IMG Connect helps international doctors to start, and progress their career in the NHS.
A bespoke and director led company, we can help you to find that hospital that will support your training and development in the UK. An added benefit is we help the NHS to save millions year on year simply by increasing the number of skilled international international doctors working in NHS!
We offer a personalised recruitment & relocation service to any international doctor looking to find work in the UK. IMG Connect can help you start and progress your career in the NHS, with advice and guidance on every aspect of planning, finding the right job, navigating legislation and relocating.
This service can be summarised into four key areas of support and guidance:
Exams, registration and Medical Qualifications
Job search & interview preparation
UK Visa & Immigration
Relocation, aftercare & ongoing career support
As an overseas doctor, finding work in the UK is complex. Our approach is designed to simplify this process for you, so more time can be spent on job selection and interviews.
So, as an overseas doctor what are the benefits to working with IMG Connect and what happens when you register?
The Benefits:
We are set up to specifically help IMGs looking to work in the UK
First of all, it is worth remembering that IMG Connect is a specialist agency that dedicates to one thing only, helping international doctors find work & relocate to the UK.
If you are a doctor trying to take PLAB or Royal College Exams, register with the GMC or a get your Tier 2 visa it helps to work with someone who knows what they’re talking about!
Our service covers all the areas that are important to you
Our service can start from wherever you need it, from questions and advice on exams and registrations, to professional representation with an NHS hospital – we will be with you from start to finish.
Even after you’ve accepted a job our work together has barely begun. It is our goal to help you relocate painlessly to the UK, ensuring you and your family are happy from the moment you make the move.
Contact with us can continue for years after your placement should you need or want it.
In brief we label our service a Comprehensive Recruitment, Relocation and Aftercare package. All of this free of charge, from start to finish.
Bespoke representation
Getting your CV noticed by the right people is crucial, whether it’s a Clinical Director or Lead consultant, having someone to represent you personally goes a long way towards securing you an interview.
This is just not possible with online applications where your CV is bundled together with all the others.
Honest opinions beyond the technicalities of a role
We’ve worked in this field for 10 years now and have worked with almost every UK hospital at some point in our careers.
Whilst you would not only benefit from utilizing our network within the healthcare sector, we can give you an honest opinion, based on personal experience, as to what a hospital is really like and whether we think it would be the best fit for you.
Negotiating the best salary for you
It certainly helps to have someone who knows the NHS well when negotiating your salary. We’ve been in this field for a while now and know what the flexibilities are and where realistic negotiation can be found. We understand your importance to the NHS and will do everything we can to ensure you get the best salary possible for a doctor with your experience.
This is all sounds good! So how do I register and what happens when I do?
You can get in touch anytime, we’d be delighted to hear from you and introduce ourselves.
Alternatively, you can register your details here and one of the team will get back to you shortly.
The moment you register with IMG Connect you will have access to four key benefits:
1. A dedicated consultant working in your specialism only
Affording you the opportunity to build a long-standing working relationship with someone who knows your specialty inside out. We believe individual specialism is vital to proper customer service and expertise in the world of recruitment.
2. Access to hundreds of jobs across the UK
Benefit immediately from our extensive network. As an agency that works with every single hospital in the country, you will have immediate access to all jobs available in your sector. Depending on what stage you are at with your exams and registrations, we can have you interviewing almost immediately.
3. Access to our online learning and resource library
At the click of a button you will have access to a comprehensive & up to date resource library that contains all information needed for your move to UK - organised and easy to navigate for your convenience.
Access the IMG Resources library here.
4. An ever-growing online community of IMGs
It helps to get support from those around you.
Our online IMG Communities, on both Facebook and LinkedIn, can introduce you to like-minded people in a similar situation to yourself. With any questions you have, on any topic that is troubling you, just send a message to either group and receive an answer within minutes.
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.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With a few options available for demonstration evidence of skills and knowledge, it can be difficult for IMGs to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.
For international doctors planning their route to the UK, there are essentially two main pathways to consider – postgraduate qualifications (for psychiatrists, this is MRCPsych) or PLAB.
Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exhaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here.
Here we provide a summary of both of the main pathways and briefly consider their benefits.
PLAB for GMC Registration
MRCPsych for GMC Registration
Which is better for me as an overseas psychiatrist, PLAB or MRCPsych?
#IMG Tips
How do I get started?
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The first and most common route we’ll be discussing, which tends to be popular among junior doctors, is PLAB.
PLAB is a two-part exam (one written and one practical element), which assesses whether a candidate is at least as capable as a doctor starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS.
The GMC has a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.
MRCPsych - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Psychiatrists
The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience.
Within psychiatry, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of psychiatry in the UK, and Membership of the College of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) is the full qualification attained through these examinations. Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCPsych to learn more.
PLAB vs MRCPsych
Both MRCPsych and PLAB are legitimate routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow you to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.
Seniority of Positions in the NHS
It would be difficult for an overseas psychiatrist to obtain a more senior post in the NHS without either MRCPsych, a GMC-approved training programme, or extensive experience from a similar, English speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.
Specialty Training
To practice as a consultant in the UK, you must have gone through specialty training and will need a GMC-recognised postgraduate qualification to do so, whether a qualification from the country in which you completed your specialty training, or MRCPsych.
Only one type of evidence is required to demonstrate skills and knowledge, so once you pass MRCPsych, you would not need to additionally sit the PLAB exams. However, due to the more specialised nature of MRCPsych, psychiatrists may want to sit the MRCPsych exams at a later date, to allow them access to more senior roles and competitive salaries.
Time
PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.
MRCPsych has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 36 months of postgraduate experience in psychiatry and can take anywhere between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.
Cost
MRCPsych costs just under £2,000 for the three exams. All MRCPsych exams can now be sat online, so there is no longer the added expense of international travel. You can read about the changes to the exam format here.
PLAB costs £1,189, and both exams are sat in person. PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken in the UK.
So, for PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.
It’s important to note that these costs can rise if re-sits of the exams are necessary.
Summary
PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as a Senior House Officer (SHO), does not assess ability in psychiatry specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., psychiatry.
PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.
MRCPsych involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCPsych will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.
Additionally, MRCPsych will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK psychiatry than PLAB.
#IMG Tips
Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.
Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.
Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam. A great way to do this is to join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group, an online psychiatry community of UK and NHS psychiatry aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters. You’ll find advice, guidance and news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs. Join the conversation here.
Getting started
Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB or MRCPsych exams, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Or if you have any questions on PLAB or postgraduate qualifications, please get in touch with our psychiatry recruiters here. They will be more than happy to help you.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
IMG Stories is our series introducing you to international doctors who we have helped to relocate to the UK - sharing their personal journeys from working overseas to securing a new job as a doctor in the NHS.
Today we introduce you to Rehan Qureshi, a brilliant general medicine specialty doctor who relocated to the UK from Saudi Arabia with his wife, children and his mother in 2020. Having passed the MRCP and English language exams, Rehan received full GMC registration with license to practise. He is now working in the NHS at Scarborough General Hospital in the north of England – where he is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.
A specialty doctor’s journey to the UK
When I was first contacted by Marcus at IMG Connect about an NHS general medicine specialty doctor job opportunity at Scarborough General Hospital, I was a little nervous about where to start, and what lay ahead. We were moving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which is a very lively city, and I was going to quit my permanent job to relocate to the UK. I have always been keen to work for the NHS, but I wasn’t sure what it’d be like to start my first NHS job in a small coastal town. What would the hospital be like? How would I be treated? Would it be wet and dark like you hear about online? Would the hospital be supportive in my career progression, or would I be simply thrown into the wards to struggle? As an ethnic Muslim minority, would we struggle to find Asian, vegetarian and Halal foods and mosques? All these questions were going through my mind, and after working through these together with Marcus and the team at IMG Connect, and with only a few more fears remaining, I decided to take up the challenge and proceed.
"Ruaidhri put in so much effort to turn this impossible task into reality for me."
During my recruitment process, the biggest challenge was getting my mother’s visa. This was absolutely crucial for me as my mother has always lived with us and is such an important member of our household. We have also been her primary carers. Ruaidhri at IMG Connect put in so much effort to turn this impossible task into reality for me. During the process, it was a real team effort from IMG, and I’m also thankful to the MP for Scarborough and Whitby who responded to Ruaidhri’s request and supported our efforts in this matter. Needless to say, my mother is now very happy and settled into life in Scarborough!
The hospital was also very supportive and did not push me to start by any given date. They were very accommodating and gave me ample time to sort out my relocation process. While some of the other international doctors I knew were struggling to travel before the deadlines set by their NHS trusts, I never felt this pressure. I was supported throughout, knew where to turn for answers and ultimately it was such a big relief that my mother was able to come with us.
When we arrived at London Heathrow Airport, the UK was in a lockdown due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. We had to quarantine on our arrival, and during this time, we were very well taken care of. Our groceries were paid for, and Ruaidhri checked in with us often to see how we were and if we ever needed anything. All my queries were promptly answered by Ruaidhri and the hospital’s recruitment team.
The very next working day after our arrival in the UK, I received an email from the medical recruitment team at Scarborough General Hospital, and the process for opening my bank account was promptly initiated. I know a number of people who have also struggled with opening their first bank account in the UK, however mine was just set up for me by the recruitment team, who put me in touch with the bank representative. All I had to do was visit the branch for 15 minutes for an ID check once our quarantine had finished and everything was set up!
At work, I found everybody to be very helpful. I received a tremendous amount of help as I struggled to get used to the new system. Whenever I got stuck somewhere, there was always someone to offer a helping hand by my side.
Initially we struggled with accommodation - finding suitable housing in Scarborough was challenging, especially when we had no previous tenancy history in the UK. However, with some help we were able to get our first accommodation which was a lovely fully furnished apartment. We enjoyed our stay there for a month before moving to a long-term let property.
There are two types of institutions, I believe: those that hire people, use them and lose them, and those that hire people, explore their interests and goals, help them progress in their careers as per their interests and preferences, and turn them into effective and happy members of staff. Scarborough Hospital is definitely the latter. Very soon after I started, my consultant sat with me and discussed my goals and personal development plan. I had always been interested in teaching, so he presented me with a number of teaching opportunities in the area. I received great support from him in my career development and with his support, I was appointed an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Hull York Medical School within only 2 months of my joining. Not only this, but he assured me of his full support in my career progression, which is very encouraging for me. When I meet other IMG doctors in the hospital, the thing that is quite noticeable among them is a great deal of professional satisfaction, no matter what grade they are working at.
Scarborough Hospital has a very friendly, multicultural environment and people work together with mutual respect and support for one another. Scarborough Hospital implements and fully supports the SAS charter of NHS and provides every possible opportunity to SAS doctors for their career progression and growth.
As a town, Scarborough is a lovely place to live in. It’s beautiful, peaceful, lively and even at night, the streets are very well lit, and the town is not dark or dead at all. It has all the amenities to cater for a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and we faced NO difficulty whatsoever at finding some Asian, vegetarian and Halal food to eat. We also love Scarborough’s local fish ‘n’ chips!
Scarborough has plenty of entertainment options for children. A forest on one side, seacoast on the other. Boating, hiking, cycling, parks, children’s train ride, the sea life aquarium, and castles with so much more to explore.
The town also has an Islamic centre where prayers are regularly offered. At the hospital, there are separate prayer rooms for both males and females, as well as a Chapel where Friday prayers are offered. I was very impressed when I first saw the Chapel being offered for prayers, which is a great gesture of inter-faith harmony at the hospital.
"I am immensely thankful to Marcus and Ruaidhri"
I am glad that I made the decision to come to Scarborough. It is a wonderful place to live, and people are genuinely nice and welcoming. Scarborough General Hospital is an excellent place to work. We got settled here very quickly and we have fallen in love with this place. My family and I are enjoy living here and have started to consider Scarborough our new home.
I am immensely thankful to Marcus and Ruaidhri at IMG connect and everyone else who played a role in my recruitment, relocation, and induction processes. I really appreciate all their efforts to make the entire process as swift and smooth as possible for us – they gave me the confidence to move to the UK with my family to work as a general medicine specialty doctor in the NHS.
Moving to live and work in the UK is a big decision to make but can be massively rewarding in many ways. International doctors have the chance to find a new home and the NHS presents an incredible opportunity to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their field and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR (for non-EEA doctors), writing publications and research. Whatever route an overseas doctor may take on their journey to the UK, IMG Connect is here to support them through every step and welcome them to the IMG Connect family.
It is a good idea for all international doctors new to working in the UK to attend a workshop, course or training programme aimed at helping doctors understand the ethical challenges faced in UK practice. We advise all IMGs to take part in the GMC workshop - 'Welcome to UK Practice'
In this short article we will explore why, focusing on the GMCs ‘Welcome to UK Practice’ training programme.
The NHS relies on overseas doctors to deliver the highest quality of healthcare, and so are now taking extra steps to ensuring that they are addressing some of the vital aspects of settling into the system that have perhaps been missed in the past, and that other healthcare systems perhaps don’t offer. As such the GMC have considered the following questions:
how to provide a better induction so that doctors can practice safely
how do we help doctors to work to a different set of social norms, such as when dealing with confidentiality and consent
how do we ensure that overseas doctors have a successful first year in the NHS
In doing so they have established the free training programme ‘Welcome to UK Practice’, which is designed to help doctors adjust and adapt to work in the UK, and subsequently the NHS. It addresses the fact that there can be differences in practicing medicine across the world, as well as the time it can take to adjust to a new culture at work. It offers practical workshops and guidance through ethical scenarios, as well as the opportunity to work with and meet other IMGs coming to practice in the UK.
The GMC also offer workshops designed to guide doctors with their practice, covering topics such as confidentiality, raising a concern, use of social media, consent & making joint decisions, and leadership & management.
We recommend attending the ‘Welcome to UK Practice’ course before you start working in the UK
Or the very least just after you start your new post in the NHS. Not only will this give you a boost in terms of how to approach your new role, working with peers, senior colleagues and patients, but it will also give you a chance to discuss your concerns with doctors in similar situations. It is a great forum and platform for a successful first year in the NHS.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
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
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
All Psychologists looking to secure a job and work in the UK, whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the HCPC before beginning their journey in the NHS.
The type of HCPC application you make depends on your country of origin and training. There are two application routes:
European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
International application
As a Psychologist, the criteria you need to meet depends on where you currently live and practice, either inside the EEA (& associated countries) or outside the EEA.
This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live.
Inside the EEA – click here
Outside the EEA – click here
Psychologists from countries around the world play a vital and significant role in our NHS and in the delivery of safe patient care. This is not only welcome but plays a huge part of the exchange of knowledge in healthcare and is strongly encouraged. They make an invaluable contribution to the mental health services in the NHS.
Inside the EEA
Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article this refers to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland & Norway.
If you qualified as a Psychologist inside the EEA or Switzerland, then the good news is that you can apply for mutual recognition – your qualifications and experience are deemed equivalent in the UK and EU. In addition, you will not need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
So, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a psychologist in the UK & NHS.
English Language Testing
Any international psychologist, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language.
You can do this by passing either of the following:
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:
IMG Library - IELTS – a guide for overseas psychologists
HCPC Registration
Having passed your English Language Test, you can now apply for registration in the UK and use the protected ‘practitioner psychologist’ titles such as clinical psychologist or counselling psychologist, thus qualifying them to practice in the UK.
If you have trained and are a citizen of an EU member state, then you are eligible for European Mutual Recognition (EMR)
If you are eligible for EMR then you must apply via this route. EMR ensures that EEA qualifications and experience are recognised across Europe as equivalent.
Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article below:
IMG Library - HCPC route to the UK – an overview for psychologists
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for European Psychologists in the NHS is ever-increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!
At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for European psychologists in the UK and can offer you a wider range of Psychology jobs than are readily available online. Our network extends to Psychology services and HR departments across the UK, so no matter what your grade or specialty we can ensure you will be interviewing for roles well in advance of any relocation plans.
In addition, your dedicated consultant, with a specialty knowledge of Psychology, will negotiate on your behalf ensuring you get the most competitive salary.
Our aim is to have a job offer on the table before your HCPC registration is complete, giving you the peace of mind of having an agreed contract in place - leaving you to carefully plan your relocation to the UK.
Take a look at our most recent jobs:
Job Search
Relocation
Obviously, any psychologist’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we focus on supporting you and your family with all your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK.
IMG Library – Relocation & UK Life
Brexit
Many Psychologists have questioned how the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) will affect psychologists from Europe already working in the UK, and those who may wish to work here in the future.
Whilst we are still pushing for a halt to Brexit, we've been keeping a close eye on policies and developments to ensure that we keep our psychologists as up to date as possible. While we await more information from the UK Government about what our future relationship with Europe will look like, what is clear is that European psychologists are most welcome in the NHS with or without Brexit.
At IMG Connect we do not see Brexit as an end to EEA psychologists relocating to the UK, far from it… you are in demand and we will support with all the necessary requirements for entry to the UK, whatever the outcome.
Take a look at our Brexit articles for more information:
IMG Library - Brexit
Non-EEA
If you have trained outside the EU, then you are eligible for an international application. In addition, you must demonstrate your English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK and you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
Here we summarise the requirements for psychologists, looking at the following:
English Language Testing
Tier 2 Visas
HCPC Registration
English Language Testing
Any international psychologist, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language.
You can do this by passing either of the following:
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language
Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:
IMG Library - IELTS – a guide for overseas psychologists
HCPC Registration: Evidence of Knowledge & Skills in Psychology
Overseas Psychologists must prove to the HCPC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For overseas Psychologists this can be done through the International Application. If you are eligible for International application, then you must apply via this route.
The HCPC ensures that your overseas qualifications and experience are recognised.
Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article below:
IMG Library - HCPC route to the UK – an overview for psychologists
Tier 2 Visa
If you are a psychologist applying from outside the EEA region you will almost certainly need to apply for a visa to work in the UK.
Applying as a psychologist has never been easier and there is currently no-restriction on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications that a hospital can make. Furthermore, the list of specialties on the shortage occupation list is due for imminent review and expansion beyond its current list of specialties, potentially widening the scope for easier immigration processes across all specialties in healthcare.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article:
IMG Library - Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below:
Tier 2 Dependant visa - can i bring my family with me to the UK?
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for Non-EEA Psychologists in the NHS is increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!
Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search
Relocation
Obviously, any psychologist’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we will focus on supporting you and your family with all of your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK.
IMG Library – Relocation & UK Life
Brexit
Many Psychologists have questions about how the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) will affect psychologists from outside the EEA already working in the UK, and those who may wish to work here in the future.
Whilst we are still pushing for a halt to Brexit, we've been keeping a close eye on policies and developments to ensure that we keep our psychologists as up to date as possible. While we await more information from the UK Government about what our future relationship with Europe will look like, what is clear is that there are no current changes to immigration entry requirements for non-EEA psychologists.
Overseas psychologists are most welcome in the NHS with or without Brexit… you are in demand and we will support with all the necessary requirements for entry to the UK.
Take a look at our Brexit articles for more information:
IMG Library - Brexit
If relocation to the UK as an overseas doctor is something you’d like to discuss with one of our IMG Consultants – then please don't hesitate to connect with us. We'd love to hear from you!
Connect with us
Are you an overseas histopathologist looking to sit the FRCPath exams?
Today we’re bringing you a guide on how to prepare for the FRCPath Histopathology Part 1 exam from Dr Maria, clinical fellow in cellular pathology in London. Maria passed the FRCPath Part 1 exam in March 2021 and is sharing her top tips for FRCPath aspirants, including study planning, revision materials and what you should know about the Part 1 exam.
1. Create a plan and schedule for your study (this is most important!)
I started studying around 3 months before the exam, spending 2-3 hours per day on weekdays and around 5-7 hours on study at the weekend.
REMINDER: This all depends on how much you know already. You cannot focus constantly for hours, so you should schedule your studying time around the way that you know you work best.
Leading up to the exam
Try to keep at least 2 weeks free prior to the exam to re-revise problematic topics and genetics.
The day before exam
Be kind to yourself. Have a good meal, try to relax if you can and avoid stressing too much. Go to bed early and have a good, long sleep.
2. Revision materials
I had been revising using my old notes, where I studied from these books (the best for trainees in my opinion):
Foundation in Diagnostic Pathology series
Dermatopathology
Pulmonary Pathology
Hematopathology
Head and Neck Pathology
Gynecologic Pathology
Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology
Cell and Tissue Based Molecular Pathology
Pulmonary Pathology
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Genitourinary Pathology
Breast Pathology
Neuropathology
Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology
Diagnostic Pathology series
Diagnostic Pathology: Head and Neck
Diagnostic Pathology: Genitourinary
Diagnostic Pathology: Spleen
Diagnostic Pathology: Thoracic
Diagnostic Pathology: Neuropathology
Diagnostic Pathology: Hepatobiliary and Pancreas
Diagnostic Pathology: Nonneoplastic Dermatopathology
Diagnostic Pathology: Neoplastic Dermatopathology
Diagnostic Pathology: Bone
Diagnostic Pathology: Breast
Diagnostic Pathology: Familial Cancer Syndromes
Diagnostic Pathology: Molecular Oncology
Diagnostic Pathology: Infectious Diseases
Diagnostic Pathology: Gastrointestinal
Diagnostic Pathology: Kidney Diseases
Diagnostic Pathology: Placenta
Diagnostic Pathology: Gynaecological
Diagnostic Pathology: Transplant Pathology
Diagnostic Pathology: Cardiovascular
Diagnostic Pathology: Intraoperative Consultation
Diagnostic Pathology: Cytopathology
Diagnostic Pathology: Paediatric Neoplasms
Diagnostic Pathology: Endocrine
Diagnostic Pathology: Normal Histology
Diagnostic Pathology: Lymph Nodes and Extra-nodal Lymphomas
Diagnostic Pathology: Blood and Bone Marrow
Diagnostic Pathology: Vascular
Diagnostic Pathology: Hospital Autopsy
There are so many books, and it would be too expensive to purchase them all, so stick to what you've got in your department or can borrow from friends or colleagues.
The Pathology Outlines website is also excellent for quick review and genetics! There are also MCQs.
Some trainees study from the Robbins Pathology books, however, in my opinion, this book alone is not enough for the Part 1 exam.
For the MCQs, I used the following resources:
Practical Applications in Histopathology, Cytopathology and Autopsy: an MCQ/ EMQ Resource – Limci Gupta, Jayson Wang, Val Thomas
Anatomic Pathology Board Review – Jay H. Lefkowitch
Robbins Review of Pathology - Edward Klatt, Vinay Kumar
Sternberg's Diagnostic Surgical Pathology Review – Pier Luigi Di Patre, Darryl Carter
Various past papers I found within my network
If you have access to old presentations from FRCPath Part 1 courses, I’d suggest having a look at them. It’s a good idea to use them to review and revise a topic, followed by some MCQs on that topic.
TOPIC
START DATE
DURATION
Breast
27 October 2020
6 days
GIT
2 November
8 days
Liver, GB, Pancreas
10 November
8 days
Skin
18 November
6 days
Endocrine System
24 November
7 days
CNS
1 December
7 days
Renal & Urinary
8 December
9 days
Bone
17 December
5 days
Soft Tissue
22 December
9 days
CVS
31 December
5 days
Thoracic Pathology (Lung & Mediastinum)
5 January 2021
7 days
Lymph Node
12 January
7 days
MGT
19 January
7 days
FGT & Placenta
26 January
8 days
Oral & Nasal
3 February
7 days
Autopsy & Forensic
10 February
7 days
General
17 February
7 days
Cytopathology
24 February
5 days
Clinical Governance
1 March
5 days
Syndromes & Paediatric
6 March
5 days
General Revision
11 March onwards
-
This is a guide to the revision schedule I used for my FRCPath preparation. I actually started studying in December, so I had less time to fit this all in, but I was able to revise faster to cover everything.
3. FRCPath Part 1 Exam
The questions in the FRCPath Part 1 exam are usually quite straightforward, so you either know the answer or you don't, nothing misleading or tricky.
Some key topics you’ll need to know for the exam:
Genetics and the mutation of tumours (and yes...you'll need to learn each tumour that has any typical mutation and its name)
Immunohistochemistry of lesions
Microscopic pictures (all the micro images I had in the test depicted typical morphology)
Genetic syndromes, the mutations behind them and what lesions are most common
Datasets - they are quite wordy, so focus only on pTN, and the stage of each organ system
Audit
Parts of a microscope
There were some questions from general pathology (necrosis, inflammation, etc.), but I’d say most of the questions were from GI, breast, gynae, skin, soft tissue and kidney.
However, you'll have at least a few questions from each of the other organ systems, so it's better to study everything rather than focus on the most common ones only.
#IMG Tips
Prepare early – try to start your preparation early to give yourself enough time to cover all the relevant sections on the Royal College curriculum.
Find the right materials to support your study – it's good to use a combination of resources for your study to reinforce existing knowledge and benchmark your progress. Try to find the right materials for you as early as possible to hit the ground running with your revision.
Familiarise yourself with the Royal College curriculum – we cannot stress this enough! All countries have different training programmes, so being well versed in what the RCPath will be looking for is key.
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
Attaining FRCPath Histopathology is a great first step for histopathologists wanting to find senior roles in the NHS. It can be difficult for overseas trainees to prepare for the first exam in the Royal College examination suite, but this quick guide from a successful FRCPath pathologist is a great start for pathologists pursuing the postgraduate route to GMC registration and finding work in the UK.
For more information on the FRCPath exams, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
If you have any further questions about FRCPath, your route to the UK as an overseas histopathologist, or any other aspect of GMC Registration, 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:
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:
There are several routes a medical oncologist can take to register with the GMC and practice oncology in the NHS.
Medical oncologists looking to secure a job in the NHS must satisfy certain criteria before they can be fully registered with the GMC (General Medical Council) and receive a license to practice in the NHS. For oncology, these criteria depend on where you received your training, and the qualifications you hold.
In this blog, we’re giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, as an overseas oncologist. We’ll be covering the following:
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA oncologist?
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA oncologist?
How can I demonstrate my English language skills?
What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one?
What do I need to register with the GMC?
Will I need a visa to work in the UK?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
Evidence of knowledge and skills for EEA medical oncologists
For oncologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, also Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), there are several options potentially available to you.
Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either GMC registration, check the relevant GMC page here.
Basic Medical Training
If you have met the requirements for basic medical training, you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK, and would therefore not need to complete a Royal College postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.
Specialist Training / Residency
Not all European Specialist qualifications are accepted by the GMC. If you have met the GMC’s criteria pertaining to your county, then you should be eligible for Specialist Registration in oncology. So as a medical oncologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for medical oncology and can be appointed as a substantive oncologist in the NHS.
Please note, the criteria that is outlined on your country’s GMC registration page must be met. If your training was undertaken prior to the dates mentioned by the GMC – your qualifications will not be accepted.
For EEA oncologists, the main hurdle that you will face will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the NHS.
As a European oncologist, this is most likely the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice oncology in the UK.
If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for general or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB, or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for medical oncology (MRCP). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.
Evidence of knowledge and skills for non-EEA oncologists
If you qualified as a medical oncologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills AND English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.
Oncologists who've trained from outside the UK and EEA and must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For medical oncologists this can be done through one of three main routes:
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, medical oncologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB.
Royal College of Physicians
Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. medical oncology. Oncologists taking this route will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the NHS. The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates the specialism of medical oncology in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining MRCP will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK oncology. Take a look at IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCP to learn more.
GMC-recognised or equivalent qualifications
Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This is to say these qualifications or licensing exams are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.
To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications
English Language Testing
Both EEA and non-EEA oncologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Experience in English-speaking countries
For doctors who have at least two years of their most recent experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.
Certificate of Good Standing
All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.
The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.
If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.
Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.
GMC Registration
Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:
English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).
AND
Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.
AND
(EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA oncologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.
(Non-EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA oncologist, this would either be PLAB, MRCP or a GMC-approved qualification.
To understand the registration process more fully, read our article on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.
Visas
If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa from the Home Office.
A Health & Care visa (Tier 2 visa) is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed.
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK?
IMG Oncologists
Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
So, there you have it! Hopefully this helps to clarify any worries or doubts you may have on your route to the UK as a medical oncologist planning a career in the NHS. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the medical oncology job market, then get in touch with our team.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
Are you an overseas psychiatrist looking to move to the UK? Here, you can hear first-hand the experiences of an international doctor who has been through the process, from completing GMC registration, to securing an NHS job and relocating to the UK.
IMG Stories is our series introducing you to international doctors who we have helped to relocate to the UK - sharing their personal journeys from working overseas to securing a new job as a doctor in the NHS.
Today we introduce you to Linda Granqvist, a fantastic child and adolescent psychiatrist who relocated to the UK from Sweden. Linda has been living and working in the UK since earlier this year when she received full specialist registration from the GMC. She is now working in the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in the north west of England – where she is making a huge contribution to the NHS and wider community.
Tell us a little about yourself – what should the IMG community know about Linda Granqvist?
I’m a mum of three who comes from Sweden and I work as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, which I have done for many years. I'm also a family therapist and a certified therapy dog handler. In my free time, I really enjoy hiking and diving – I'd say those are my main interests.
What motivated you to move to the UK?
So, for a couple of years, I’d been thinking about moving to an English-speaking country. Both because I want to improve my English skills and the same for my kids – I also wanted them to learn how to speak English fluently. Also of course, to experience another country, to see how they work within CAMHS, and to be able to develop professionally in a new place.
Your journey to the UK was an adventure! Why did you decide to drive rather than fly to the UK?
In the beginning, it was just practical reasons really. I wanted to have the car with me to be able to move around easily in the UK, also, I don't like to put Iris on aeroplanes. So I decided I’d rather drive. I also have a lot of friends in the countries I’d be passing through along the way, so I thought I might be able to stop and say hi. In these strange times, this was a different way to stay in touch. To be honest, I was a little bit nervous at first - it's a long journey. And initially, it was just going to be me and Iris in the car, fully packed with all of our things. But then a very sweet friend of mine offered to join me on the trip. This made the whole trip incredibly easier and so much more fun. I'd recommend traveling with a friend to anyone thinking of coming to the UK the same way.
Tell us about your journey to get here, any issues or exciting moments along the way?
The trip took us four days, which doesn’t sound very long, but then we were on the road for long periods of time, because we needed to cross the French and English borders within 72 hours of us departing Sweden because of the COVID situation. So, we had that tight schedule to work to, but it all worked out!
Alongside taking wonderful swims in the ocean and being on the beach when we were taking a break, getting to visit friends was great. I was a little curious about the COVID restrictions, to see how they would hold up in practice. There was no one checking us at any of the check points we passed at the borders between Denmark and Germany, Germany and Belgium then on to France. The only place where they actually checked all the certificates and vaccination status was on the ferry between France and England, so that was surprising to me.
What were the best places or things you saw on your journey?
The most exciting thing for me, just off the top of my head, is when we got to Dover. It was such a beautiful moment, having these white cliffs heading towards us on such a beautiful evening. I had a moment of strong emotion when I realised this would be my home for a long time and I was finally here.
You are the first psychiatrist we have worked with who has travelled with their care dog - exciting! We can’t wait to meet Iris, what was it like travelling here with her?
Iris is so relaxed. She's very used to me taking her everywhere, to all sorts of places, so she was quite happy after around 12 hours of travelling, when she realised she could just chill out. So she's no problem at all. Even now, I think she sort of misses the car!
Was it difficult to make arrangements to come to the UK with a dog?
You have to have your shots up to date and have the all the tablets that you need. But not really, it's not really been much of a fuss and was quite easy. Also, we'd travelled abroad before, so she had a passport and things like that.
What role does Iris play in your daily practice in the NHS?
Iris is a trained Care and Therapy Dog and we have worked side by side for 4 years now.
There were no protocols in place for a care dog at first, so the situation needed some working out, but now that’s been sorted, we’re up and running and I'm working with her clinically every day. She helps me with patients so they feel emotionally supported. She can do most tricks in the book and loves children and adults and is so proud to be helping me with these sometimes very vulnerable children.
How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working full time in Sweden?
Without all the support from Ruaidhri, I don’t think I would have, to be honest - all the credit goes to him. There was so much paperwork and so much to consider in doing things in the right order that it would have taken me forever. But Ruaidhri has been so supportive, holding my hand all the way, always letting me know what the next step was and what I would have to do, helping me wherever he could. He's just been amazing.
Do you have any advice for international doctors hoping to find jobs in the UK?
Find IMG Connect. Seriously, it made all the difference for me. If I’d had less support, I don't think I would have gone through with the move.
From your experience so far, tell us about a day in the life of a consultant CAMHS psychiatrist in the NHS…
I'm a locum consultant, so I work together with one other senior doctor and then another part-time consultant, as well as other doctors who are training and more junior. I take part in assessments and support the team in medical issues spend time on-call.
It's a big difference from what I’ve experienced before. I've worked both privately and in the NHS in Sweden, and I'd say it's a big difference in terms of the psychiatry role, and also how we support the team. It’s understaffed in some areas, and the socio-economic factors within the area can make things more difficult. I think I was maybe a little bit naïve coming into this role. But everybody is so supportive and really welcoming.
How are you settling into life in the North West of England?
So far, we’re enjoying it very much. It's almost like a tropical environment for us compared to Sweden. The people are extremely friendly and open, and not to say the least, they're very dog oriented. Iris really gets to socialise, so the dog life here is much easier. And then the nature, I mean, it's beautiful. Preston doesn’t have the most wonderful nature, but it's so close to the Lake District and the sea, so we're taking advantage of that as well.
What’s next for you now that you’re working in the UK?
My field of interest is in using dogs as part of the work within Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. So I’d love to do more research on this, to find out who benefits the most from having a therapy dog - I think that will be my next step. I always give everyone feedback forms to comment on how they found the appointment with a therapy dog present. I've previously done a small project in Sweden related to this, but I would like to expand on that.
Have you had any culture shocks living in the UK so far?
Probably the dog culture being so friendly. It's I think a positive culture shock. I'm really happy with how things are going.
We’re vegetarians, me and my three daughters, and we’re finding that British vegetables are so much tastier than in Sweden! We talk about it at dinner all the time, wondering how they can taste so good. I'm not too keen on fish and chips and some other typical British dishes, they’re not my cup of tea, but there’s so much choice here as well.
What have you missed about Sweden the most?
I guess there's the emotional part of it - leaving your closest friends, and some family. I think that's the hardest part and what I've missed most.
Do you have any advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK?
It’s a big step, relocating with your family, so it’s good to have practical and emotional support around you. But don't be afraid to try new things. Embrace everything, be flexible and just go for it. You will have an experience you will never forget.
Moving to live and work in the UK is a big decision to make but can be massively rewarding in many ways. International doctors have the chance to find a new home and the NHS presents an incredible opportunity to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their field and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR (for non-EEA doctors), writing publications and research. Whatever route an overseas doctor may take on their journey to the UK, IMG Connect is here to support them through every step and welcome them to the IMG Connect family.
The first exam in the FRCPath Histopathology series...
International histopathologists (or cellular or anatomical pathologists as commonly known) looking to secure a job in the NHS via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. This can also be commonly referred to as FRCPath Histopathology.
The completion of Part 1 and Part 2 of the Royal College of Pathology qualification for Histopathology results in eligibility for GMC registration (with the addition of the English language component). The FRCPath qualification is recommended for overseas pathologists looking to securing senior jobs in the NHS.
The exams can be taken by IMGs from all over the world, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met. Here we’ll take a closer look into these and other important questions through the following topics:
An overview of FRCPath Histopathology
What is FRCPath Part 1 and how is it structured?
Changes to FRCPath Part 1 delivery
Am I eligible to sit this exam?
How much will the exam cost and how do I apply?
What is the best way to prepare for the exam?
#IMG Tips
I’ve passed the FRCPath Part 1 exam, what’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
An overview of FRCPath Histopathology
The FRCPath Histopathology exams are administered by the Royal College of Pathologists to test a doctor's knowledge and ability to apply this in the practice of histopathology within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Histopathology.
The exams are as follows:
FRCPath Part 1
FRCPath Part 2
To read more about the full FRCPath examination suite via our IMG resources, please click here.
Please note that only full FRCPath satisfies the requirements for GMC registration for overseas doctors taking the postgraduate route.
Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB and other licensing exams such as USMLE. You can find out more about alternative routes here.
For doctors who are interested in more senior roles in the NHS that are reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCPath is the best route to take to GMC registration. Histopathology in the UK is consultant-led specialism; and many NHS job postings will have FRCPath as a requirement for doctors who are not on the Specialist Register.
FRCPath Part 1 breakdown
FRCPath Part 1 is the first exam in the Royal College of Pathologists qualification. It is broken down into three sections as follows:
The three-hour exam is designed to assess candidates’ overall knowledge and understanding of histopathology or cytopathology, including the full range of autopsy practices undertaken in a district general hospital in the UK and the basic science underpinning pathology, including molecular biology.
FRCPath Part 1 delivery
In response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Pathologists has migrated the FRCPath Part 1 exam online.
This means FRCPath Part 1 may be taken from the comfort of your own home. This development allows the College to continue to offer the FRCPath Part 1 exam to both UK trainees and overseas pathologists.
For full details about the online FRCPath Part 1 exam, please see our blog here.
Eligibility
Candidates for FRCPath Part 1 will generally require experience of Histopathology specialty training to reach the standard required to pass the exam. The Royal College advise that candidates take this exam after one year of specialty training.
Exam dates, applications and cost
The cost of the exam is £673 and the exam are usually held twice a year, in spring and in autumn/winter.
Applications for each sitting open a few months prior and close after around 6 weeks. While waiting for exam dates to be finalised the College advise that candidates should apply early and will be able to withdraw their application for a full refund should the date be unsuitable.
For up-to-date information on exam and application dates, keep an eye on the College website here.
Preparation
There are many resources available to help you prepare for your FRCPath Part 1 exam. As always, we recommend that the best starting point for your study is the Royal College website, particularly the Curriculum for Specialty Training in Histopathology. Your exam is based on this curriculum so familiarising yourself with it as soon as possible will give you the best chance of success.
Other helpful resources for your study include:
Regulations and guidelines – before applying for FRCPath exams, the College recommends you read both the general and specialty-specific regulations and guidelines, found below:
General Regulations and Guidelines
Histopathology Regulations and Guidelines
Social media study groups – there are multiple study groups available across different platforms such as Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part 1 – these forums bring together overseas histopathologists in one communicative, constructive, and moderated space for learning, sharing, and support.
If you are interested in joining the IMG Connect FRCPath Part 1 study group, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to request your admission.
Online courses, videos and other resources - there are some great online courses and resources available to prepare for the FRCPath Part 1 exam. These include everything from full mock exams to flashcards and YouTube videos. We’ve compiled all these which you can access here, through our IMG Resources library.
FAQs - There is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document which the Royal College has compiled to help applicants who have questions about online examinations. You can read this here.
#IMG Tips
Prepare early – getting your revision going as soon as possible will help you avoid those last-minute cramming sessions and increase your chances of passing first time.
Speak to your colleagues and peers – there are so many study materials to choose from - who better to ask for recommendations than histopathologists who have been through the process or are going through it with you?
Familiarise yourself with the online format – there’s no bigger headache than a bad connection – go through your IT checks well in advance to avoid (most) hiccups on the day
Join the online histopathology community – connect with like-minded histopathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters in the IMG Histopathologists Facebook group.
I’ve passed the FRCPath Part 1 exam, what’s next?
Congratulations – this is a massive achievement! After a well-deserved break, it’s time to look forward to FRCPath Part 2. For more information on the final exam in the examination suite, take a look at our blog where we explore FRCPath Part 2 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 FRCPath exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library.
Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:
There are several routes an overseas histopathologist can take to GMC registration & practicing anatomic pathology in the NHS.
All pathologists looking to secure a job in the NHS, whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the General Medical Council before they can practice in the NHS. As a histopathologist, the criteria you need to meet depends on where you trained, and what qualifications you hold. This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live. We’ll be covering the following:
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA histopathologist?
How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA histopathologist?
How can I demonstrate my English language skills?
What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one?
What do I need to register with the GMC?
Will I need a visa to work in the UK?
Evidence of knowledge and skills for EEA histopathologists
For histopathologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), there are a number of different options potentially available to you.
Depending on the country and year you completed your residency or basic medical training, the GMC may automatically recognise your qualifications and grant you either General Registration, or Specialist Registration in the UK. To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either general or specialist registration, check the relevant GMC page here.
Basic Medical Training: If you have met the basic medical training requirements, this would mean that you would not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK and would not need to complete a UK- recognised postgraduate qualification or PLAB to register with a license to practice. You would be granted full registration in this case, but not Specialist Registration.
Specialist Training / Residency: If you have met the criteria listed for your country then you once you completed your GMC application process you would be granted Specialist Registration in your Specialty and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as a pathologist, if you hold a Relevent European Specialist qualification then you would be on the specialist register for histopathology, and can be appointed as a substantive histopathologist in the NHS.
So, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the UK & NHS.
As a European histopathologist, this is in most cases the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice in the UK.
If you do not meet the GMC requirements for your training to be approved for full or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for Histopathology (FRCPath). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.
Evidence of knowledge and skills for non-EEA histopathologists
If you qualified as a histopathologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills AND English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.
Histopathologists who've trained from outside the UK and EEA must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For histopathologists this can be done through one of three main routes:
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in pathology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine. That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, pathologists can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB.
Fellowship of Royal College of Pathologists
Royal College Qualification of FRCPath: Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. pathology. For senior pathologists taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice. The Royal College of Pathologists is the Professional Body that regulates the specialism of Pathology in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining FRCPath will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK Pathology. Take a look at our complete guides on Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists as per your sub-specialty to understand more.
GMC recognised or equivalent qualifications
Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This is to say these qualifications or licensing exams are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.
To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications.
English Language Testing
Both EEA and non-EEA histopathologists, regardless of experience, and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (OET). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Experience in English-speaking countries
For doctors who have at least two years of their most current experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.
Certificate of Good Standing
All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.
The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.
Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.
If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.
GMC Registration
Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:
English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer (if you have been working in an English-speaking country for the last two years).
AND
Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.
AND
(EEA pathologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA pathologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.
OR
(Non-EEA pathologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA pathologist, this would either be PLAB, FRCPath or a GMC-approved qualification.
To understand the registration process more fully, read our blog on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.
Visas
If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and started living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
A Tier 2 visa is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa - how do I apply and what's the process?
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK?
For pathologists looking to come to the UK to work in the NHS, GMC registration and specialist registration is a crucial part of the process. Therefore, it’s important to put together a good application to present to the GMC, and IMG Connect are here to help with this. Whether it’s deciding the best options for demonstrating your skills and knowledge in histopathology, or sourcing the best English Language courses and resources, take advantage of the benefits of having a pathology recruitment specialist working with you and proving you with the best guidance and support to fit your career needs.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things pathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With a few options available for clinical oncologists to provide evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult for IMGs to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.
For international doctors considering their route to the UK, there are essentially two main pathways to consider: PLAB and the postgraduate route - FRCR (Oncology).
Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exhaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here.
Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits.
PLAB for GMC Registration
FRCR (Oncology) for GMC Registration
Which is better for me as an overseas pathologist, PLAB or FRCR (Oncology)?
#IMG Tips
How do I get started?
Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)
The first and most common route which is often a popular choice among junior doctors is PLAB.
PLAB is a two-part exam with one written and one practical element, that assesses whether candidates are at least as capable as doctors starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training, and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS.
The GMC has a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.
FRCR (Oncology) - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Clinical or Radiation Oncologists
The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience. Within clinical or radiation oncology, this can be done by attaining Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists. The Royal College of Radiologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of clinical oncology in the UK.
Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology) is the full qualification attained through these postgraduate exams for clinical or radiation oncology. The exams assess a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology. FRCR (Oncology) has three components, with two written and one clinical and oral element.
For complete guides on FRCR (Oncology), take a look at our IMG Resources library.
It is important to note that the FRCR (Oncology) exams are for clinical or radiation oncologists only. Overseas clinical oncologists are not required to also sit the MRCP (UK) exams.
PLAB vs FRCR (Oncology)
FRCR (Oncology) is a legitimate route that demonstrates skills and knowledge and will allow oncologists to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each exam, as well as how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.
Seniority of Positions in the NHS
It may be difficult for an overseas clinical oncologist to obtain a more senior post within the NHS without FRCR (Oncology), GMC-approved training, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.
Time
PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.
FRCR (Oncology) has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 36 months of postgraduate experience in clinical or radiation oncology.
These exams can take anywhere from between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.
Cost
The FRCR (Oncology) exams cost just over £1,600, but all the exams are sat in person and there are only a few overseas exam centres.
PLAB costs £1,189, and both exams are sat in person. PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken within the UK.
SO, for PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.
It’s important to note that the total cost of each exam can rise if re-sits are necessary.
Summary
PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as a Senior House Officer (SHO), does not assess ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., oncology. PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.
FRCR (Oncology) involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas oncologists, attaining FRCR (Oncology) will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you will not need PLAB or Core Training.
The Royal College of Radiologists’ exams will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK oncology than PLAB.
#IMG Tips
Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.
Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.
Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.
Join the community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.
In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.
You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.
Getting started
Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time for a deep dive into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB, FRCR (Oncology), GMC registration and finding your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.
If you have any further questions on PLAB or postgraduate qualifications, please get in touch with our oncology specialists here. We’d be more than happy to help you.
For advice, guidance and news and updates about all things oncology for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below