych Paper B  MRCPsych CASC  For a more general overview of the MRCPsych examinations via our IMG Resources, please click here.  MRCPsych Paper A  Paper A is a three-hour written exam covering the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry.  The exam, comprised of 150 questions, is worth 150 marks:  two-thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ), and  one-third extended matching item questions (EMI)  Exam structure and marking  Paper A covers the following sections of the current syllabus:   The percentage split and marks allocation on the 150-mark exam is broken down as follows: Section Percentage Marks Behavioural Science and Socio-cultural Psychiatry 16.67% 25 marks Human Development 16.67% 25 marks Basic Neurosciences 25% 37 - 38 marks Clinical Psychopharmacology 25% 37 - 38 marks Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry 16.67% 25 marks Eligibility    Trainee psychiatrists from any country in the world can sit the MRCPsych examinations providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.  You are eligible to sit Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner.  Exam locations and dates  We have good news – in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has made the decision to move all MRCPsych exams online! This means you can sit the MRCPsych exams from your home country with submission and preparation details available on the Royal College website.  This change makes it immensely easier for international doctors to complete their Royal College exams and work towards GMC registration within a normal timeframe and with reduced disruptions.  Examination dates (at the time of writing) are as follows:  Examination Date  Application Period  Results Publication Date  1 December 2022 26 September - 7 October 2022 15 February 2023 Exams are usually held twice a year – and we will regularly check the Royal College website for updates and changes.  Applications  To apply, you’ll need to complete the Royal College online application form. This form is only available during the published application dates and must be submitted prior to the closing date. If you miss the cut off, your application will not be considered.  For new overseas candidates, you will need to register for a Royal College login first.  You will need to provide the following:  Personal details  Primary Medical Qualifications & Registration  Training  Written paper selection  Fees  At the end of your application, you will be directed to an online payment system where you can pay by credit or debit card, so make sure you have your details ready.  Once your application is complete you will receive two confirmation emails, one to confirm receipt of the application and one to confirm the payment has been received.  See below for MRCPsych Paper A fees for 2021:  PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £486  Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £539  Preparation  With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with our IMG Psychiatry Community the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. We’ve collated these below:  Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can access this here.  Sample Papers: These will help you prepare and polish your exam techniques and are a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. In addition, sample questions will help you work quickly on the day, you will already know what to expect. The sample papers can be found here.  Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is marked, so you can maximise your exam skills and give yourself the best chance of a pass. Marking schemes can be found here.  Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here.  Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.  The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.  #IMG Tips  Start early – preparation is key and the best way to avoid last-minutes stress and cramming.  Use the Royal College website – this should be your best friend...or at least one of them. There are so many useful resources on these – what better place to start your revision?  Join our online support community - for all things psychiatry, including access to a community of likeminded psychiatrists and MRCPsych aspirants, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.                 Passed? What next?  If you are completing the papers in order, the next step will be to apply for Paper B. For more information take a look at our blog where we explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  For more useful blogs & articles on the MRCPsych exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library. Good luck in your MRCPsych Paper A exam!

The NHS offers an extensive training scheme and career development for medical oncologists, and the quality of this programme is recognised as a gold standard across the medical community.  The training provided to UK medical oncology trainees is regularly reviewed and updated, in keeping with advances and progression in the landscape of oncology around the world and throughout the profession.  In this article, we will explore the training pathway for medical oncologists in the UK, covering the following topics:  What is the NHS Training Pathway? How do you enter the training pathway? What does the specialty training programme look like for medical oncology? What happens after completing the medical oncology training programme? Can I enter specialty training in the UK as an IMG? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  The NHS Medical Oncology Training Pathway  The NHS training pathway is the name given to the complete programme undertaken by UK trainees, from medical school to the completion of specialist training within i.e. within medical oncology.  It is important for IMGs to understand this as it helps to provide an understanding of at what stage they can most likely enter the system if they are interested in postgraduate training in the UK.  Entering the NHS Training Pathway  After graduating from medical school, doctors with receive provisional registration from the GMC which allows them to enter the Foundation programme (a two-year work-based training programme).  Upon completion of the first year (FY1), doctors will gain full registration with the GMC and will be able to apply for further study and training in a specialised area I.e. medicine – this is known as Internal Medicine Training (IMT), formerly known as Core Training (CT).  Specialty Training in Medical Oncology  The Specialty Training programme in Medical Oncology runs over a 6-year period, and doctors will usually take the indicated time, or slightly longer to complete the Specialty Training programme.  Successful applicants entering into year one of specialty training (ST1), will follow the Joint Royal Colleges of Physicians Training Board 2021 Medical Oncology Curriculum, which sets the expected syllabus as well as required assessments and workload case numbers.   Medical oncology training as an uncoupled programme  As medical oncology is a medicine specialty, aspiring oncology trainees will complete a period of core/ internal medicine training that lasts a period of two years.  This is followed by an open competition to enter a higher specialty training post. It is important to note that the application following core training is competitive and does not guarantee a specialty training post.  Medical oncology higher specialty training will be in total (including OCS) an indicative four-year clinical training programme leading to single accreditation in the specialty. There are no critical progression points during higher specialty medical oncology training, though trainees will be subject to an annual review of progress via the ARCP process and will have to complete all curriculum requirements including passing the medical oncology Specialty Certificate Examination (SCE) prior to obtaining CCT.  Foundation Training (FY1 – FY2)  The foundation programme usually involves six different rotations or placements in medical or surgical specialties. These rotations enable trainees to practise and gain competence in basic clinical skills and forms the bridge between medical school and speciality training.  Selection  Here, trainees will either choose to enter into either Internal Medicine Training or into training to become a general practitioner.   Specialty Training (ST1 – ST6+)  Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training (ST1 – ST2)   In this first stage of the Internal Medicine training programme, trainees develop a solid foundation of professional and generic clinical capabilities, preparing them for participation in acute medicine at a senior level and to manage patients with acute and chronic medical problems in outpatient and inpatient settings. You can find the Curriculum for Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training here.  This will culminate in trainees sitting the MRCP (UK) exams. For more information on the Royal College of Physicians examination suite, take a look at our IMG Resources library here.  Please note, trainees must pass the MRCP examinations prior to beginning Specialty Training in Medical Oncology.  Selection  Here, trainees will either choose to continue with Internal Medicine Training for a further year, to continue with training in a specialty that supports acute hospital care, or to provide primarily out-patient based services in e.g. oncology.  Medical oncology recruitment into ST4 posts usually occurs after 2 years of Internal Medicine Stage 1 training. However, trainees who complete the full three-year IMT programme are also eligible and there is no preferential selection for trainees who have completed either two or three years of training.  Oncology Common Stem (ST3)  The Oncology Common Stem (OCS) has a duration of one year and usually takes place in year 3 of specialty training. Here, the focus is on a trainee’s development of the common oncology capabilities relating to the key areas of overlap between the two specialties (medical and clinical oncology), as well as continuing to develop the generic capabilities expected of all doctors.   Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology are the two main medical specialities that manage patients with non-haematological malignancy. They often work in partnership with each other, and both offer systemic therapy to patients, but only clinical oncologists administer radiotherapy and there are other differences in work-pattern, approach and focus.  Medical oncologists will have the scientific understanding which underpins radiation-based cancer treatments. During the OCS training year, trainees will gain knowledge of radiotherapy planning and delivery. This will enable them to coordinate the care of cancer patients with the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), managing patients throughout a treatment pathway.  The curricula for medical and clinical oncology have been aligned to reflect this relationship and include aspects of common training that constitute the Oncology Common Stem (OCS), improving transferability and flexibility for trainees who wish to move between the two specialties.  Please note that medical oncology trainees will not be expected to independently plan or deliver radiation-based cancer treatments.  Medical Oncology Specialty Training & Maintenance of Common Capabilities (ST4 – ST6)  Following successful completion of OCS, medical oncology trainees will complete a subsequent higher specialty-specific programme, this takes place from year 4 – 6. The focus here for trainees is on acquiring medical oncology-specific capabilities, alongside consolidation and further development of the common oncology and generic capabilities.  Trainees will then sit the Medical Oncology Specialty Certificate Examination, usually in the penultimate year of higher specialty training. The globally-recognised exam offers medical oncologists a postgraduate qualification which demonstrates achievement of a standard required of UK specialist trainees.  Please note, the medical oncology SCE is a compulsory component of assessment for the achievement of Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).  To learn more about the medical oncology SCE, read our detailed blog here.  Completion of the Medical Oncology Specialty Training Programme  Upon completion of the medical oncology training programme, the choice is made whether the trainee will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Medical Oncology. This will be based on high-level learning outcomes – capabilities in practice (CiPs) set out in the curriculum by the Royal College. You can find the 2021 curriculum here.  At this point, medical oncologists are recommended to the GMC for the award of CCT and entry onto the specialist register and can now take permanent consultant posts in the NHS.  Specialist Registration for overseas doctors  Doctors who completed part or all of their medical oncology training outside the UK are eligible for specialist registration through the CESR or CESR-CP pathways. To learn more about specialist registration for overseas doctors, read our blog here.  Joining the Medical Oncology Specialty Training Programme as an IMG  It is possible for overseas doctors to join the Specialty Training programme in Medical Oncology in the UK, however it is very competitive.   IMGs interested in UK specialty training must have:  Full GMC registration   Completion of a minimum 12-month (FY1 equivalent) internship  English language test  PLAB  AND  12 months post-internship experience by the time you begin ST1  Please note, whilst UK trainees are not given priority for specialty training spaces, it can be extremely difficult to join the Specialty Training programme without prior NHS experience.  So here you have it, the NHS Specialty Training pathway for medical oncology trainees in a nutshell. The training programme forms the basis of medical oncology training in the UK, and for overseas oncologists interested in joining the training programme, good knowledge of the pathway allows you to better understand the alignment of your overseas training with the relevant stage of Specialty Training for medical oncology in the UK.  Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded oncologists and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

For overseas doctors looking to register with GMC, passing an English Language test is essential.  Doctors regularly ask us which test is the most suited for IMGs to sit and which is more suited to the medical professional? There are different scenarios in which you’ll need to provide a pass in an English test. This article should hopefully help you decide which English Language Test would suit you best and includes the following topics:  What are IELTS & OET?  Which test is accepted by which registration body? What are the similarities and differences?  What do I need to score in each test for GMC registration?  Where and when can i sit the English Language Exams? How do I prepare for the exam? Which test should I choose? Can i get offered an exemption? If you are an IMG relocating to the UK to start a doctors job, you will be required to take an English Language exam, enabling you to register with the GMC (General Medical Council). What are IELTS & OET?  Both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and OET (Occupational English Test) are used to test the English language levels of healthcare professionals in different parts of the world.  They are chosen by different regulatory bodies to ensure that doctors and other healthcare professionals have the correct level of English to communicate at a high level with patients and colleagues, so as to provide safe and effective care.  For international doctors relocating to the UK, it is important to start by saying that both the IELTS and OET are accepted by the General Medical Council (GMC).  Which test is accepted by which registration body?  The good news is that recent changes to the rules means that both IELTS and OET are accepted for GMC registration and your Tier 2 visa for both EEA and non-EEA applicants. Check out the recent updates here.  We have created the table below to help you check if you are taking the right test:   GMC registration Tier 2 Visa (CoS) Academic IELTS YES (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections) NO Academic IELTS UKVI YES (7.5 overall, no less than 7.0 in all sections) YES (4.0 in all sections)  OET YES (Score of B+ in all areas)  YES OET and Tier 2 visas: Only one test now required for both UK registration and visa purposes.  What are the similarities and differences?  Similarities: Each consists of four areas, one for each English language skill: reading, listening, writing and speaking.  Both tests take place in one day.  Both give a graded score (not pass or fail) Both are recognised by the GMC and other healthcare regulatory bodies in the UK Differences: The content of each exam is different.  IELTS tests overall academic English (as an IMG you must select the Academic IELSTS UKVI test as this is the one recognised by the healthcare regulatory bodies, i.e. GMC & Home office).  What does this mean in practice? This includes the ability to write essays, follow lectures, understand academic articles, journals and newspapers, discuss a wide range of topics including social, environmental, educational and cultural trends. The OET is different, the OET has been designed specifically for medical professionals, including nursing, medicine, radiography, occupational therapists and so on. Be sure to choose the correct exam for you - medicine!  The OET tests healthcare English, including the ability to communicate effectively in medical scenarios, write referral letters, understand a patient consultation, or follow a text from a medical journal.  Your preparation will need to be different This doesn’t mean that one will require more or less preparation, just that you will need to study varied pathways and prepare different topics and vocabulary. IELTS involves learning a much wider amount of vocabulary on a range of academic subjects so that you will be prepared to read academic texts quickly and effectively, understand lectures, talks and questions, giving opinion in detail.  You will have to prepare how to write reports on a variety of data and essay types.  Written texts are to be of a high standard, including complex structures and grammar.  OET involves learning a wide range of healthcare related and profession specific language. The test will require you to follow clinical scenarios, understand medical texts and talks. You will need to write a healthcare letter, such as a referral. To get the right score, this must be at an advanced level.  Successful IMGs who have passed, have told us that learning a range of exam techniques helps you to work quickly and effectively during the test day.  What do I need to score in each test for GMC registration?  IELTS:  IELTS is marked out of 9 in each paper. For GMC registration an overall score of 7.5 must be achieved, with a minimum of 7.0 in each area of the test. OET: OET is marked grades A to E in each paper. For GMC registration a minimum of grade B is required in all areas to pass the exam, or a point score of 350 points across all areas of the test.  Where and when can I sit the English Language Tests?  IELTS is available in over 140 countries, with tests held up to 4 times per month. Check if there is a venue near where you live.  OET is available 14 times per year in 40 countries, with the number of cities and venues increasing each year. Check if is there is a venue near where you live.  How do I prepare for either exam?  Preparing for any English Language Test, whether you have chosen IELTS or OET, requires learning a huge amount of vocabulary, learning how to write specific reports or essays, using a high level of grammar and structure, learn how to engage with a range of scenarios and acquire a set of key exam techniques.  You should take time to research each area of the tests in detail, but don’t worry, help is at hand, for more information on how to prepare, take a look at our blog series on English Language testing.  Can I be exempted from the English language test? Some specialisms that are hard to fill such as emergency medicine and various specialist medicines, however NHS hospitals do not like offering exemptions - and they are only offered to candidates who exhibit excellent language capabilities at interview. IMG Connect strongly recommends all doctors to practice for and pass an English language test. Get in touch if you would like to know more about exemptions or think you are eligible. Which test do I choose?  Neither exam is easier than the other. Both IELTS 7.5 and OET B show you have an advanced level in English. It really is up to you!  You may find OET simpler to understand as it is healthcare related and tests the language you use in daily practice.  The same can be said about IELTS, you may find the general nature of the topics more suited to you.  I have my ELT in place, what next? Depending on what other qualifications you have in place, you may have to pass an accepted postgraduate qualification in order to be eligible for full GMC registration. Regardless, passing your English test is a huge achievement and will take you that one giant step closer to working in the NHS. So congratulations! For more useful blogs & articles on English Language Tests to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Library. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG Consultant to discuss UK job options in the NHS and English Language Tests, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable locations for you.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below: