Communities are a wonderful thing and feeling part of a community is vital to any doctor and their family looking to make a new home for themselves in the UK.  In this article we will look at seven of the communities that exist in both professional and social circle, which can help you to be happy in your new NHS job and UK home. Study preparations groups Whether it's preparing for PLAB, Royal College or IELTS exams, having friends or colleagues to revise with and push each other is incredibly important. You can find WhatsApp groups for the specific exams on our IMG Community Facebook page and we highly recommend joining a study group if you have not already. Any friends and family in the UK Make the most of any contacts you already have. Make sure to get in touch with any friends or relations let them know your relocation plans. They may give you some trusted hints and tips for the area you are moving to, or just make sure you are looked after from the moment you touch down.  Either way, building friend and family circles around you is very important. Facebook groups and the IMG Community There are many Facebook groups out there geared towards helping doctors like yourself trying to work as a doctor in the UK.  With that in mind, IMG Connect runs a vetted Facebook community that covers all the topics that you might need help or support on. This includes exam support, registration guidance, first-hand advice and knowledge on hospitals and their departments, relocation support, schooling etc. This list goes on and on!  Whatever question or help you might need, you can ask us in private or publicly to the community page, you will usually have a response in minutes.  By joining the IMG Community Facebook group you will be immediately in touch with thousands of people in very similar scenarios to yourself. Colleagues and peers in your department The relationships you hold with the people at work are hugely important; you will spend roughly 60-70% of your day working with them after all! Make sure to involve yourself with your department, the hospital as a whole and become part of the trust’s wider community.  Understanding with their values whilst engaging socially with your colleagues will go a long way to ensuring you are happy and content in your day-to-day job and make you a much better NHS doctor. GMC workshops and events As the GMC knows, adapting to a new healthcare system is hard for any doctor, regardless of experience. The GMC’s free Welcome to UK Practice workshop is designed to help doctors new to the NHS. By offering guidance on GMC and UK medical ethics, it aims to give you the confidence and assurance to make the right choices in difficult ethical scenarios.  These are of course great ways to connect with doctors in similar situations to your own, allowing you to make new friends & contacts with other doctors new to the NHS like yourself. Royal College courses, workshops and events As with the GMC, Royal Colleges in the UK run a wide variety of professional and cultural events that are often free to attend.  Take them up on opportunities to further your learning or meet interesting and influential people in your specialty! Whether it’s an art exhibition hosted by your Royal College or an amazing talk by a field specialist, being a member and part of Royal College community is a valuable thing. The local community you move to Anyone and everyone can get involved in your community. It doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, what you believe in; there will always be something there for you. What you get in return is both priceless and invaluable whatever stage of life you are at: Meeting new people – building new friendships, improving your English, experiencing different cultures, improving relations between different communities in your area, building confidence, self-esteem and giving structure to life in the UK. Get involved in your local school, charities and parks, or look online for groups, activities and events.  And if you do it right… helping people whilst having fun! 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. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:                  

Doctors looking to register with the GMC and find a job in the NHS will be required to take either the OET or IELTS exam. Here we answer some FAQs about the OET exam. OET can be challenging and, without proper preparation, it is not uncommon for doctors to fail at their first attempt. So, to help make sure you are as prepared as possible before sitting the exam, we have answered the most common FAQs asked by an overseas doctor:  What is the OET? How is the OET different from IELTS? What regulatory bodies accept OET? What test should I take? Is OET a better option than IELTS? Is the OET recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC)? What results do I need for GMC registration? How much does it cost? Should I prepare for the exam? Should I spend money on preparing? Where can I find online study materials? How do I register? Where can I take the test? Can I change my test date? Can I take a re-sit? What is the OET?  OET stands for Occupational English Test. The OET is an English Language Test created specifically for healthcare professionals.  The OET exam assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who wish to register and practice in the UK, or other English-speaking countries.  It tests your English levels in four subtests: Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening.  How is the OET different from IELTS?  OET is a language assessment designed for healthcare professionals, testing your English Language skills in a medical context.   IELTS is not specific to the healthcare profession, it is taken by professionals from all industries. So, the topics covered are more general.  Both test four areas of English Language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. What regulatory bodies accept OET?  The good news is that if you choose the OET exam, recent changes to the rules as of the 1st October 2019, means that only one test now required for both UK registration and visa purposes. The OET exam is now accepted by both the GMC and the UK Home Office.   What test should I take?  Neither exam is easier than the other. Both IELTS and OET Medicine show you have an advanced level in English. It really is up to you!  You may find OET simpler to understand as it is healthcare related and tests the language you use in daily practice.  The same can be said about IELTS, you may find the general nature of the topics more suited to you.  Is OET a better option than IELTS?  There is no one option better than the other, both are recognised qualifications by the GMC. The most important thing to decide is which suits your needs the most.  Your decision may be based on factors such as: the format and content of the different tests regularity with which test sessions are held locations of test centres test fees regulatory bodies that accept the test for applications Is the OET recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC)? Yes, the GMC recognises OET for overseas-trained doctors for registration purposes. For the GMC to accept your OET certificate it must show that you took the medicine sub-tests. What results do I need for GMC registration?  For the GMC to accept your OET certificate it must show:  You took the medicine version of the test.  You attained at least a grade 'B' in each testing area (speaking, listening, reading and writing) or 350 points in total.  What is the test format?  OET has four parts: Listening (45 minutes) Reading (60 minutes) Writing (45 minutes)  Speaking (20 minutes) The total test time is approximately 3 hours. How much does it cost?  Test fees are AUD $587 (approx. £329 based on November 2023 exchange rate).  Should I prepare for the exam?  Yes, exam preparation is crucial to scoring highly in the test. You might feel like you already have a good level of English, good enough to pass the tests.  But IMGs keep telling us that no matter what level of English they have, it is always better to prepare. The test consists of very specific content, so specific test skills are required.  Should I spend money on preparing?  Whilst not essential, we recommend that you seek further support. This could be via online tutorials, 1 - 1 teaching, or longer course-based learning. There are lots of OET tutors available online.  That said, there are also loads of ways that you can improve your English for free, at home and in your own time.    Where can I find online study materials? With thousands of useful websites available, it can be tricky to decide where to start. We recommend the OET Preparation Portal. Here you will discover official resources, some for free!  For example, you can expect to find:  sample practice tests masterclass videos with an OET preparation expert tips to improve your test performance online preparation Course practice books How do I register?  Register online here.  The OET have a portal for all applicants, called myOET. This lets you apply for tests, view your results, and create a profile. Where can I take the test?  OET is available at more than 115 locations in 40 countries, with 14 test dates per year. Be sure to choose the correct date and location when you apply. You can find a test date and venue here.  Can I change my test date?  Yes, you can change the test date any day prior to the original test date booked. Please note, no refund is available, and an administration fee will apply to book a new date. The cost of deferring depends on when you decide to defer: Administration cost before application closing date is $120 (approx. £67 at the point of writing)  Administration cost after applications closing date passes is $200 (approx. £110 at the point of writing)  No refund is available for cancellations.  Can I take a re-sit?  Yes, you can book a new test at any time, however this will be at further personal cost.  Consider working with an accredited tutor As an International Brand dedicated to helping international doctors to register with the GMC and find work in the NHS - we have lots of partnerships in place with trusted companies in many areas. One of these key areas is English Language Testing and IMG Connect works closely with a company called Specialist Language Courses. You can take a look at their website here. Specialist Language courses work very professionally and are the UK's leading provider of online courses and tutoring. They are also one of the few accredited providers of OET and have provided consultation and guidance to the GMC on English language testing.  Success rates are 70% + for those who sign for their tutoring and you can receive a discount if introduced by IMG Connect. Register with IMG Connect to request your discount on English Language Courses or get in touch with one of our IMG Consultants to discuss. 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. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:         

The General Medical Council’s medical register is a full list of all the doctors qualified to work in the UK. Within this, there are different types of registration which doctors must hold to work in different posts in the UK.  All practicing physicians must hold one of these types of registration with a license to practice.  In this article we will discuss the following:   Provisional Registration Full Registration Specialist Registration GP Registration IMG Tips 1. Provisional Registration The purpose of provisional registration is to allow medical graduates to complete an approved internship (FY1). After this, trainees will receive a certificate of experience with which they can apply for full registration.  Provisional registration can be held for a maximum of three years and 30 days (1,125 days) only, which would be enough time within which to complete a 12-month internship. This registration will expire after the allotted time, and you will be removed from the register, however, more time can be provided, and you can find out whether you will be eligible here.  What roles can I take with provisional registration?  With provisional registration, the only service post you are able to take is an FY1 service post, other than an approved UK FY1 programme.  Who can apply for provisional registration?  If you are eligible for full registration, you cannot apply for provisional registration.  Applications for provisional registration will be considered from:   UK medical graduate who completed their medical degree at a UK university  Doctors who graduated from outside the UK with an acceptable primary medical qualification (PMQ) and have passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), but have not completed an internship  Doctors who qualified within certain European countries but do not hold the accompanying certificate required to complete their relevant European qualification – you can see a full list of these countries here.  2. Full Registration Doctors require full registration to work in unsupervised medical practice in the NHS, UK private practice, or to move onto the second year of their internship (FY2) in an approved training programme require a full license to practice.  What roles can I take with full registration?  With full registration, doctors can take up any post aside from GP posts and substantive consultant posts.  Who can apply for full registration?  There are certain criteria you must meet before you are eligible for full registration:  1. Completed the first year (FY1) of the Foundation Programme in the UK  2. Be a Swiss or UK national (or benefit from enforceable community rights) and have either:  A formal qualification listed in The Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications; OR An acceptable primary medical qualification from outside the EEA (which has been recognised in Switzerland) with evidence of an acceptable pattern of experience  3. Be an international medical graduate (IMG) with an acceptable PMQ, and enough clinical experience to practice medicine in the UK – you can do this in one of 5 ways:  A pass in the PLAB test Sponsorship by a GMC approved sponsor An acceptable postgraduate qualification or overseas licensing exam Relevant European Qualification (REQ) Eligibility for entry onto the Specialist or GP register Full registration does not have a time limit, but doctors should note that they are required to go through a revalidation process every five years to avoid the license to practice being withdrawn.  You can read more about the routes to GMC Registration through our IMG Resources library.  3. Specialist Registration The specialist register is an online list of doctors who are eligible to work as fixed term, honorary or substantive consultants in the NHS, excluding foundation trusts.  If a doctor is on the Specialist Register, it will say so as part of their status on the register, and you will be able to see the specialties (and sub-specialties) they are qualified in, as well as the date they joined the specialist register in each specialty.  Types of Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC, and the type of certificate you will receive at the end of your training defines which training route you are on.  You can read more about Specialist Registration for IMGs here.  What roles can I take with Specialist registration?  Doctors who are on the Specialist Register can take up permanent or substantive consultant positions.   Who can apply for Specialist registration?  Eligibility for Specialist Registration depends on your nationality, qualifications and experience. To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:   A specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in  OR   At least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in   You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment. In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.    4. GP Registration GP Registration is a requirement for any doctor who wishes to be eligible for appointment to a general practitioner (GP) position in the UK.  Please note that unlike in many countries, GPs in the UK are family and community medicine specialists and if you are an IMG general physician, you would need to apply for full registration, not GP registration.  What roles can I take with GP registration?  Doctors who are on the GP Register can take up posts as General Practitioners in the UK. As well as being on the GP Register, you’ll need to complete a number of other processes before you can start work as a GP in the UK. You'll need to join a Performers List and an Induction or Returner Scheme. You can read more about this here.  Who can apply for GP registration?  Doctors may be eligible for entry onto the GP Register if you have a relevant European GP qualification. You can check which GP qualifications are accepted on the GMC’s evidence of qualifications page. You must also check your qualification is on the list of relevant European qualifications, and that:  The title of it is exactly the same as the one in the list  AND  The qualification was issued on or after the reference date listed.  #IMG Tips Use the GMC website – there are many useful resources on the GMC website, including a very helpful registration route finder to help you determine which registration you should apply for.  Research/ think about the types of evidence you will need and make a plan for your application, particularly if you will have to sit any exams.  If you want to contact our specialists use our Candidate Portal today! So there it is, the different types of GMC registration in a nutshell. This is important to understand, particularly for IMGs looking to relocate to the UK and find work in the NHS. If you have any further questions about GMC registration or your route to the UK, 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:                   

As the Royal College of Psychiatrists New Member's Ceremony is coming up, we wanted to delve into what you could expect on the day!     As the new members gather in the grand hall, they are greeted with warm applause and welcoming smiles. The ceremony begins with a keynote by the president, setting the tone for the evening, the ceremony then kicks off with a warm welcome by the president, followed by speeches from prominent figures in the field.    During the ceremony, voices from various specialities come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the newest members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It is a joyous occasion filled with speeches, inspirational stories, and a sense of camaraderie that resonates throughout the room. The ceremony is a grand event that highlights the achievements and contributions of the newest members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.   One of the highlights of the ceremony is the awarding of certificates to the new members. This moment serves as a tangible recognition of their hard work and commitment. It is a proud moment for both the individuals and their families, who have supported them throughout their journey. Upon becoming members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, individuals gain access to a wide range of resources and support systems.    To be eligible for membership, individuals must meet certain criteria, including completing their core psychiatry training and passing the relevant examinations.     Sources  https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/members/rcpsych-ceremonies/new-members-ceremonies#:~:text=11%20and%2019%20October%202023%20and%201%20February%202024&text=Those%20who%20registered%20as%20Members,invited%20to%20attend%20these%20ceremonies.     Connect with us   Get in touch with us to find out more about The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ new member's event as an IMG! If you are attending, please join us on either the 11th or 19th of October at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge- opposite The Royal College of Psychiatrists building, for a celebratory drink!                     

Understanding the status of your qualifications when registering with the GMC is critical to finding the best registration route for you and streamlining your journey to the UK and working in the NHS.   The breadth of global postgraduate oncology qualifications can confuse overseas oncologists as to the status of their qualifications in the UK. This blog aims to simplify subject, covering the following topics:   How do I register with the GMC as a European specialist? EEA Countries GMC-accepted EEA Primary Medical Qualifications (PMQ) GMC-accepted EEA Specialist Qualifications I am on the Specialist Register - what type of post can I be offered? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  GMC Registration for European Specialists When applying for GMC registration, all doctors must provide evidence of sufficient skills and knowledge. For oncologists from certain European countries (those within the European Economic Area or EEA), there is a group of relevant European qualifications which are accepted as sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge to practise in the UK.  These are Primary Medical Qualifications and European Specialist qualifications which provide eligibility for Full and Specialist Registration respectively.  European Economic Area (EEA) Countries These are the countries from which a relevant European qualification would be accepted by the GMC*:  Austria  Germany  Netherlands  Belgium  Greece  Norway  Bulgaria  Hungary  Poland  Croatia  Iceland  Portugal  Cyprus  Ireland  Romania  Czech Republic  Italy  Slovakia  Denmark  Latvia  Slovenia  Estonia  Lithuania  Spain  Finland  Luxembourg  Sweden  France  Malta  Switzerland  *When determining the eligibility of your EEA qualification, it is important to check the given dates and evidence required by the GMC for acceptance.  EEA Primary Medical Qualifications If your primary medical qualification was awarded by a medical school in an EEA country, it may be a relevant European qualification. Oncologists with an EEA PMQ are eligible for full GMC registration with licence to practise.  You can find out whether your PMQ is eligible and what qualifications and evidence you need to send to the GMC to support your application here or by selecting your country from the table above.  EEA Specialist Qualifications If your specialist qualification was awarded after the completion of an EEA training programme, it may also be a relevant European qualification. Oncologists with an EEA specialist qualification are eligible for direct entry to the GMC’s Specialist Register.  You can find out whether your European Specialist Qualification is eligible by searching for oncology within this list and checking whether your country’s evidence is accepted (if your country’s field is blank for oncology, your qualification would not be accepted for Specialist Registration).  You can then check what qualifications and evidence you need to send to the GMC to support your application here or by selecting your country from the table above.  NHS Posts for European Oncologists on the Specialist Register The NHS post you would be eligible for as a European oncologist would be dependent on your level of experience with your postgraduate qualifications taken into account.  If you are on the Specialist Register for clinical or medical oncology, you are eligible fo substantive consultant positions in the NHS - meaning you can be offered a permanent consultant contract to work in the NHS. Without GMC Specialist Registration, you can still work as a locum consultant on a fixed-term contract, and attain Specialist Registration via the CESR Portfolio Pathway. Oncology Consultants are in high demand in the UK, and thus command competitive rates of pay.   As a Consultant Oncologist, the pay you will earn can be broken down as follows:  Basic salary for 40 hours per week or 10 PAs (programmed activities)  Pay for additional hours worked  37% premium for night hours worked  Weekend allowance for hours worked  On-call allowance  There are also other wage premiums that may be offered.  You can find the latest pay scales for NHS Consultants across the UK here.   Please use these pay scales as a guide, but bear in mind that you may be eligible for a different rate of pay than stated, based on experience and/or demand. It is therefore worth checking what you may be entitled to with your IMG Consultant.  Sources https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/eea-countries   IMG Connect are here to help We hope this helps to clear up any doubts around registering to work in the UK as an EEA oncologist and securing an NHS post.  Get in touch with our oncology team if you have any further questions regarding EEA entry to the NHS, CESR or oncology in the NHS more broadly.              

From the 30th of November 2023, the UK’s General Medical Council will introduce significant changes to the application process for Specialist Registration, namely CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) and CEGPR (Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration). These changes focus on the evidence required in creating an application for Specialist Registration.  What are the new changes to the CESR and CEGPR process? Doctors who are applying for Specialist or GP Registration will now need to demonstrate that their knowledge, skills, and experience align with the high-level learning outcomes of the GMC-approved UK curriculum in the relevant specialty. These generic professional capabilities will be incorporated into specialty curricula and will therefore be equally demonstrated by UK trainees at the end of their approved training.   Why are these changes being made? The current system for CESR and CEGPR applications requires the mapping of evidence to the detailed CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) curriculum in a specific specialty. The goal of this change is to ensure that doctors have a comprehensive understanding of the core competencies needed to practice effectively in their chosen specialty, whilst allowing the GMC the flexibility to accept a wider range of evidence.  This change is significant because it shifts the focus from a narrow and specific curriculum to a broader and more comprehensive approach. By aligning with the high-level learning outcomes, doctors will be better equipped to provide quality care and meet the evolving needs of patients.   What will the new system be called? The GMC has confirmed that both the CESR and CEGPR will be known as ‘Portfolio Pathway’ from 30th November 2023. This will be a more appropriate name which aligns with the evidence of knowledge, skills and experience required for practising as an eligible Specialist or GP in the UK.  Sources https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/cesr-cegpr-application-process/changes-we-are-making-to-cesr-and-cegpr-applications  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/applying-for-specialist-or-gp-registration/changes-to-how-doctors-demonstrate-the-standard-required-for-specialist-and-gp-registration/what-is-changing  Connect with us  Get in touch with us to find out more about achieving CESR or CEGPR as an IMG and join our upcoming CESR workshop and webinars on the GMC registration process and working in the UK as a doctor.              

In a landmark decision, the government agreed to an increase to the pay of NHS junior and senior doctors in England, based on the recommendation of the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration (DDRB). This pay rise will equate to an increase of 6% for senior doctors i.e., consultants and SAS doctors, and for junior doctors, an agreed average pay increase of 6% with a one-off uplift of £1,250.  This pay increase is not only a testament to the power of the industrial action by NHS doctors over the past several months. Whilst an acknowledgement of the efforts and hard work of NHS doctors, this pay increase fails to fully consider the rationale behind these strikes and the BMA’s calls for the UK government to fully restore pay to 2008-09 levels. In contrast, strike action was suspended in Scotland, following a 12.4% pay offer from the Scottish government. Whilst the Scottish pay offer is a move in the right direction, IMG Connect remains fully in support of doctors taking part in industrial action. The decision to go on strike is not taken lightly, but is a fundamental right of doctors who want to protect the NHS and its ability to provide quality care to patients and our communities, whilst also ensuring their work and wellbeing are properly valued and compensated. Sources https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nhs-staff-receive-pay-rise https://www.bmj.com/content/382/bmj.p1624 For more information on working in the NHS or how this pay increase will affect you as an NHS doctor or IMG, contact us at info@imgconnect.co.uk.                

The IMG Connect team is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a position on the NHS Workforce Alliance International Recruitment Framework for Lots 2 and 5!  This has been a long time in the making after the tireless work of our founders Marcus and Ruaidhri. It was hard work, starting the company amidst the uncertainty and disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, sweating over laptops wondering how on earth to countenance for a pandemic in an international recruitment business model! But many a late night working alongside our hard-working IMG Connect team has led us to this fantastic achievement, and well, here we are, a new chapter begins. Everyone at IMG Connect relishes the challenge and opportunity presented to us with this Framework award.  Moving forward, we remain focused on connecting NHS Trusts with highly skilled and dedicated doctors who provide exceptional care, compassion, and dignity to patients. This framework allows us to nurture long-term relationships with NHS Trusts and deepen connections suited to the professional development and career goals of our candidates.  We are committed to helping our clients limit the expense and unsustainable practice of hiring overpaid temporary locum doctors; all while ensuring that we recruit only the very best medical professionals.  With our appointment to this framework, we look forward to extending our support to more hospitals and NHS Trusts across the UK, and our role in their pursuit to build a sustainable workforce and deliver outstanding healthcare services to the community.              

Guest blog, written by Dr Jon Turvey, Core Psychiatry Trainee, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust  Dreams of providing quality psychiatric care within the dynamic medical landscape of a job in the NHS, often lead overseas psychiatrists from healthcare systems around the world to embark on the journey towards Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych).  As a crucial milestone on the path to a career in psychiatry within the UK, the MRCPsych examinations provide an internationally recognised credential that sets the bar for clinical excellence, comprehensive medical knowledge and training, and confident decision-making skills in the field.  In this blog, we’ll be covering some of the key aspects of the Paper A and B exams, as well as introducing you to PassMRCPsych, an online learning and resources platform for MRCPsych aspirants, summarised in the headings below:  Why does MRCPsych matter? An overview of MRCPsych Paper A Unpacking MRCPsych Paper B IMG Psychiatrists partners with PassMRCPsych Mapping your MRCPsych journey Using PassMRCPsych for exam success Why does MRCPsych Matter? The value of holding MRCPsych cannot be understated, serving as both a symbol of your medical competence as a psychiatrist and giving you a competitive edge in the NHS job market. Attaining full MRCPsych demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to provide high-quality care to patients.  MRCPsych also provides a steppingstone for further specialist training and can significantly enhance career prospects for international psychiatrists, more easily facilitating entry into more senior positions in the NHS, such as specialty doctor, the new specialist grade and consultant roles.   An overview of MRCPsych Paper A Paper A is a written exam comprising 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and extended-matching questions (EMQs), sat over 3 hours and now held online, through test centres. Paper A forms the foundation of the MRCPsych and focuses on the basic sciences that underline psychiatric practice. It touches on areas such as neurosciences, psychology, and social sciences, which are the cornerstone of psychiatry and set the scene for more advanced topics.  The average pass mark is typically around 60-70%, although this varies slightly depending on the difficulty of the paper for each diet. As per the latest statistics from the Royal College website, approximately 65% of candidates pass Paper A each diet.   You can find a detailed breakdown of the Paper A exam here.  Unpacking MRCPsych Paper B Similarly to Paper A, Paper B comprises 150 MCQs and EMQs sat over 3 hours through a remote test centre. Paper B requires an understanding of more nuanced clinical topics like psychopathology, treatment protocols, and management strategies for psychiatric disorders. It's about applying your foundational knowledge to real-world scenarios and demonstrating effective clinical decision-making.  For Paper B, the average pass mark usually ranges around 65-70%, with a pass rate of approximately 60%.  See here for an in-depth overview of the Paper B exam.  Partnering with PassMRCPsych As an exciting development in our provision of medical education, IMG Connect and PassMRCPsych have forged a partnership to offer extensive support to overseas doctors preparing for the MRCPsych exams. This collaboration aims to ensure your exam success through a series of exam-focused webinars and a continuously evolving and up-to-date revision resource to keep pace with the demands of the MRCPsych exams, along with discounts on revision course subscriptions.  Mapping Your Journey: A 4-Month Study Plan Navigating the MRCPsych exams is no easy feat. It demands rigorous and methodical preparation for UK trainees and IMGs alike. Here's a 4-month study plan for each exam to keep your preparation on track:  Month 1: Get to Grips with the Syllabus - Familiarise yourself with the syllabus and identify key areas that you need to focus on (these may be areas you are less familiar with or those not covered by your current practice). Use this month to dive into the revision notes on PassMRCPsych. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to Paper A and Paper B study courses to support your study alongside your PassMRCPsych resources.  Month 2: Deep Dive into Topics - In this month, start working on each topic systematically. Use the revision notes to ensure you cover every aspect and create your own short notes for quick revision closer to the exam date.  Month 3: Challenge Yourself - This is the month to test your knowledge. Attempt the MCQs in the question bank regularly. This will help you gauge your understanding and identify areas of weakness. Don’t forget to read the explanations when you get the answers wrong!  Month 4: Revise and Review - Revision is the key to retaining information. Revisit your short notes, attempt more MCQs, and make full use of the PassMRCPsych mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern. This final month should be dedicated to reinforcing your learning, particularly on topics which you need to keep in your short-term memory.  Remember, while this study plan serves as a roadmap, you should adapt it to suit your personal learning style and pace e.g., time available to prepare and external commitments. The aim is to ensure comprehensive understanding and effective retention of knowledge.  PassMRCPsych - Your Companion in Success The seemingly vast MRCPsych syllabus might appear intimidating, but with the right guidance and resources, passing Paper A and Paper B can transform from an uphill task into an achievable goal. Here's where PassMRCPsych comes into play.  The online platform is armed with resources tailored specifically to the MRCPsych syllabus, from comprehensive revision notes that decode every topic in the syllabus, to an MCQ question bank with over 5000 questions, and mock exams providing the perfect opportunity to test your knowledge under timed conditions.  Better still, PassMRCPsych can also be used through a mobile app (on both iOS and Android), ensuring that your study materials are just a tap away and facilitating the seamless switch from studying at your desk to revising on-the-go.   It’s important to acknowledge that the MRCPsych exams come with a not insignificant cost. Understanding the financial constraints that often accompany rigorous exam preparations, PassMRCPsych offers highly competitively priced subscriptions which ensure that every aspirant, regardless of their budget, has access to top-notch preparation resources.  Dr Aisha, a satisfied user, shared her experience:   "PassMRCPsych.com was instrumental in my MRCPsych journey. The meticulous revision notes, the challenging MCQs, and the realistic mock exams provided an unparalleled learning experience. The convenience of a mobile app made it possible for me to study anywhere, anytime. And the affordable subscription didn't put a dent in my pocket while offering unparalleled resources."  Your Future Awaits With your career goals within reach, embark on your journey towards conquering the MRCPsych exams by subscribing to PassMRCPsych for Paper A and Paper B. Utilise their exhaustive resources and mock exams, and watch your preparation transform into success!  For a walkthrough of the PassMRCPsych platform and resources, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.  To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the MRCPsych, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.             

The GMC is the public body that maintains the official register of medical professionals with the UK. Once a doctor has gained full GMC registration, there are a number of actions they may take to maintain their registration and keep their information up to date.   In this blog we will be looking at the how to manage your registration and the different options you have if you need to change your status on the register.  How do I maintain my registration? What is revalidation and who needs it? How do I give up my licence or registration? How do I restore my licence or registration? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Maintaining your Registration In order to manage and maintain your registration and licence to practise, you need to meet certain requirements and keep your information up to date.  The details you need to keep up to date include your address, email, designated body or suitable person (for revalidation purposes) and your direct debit details. This can all be managed through GMC Online.  To change your address, your name or your name and gender status, you will need to complete forms which can be found on the GMC website.   Please note that to change your name and gender status, there is an application process involved.  Revalidation All doctors on the GMC’s medical register with a licence to practise must go through a process called revalidation.   Revalidation allows you to demonstrate that you:  are keeping your knowledge up to date  provide a good level of care  are fit to practise and no concerns have been raised about you  The process of revalidation differs slightly, depending on your revalidation connection type, which you can check using the GMC’s connection tool.  Doctors with a connection – most doctors have a connection and will revalidate their registration and licence every five years, by having annual appraisals based on the GMC’s core guidance for doctors: Good medical practice. All doctors working in the UK must have a designated body and will be given a five yearly recommendation from their responsible officer or suitable person, based on which the GMC would make a decision.  Doctors without a connection – you may not have a connection for example because you are not practising in the UK. In this case, you would similarly revalidate through a process of annual appraisals based on Good medical practice, annual returns submitted to us as well as a five-yearly assessment. The GMC would make a revalidation decision based on the outcomes of these activities.  Doctors in training – these doctors would revalidate through meeting the requirements of their UK training programme and the GMC would make a decision based on a recommendation from the responsible officer of their training body.  Full details on revalidation can be found on the GMC website.  Please note, if you fail to comply with the requirements of registration, including appraisals, this puts your licence to practise at risk.   Changing your Status on the GMC Register If you're no longer practising medicine or enter into work that doesn’t require registration or a licence to practise, you can apply to give up your whole registration or just your licence.  You can choose to give up either your registration or just your licence. Which of the two options is best for you will depend on your circumstances and we will go into more details on this below.  Giving up your licence or registration is not final, and you can apply to restore it again when you're ready.  The table below will allow you to understand whether it would be better for you to relinquish your registration, your licence or both, based on some considerations you may have.  Relinquish your Registration If you give up your licence only, you will still be able to prove your good standing with the GMC to other organisations, but you will pay a reduced annual retention fee. You will not be able to practise medicine in the UK.  Relinquishing your registration (voluntary erasure) means that your name will remain on the GMC register but with the status ‘Not registered – Having relinquished registration’  You can request to give up your registration up to three months in advance, but if you hold full registration with a licence to practise, you will still need to take part in revalidation until your registration ends.   Providing Medical Services If you have provided medical services in the 5 years prior to giving up your registration, you will need to send the GMC a provision of medical services statement, from your employer to confirm you provided a medical service if you have used your medical knowledge and skills as part of your work.  The form can be downloaded from the GMC website and should be completed by the individual, body, or organisation where you most recently provided these services, anywhere in the world. This includes unpaid and voluntary work, or any other sort of arrangement, whether it be formal or informal.  Details of what should be accounted for in the form can be found here.  Fees There is a processing fee which applies when giving up your registration. If your application is received by the GMC:  before your annual retention fee (ARF) is due, you will be refunded any unused part of your ARF.  after your ARF is due, you will have to pay the outstanding balance before the GMC will end your registration.  The fee is £10, but effective 1st April 2023, this will be changed to £0.  Relinquish your Licence If you give up your registration, you will not have to pay an annual retention fee. You will not be able to practise medicine in the UK.  Giving up your licence but keeping your registration means you're able to prove your good standing with the GMC to other organisations. You will not however be able to practise medicine in the UK.  Some things to bear in mind if you give up your licence:  It’s your responsibility to establish that you do not need a licence for your work.  You’re still bound by the principles of Good medical practice if you keep your registration without a licence.  You must tell your employer and those who contract and use your services that you’ve given up your licence.  You can apply to give up your licence to practise through your GMC Online account, through the ‘My Registration’ section and you will not need to provide any evidence or documentation.  Full details of the documentation needed to reinstate your licence can be found here.    Fees There is a processing fee which applies when giving up your licence to practise. The fee is £10, but effective 1st April 2023, this will be changed to £0.  Restore your Licence to Practice If you were up-to-date with revalidation when you gave it up, it is relatively straightforward to have it restored.  From 2016 to 2017, it took on average 22 days for licence restoration, and you can apply for restoration up to three months in advance.  You'll need to send the GMC:  evidence to confirm your identity  statements from organisations you have most recently provided medical services to  certificates of good standing from any other regulators you’ve been registered with in the past five years  You might also be asked to attend an identity check, but the GMC will confirm this once your application has been granted and your licence restored.  Please note, if you were not up-to-date with revalidation when you relinquished your licence, you will be given a new revalidation submission date, and you will need to meet any requirements you failed to meet when you withdrew your licence.  You can apply to restore your licence to practise through your GMC Online account, through the ‘My Registration’ section, then ‘My Applications’.  Fees There is a processing fee which applies when restoring your licence to practise. The fee is £10, but effective 1st April 2023, this will be changed to £0.  Sources https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/information-for-doctors-on-the-register/maintain-your-registration  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/information-for-doctors-on-the-register/revalidation  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/changing-your-status-on-the-register/restoration-to-the-register  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/changing-your-status-on-the-register/giving-up-your-licence-to-practise  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/managing-your-registration/changing-your-status-on-the-register/giving-up-your-registration-and-licence-to-practise   Getting started We hope this article gives you a clearer picture of the different ways you can manage your GMC registration.   If you are looking to restore your registration or licence, get in touch with our team for support in finding your perfect role in the NHS and relocating to the UK – we’re always happy to help.  Read more useful articles on exams, NHS jobs and salaries in our IMG Resources library.  For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Many junior doctors applying for Specialty Training in the UK will need to take the MSRA or Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment.   The MSRA plays an important role in the shortlisting and assessment process for entry into postgraduate training in several specialties for ST1 and CT1 level jobs, by assessing essential competencies.  In this blog, we will be taking a closer look at the assessment, focusing on some key questions summarised below:  Who needs to sit the MSRA? How is the assessment formatted? What is the structure of the MSRA? Where can I take the MSRA and how much does the assessment cost? How can I prepare for the assessment? #IMG Tips Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  MSRA Specialties At present, the MSRA is being used within the following specialties:  ACCS-Emergency Medicine  Anaesthetics  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry  Clinical Radiology  Community Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare  Core Psychiatry Training  Core Surgical Training  General Practice  Neurosurgery  Nuclear Medicine  Obstetrics and Gynaecology  Ophthalmology  Not every specialty uses the MSRA in the same way, however on the whole, candidates’ scores from the MSRA are used as part of CT and ST recruitment to shortlist for interviews and selection centres, as well as making up part of your overall ranking (with the rest coming from interviews selection centres).   For example in 2023, GP, CAMHS, and Core Psychiatry Training will not have any interviews or selection centres and 100% of your rank will be determined by your MSRA scores. Core Surgical Training will also be using the MSRA in shortlisting for the first time this year.  MSRA Format The MSRA is a single computer-based exam comprising two papers: Professional Dilemmas (PD) and Clinical Problem Solving (CPS). As an exam used across many specialties for entry into Specialty Training, the MSRA assesses a foundation level of competence.  There is an optional five-minute break between the two papers. If candidates choose to take a longer break, the extra time will be subtracted from the time available to complete the CPS paper.  A combination of question types is used within the assessment, primarily extended matching questions (EMQ) and single best answer (SBA) questions, however the assessment may also include multiple best answer (MBA) questions: up to 3 correct answers, picture questions: may include skin lesions, blood reports, ECGs etc., and algorithm questions – drag boxes to the right part of the algorithm or select the correct answer from a list.  Structure of the MSRA The MSRA last 170 minutes and is divided into two sections: Professional Dilemmas (PD) and Clinical Problem Solving (CPS).  Professional Dilemmas (PD)  The Professional Dilemmas (PD) paper is a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) which measures how a candidate’s judgement regarding challenging professional dilemmas they may face.  The PD paper is not a test of knowledge of problem-solving ability or knowledge specific to specialty training within any specialty, but aims to assess professional attributes which are considered important for successful progression through training and performance in one’s clinical role.   Time: 95 minutes  Number of questions: 50  Context: the PD component is set within the context of Foundation Training with the candidate assuming the role of an F2 doctor. There is also a mixture of settings such as a hospital (across a variety of wards or placements), general practice and out-of-hours clinics.  Core competencies: professional integrity, coping with pressure, empathy and sensitivity (you can find more information on the behavioural indicators linked to these competencies here).  Clinical Problem Solving (CPS)  The Clinical Problem Solving (CPS) paper assesses a candidate’s ability to apply clinical knowledge and make clinical decisions in everyday practice.  Again, the CPS scenarios are based on Foundation level clinical practice. They test a candidate’s ability to synthesise and apply medical knowledge (not just knowledge recall).  Questions may relate to the investigation, diagnosis or management of common and important diseases as well as rare presentations.  Time: 75 minutes  Number of questions: 86  Context: the CPS covers 12 clinical topic areas relevant to general medicine. Each test paper includes a balance of scenarios which cover all 12 topics, including:   Cardiovascular   Dermatology / ENT / Eyes  Endocrinology / Metabolic  Gastroenterology / Nutrition  Infectious disease / Haematology / Immunology / Allergies / Genetics  Musculoskeletal   Paediatrics   Pharmacology and therapeutics  Psychiatry / Neurology   Renal / Urology   Reproductive   Respiratory  Core competencies: investigation, diagnosis, emergency, prescribing, management (you can find more information on these domains here).  Exam Centres for the MSRA The MSRA is held remotely and is delivered in partnership with Work Psychology Group and Pearson VUE. Candidates will need to register for an account with Pearson VUE and once invited, they can book an assessment at a centre, date and time of your choosing (subject to availability).  The MSRA is delivered globally on several consecutive days in many Pearson VUE Computer Testing Centres. You can find your nearest Pearson VUE assessment centre by visiting the Pearson VUE website.  The exam itself is free to sit, but depending on the centre you choose, there may be additional travel and accommodation costs. It’s therefore advisable to book your seat as soon as possible for the best chance of securing a nearby centre.  Preparation for the MSRA On the whole, your previous (and current) experience working as a junior doctor will have prepared you for most of the questions and scenarios within the MSRA, although to different extents, depending on where you have gained your experience.   However, as your MSRA scores are often added to the interview score to determine overall rank, or even to exempt you from interview, it may be advantageous to attempt to score as highly as possible.  Blueprint: First and foremost, you should use the MSRA blueprint to better understand the target domains.  Sample questions: Sample questions for both papers are available on the Health Education England Medical Education Hub. You can access these here.  Commercial resources: Exam revision courses, books and online question banks are available, although these are not officially endorsed, and you can find some of the most popular providers below:  Medibuddy  Passtest  eMedica  Passmedicine  4,000 Question bank and mock tests  1,950 Question bank and mock tests  2,200 Question bank and mock tests  2,500 Question bank and mock tests  £30 - £50  £35 - £55  £49 - £119  £25 - £30   #IMG Tips Start early – Once you have decided to sit the test, plan well in advance to give yourself enough time to prepare and score as highly as possible.  Take a test tutorial – You can take a practice test to familiarise yourself with the controls and screen layouts in advance – see Pearson VUE or Oriel for details.  Negative marking - One mark is given for each correct answer and negative marking is not used within the assessment, so try to answer all questions, even when unsure.  Read carefully - Read the instructions and questions carefully – you may often be looking for the most suitable answer, rather than the only correct one.  Sources https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/general-practice-gp/how-to-apply-for-gp-specialty-training/what_x0027_s-in-the-msra/structure-of-the-msra   https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/general-practice-gp/how-to-apply-for-gp-specialty-training/taking-the-msra   https://www.bmj.com/careers/article/a-guide-to-the-multi-specialty-recruitment-assessment-msra-   https://heeoe.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/msra_test_blueprint_information_nov_2019.pdf   The MSRA is a key examination for many IMGs developing their careers by entering Specialty Training. UK training programmes are very competitive and particularly for overseas doctors unfamiliar with the NHS system, taking the time for extensive preparation for the MSRA can greatly impact your chances of being successful in joining a training programme.  Read more useful articles on exams, NHS jobs and salaries in our IMG Resources library.  For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

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 Brittany Meyer, a brilliant general adult psychiatrist who relocated to the UK from the US. Having completed the USMLE during her training, Brittany was able to gain full GMC registration with license to practise. She is now working in the NHS at West London Mental Health Foundation Trust, where she is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.   Tell us about yourself – what should the IMG community know about Brittany Meyer?  I am a US-trained psychiatrist now working as a specialty doctor in the NHS. I trained in psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and following training, I worked at a consultant level in an intensive outpatient treatment centre specialising in OCD and anxiety.  My academic interests include catatonia, psychosis, OCD, and teaching, and I have a special love for opportunities that allow blending the arts and humanism with medicine. What motivated you to move to the UK?  I moved to the UK to be with my fiancé, who is a born and bred Londoner. The pandemic was a major motivator to be in the same country finally! Luckily, I have dual US-UK citizenship, so this made the move over much simpler. How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working full time?  During the registration process, at which point I had moved to the UK, I worked part-time for a tele-psychiatry service located in the USA, allowing me to treat patients from abroad. This was invaluable in terms of flexibility, and it prevented my clinical skills from becoming too rusty while I waited for my licensing to be approved.  My main struggle, if anything, was having so much unfamiliar unstructured time on my hands. I strongly recommend setting out a weekly schedule for yourself if you are in a similar situation, filled with other means of staying productive and gaining a sense of accomplishment you might otherwise get from your job. It’s also important to maximize such rare time to enjoy nourishing hobbies and interests - for example I learned to watercolour and spent many mornings at the V&A museum - and in hindsight wish I had been more proactive in seeking such activities out. How did you find a general adult psychiatry job within the NHS?  I was hoping to find an outpatient mental health team position and Ruaidhri fully facilitated the job search. When I began the registration process, I felt quite disoriented, and it was difficult to find someone who had an incentive to talk me through my options and the steps to get there.  It was only when I found IMG Connect and Ruaidhri that I felt someone was in my corner, illuminating an otherwise confusing journey and assisting with each step along the way. It was no different for the job search, when Ruaidhri deftly handled the search and communication with NHS trusts to find a position for me. I am deeply indebted to Ruaidhri for not only the logistical work he put in on my behalf, but also the moral support along the way. Tell us about a day in the life of a general adult psychiatrist in the NHS...  Learning an entirely new system has been quite an adjustment. In addition, I am working in a model that is new to the NHS, so the system is foreign in ways I didn’t expect, for example not having the ability to order blood work or imaging, or to even prescribe anything beyond very short-term medications. The team I work with has been incredibly welcoming and have helped orient me to resources like the BNF and Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines to orient me to standard practice.  Working in the NHS can be quite chaotic, and this is an especially challenging time in terms of staffing and funding within the system, but the difference I can make in my patients’ lives is striking. What opportunities have become available to you through your work?  I am still in the infancy of my NHS career, but I am hoping to pursue teaching opportunities, particularly around the diagnosis and management of catatonia. I have found everyone to be very supportive and willing to connect me to those who can further this. How are you settling into life in the UK?  London is a magical space. Having access to some of the best museums, opera, theatre, restaurants and architecture in the world is a luxury. I have also loved the flexibility of being so close to other amazing places in the UK and Europe, which has allowed me to spend time in France, Spain, Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland, and more. Being able to spend a weekend in another country the way we would visit another state in the US is incredible! I hope to eventually have a role that blends more teaching and support of trainees and medical students with clinical care. I am very excited to get married in 2023 and hopefully become a dog parent as well! You’re of course a British citizen, is living in London what you had expected?  Yes and no! Though a British citizen, I had only lived in Scotland as a small child and spent holidays with my family in Northern Ireland growing up. So the big city - especially a walkable city - was a new experience for me! I’ve really enjoyed not owning a car and using public transport, and I’ll admit I’m still adapting to the very small stores with fewer than the usual 500 options of cereal that the US touts. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK?  Leaving family and friends, especially during the pandemic, was even more difficult than I expected. Not being able to have anyone visit in the first year of being in the UK was challenging. I think it is important to normalise that moving to a new place - even an incredibly exciting and vibrant place like London - can feel lonely at times, and that it is expected to have a period of transition that might not feel comfortable. However, London is feeling increasingly like home, and I have made wonderful friends since arriving. What have you missed most about the US? Target! Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing (for the very desperate like me, available for ten pounds at Partridge’s)! Tacos! Smiling and saying hello to strangers on the street! Is there anything you wish you had known before you began your journey to the UK? I wish I had found IMG Connect while living in the US so I could have prepared and submitted my application while living in the US before moving; this would have cut down on a lot of limbo time after I moved. I also wish I had understood the CESR process for specialist registration while still in the US, as that would have allowed me to gather and anonymise patient documentation from my job there to support my CESR application; unfortunately I have now lost the right to access that documentation due to patient information protection laws. If you are considering applying for specialist registration and are still in your pre-NHS job, collect all the supporting documentation you can! What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?  IMG Connect has been incredibly key in helping me to get licensed and find a position working as a doctor in the UK. Ruaidhri has been helpful in a multitude of ways: explaining a foreign system and where I might fit in, doing the groundwork of distributing my CV and liaising with HR departments to explore job possibilities, setting up interviews, guiding my licensing application, and supporting my appeal including with a written letter of support. I truly would not have been able to navigate this on my own - and had tried unsuccessfully before I found IMG Connect. Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK? I tried to seek information from a lot of different sources: forums, family friends who were practicing physicians in the UK, online blogs, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the GMC. Ultimately the most helpful resource by far was IMG Connect: both the one-on-one tailored advice, as well as their handouts that break down the ins and outs of the UK system and guide you through exactly what documents you need to collect in what order, etc., to achieve licensing. It’s such a niche process that I found the only really helpful resource to be a service that is devoted to my precise needs as an internationally-trained doctor transitioning to the UK. 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 for IMGs to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their fields and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR, writing publications, teaching opportunities 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 Family.    For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Getting to grips with the different titles given to doctors in the UK can be difficult, not least because they may differ from those used in other countries and there may be several titles to describe a certain role.  It is important for overseas doctors to have a working knowledge of the different doctor titles in the UK in order to understand how their experience may translate to the UK in terms of seniority of roles as well as the pay they may be entitled to.  In this blog we will be breaking down all the different names given to UK doctors (both in and out of training), clarifying the meaning of these terms to paint a clearer picture of designations in the NHS.  We will cover these titles within the following groups:  Doctors in Training Doctors in non-Training Jobs Broad Terms for UK Doctors Doctors in Training Doctors in GMC-approved training programmes have designations according to the period and specific year of their training – generally the abbreviation of the training, followed by a number.  Foundation Training Other Titles / Designations: F1, F2, FY1, FY2, F3+, SHO, Junior Doctor, Trainee  These are doctors in a Foundation Programme, having graduated from medical school. In the UK, this is a 2-year programme equivalent to an internship.   During Year 1 of Foundation Training, doctors are referred to as F1/ FY1 and during Year 2, they are F2/ FY2.  Although Foundation Training lasts two years, doctors who may be unsure of which specialty to pursue may work in non-training jobs before applying to a training post. The naming structure for these roles is the same, depending on the years in their role.  Core Training Other Titles / Designations: CT1, CT2, CT3, ST1, ST2, ST3, SHO, Junior Doctor, Trainee  These are doctors in Core Training who are at the initial stage of an ‘uncoupled’ training programme. An uncoupled training programme is one in which there is a break in training where doctors are required to apply to higher specialty training upon completion of core training. Core training usually lasts from two to three years.  For ‘run-through’ training programmes, doctors at ST1 would have come from Foundation Training and have automatic entry into higher specialty training through their initial application to ST1.  Specialty Training Other Titles / Designations: ST3+, StR, SHO, Junior Doctor, Trainee  Higher specialty training generally begins at ST3/ ST4 and can go up to ST9 depending on the specialty.  The curriculum for each specialty will provide the typical training period, however this is indicative (doctors may take longer than this to complete their specialty training for any number of reasons).  SHO The term SHO stands for Senior House Officer, less commonly known as a House Officer. This is an older term for a very junior doctor, typically equivalent to an F1/ F2, although the term can be used to describe doctors up to CT2 (up to higher specialty training).  Trainee The term trainee can refer to any doctor in a training programme (generally from CT1 to ST9). These doctors may be referred to as residents in other countries. This can but does not generally include doctors in Foundation Training.  Doctors in non-Training Jobs Doctors in non-training positions are often given titles which align with their training counterparts, so it’s easier to understand at what level they are practising, but there are no hard and fast rules.  SHO Other Titles / Designations: Junior Clinical Fellow, Junior Doctor, Middle Grade  As with doctors in training, a non-training SHO would typically be equivalent to an F1/ F2, but it may be more common for a doctor not in training to have this title since an equivalent doctor in training would most likely be referred to as an F1/ F2.  Senior Clinical Fellow Other Titles / Designations: Junior Doctor This is a slightly confusing term which is usually for doctors at ST3+ level and generally have not completed a UK training programme. The role of these doctors often includes a combination of research and specialist clinical work.  SAS Doctor Other Titles / Designations: Senior Doctor, Specialist  SAS stands for Staff grade, Associate Specialist, and Specialty Doctor. These doctors will have at least four years of full-time postgraduate training, two of which have been in their relevant specialty.  They are experienced and senior doctors in fixed term or permanent posts (outside a UK training programme) and can work across primary, community and inpatient care.  Many SAS doctors have made a positive choice to step into a SAS position from a traditional consultant training pathway. This could be for reasons such as geographical stability or wanting to familiarise themselves with the NHS system before working up to a consultant position. Broader Terms There are also several terms which may more broadly be used to describe a doctor's level.  Junior Doctor This term can be used to describe anyone from F1 up to ST9These are qualified doctors in clinical training.  Registrar Other Titles / Designations: SpR, Junior Doctor, Middle Grade  This is another slightly older term. Registrar or SpR (Specialty Registrars) refers to the main training grade where doctors are undertaking higher specialty training (this is the earliest you can specialise).   It can refer to both trainees and non-trainees and is generally equivalent to ST3 and above (doctors who have completed their foundation training but are still in training in a specialty area of medicine). This term is therefore commonly used to describe more senior trainees and generally aligns with its use overseas.  Senior Doctor Other Titles / Designations: Specialist Grade, Specialty Doctor, Associate Specialist, GP, Consultant  As ‘junior doctor’ and ‘senior doctor’ are indicative of whether or not a doctor is in training, senior doctors are those able to practise independently – those working as a consultant, SAS doctor or GP.  Consultant Other Titles / Designations: Senior Doctor  Consultants are senior doctors that have completed full medical training in a specialised area of medicine. They usually work in hospitals or community settings. They have clinical responsibilities and administrative responsibilities in managing SAS and junior doctors.  There are two types of consultants:  Substantive - These are consultant who have been appointed to the Specialist Register for their area of medicine by the GMC. These doctors will either have completed a GMC-approved training programme (CCT) or completed an application for CESR or CESR-CP. You can learn more about Specialist Registration for overseas doctors here.  Locum - These are consultants who are appointed into an equivalent consultant post but are not required to be on the Specialist Register. Locum consultants are unable to take up a permanent position (only fixed term). A locum consultant’s work tends to be more clinical, however there may also be teaching and management responsibilities involved. It is also important to distinguish between two types of locums here: Trust Locums and Agency Locums. As the name suggests, agency locums work with a private agency and will generally receive an hourly wage. Trust locums on the other hand are appointed by the NHS Trust themselves and will be on a fixed-term contract which can be renewed.  GP GP stands for General Practitioner, and these are doctors who are responsible for the primary care of patients, covering illnesses and ailments across many specialist areas.  GPs are fully trained and are allowed to practice independently without supervision and all qualified GPs are listed on the GMC’s GP Register.  Unlike is often the case in overseas healthcare systems, general practitioners are not synonymous with doctors specialising in general medicine, so a general practitioner overseas may not necessarily have the same title in the UK.  Locum Doctor These are doctors who are covering a role within a healthcare setting.  All doctors (aside from F1 doctors) can work as locums. Like all practising physicians, locum doctors are fully registered with, and regulated by, the GMC.  Sources https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/international-doctors/life-and-work-in-the-uk/toolkit-for-doctors-new-to-the-uk/doctors-titles-explained    Hopefully, this article goes some way to demystify these terms and titles for international doctors interested in working in the UK. For more information including working in the NHS, doctors' benefits and salaries and how to register with the GMC, take a look through our IMG Resources library.              

Overseas doctors often have questions about the best ways to prepare for the PLAB exams, particularly with so many online resources available with varying reviews and price points.   So, what study preparation, materials, courses and support are available for international doctors? We have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help you in your preparation for the PLAB 2 exam.   The topics we will cover are as follows:  What is the PLAB 2 exam? What do I need in preparation for the PLAB 2 exam? What resources are available? Tips for tackling PLAB 2 Passed? What’s next? For an overview of the entire examination series, have a look at our article in the IMG Resources library here.  A Recap of PLAB 2 Let’s begin with a quick recap of the final exam in the PLAB examination suite.   PLAB 2 covers the common, important and acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by trainees entering the second year of the Foundation Programme (FY2), and most importantly a trainee’s ability to apply knowledge to the care of patients.  Questions relate to current best practice in the UK, and you’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to practices within your local arrangements. There are three domains across which trainees will be assessed:  Data gathering, technical and assessment skills  Clinical management skills  Interpersonal skills  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, see our detailed blog on the PLAB 2 exam here.  Preparation The PLAB 2 exam is held at two assessment centres in Manchester in the UK only. Which of the two centres your exam will be held in will be contained in your booking confirmation, including the address.  You can book your PLAB 2 examination using your GMC Online account where you can view available dates and book under the My Tests section – you will already have created an account for the PLAB 1 exam.  Before you can book a space for PLAB 2, you must already have passed PLAB 1.  Resources for PLAB 2 There are many resources to choose from online in starting your preparation for PLAB 2, however we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparation.  The PLAB Blueprint: this is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The blueprint sets out clearly all the topics and skills needed to pass the exam. Download the PLAB Blueprint here.  MLA Content Map: the GMC will be introducing the UKMLA in 2024 and in anticipation of this, the content map should also be used during preparation. The questions and stations in PLAB 2 will remain the same. The content map is available here.  The Foundation Programme curriculum: the topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2). The curriculum can be found here.  Guidance and interactive tools: the GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. In the exam you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice'.  You can test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using the following online tools:  Explanatory guidance  Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool  Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool  Avoiding common PLAB 2 errors: You can read the GMC’s examiners’ top tips on how to avoid common errors in the part 2 exam here.  Top tips from an examiner: You can find a list of top tips for PLAB from the perspective of an examiner here.  Sample OSCE station: you can find an example of what you will experience in your PLAB 2 stations here.  Getting Started  Below is some of our best advice for IMGs preparing to sit PLAB 2.   1. Apply for your visa well in advance The application process consists of two parts: the online application and the submission of supporting documents. You can find a detailed guide to the application process here.  2. Consider other essentials for the exam You will need evidence of English language proficiency as well as a GMC online account and these (particularly your English exam) will need to be prepared in advance.  3. Start your revision early Starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.   4. Familiarise yourself with the structure of the exam day The GMC have produced a handy guide of what you will encounter when you go to sit the exam. You can find this here.  5. Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision Consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage. You do not need to attend a study or coaching course to pass PLAB 2 and can be passed under your own preparation - if you choose to do so, please be thorough in assessing different providers.  6. Try to form a study group Team up with other like-minded doctors or colleagues preparing for PLAB 2 to allow you to share resources and support.  7. Try to take some time off work before the exam You’ll likely be preparing for the exam alongside full-time work, so, if possible, take around 5-7 days somewhere in the run-up to the exam for some intense revision.  Passed? What next?  Once you have passed PLAB 2, you are eligible for GMC registration with license to practise. Great stuff!   You may want to start looking for NHS jobs and with the click of a button, you can receive them directly to your inbox. To receive job postings which you can tailor to your desired grade, specialty and location, sign up for our NHS job alerts.  For more useful articles on registrations and career and relocation support for your journey to the UK, take a look at our IMG library.              

This article delves into the specific guidance on GMC applications for entry onto the UK Specialist Register through the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for clinical oncologists.  We’ll cover the eligibility criteria, application process, and most importantly the required evidence, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is CESR and who is it for? Do overseas oncologists need FRCR (Oncology) for CESR? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence is required for a CESR in clinical oncology? Where will I find this evidence? How do I submit a CESR application? How long does it take to complete? How much does CESR cost? How long does it take to receive a decision? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? #IMG Tips Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Introduction to CESR CESR, or the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration, is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved training programme, but can demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications and experience are equivalent to the requirements for the award of the CCT in the UK.   CESR holders can be appointed to substantive (or permanent) consultant positions in the NHS. As a clinical or radiation oncologist, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a consultant in the NHS.  Oncologists must prove to the GMC that their specialist training or specialist qualifications, when considered together, are equivalent to a CCT in the specialty in question.   In order to be eligible for CESR, doctors should have undertaken a minimum of 6 months training or obtained a specialist qualification and acquired specialist experience or knowledge as a clinical oncologist within a non-training post.  Overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS. Often, experienced oncologists will secure a post in the UK, and work towards CESR whilst in post.   FRCR (Oncology) for Specialist Registration Whilst it is always beneficial to complete FRCR (Oncology), particularly for doctors who have trained outside the UK or an EEA country, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the Clinical Oncology curriculum is the FRCR exams, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the core curriculum.  FRCR (Oncology) is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.  Similarly, UK trainees would have completed MRCP (UK) before beginning their clinical oncology training, which is also not required for oncologists going through the CESR route.  However, CESR applicants who have not successfully completed these exams must provide alternative evidence that demonstrates equivalent knowledge to oncologists who have passed the FRCR (Oncology) exams and the appropriate level of non-oncology expertise and that you can appropriately manage the acutely unwell patient.  Even if the competencies covered by the exam 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.  You can read more about the evidence required in the specialty specific guidance here.  The CESR Equivalence Process Equivalence refers to the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current clinical oncology 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; AND  skills and knowledge  The Royal College of Radiologists 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 Clinical Oncology Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in oncology must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the clinical oncology curriculum. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your clinical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  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.  Gathering Evidence for a CESR Application Domain 1 – Knowledge, skills and performance  Qualifications  Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)  Specialist medical qualification(s)  Curriculum or syllabus (if undertaken outside the UK)  Specialist registration outside the UK  Honours and prizes  Other relevant qualifications  Assessments and appraisals Appraisals and assessments  RITAs, ARCPs and training assessments  360˚ and multi-source feedback  Awards and discretionary points letters  Personal development plans (PDP)  Logbooks, records of daily clinical practice and portfolios Logbooks  Consolidation, cumulative data sheets, summary lists and annual caseload statistics  Medical reports  Case histories  Referral letters discussing patient handling  Patient lists  Departmental (or trust) workload statistics and annual caseload statistics  Rotas, timetables and job plans  Courses relevant to curriculum  Portfolios (electronic or revalidation)  Details of posts and duties (including both training and experience posts) Employment letters and contracts of employment  Job descriptions  Job plans  Research, publications and presentations Research papers, grants, patent designs  Publications within specialty field  Presentations, poster presentations  CPD and CME CPD record certificates, certificates of attendance, workshops and at local, national and international meetings or conferences  CPD registration points from UK Medical Royal College (or equivalent body overseas)  Membership of professional bodies and organisations  Teaching timetables  Lectures  Feedback or evaluation forms from those taught  Letters from colleagues  Attendance at teaching or appraisal courses  Participation in assessment or appraisal and appointments processes  Domain 2 – Safety and quality  Participation in audit, service improvement Audits undertaken by applicant  Reflective diaries  Service improvement and clinical governance meetings  Safety Health and safety  Domains 3 - Communication, partnership and teamwork  Communication  Colleagues  Patients  Partnership and teamwork Working in multidisciplinary teams  Management and leadership experience  Chairing meetings and leading projects  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Acting with honesty and integrity Honest and integrity  Equality and human rights (including disability, human rights, race, religion and ethnicity awareness and equal opportunities)  Data protection  Relationships with patients Testimonials and letters from colleagues  Thank you letters, cards from colleagues and patients  Complaints and responses to complaints  For more guidance on the different types of evidence, see the specialty specific guidance from the GMC for clinical oncology.  Validating Evidence   Original documents which are on headed paper with a hospital stamp and original signatures do not need additional validation.   All photocopied evidence should contain a hospital stamp on every page of each document, the validator’s name (printed and in full), job title (printed and in full) and original signature.  Application Submission All CESR applications are submitted online via GMC Online and if you have not already created an account, you can find a guide on how to do so here.  Electronic evidence is required for each of the different evidence sections of the CESR application. Once started, the online application remains open for 12 months, meaning that it can be used as a portfolio to gather evidence against each of the different sections.  Your electronic evidence can be in any of the following formats:  .doc  .pdf  .ppt  .xls  Formats outside of these are unlikely to be accepted.  The Online Application You will be required to complete the following sections once you begin your application:  Specialty details  Qualification details and professional experience  Details of your referees  Registration and licensing history  Evidence summary  Details of your verifiers  Final declaration and payment  Additional Evidence  Once an Adviser on the Specialist Applications Team has reviewed your initial evidence, they will provide you with information on:   What evidence they’ve accepted   What evidence they’re unable to accept (including the reasons for this)   Advice and guidance on how your application could be strengthened   You’ll have up to 60 days to provide additional documentary evidence in support of your application (30 days if you’ve submitted a Review application).  For further information about the online application process, see the GMC’s User Guide.  How long does it take to complete? 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 oncologists, 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 clinical oncology is seven years (not including Foundation Training), 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 clinical or radiation oncologists.  Cost of CESR Applications All oncologists applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. For CESR, this fee is £1,727.  For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £452.  How long does it take to receive a decision? The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.  Clinical Oncology Jobs in the NHS without CESR Overseas doctors do not require CESR to work in the UK.  There are also roles for more senior oncologists such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or acting consultant, where you will likely receive better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience. While working in these positions, you can also collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK clinical oncology curriculum.  Across the UK there are several NHS Trusts with well-established CESR programmes of support for oncology who have taken up a fixed term post with the view to completing CESR.   These positions also facilitate a faster route to working in UK and attaining Specialist Registration when compared to making an application for CESR from overseas, which can take an additional amount of time, depending on the country in which you completed your training.  #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 Clinical Oncology curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Clinical Oncology CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain 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 oncology posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded clinical and radiation oncology CESR aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology, including guidance on CESR applications, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Sources https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/certificate-eligibility-specialist-registration   https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/specialist-application-guides/specialist-registration-cesr-or-cegpr  https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/sat---ssg---clinical-oncology---dc3556_pdf-48456770.pdf   https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/clinical_oncology_curriculum_2021.pdf   Getting started Many senior IMG oncologists looking to develop their careers through Specialist Registration with the GMC may be eligible via the CESR route, and attaining CESR can be a long but very rewarding process. Look at our introduction to CESR for clinical oncologists for a full overview.  If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS 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.              

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With several options available for overseas doctors to demonstrate evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors planning their route to the UK, the two most common and popular routes by far are the UK postgraduate qualifications (MRCPCH for paediatricians) or PLAB. Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits to help you make the best choice in your journey to the UK as an IMG.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors PLAB for GMC Registration MRCPCH for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an IMG: PLAB or MRCPCH? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings actions and documents. To receive full registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   What is often the most long and challenging part of the process is providing sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge, however, you can check whether you have a GMC-accepted postgraduate qualification here.  There are 5 ways in which an overseas doctor can demonstrate their skills and knowledge:  PLAB  Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification / Licensing Examination  Relevant European Qualification  Sponsorship / MTI  CESR / CESR-CP / CEGPR  Please note that only one type of evidence is required to demonstrate skills and knowledge for GMC registration.  Of these routes, the most accessible are PLAB and the Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification because they are two of the only routes that do not depend on the country you’ve trained in – the UK postgraduate exams and PLAB can be sat by doctors.  For a detailed breakdown of all the routes available to IMGs, see our blog here.  Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB) The first and most common route we’ll be discussing, which is particularly 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 (FY2 or F2) and can therefore work safely as an SHO (Senior House Officer) in the NHS.  The GMC has produced a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  MRCPCH - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Paediatricians 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.  For paediatrics, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is the professional body that regulates the specialism of paediatrics in the UK, and MRCPCH is the full qualification attained through these examinations.  Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCPCH to learn more.  PLAB vs MRCPCH Both MRCPCH and PLAB are respectable routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow an international doctor to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route of the two 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 paediatrician to obtain a more senior post in the NHS without either MRCPCH, 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.  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 MRCPCH.  Time PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  MRCPCH has four stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 30 months of postgraduate experience with at least 12 months involving the care of emergency paediatric patients and can take anywhere between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost MRCPCH has varying costs depending on whether you sit the exams in the UK or overseas. If sitting the exam in the UK, the exams can cost around £1,985, whereas sitting the exams overseas can cost up to £3,235.   PLAB costs £1,189, and whilst PLAB 1 can be sat in many overseas centres around the world, PLAB 2 is only delivered in the UK. You can find a list of overseas centres for PLAB 2 here.  So for both MRCPCH and PLAB, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.  It’s also 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 an SHO, does not assess ability in paediatrics 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., paediatrics.  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.  MRCPCH involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCPCH will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.  Additionally, MRCPCH will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK paediatrics 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.   Sources https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/education-careers/examinations/mrcpch-about https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/plab https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/evidence-to-support-your-application 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 MRCPCH, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one our recruitment specialists if you would like to discuss your options in the NHS once you have completed PLAB or MRCPCH.   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:              

Here we take a closer look at the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) for international doctors practicing medicine and its sub-specialties.  Whilst the MTI describes a UK-wide placement scheme for junior overseas doctors, the processes involved vary between specialties.   This blog focuses on the MTI scheme as administered by the RCP, and the particular of this are summarised below along with a broad look the following:  What is the Medical Training Initiative? What is the RCP and what support does it provide throughout my training? Am I eligible for an MTI post? Are there any additional requirements for the RCP? How can I use the MTI for GMC registration? What does the application process for the MTI through the RCP involve? How am I supported in obtaining a visa? I’m coming to the end of the MTI, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.   The Medical Training Initiative The Medical Training Initiative, or MTI, is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.  The MTI as a training scheme is mutually beneficial for both junior doctors and the NHS, in that doctors from several countries and specialisms around the world can work and train in the UK, gaining knowledge and experience which they can take back to their home country, while giving NHS Trusts a high-quality, longer-term alternative for unfilled training vacancies and rota gaps.  Royal College of Physicians (RCP) The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates medicine specialties in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attainable by examination.  Take a look at IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCP to learn more.  There are several ways you will be supported by the RCP as listed below:  Induction – all MTI candidates are expected to attend an induction at the RCP. The induction is held on a quarterly basis  Free ePortfolio access – this is an electronic portfolio to log all your assessments and training whilst in the UK  Free RCP associate membership – this is for the first year and discounted rate for the second year and comes with a number of benefits  Annual symposium – this is a clinical conference for all RCP MTIs held once a year  Diploma in UK Medical Practice – participants are required to carefully document their training using the ePortfolio system, complete a range of continuing medical education sessions, and submit a written reflection piece at the end of their placement  RCP certificate - at the end of training there is an RCP certificate available to all candidates  Support for any issues that you might encounter relating to your training  Eligibility The MTI has been designed specifically with junior doctors in mind, therefore sponsorship will not be offered to consultants, specialty doctors or for locum-appointed service posts (LAS).   The eligibility criteria differ among MTI programmes, but for the RCP, eligibility includes the following:  Country Requirements - Priority is given to doctors from countries classified as low income or lower middle income by the World Bank and priority countries as described by the Department for International Development. Doctors from outside these countries may also apply, but there may be a long wait time and no guarantee of acceptance.  Primary Medical Qualification: You must hold a recognised PMQ by the GMC and verified by Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)  Have a Postgraduate Medical Qualification: This can be MRCP Part 1, MD or other higher degree in medicine or a medical subspecialty  Skills & Competencies: You must possess the skills, competencies and understanding of medicine at least equivalent to a UK graduate at the end of their core medical training.  Clinical Experience: You must have 3 years post-qualification experience, including 1 year's internship and at least 1 year in the specialty in which you intend to train while in the UK  Active Medical Practice: Candidates must have been actively practicing clinically for at least three out of the last five years including the past 12 months before the application as well as throughout the application process (the GMC does not consider clinical observerships as clinical practice).  Please note, the RCP cannot sponsor doctors who have failed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test.  Additional Requirements Before you can make an application for the MTI scheme through the RCP, the following criteria must be satisfied:  Verification of PMQ – your primary medical qualification must be independently verified by the ECFMG via their EPIC service.  Complete an English Language test – the test must have been completed within two years of application for GMC registration.  Find an NHS job before applying for the MTI – you are required to apply directly for an NHS post and should have already been formally offered the role before contacting the RCP. The hospitals should also be in support of your intention to seek sponsorship for the post.   Obtain funding - you should already have funding for your post from either a scholarship, official funding, or a salary. The funding should be equivalent to a UK salary for the level of work being undertaken and must last for the duration of the post. The RCP will not sponsor applicants who are self-funded.  Certificate of Good Standing - you must be able to provide a certificate of good standing (CGS) from the regulatory body in the countries where you have practised in the last 5 years. The CGS should be no older than 3 months when submitted.  GMC Registration All doctors practicing in the UK must be registered with the GMC. For MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, but some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.  English Language Testing – candidates will also need to provide evidence of English language skills. This can be done by passing either IELTS with overall score of 7.5 and 7.0 in all categories or OET with minimum grade B in all categories. Further information on these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors  OET – a guide for overseas doctors  Application Process Once you fulfill all the eligibility criteria and additional requirements laid out by the RCP, you must complete the initial and professional postgraduate experience (PPE) forms and email these along with your CV to mti@rcplondon.ac.uk.  Once your CV, initial form and PPE forms have been received, the RCP will contact the supervising consultant in the UK and confirm the details of your post. You will then be sent an application pack. You should complete the application form and send it to the RCP with all of the following documents:  sponsor form (forms will be provided by the RCP) – must be completed by your consultant or head of department in your home country  two reference forms (forms will be provided by the RCP)  copy of your passport  copy of your IELTS/OET certificate or details of exemption  copies of your medical qualifications  translations of your medical qualifications if they are not in English  letter from the dean of the medical school from which you graduated  copy of certificate of good standing  letter from the UK hospital confirming your appointment  evidence of funding for the post  your statement agreeing to the level of funding which you have received from any of the sources listed  initial fee of £125  We’ve detailed the general processes involved in MTI applications through the RCP below, from a candidate securing an NHS post, to their eligibility to work in the UK after gaining GMC registration and securing a visa.  Tier 5 Visa for MTI The MTI scheme falls under the Tier 5 government authorised exchange visa. This visa must only be used for travel to the UK at the beginning of the placement and will activate after your arrival, lasting for exactly 24 months from your arrival date.  For a Tier 5 MTI visa, the RCP needs to provide evidence regarding your post to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC - the official visa sponsor) once the GMC has approved your application in order to get your Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued.   Once your Tier 5 CoS has been issued it is your responsibility to apply for the Tier 5 visa via https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. Applications for Tier 5 visas must be made in your home country (or the country you work in), but never from within the UK.  You can also apply to the AoMRC for Tier 5 dependent visas for your spouse and children, although this is not guaranteed, and you should read the UKVI requirements on this well in advance.  Please note that Tier 5 visas cannot be extended.  Sources  https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative-resources-applicants  https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative   https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/19236/download  https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/23841/download   https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/4534/download?token=QyAzDCP8   What are my options after I complete the MTI? Ordinarily, on completion of the MTI scheme, doctors return to their home country with the training and experience they gained from working in the NHS.  Some doctors may want to remain in the UK after completing the MTI for a number of reasons. This can be done if the doctor finds another NHS post, in which case, they may be able to switch from the Tier 5 visa to the Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa.  If you want to find another NHS post after completing the MTI, you would follow the same process as any other doctor. You will need to consider what job it is you would like to obtain and what location in the UK you would prefer to relocate to.  For guidance on NHS jobs in your specialty, please see our live jobs or get in touch with us to learn more about your options in the NHS. For regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and working in the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation:              

Overseas doctors often have questions about the best ways to prepare for PLAB, particularly with so many online resources available with varying reviews and price points.   So, what study preparation, materials, courses and support are available for international doctors? We have compiled some of the best resources and courses to help you in your preparation for the PLAB 1 exam.   The topics we will cover are as follows:  What is the PLAB 1 exam? What do I need in preparation for the PLAB 1 exam? How do I get started with my revision? What other resources are available? #IMGTips Passed? What’s next? For an overview of the entire examination series, have a look at our article in the IMG Resources library here.  A Recap of PLAB 1 Let’s begin with a quick recap of the first exam in the PLAB examination suite.   PLAB 1 covers the common, important and acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by trainees entering the second year of the Foundation Programme (FY2), and the management of long-term conditions seen in primary care.  Questions relate to current best practice in the UK, and equipment routinely used in UK hospitals. You’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to practices within your local arrangements. Remember, this is an exam for entry into the UK healthcare system.  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, see our detailed blog on the PLAB 1 exam here.  Preparation You can book your PLAB 1 examination using your GMC Online account where you can view available dates and book under the My Tests section.  Before you book a PLAB exam you must have:  an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification.   a GMC Online account to book or cancel the exam.  evidence of English competency – before you can book a test you will need to provide your English language test scores.   On Saturday 10 December 2022 at 10am (GMT) the GMC will release PLAB 1 places here for the following dates across all locations:  10 August 2023  2 November 2023  Getting Started There are many resources to choose from online in starting your preparation for PLAB 1, however we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparation.  The PLAB Blueprint: this is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The blueprint sets out clearly all the topics and skills needed to pass the exam. Download the PLAB Blueprint here.  The Foundation Programme curriculum: the topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2). The curriculum can be found here.  Guidance and interactive tools:  The GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. In the exam you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice'.  You can test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using the following online tools:  Explanatory guidance  Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool  Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool  Sample questions: 30 sample questions along with their answers can be found on the GMC website here.  What other resources are available? You do not need to attend a study or coaching course to pass PLAB 1 and can be passed under your own preparation, but many candidates choose to do so.   Below are additional resources which can be used to aid your preparation.  PLABABLE Question Banks  Limited access (3 – 5 months) to a bank of over 2,500 questions with explanations for the exam, including practice by categories, timed mock practices, revision guides and dedicated study groups. You can access the course here.  MedRevisions Question Bank  An online question bank consisting of more than 4000 questions based on important PLAB 1 topics. The questions are lengthier and slightly more challenging compared to other question banks. There are also customisable mock exams which you can find here.  PLABverse Notes  Compact and organised notes with illustrations and comparisons. Around 300 pages with clinchers and hot notes at the end of each chapter and one-time full access to all chapters. You can choose from 3 plans of 3 months, 6 months or 1 year here.  PLABABLE Revision Course  A 4-day revision course, shooters, giving you the best chance to class club one. In this course you will find expert teachers who developed and wrote the question bank, high-level topics which are frequently asked in the exam and interactive and detailed lectures based on the most recent UK guidelines. Further information about the course can be found here.  PLABABLE Big Mock Exam   The ‘big mock’ features 180 high yield questions, not found in the PLABABLE question bank. The mock is available for six months from purchase, and you will find a mix of topics that will give you a more accurate prediction of where you stand in your preparation. The mock can be found here.  PLAB 1 Keys  PLAB 1 Keys offers an online subscription containing simplified and updated notes (provided as key points) that are required to pass PLAB 1. These are exam explanations compiled and converted into key points with diagrams and flow charts which makes it easier to understand. The subscriptions can be accessed here.  #IMGTips Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Consider other essentials for the exam – you will need evidence of English language proficiency as well as a GMC online account and these (particularly your English exam) will need to be prepared in advance.   Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage.  Try to take some time off work before the exam – you’ll likely be preparing for the exam alongside full-time work, so, if possible, take around 5-7 days somewhere in the run-up to the exam for some intense revision.  Passed? What's next? Once you have passed PLAB 1, you can take the PLAB 2 examination in the UK. Read our blog for more information on how to sit PLAB 2, which includes everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  IMG Resources For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library.  Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch via email or using the 'Ask a Question' button above to discuss job options in the NHS and the best locations for you, CESR and a typical salary in the UK. 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 microbiologist can take to register with the GMC and practice in the UK.  Microbiologists looking to secure a job in the NHS must satisfy certain criteria before to be eligible for GMC registration, which is a requirement to work in the UK. This generally depends on where you received your training, and the qualifications you hold.  In this blog, we’ll be giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to begin your journey to the UK as an overseas microbiologist. We’ll be covering the following:  What is the GMC? What are the requirements for GMC registration? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA microbiologist? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA microbiologist? How can I demonstrate my English language skills? What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one? How do I 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.  The General Medical Council The GMC is the body in the UK which is responsible for licensing and revalidating every doctor. Therefore, for every doctor practicing in the UK, GMC registration is essential – you cannot practice in the UK without full GMC registration with a license to practise.  The primary responsibility of the General Medical Council is to ‘protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public’ in addition to improving medical education and practice across the UK.  Requirements for GMC Registration Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings, actions and documents. For full GMC registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   Skills & Knowledge for EEA Microbiologists For microbiologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, also Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), you may be able to use your primary medical qualification (PMQ) or specialist qualification to register with the GMC.   Basic Medical Training If you meet the requirements for basic medical training, you would be eligible for full registration.  You will not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK and would therefore not need to complete any additional skills and knowledge tests to register for a license to practice.   Specialist Training / Residency If you meet the criteria for entry onto the Specialist Register, then once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in microbiology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS.   Therefore, for European microbiologists, using your primary medical qualification (PMQ) or specialist qualification is most likely the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice microbiology 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.  If your training does not meet the GMC requirements for general or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration as listed below.   Skills & Knowledge for non-EEA Microbiologists If you qualified as a microbiologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.  IMG microbiologists can demonstrate skills and knowledge through three main routes:  PLAB PLAB or the Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board 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 microbiology 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, microbiologists 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.  FRCPath Microbiology The Royal College of Pathologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of microbiology in the UK, and Fellowship 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 IMG Resources library for a complete guide to FRCPath to learn more.  GMC-recognised or equivalent qualifications Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes.   To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: GMC-accepted postgraduate qualifications.  English Language Testing Both EEA and non-EEA microbiologists, 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  Exemption from English tests 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.  Applying for 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   AND  Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing  AND  (EEA microbiologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA microbiologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification  OR  (Non-EEA microbiologist) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA microbiologist, this would either be PLAB, FRCPath or a GMC-approved qualification.  To understand the registration process more fully, read our article on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  Visas IMGs relocating to the UK will need to apply for a visa from the 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 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?  There you have it! Hopefully this clarifies any worries or doubts you may have on your route to the UK as a microbiologist planning a career in the NHS. If you have any questions or wish to know more about the microbiology job market, then get in touch with our team.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things pathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

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 Connie Chan, a brilliant perinatal psychiatrist who relocated to the UK from Hong Kong in 2022. Having passed the MRCPsych and English language exams, Connie received full GMC registration with license to practise. She is now working in the NHS at Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, where she is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.   Tell us about yourself – what should the IMG community know about Connie Chan?  I was born and trained in Hong Kong as a psychiatrist and have been working in perinatal mental health in the last 8 years, before I moved to practice in the UK in Spring 2022. I find working in perinatal mental health rewarding and it’s something I’m passionate about, so I was lucky to be able to find a job in the same sub-specialty in the UK. What motivated you to move to the UK?  My main priority has always been my children’s education, so quite naturally, I had considered sending them to study in the UK, where the standard of schools (both private and state) is excellent and world-class. My kids are still young, and so rather than sending them to boarding schools, I preferred to relocate with them so that I would not miss out on seeing them grow up. Tell us about your experience of completing MRCPsych as part of your training in Hong Kong...  I completed the Royal College of Psychiatrists examinations years ago, during a time when it was the norm in Hong Kong to do both our local professional exams and Royal College exams simultaneously. However, things have changed in my home city recently, and trainees can opt to complete the local membership examination only. How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working full time?  I did not face any major setbacks in my registration, and it was quite smoothly done. My GMC registration only needed restoration, but when I made the decision to restore it, it was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the restoration process was delayed by the suspension of all identity checks. How did you find a perinatal psychiatry job within the NHS?  I made IMG Connect aware of my intention to look for jobs in perinatal psychiatry and there were several openings around the country. Ruaidhri, the co-founder, helped me to line up interviews and with the preparation, and voila, I got the job. Tell us about a day in the life of a perinatal psychiatrist in the NHS...  I am currently working in the community team of a perinatal psychiatric unit.  We have multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss cases and I am amazed by the different perspectives contributed by different disciplines in the team to make discussions really meaningful, tailor-made and human-centred. I make home visits, do clinics and attend meetings, and have supervision with my line manager and supervise my junior doctors as well. Work-life balance is something that is important to a lot of people. My previous job was more about meeting deliverables for the service pledge, which emphasised efficiency and service output, and sometimes led to staff burnout. Working in this new environment, I feel that I do have a choice. What opportunities have become available to you through your work?  The Trust I am working in has quite a comprehensive programme for IMGs, including personal development, understanding the values of the NHS, general IMG support and advice and peer groups for CESR. It is a good way to become familiar with the system. There are also a lot of managerial training and professional updates available.    How are you settling into life in the UK?  I am living in Greater Manchester with about a 45-minute commute into work each way. I prefer living a little further from work as driving by myself can be a good time for my own mindfulness to clear my thoughts. On weekdays, things are quite busy and it takes some planning to get my kids off to school and for pickups, as well as working and cooking in the evening. At the weekend, it is really a time that I can unwind and have quality time with my children. We have so many new things to learn and to share and new places to explore together. What have you enjoyed most about living in Greater Manchester?  There is the airport in Manchester which brings a lot of vibrancy to the city and the areas around it. The atmosphere of traveling and the mood for holidays is infectious. It makes friends stopping by for a visit whenever they come to visit the UK much easier. In fact, there are quite a lot of Hong Kong communities in the area, so it made my initial move feel less isolated and the transition period easier. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK?  Living in a bigger place has been both a blessing and a curse. Manchester is the 2nd largest city in the UK, and living nearby allows me to have easy accessibility to many different things. However the vast area means to get from one place to another, I rely heavily on driving, and there is more to consider with regard to my children’s care and school runs. For me, driving is a challenge in winter as it gets dark earlier, and the rain makes the motorway quite daunting. What have you missed about Hong Kong the most? Definitely Hong Kong street food! There are just so many food delicacies there and they are a part of my cultural heritage that I am really proud of. In hindsight, is there anything you would’ve done differently? Honestly, I would do most things the same way. I would still choose to work with IMG Connect.  But as a parent, I would try to plan my relocation to coincide with the beginning of the academic year for school admissions, so that it would be easier to find schools for the kids, as in-year transfers are more difficult. What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?  My experience working with IMG Connect has been nothing short of amazing. I have been well taken care of on every level from job hunting, interview preparation, negotiations with human resources, to the choice of home, location, phone cards, school information, interesting places to visits, etc.  My queries and my worries were always addressed and attended to, and that was massive help for someone like me with no prior connections in the UK. Ruaidhri was really my guiding star in getting me through tricky situations, and it is a testament to how helpful and easily approachable everyone at IMG Connect is, from top to bottom. Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK? It is certainly a huge decision to make to relocate to the UK to work as a doctor. It is easier if one has a clear goal and works toward it step-by-step. Most importantly, I find it is the psychological preparedness to adapt to a new culture and work model that matters. It is never too late to make a new start. 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 for IMGs to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their fields and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR, writing publications, teaching opportunities 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 Family.    For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

FRCR Part 1 or CR1 is the first exam in the FRCR postgraduate qualification. The completion of all the exams in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examination suite leads to eligibility for GMC registration. The exams can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain criteria have been met. In this article, we’ll take a look at the following:  An overview of FRCR exams A deep dive into FRCR Part 1 How is the exam marked? Am I eligible for the exam? As an overseas radiologist, where can I sit the 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 FRCR Part 1 exam, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Overview of FRCR FRCR is the set of postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology.  The exams are as follows:  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  You can read an overview of the full FRCR examination suite via our IMG Resources library.  For doctors who are interested in securing senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice or grade, we advise that FRCR is the best route to take to GMC registration. FRCR is often a requirement for NHS locum consultant job postings where candidates are not already on the Specialist Register for radiology. The FRCR route allows senior candidates to better align their qualifications with the specifications of relevant jobs.  FRCR Part 1 - Anatomy & Physics FRCR Part 1 is the first in the set of FRCR exams. This exam expects candidates to have gained knowledge of the physical principles that underpin diagnostic medical imaging and of the anatomy needed to perform and interpret radiological studies.  The exam is designed to assess whether candidates have an appropriate knowledge of the anatomy that underpins all radiological imaging including radiography, fluoroscopy, angiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  The two components of the exam are Anatomy and Physics. Anatomy The exam features an electronic image viewing session, mimicking what radiologists would encounter in clinical practice in order to be valid, thus the questions consist of radiological images on a computer screen as this is the normal medium, as opposed to film or printed on paper.  The exam includes 100 questions - most of these are quite straightforward with an arrow indicating a specific anatomical structure as shown by a specific modality. These are typically “name the arrowed structure” questions, with space provided for a free text answer.   The exam lasts 90 minutes and individual modalities are given roughly equal weight as follows:  cross-sectional  plain radiographs  contrast studies  Different body parts are also given roughly equal weight covering the following areas:   head, neck and spine  chest and cardiovascular  abdomen and pelvis  musculoskeletal  Recognising a radiological anatomical structure and unprompted recall of its precise name is a key aspect of the everyday work of clinical radiologists, and doing so in a timely manner without routine recourse to reference material reflects real-life clinical practice.  Physics The purpose of the physics exam is to assess whether candidates understand the underlying principles that underpin the generation of images in the various modalities, such that they:   select the most appropriate imaging technique for a clinical scenario from the intrinsic properties of the method of image generation  understand the risk, safety and quality consideration that are inherent in image generation to allow an informed choice of the appropriate modality and any alteration in technique  demonstrate the requirements of legislation that require the use of those techniques that require ionising radiation to be justified by a professional had been met  This exam lasts two hours and comprises 40 questions. Each question includes a stem (a question or statement) and five items (answers). The answers must be marked true or false and it is possible for all five items to be true or for all to be false.  The question distribution of the physics paper is as follows:  matter and radiation – 3  radiography & fluoroscopy – 6  radionuclide imaging – 6  radiation safety – 6  computed tomography – 6  magnetic resonance imaging – 6  ultrasound – 6  other – 1  Marking  Both exams are marked by a delivery platform which is programmed with the correct answers.  Marks are awarded for each exam as follows:  The anatomy examination is marked out of 200, and answers are marked as follows:  full accuracy = 2 marks  less accuracy, but still correct (e.g. omits ‘left’ or ‘right’ for a paired structure) = 1 mark  incorrect = 0 marks  The physics examination is marked out of 40, and answers are marked as follows:  correct = 1 mark  incorrect = 0 marks  The standard for success is determined based on the difficulty of the questions in each sitting and may therefore vary between sittings and sets of images.  For more information on the exam content and structure, read the guidance notes for candidates on the College website.  Eligibility The eligibility criteria for FRCR Part 1 is: holding a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. holding a formal clinical radiology post in which they are actively receiving clinical radiology training.  no minimum period of clinical experience or training is required to enter the exams Exam Centres The current venues for the First FRCR (CR1) exam are:  Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Plymouth. Overseas centres for now are in Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Egypt and Malta.  The exam is typically held three times a year over two consecutive days. 2023 exam dates are as follows:  February 2023 Physics – Thursday 9 February  Anatomy – Friday 10 February  June 2023 Physics – Thursday 8 June  Anatomy – Friday 9 June  September 2023 Physics – Thursday 14 September  Anatomy – Friday 15 September  For updates on exam dates, including the application window, keep an eye on the Royal College website here.  Applications & Cost First FRCR (CR1) 2023 exam cost:  Members - £319  Non-members - £406  Please note that these costs vary slightly for some overseas centres. UK trainees are given priority for examination places, followed by members of the Royal College and finally non-members. Each window lasts around a week and all candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here.   Preparation Although there are many online materials to aid in your preparation for FRCR Part 1, as always, we recommend you start your preparation on the Royal College website, particularly with the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology. In using these as a blueprint for your preparation, you will ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials.   Instructional video and demonstration site: a walkthrough video of the FRCR Part 1 exam format with guidance and instructions which can be found here for the physics component and here for anatomy.   Anatomy module guidance: advice for the anatomy module has been compiled by the College here.  Specimen questions: sample questions and answers have been put together by the College and are available here.  #IMG Tips Prepare early – the best way to avoid stress and last-minute cramming is to get started as soon as possible.  Get familiar with the exam content – during your study (at least to start off with), the curriculum should be your guide to the FRCR exams.  Practise, practise, practise – go through as many practice questions as you can and regularly review your progress using mock exams. Sources https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-1-radiology-cr1  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr1_anatomy_purpose_of_assessment_statement.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr1_physics_purpose_of_assessment_statement.pdf   https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/clinical_radiology_curriculum_2020.pdf   I’ve passed the First FRCR exam, what’s next? Firstly, congratulations! This is an incredible achievement, and you deserve to treat yourself after all that hard work! With a pass in the First FRCR in hand, you can look ahead to the Final FRCR CR2A and CR2B exams. Once you have completed all parts of FRCR, you can apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to learn more about the opportunities available to you once you’ve passed FRCR.  For the latest news and updates on all things radiology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With several options available for overseas doctors to demonstrate evidence of their skills and knowledge, it might be difficult to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors planning their route to the UK, the two most common and popular routes by far are the UK postgraduate qualifications (MRCEM for emergency medicine physicians) or PLAB. Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits to help you make the best choice in your journey to the UK as an IMG.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors PLAB for GMC Registration MRCEM for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an IMG: PLAB or MRCEM? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings actions and documents. To receive full registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   What is often the most long and challenging part of the process is providing sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge, however, you can check whether you have a GMC-accepted postgraduate qualification here.  There are 5 ways in which an overseas doctor can demonstrate their skills and knowledge:  PLAB  Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification / Licensing Examination  Relevant European Qualification  Sponsorship / MTI  CESR / CESR-CP / CEGPR  Please note that only one type of evidence is required to demonstrate skills and knowledge for GMC registration.  Of these routes, the most accessible are PLAB and the Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification because they are two of the only routes that do not depend on the country you’ve trained in – the UK postgraduate exams and PLAB can be sat by doctors.  For a detailed breakdown of all the routes available to IMGs, see our blog here.  PLAB - Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board The first and most common route we’ll be discussing, which is particularly 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 (FY2 or F2) and can therefore work safely as an SHO (Senior House Officer) in the NHS.  The GMC has produced a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  MRCEM - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Emergency Medicine 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.  For emergency medicine, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) is the professional body that regulates the specialism of emergency medicine in the UK, and Membership of the College of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) is the full qualification attained through these examinations.  Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCEM to learn more.  You can also read our interview with Dr Behzad Rashid to learn about the experience of an IMG Emergency Medicine resident going through MRCEM.  PLAB vs MRCEM Both MRCEM and PLAB are respectable routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow an international doctor to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route of the two 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 emergency medicine doctor to obtain a more senior post in the NHS without either MRCEM, 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.  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 MRCEM.  Due to the more specialised nature of MRCEM, we advise emergency medicine doctors to complete MRCEM, as many NHS Trusts will list MRCEM as a requirement on job descriptions. MRCEM also allows IMGs 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.  MRCEM has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 24 months of postgraduate experience with at least 6 months in emergency medicine and can take anywhere between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost MRCEM costs £1,115 for the three exams. Whilst the Primary and Intermediate SBA exams are delivered worldwide via computer-based testing company, the OSCE is delivered in London (UK), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kochi (India), so there may be the added expense of international travel.   PLAB costs £1,189, and whilst PLAB 1 can be sat in many overseas centres around the world, PLAB 2 is only delivered in the UK. You can find a list of overseas centres for PLAB 2 here.  So for both MRCEM and PLAB, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.  It’s also 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 an SHO, does not assess ability in emergency medicine 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., emergency medicine.  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.  MRCEM involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCEM will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.  Additionally, MRCEM will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK emergency medicine 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.   Sources https://rcem.ac.uk/exam-mrcem/  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/plab  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/evidence-to-support-your-application  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 MRCEM, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one our recruitment specialists if you would like to discuss your options in the NHS once you have completed PLAB or MRCEM.   For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the specific guidance on NHS applications for entry onto the Specialist Register through the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for medical oncologists.  We’ll cover the eligibility criteria, application process, and most importantly the required evidence, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is CESR and who is it for? Do overseas oncologists need MRCP for CESR? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence is required for a CESR in medical oncology? Where will I find this evidence? How do I submit a CESR application? How long does it take to complete? How much does CESR cost? How long does it take to receive a decision? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Introduction to CESR CESR, or the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration, is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved training programme, but can demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications and experience are equivalent to the requirements for the award of the CCT in the UK.   CESR holders can be appointed to substantive (or permanent) consultant positions in the NHS. As a medical oncologist, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a consultant in the NHS.  Oncologists must prove to the GMC that their specialist training or specialist qualifications, when considered together, are equivalent to a CCT in the specialty in question.   In order to be eligible for CESR, doctors should have undertaken a minimum of 6 months training or obtained a specialist qualification and acquired specialist medical experience or knowledge as a medical oncologist within a non-training post.  Overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS. Often, experienced oncologists will secure a post in the UK, and work towards CESR whilst in post.   MRCP for Specialist Registration Whilst it is always beneficial to complete MRCP (UK), particularly for doctors who have trained outside the UK or the EEA, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the Medical Oncology curriculum is the MRCP (UK) exams, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the core curriculum.  MRCP (UK) is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT or CESR-CP route.  The structure of medical oncology training in the UK is an indicative two years in Core Medical Training or Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS), followed by an indicative four years of training in Medical Oncology. Therefore, applicants need to demonstrate the appropriate level of acute medicine expertise as well as competencies in medical oncology.  You can read more about the evidence required in the specialty specific guidance here.  CESR Equivalence Process Equivalence refers to the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current medical oncology 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; AND  skills and knowledge  The Royal College of Physicians 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 Medical Oncology Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in oncology must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Medical Oncology curriculum. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your clinical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  Audit & 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.  Gathering Evidence for a CESR Application Domain 1 – Knowledge, skills and performance  Qualifications  Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)  Specialist medical qualification(s)  Curriculum or syllabus (if undertaken outside the UK)  Specialist registration outside the UK  Honours and prizes  Other relevant qualifications  Assessments and appraisals Appraisals and assessments  RITAs, ARCPs and training assessments  360˚ and multi-source feedback  Awards and discretionary points letters  Personal development plans (PDP)  Logbooks, records of daily clinical practice and portfolios Logbooks  Consolidation, cumulative data sheets, summary lists and annual caseload statistics  Medical reports  Case histories  Referral letters discussing patient handling  Patient lists  Departmental (or trust) workload statistics and annual caseload statistics  Rotas, timetables and job plans  Courses relevant to curriculum  Portfolios (electronic or revalidation)  Details of posts and duties (including both training and experience posts) Employment letters and contracts of employment  Job descriptions  Job plans  Research, publications and presentations Research papers, grants, patent designs  Publications within specialty field  Presentations, poster presentations  CPD and CME CPD record certificates, certificates of attendance, workshops and at local, national and international meetings or conferences  CPD registration points from UK Medical Royal College (or equivalent body overseas)  Membership of professional bodies and organisations  Teaching timetables  Lectures  Feedback or evaluation forms from those taught  Letters from colleagues  Attendance at teaching or appraisal courses  Participation in assessment or appraisal and appointments processes  Domain 2 – Safety and quality Participation in audit, service improvement Audits undertaken by applicant  Reflective diaries  Service improvement and clinical governance meetings  Safety Health and safety  Domains 3 - Communication, partnership and teamwork Communication Colleagues  Patients  Partnership and teamwork Working in multidisciplinary teams  Management and leadership experience  Chairing meetings and leading projects  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Acting with honesty and integrity Honest and integrity  Equality and human rights (including disability, human rights, race, religion and ethnicity awareness and equal opportunities)  Data protection  Relationships with patients Testimonials and letters from colleagues  Thank you letters, cards from colleagues and patients  Complaints and responses to complaints  For more guidance on the different types of evidence, see the specialty specific guidance from the GMC for medical oncology.  Validating Evidence Original documents which are on headed paper with a hospital stamp and original signatures do not need additional validation.   All photocopied evidence should contain a hospital stamp on every page of each document, the validator’s name (printed and in full), job title (printed and in full) and original signature.  Application Submission All CESR applications are submitted online via GMC Online and if you have not already created an account, you can find a guide on how to do so here.  Electronic evidence is required for each of the different evidence sections of the CESR application. Once started, the online application remains open for 12 months, meaning that it can be used as a portfolio to gather evidence against each of the different sections.  Your electronic evidence can be in any of the following formats:  .doc  .pdf  .ppt  .xls  Formats outside of these are unlikely to be accepted.  The Online Application You will be required to complete the following sections once you begin your application:  Specialty details  Qualification details and professional experience  Details of your referees  Registration and licensing history  Evidence summary  Details of your verifiers  Final declaration and payment  Additional Evidence  Once an Adviser on the Specialist Applications Team has reviewed your initial evidence, they will provide you with information on:   What evidence they’ve accepted   What evidence they’re unable to accept (including the reasons for this)   Advice and guidance on how your application could be strengthened   You’ll have up to 60 days to provide additional documentary evidence in support of your application (30 days if you’ve submitted a Review application).  For further information about the online application process, see the GMC’s User Guide.  How long does it take to complete? 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 oncologists, 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 medical oncology is six 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 oncologists.  Cost of CESR Applications All oncologists applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. For CESR, this fee is £1,727.  For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £452.  How long does it take to receive a decision? The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.  #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 Medical Oncology curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Medical Oncology CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain 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 oncology posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Sources https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/certificate-eligibility-specialist-registration   https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/specialist-application-guides/specialist-registration-cesr-or-cegpr  https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/sat---ssg---medical-oncology---dc2310_pdf-48455474.pdf  Getting started  Attaining Specialist Registration through the CESR pathway can be a long but very rewarding process. Look at our introduction to CESR for medical oncologists for a full overview.  If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS 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:              

Are you a histopathologist from Hong Kong looking to live and work in the UK? Do you want to know how to find the best jobs for overseas pathologists in the NHS?   With recent experience of working with Hong Kong Pathologists on their journey to the UK, we thought that we’d share a few snippets of information to help get you started.   In this blog we will cover the following topics:  What do Hong Kong doctors need to work in the UK? As a Hong Kong pathologist, will I fit into the NHS? What kind of jobs can I find in the UK? Where can I find NHS jobs in histopathology? Can I get access to CESR? What if I don’t have FRCPath Histopathology? How do I register with the GMC? What visa will I need to work in the UK? BNO or Tier 2? Getting started Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Requirements to work in the UK To be eligible to work in the NHS, histopathologists from Hong Kong must have full GMC registration – this requires completion of the Royal College of Pathologists exams in the relevant specialty I.e. histopathology (FRCPath), as well as an English language exam and Certificate of Good Standing (CGS).  From our experience, the majority of Hong Kongers are either aware of the UK Royal College exams or have already completed these as part of their specialist pathology training, so great news - you are more than likely already halfway there!  If you are unsure about the requirements for FRCPath, you can find an overview of FRCPath Histopathology here.  How Hong Kong Pathologists fit into the NHS Pathologists from Hong Kong are a great fit for the NHS. And no matter your specialist training or sub-specialty interest in within histopathology, our NHS clients would consider you to be a high calibre candidate. Why? The training in Hong Kong is thorough and highly regarded here in the UK among NHS clients.   If you are not sure about how your experience will translate to working in the NHS, then we are here to help - IMG Connect are experienced working with all areas of sub-specialty within pathology, across all major organ sites.   Senior Histopathology Jobs in the NHS This all depends on the experience and qualifications you gained in Hong Kong. Whilst there are a lot of similarities between our two healthcare systems, there are also a lot of differences too.    Attaining full FRCPath demonstrates the ability to report on cases and as such typically qualifies candidates to work independently as consultants in the UK. Think of it as like the FHKCPath and the accompanying Fellowship of FHKAM (Pathology) examinations.     NHS clients will look out for your experience and training combined with this postgraduate qualification in order to work out what level you will start at.   For consultant histopathologists who have already completed their anatomical pathology specialist training in Hong Kong, you will most likely enter the NHS as a locum consultant or in other senior positions such as Specialty Doctor (SAS), or Specialist Grade. This is generally up to the NHS Client, although, if starting in a specialist position, the aim here is that you will receive support to acclimatise to the UK system, in order to quickly work towards a consultant post. This will be agreed before your arrival in the UK.    There is demand in all areas of histopathology, particularly at the consultant level. So, it is important to understand where you fit into the NHS, and we would be delighted to guide you through the process. Send in your CV or register with us through the buttons above or below, and we will arrange an informal chat with you to discuss your job options in full.    Finding NHS Histopathology Jobs You can get full access to the most recent histopathology job postings straight to your inbox through IMG Connect.  The latest NHS pathology jobs cover general histopathology and cytology, as well as a number specialised or part-specialised posts where you may report one anatomical area extensively, or perhaps 2-3 areas. With just a few clicks, you can create an account and customise job preferences to receive email alerts on job that suit your professional and personal needs.  Sign up here to receive up-to-date information on NHS jobs which you can tailor to your job preferences and receive straight to your inbox.   CESR for Hong Kong Pathologists As the UK FRCPath qualification is not commonly taken during the Hong Kong residency programme, CESR presents itself as a more favourable option for some.   CESR is a big process that involves submitting around 800 - 1000 pages of verified evidence that you’ll need to gather from the last 5-6 years of clinical practice, either in the UK or overseas.   Given the Hong Kong Royal College of Pathologists' curriculum is so closely aligned with the UK’s Royal College, pathologists from Hong Kong are actually some of the best primed to attain Specialist Registration via CESR, without working in the UK first.  Whether it’s quicker to complete FRCPath, or to prepare a CESR application directly from Hong Kong, entirely depends on your background and experience. With that in mind, if you want to understand more, please send across a copy of your CV to our team and we can talk you through your options.   For a detailed guide on CESR for histopathologists, see our IMG Resources library.  Routes to the UK for Hong Kong Pathologists The standard test of knowledge in the Histopathology curriculum in the UK is FRCPath Histopathology, although you do not need this to register with the GMC.  There are four main routes to the UK for Hong Kong pathologists:  The differences between these routes can be best understood through our explainer blog here.  Essentially, whilst FRCPath can be more time-consuming and expensive than other routes, our advice is that it is well and truly worth the investment – histopathology is a consultant-led specialty in the UK and therefore FRCPath Histopathology opens up many more opportunities (particularly for more experienced pathologists) than alternatives such as PLAB or Sponsorship.  Clients look out for FRCPath, and combined with your experience, this will move your CV to the top of the pile.    As discussed above, although Hong Kong histopathology training is well aligned with the UK system, CESR can either be an easier or more arduous route to GMC Registration depending on your level of experience.   Remember however:  CESR = Specialist Registration and FRCPath = General Registration  If you would like to pursue the CESR route and would like to know more about pathology jobs that offer CESR support, do get in touch.  If you are just beginning your journey through the FRCPath Histopathology exams, please see our blog here for an overview of the exams.  We also have an online IMG Histopathologists community on Facebook which as well as providing support and resources on FRCPath, also offers guidance on GMC registration and other aspects of relocating to and working in the UK.  How to Register with the GMC Once all the necessary components for GMC registration have been completed, Hong Kong IMGs can then apply for full GMC registration with license to practice.   There are further checks involved in the registration process, such as verification of medical degrees, however these are steps that will be taken care of with your IMG Connect recruitment specialist.  However, if you’d like to learn more about these processes, you can find information in our blog breaking down the steps to GMC registration for overseas doctors here.   Visas for Hong Kong Doctors Honk Kong residents with British National (overseas) status can apply to travel to the UK to live for up to five years with dependent family members, through the British National (Overseas) visa.   You also have the option of securing a Skilled Worker visa, or Health & Care visa to give the most recent term. We know that securing a visa in Hong Kong can be challenging at the moment, so if you think that the Health & Care Visa is a good option for you, don’t hesitate to connect with us to discuss your options.    For a detailed guide to your visa options as a Hong Kong doctor, you can read our blog discussing the differences between the Tier 2 Skilled Worker and BNO visas here.   Getting started We are here to help with all questions, big or small, whether you are starting out on your journey or ready to look explore jobs. Register below or get in touch to speak with one of our dedicated histopathology recruiters.   We hope this helps and wish you the best of luck in your search!    To receive the latest news and updates on all things histopathology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation:             

FRCR CR2A and CR2B and the final exams in the FRCR qualification.  Completions of all three parts of the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) qualification results in eligibility for GMC registration, once the English language component has also been met.  The FRCR examinations are key to an international oncologist being able to secure senior oncology jobs in the NHS and can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain eligibility criteria have been met. In this article, we take a closer look at the following:  An overview of FRCR How are the Final FRCR exams structured? How are marks awarded for CR2A and CR2B? Am I eligible to sit Final FRCR? Where can I sit the exams and how much do they cost? How do I apply for the exams? What is the best way to prepare for FRCR CR2A and CR2B? I’ve passed the FRCR Radiology exams, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Overview of FRCR Radiology FRCR Radiology is the set of three postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test candidates’ knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology.  The exams within the exam suite are as follows:  You can read an overview of the full FRCR Radiology examination suite via our IMG Resources library.  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  Alternative routes to GMC registration include PLAB and other recognised GMC qualifications or licensing exams, which you can find out more about here.  A Deep Dive into FRCR Part 2A & 2B Final FRCR Part A  The Final FRCR Part A examination assesses knowledge of the sciences that underpin clinical radiology including physics as applied to imaging including molecular biology, medical statistics, radiological findings in pathological and normal conditions together with their differential diagnosis, management pathways, and radiological interventions.  The examination comprises two single best answer papers, each containing 120 questions and covering a broad range of the core curriculum. Exams are 3 hours for each sitting.  The paper comprises a mix of questions from across a wide range of the curriculum:  Cardiothoracic and Vascular  Musculoskeletal and Trauma  Gastro-intestinal  Genito-urinary, Adrenal, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Breast Paediatric   Central Nervous and Head & Neck   Final FRCR Part B The Final FRCR Part B examination assesses different aspects of a candidate’s radiological skills, all of which are considered necessary for safe and effective radiological practice.  The exam has three components:   reporting (long cases) – 6 cases in 75 minutes rapid reporting – 30 plain radiographs in 35 minutes oral exam – 2 x 30-minutes vivas The stations are broken down in more detail below.  Reporting Station This component is built on the fact that A&E department is a large part a radiologist’s workload.   The station tests candidates’ ability to rapidly decide if an image is normal or abnormal and the provision of a diagnosis for the abnormality.  The images are all radiographs with the balance of normals within the images about 45-50%. Trauma cases are the majority, but some chest and abdominal radiographs are included as they would be in a typical session of A&E reporting in the workplace. Each abnormal case shows one significant diagnosable abnormality.  This part of the examination reproduces the situation of plain film reporting as a safe radiologist needs to be able to identify abnormalities when present and confidently exclude them when they aren’t.   Rapid Reporting Station The reporting component centres around the understanding that radiologists largely communicate their findings through written reports.   This element tests the ability of the candidate to make observations, distinguish the relevance of these findings, deduce a list of differential diagnoses, suggest the most likely diagnosis and discuss further management including further imaging where appropriate.  This part of the examination mirrors a mixed list of cross-sectional and fluoroscopic imaging, and a short, structured reporting sheet is provided. Each case can include any type of radiological imaging and often involves more than one e.g. plain film, CT and isotope study.   This written element of the examination aims to test the candidate’s ability to assess and interpret a variety of clinical cases across all modalities safely, and to accurately communicate their findings, conclusions and recommendations.  Oral Examination This mirrors the day-to-day clinical discussions and MDT meetings, which form an integral part of a radiologist’s workload.  The oral component further assesses the candidate’s powers of observation and interpretation, but in addition allows assessment of the candidate’s ability to discuss wide-ranging aspects of patient care as influenced by the radiological findings.   Candidates are expected to be able to integrate their observations with emerging clinical information to help refine their differential diagnosis. It also tests their ability to communicate effectively, their analytical and decision-making skills, and allows searching questions to explore their depth of knowledge and ensure that their practice supports patient safety.   This oral element aims to explore the candidates’ depth of knowledge and to test higher cognitive skills. The format allows for flexibility and for complexity to be built into the examiner’s questioning.  In total, the Final FRCR exam lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes.  Scoring Final FRCR Part A The examination is marked by the examination software Speedwell and the marking system shown below is used:   For each item correctly answered: +1 mark   For each item incorrectly answered: 0 marks   The examination is not negatively marked and therefore you are encouraged to provide an answer to all the questions.   You can find full information on the scoring system for the CR2A exam here.  Final FRCR Part B Reporting Eight marks are available for each case, with a maximum of 48 marks available. Candidate response  Mark  Excellent: a perfect answer, clear and confident  8  Good Pass: additional relevant material included in a "pass" grade answer  7  Pass: most observations made correctly; principal diagnoses correct  6  Borderline: appropriate for cases with two main diagnoses, but only one is mentioned; some observations missed  5  Fail: significant observations missed; correct diagnosis not made  4  No answer offered  3  Half marks may also be awarded.  Following the marking exercise each candidate will have a score between 18-48. An overall reporting mark is then awarded on the basis of total marks achieved using the scale below:  Total marks  Overall mark  18 - 25  4  25½ - 28  4½   28½ - 31  5  31½ - 34  5½   34½ - 37  6  37½ - 40  6½   40½ - 43  7  43½ - 46  7½   46½ - 48  8    Rapid reporting One mark is available per image, with a maximum of 30 marks available.  Image type  Candidate response  Mark  Normal Image    Correctly classified  +1  Incorrectly classified (appropriate false positive)  +½   No answer given  0  Abnormal Image        Correctly classified and correctly identified  +1  Correctly classified but incorrectly identified  0  Incorrectly classified (false negative)  0  No answer given  0    Following this, each candidate will have a score between 0-30. An overall rapid reporting mark is then awarded on the basis of total marks achieved using the scale below:  Total marks  Overall mark  0 - 24  4  24½   4½   25 - 25½   5  26 - 26½   5½   27  6  27½ - 28  6½   28½ - 29  7  29½   7½   30  8    Oral  Candidates are shown images by two pairs of examiners and can score a maximum of eight marks from each pair.  Performance description  Comments  Score  Very Poor Answer  Key findings missed even with help  Wrong or dangerous diagnosis  4  Poor Answer  Slow to spot abnormality  Poor differential diagnosis  Needed help to get correct answer  5  Principal findings seen  Some abnormalities seen with help  Principal diagnosis correct  Limited differential  6  Good Answer  Key findings spotted quickly  Correct deductions made and correct diagnosis Good differential offered  7  Excellent answer – all findings seen  Correct diagnosis and deductions  No errors  Succinct/accurate report  Excellent differential  8    Overall Pass Mark Once the marks have been combined, each candidate will have a score of 4-8 in each component of the examination (two orals, the reporting session and the rapid reporting session).  The pass mark in each component is 6, making the overall pass mark 24.   In addition, candidates must obtain a mark of 6 or above in a minimum of two of the four components. If a candidate scores less than 6 in three or more components, they fail the examination even if they have achieved a score of at least 24 overall.   You can find full information on the scoring system for the CR2B exam here.  Eligibility for Final FRCR Final FRCR Part A - to be eligible you must:  have passed FRCR Part 1  Final FRCR Part B - to be eligible you must:  have passed FRCR Part 1  have passed FRCR Part 2A  have acquired 34 months in a formal clinical radiology training post by the month of the examination (your training supervisor must provide confirmation that you have completed the required duration of training and received instruction covering the examination syllabus)  Exam Fees & Venues Part 2A The Part 2A exam is held twice a year, normally in spring and autumn.   You can see a breakdown of the fees for all UK and overseas centres below:  UK  Venues  Member fee  Non-member fee  Belfast, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Plymouth  £427  £545  Global  Venues  Member fee  Non-member fee  Egypt  £427  £545  Hong Kong  £427  £545  India  £505  £643  Pakistan  £427  £545  Singapore  £493  £628    Part 2B The Part 2B exam is now held four times a year.  You can see a breakdown of the fees for all UK and overseas centres below:  UK  Venues  Member fee  Non-member fee  Belfast, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Plymouth  £597  £759  Global  Venues  Member fee  Non-member fee  Egypt  £427  £545  India  £505  £643    Applications Applications are normally open for a few weeks, several months before the exam. Please refer to the examinations page for up-to-date information on application dates.  UK trainees (members) are given priority for examination places, followed by other member bookings and finally non-members. The window for each group is usually open for around a week before it opens to the next group.   All candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here for Part 2A and here for Part 2B. More detailed information can also be found here in relation to preparation for the application.  Preparation There are many resources available online to aid in preparation for the FRCR Part 2A and 2B exams. We always recommend that the best place to start your preparation is the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology.  Using this as a blueprint for your preparation is the best way to ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials.   Other useful resources to aid your studies include:  Instructional video: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Guidance notes for Part 2A: a guidance document on key elements of the exam, found here.  Guidance notes for Part 2B: important information on the three sections of the exam, available here.  Sample questions: sample SBA and oral questions for the exams have been provided with answers on the RCR website, here for Part A and here for Part B.  Candidate reference sheet: a reference list of abbreviations and normal ranges for use during Part 2A, found here.  Examiners’ reports for Part 2B: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.  Understand the SBA format and how to approach questions: this document also provides questions that have been used previously in the Final FRCR (Part A) Examination. You can find this here.  TNM Staging guidance - this document explains the knowledge required to answer questions related to this topic, available here.  Demonstration films: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Scoring system for Part 2B: key information on how each part of the exam is marked, found here.  For a detailed guide to the best guidance preparation and courses for the exams, see our blog here.  Sources https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2a-radiology-cr2a  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr2a_purpose_of_assessment_statement_jan_22.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2b-radiology-cr2b  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr2b_purpose_of_assessment_statement.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr2a_guidance_notes._jan_22.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/docs/radiology/pdf/CR2B_scoring_system.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/exams/5faf80dd-7d45-e911-a977-002248072781/dates-fees  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/exams/a91e7f01-7e45-e911-a977-002248072781/dates-fees  I’ve passed the FRCR exams! What’s next? Firstly, congratulations – attaining full FRCR is a massive achievement!  With all parts of the FRCR complete, you have completed the biggest component of the requirements for GMC registration. Once you have completed the English language component, you will be eligible for full GMC registration with a license to practice in the UK.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to learn more about the opportunities available to you once you’ve passed FRCR.  For the latest news and updates on all things radiology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

The UKMLA or MLA (Medical Licensing Assessment) is a new assessment being introduced by the GMC to replace PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) for international medical graduates (IMGs) and UK medical students.  The UKMLA will be the new standard test of the core knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to practise safely in the UK.  In this blog we will be taking a closer look at the assessment and the transition from PLAB, focusing on some key questions:  Why is the MLA being introduced? Who will need to take the UKMLA? What is the timeline for the transition? How will the UKMLA be structured? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Introducing the UKMLA Currently, PLAB is the assessment used to ensure doctors who qualified abroad have the right knowledge and skills to practise medicine in the UK. Once an IMG has completed both parts of PLAB, they are eligible for full GMC registration.  For UK trainees however, full registration is gained on moving to the second year of the Foundation Programme (F2/ FY2) in an approved training programme.  There is therefore no standard used for both UK medical graduates and international doctors, so the GMC has created the MLA with the stated aim of setting a common threshold for safe practice in the UK, regardless of where a doctor was educated or trained.  UKMLA Candidates From 2024, all IMGs who would have sat the PLAB test will take the MLA if they’re applying for registration with a licence to practise in the UK. This means that if you are an overseas doctor taking another route to GMC registration, this is still available to you if you are eligible.  UK medical students graduating in the academic year 2024-25 will also need to pass the MLA as part of their medical school degree, before they can join the medical register.  You can find more information about your possible routes to the UK as an international doctor in our detailed guide here.  Transitioning from PLAB to MLA Until 2024, IMGs will still be able to apply for PLAB in order to gain GMC registration. As overseas doctors wanting to come to the UK through this route will be in different stages of the process, the GMC has laid out the following guidelines which will be in place during the transition to the UKMLA:  I have passed both parts of PLAB I have passed PLAB 1, but not yet attempted PLAB 2 I have attempted PLAB 1, but not yet passed it I have passed PLAB 1 and attempted PLAB 2, but not yet passed it Passed both parts of PLAB There will be no changes here: you will still have up to two years from the date that you passed PLAB to apply for full GMC registration with a licence to practise.  Passed PLAB 1, but not attempted PLAB 2 As long as you passed PLAB 1 within the past two years, you won't need to take the AKT. However, instead of PLAB 2, you will take the CPSA.  Once you pass the CPSA, you'll be able to apply for full registration with a licence to practise (this must be within two years of passing the CPSA).  Attempted PLAB 1, but not passed it You will sit the AKT.  There will be a maximum number of attempts and any previous attempts at PLAB 1 will count towards this maximum number. The GMC is currently still finalising that maximum number.  After passing the AKT, you will need to take the CPSA within two years.  Passed PLAB 1 and attempted PLAB 2, but not passed As long as you passed PLAB 1 within the past two years, you won't need to take the AKT.  Instead of PLAB 2, you will take the CPSA.   There will be a maximum number of attempts and any previous attempts at PLAB 2 will count towards this maximum number. The GMC is currently still finalising that maximum number.  Once you pass the CPSA, you'll be able to apply for full registration with a licence to practise (this must be within two years of passing the CPSA).  Structure & Format of the UKMLA The UKMLA will be composed of two parts: the applied knowledge test (AKT) and the clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA). Both components will assess a range of things, all of which are outlined in the MLA learning outcomes. The main purpose of the MLA is to assess the knowledge and competencies related to safe medical practice in the UK.  1. The applied knowledge test (AKT) This is planned to be an on-screen exam, with multiple choice questions. It will test your ability to apply medical knowledge to different scenarios. The AKT will be similar to the current PLAB 1 exam.  The AKT for overseas doctors will be set by the GMC, whereas for UK medical students, the exam will be run by medical schools. Information from the UK exams will be used to ensure that the assessment is comparable and consistent, where appropriate.   The test is expected to be held four times a year for international candidates, at a number of locations worldwide.  You will need to pass the AKT before you can take the CPSA.   2. The clinical and professional skills assessment (CPSA) The CPSA for international doctors will be held at the GMC’s clinical assessment centre in Manchester. The CPSA will be similar to the current PLAB 2 exam.  For UK medical students, the CPSA will be set and run by their medical school. Each UK medical school calls the CPSA something different e.g. an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), however the GMC will set requirements that all CPSAs must meet.  Exam Structure The MLA content map tells you more about the topics and areas that your AKT and CPSA assessments could cover.  The MLA has three overarching themes: readiness for safe practice, managing uncertainty, and delivering person-centred care; and six sections, called domains.  Areas of clinical practice, such as mental health and surgery  Areas of professional knowledge, such as biomedical sciences and medical ethics and law  Clinical and professional capabilities, such as assessing and managing risk and safeguarding vulnerable patients  Practical skills and procedures, as set out in the list of practical skills and procedures that supplements the GMC’s Outcomes for graduates (2018)  Patient presentations, which relates to signs, symptoms, investigation results and other relevant patient-related issues typically seen by doctors in a first appointment within the UK Foundation Programme e.g. a chronic rash or breast lump  Conditions, which are pathophysiological diseases or clinical diagnoses typically seen by doctors in a first appointment within the UK Foundation Programme e.g. asthma and eating disorders  In the future, sample questions will be provided by the GMC for the AKT so that you can get a better feel for the test.  Other Key Information Cost Similarly to PLAB, you will have to pay a fee to sit the UKMLA as an IMG. The fees have yet to be set by the GMC, but will be published once determined.   EEA Graduates Decisions about whether EEA graduates will need to sit the MLA from 2024 will be informed by government-led agreements and trade deals. The GMC will provide an update on this situation once there is more information about future arrangements.  English Language Requirements The MLA won't change the GMC’s English language requirements for registration. You must still prove that you have the necessary knowledge of English to practise safely in the UK.  Sources https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/medical-licensing-assessment   https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/medical-licensing-assessment/uk-students-guide-to-the-mla  The introduction of the UKMLA is a significant change to one of the most popular routes taken by IMGs wanting to work in the NHS. Despite the change, there are always several options available to overseas doctors wanting to relocate to the UK. Feel free to get in touch with our team to discuss your options.  Read more useful articles on exams, NHS jobs and salaries in our IMG Resources library.              

For international doctors looking to work in the UK, it is important to understand the salary you will be offered with your NHS job and how this can be different depending on the country you are working in within the UK.   The NHS follow pay guidelines that are used to fairly and uniformly determine consultant pay, however these do differ across countries in the UK.   What is an SAS doctor? SAS stands for Staff grade, Associate Specialist, and Specialty Doctor. They will have at least four years of full-time postgraduate training, two of which have been in their relevant specialty.  They are experienced and senior doctors in fixed term or permanent posts (outside a training pathway).  Many SAS doctors have made a positive choice to step into a SAS position from a traditional consultant training pathway. This could be for reasons such as geographical stability or wanting to familiarise themselves with the NHS system before working up to a consultant position.  SAS doctors maintain their skills through the CPD system and there are routes, through gaining CESR (Specialist Registration) or applying for a training post, for SAS doctors to become consultants if they wish to.  Basic Pay Specialist Grades and Specialty Doctors in England and the other home countries have their own contracts in place for senior doctors. These contracts are based on a full-time work commitment of 10 programmed activities (PAs) per week, each having a time-tabled value of four hours.   The basic pay thresholds in the UK are shown below:  England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland England SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £52,530 and £82,400 as Specialty Doctors and from £83,945 to £95,275 as Specialist Grade doctors in England.  Specialty Doctor  Years of experience  Basic Salary  0 (min)  £52,530 1  2  3  £60,519 4  5  6  £67,465 7  8  9  £74,675 10  11  12  £82,400 13  14  15  16  17    Associate Specialist / Specialist Grade  Years of experience  Basic Salary  0 (min)  £83,945 1  2  3  £87,000 4  5  6  £95,275 The most recent full pay circular for England can be found here.  Scotland SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £45,193 and £84,272 as Specialty Doctors and from £63,361 to £103,074 as Associate Specialists in Scotland. Specialty Doctor  Years of experience  Basic Salary  0 (min)  £45,193  1  £49,057  2  £54,080  3  £56,772  4  £60,651  Threshold 1  5  £64,516  6  7  £68,466  8  9  £72,418  10  Threshold 2  11  £76,370  12  13  14  £80,321  15  16  17  £84,272    Associate Specialist  Years of experience  Basic Salary  0 (min)  £63,361  1  £68,454  2  £73,546  3  £80,271  4  £86,099  Threshold 1  5  £88,517  6  7  £91,673  8  9  £93,880  10  Threshold 2  11  £96,945  12  13  14  £100,008  15  16  17  £103,074  The most recent full pay circular for Scotland can be found here.  Wales SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £51,765 and £81,200 as Specialty Doctors and from £82,722 to £93,887 as Specialists in Wales. Specialty Doctor  Years of experience  Basic Salary  1  £51,765 2  3  4  £59,637 5  6  7  £66,482 8  9  10  £73,587  11  12  13  £81,200 14  15  16  17  18    Specialist  Years of experience  Basic Salary  1  £82,722 2  3  4  £88,305 5  6  7  £93,887 The most recent full pay circular for Wales can be found here.  Northern Ireland SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £51,000 and £80,000 as Specialty Doctors and from £81,500 to £92,500 as Associate Specialists in Northern Ireland. Specialty Doctor Years of experience  Basic Salary  Pay Point 0   £51,000   1   1 2 3   £58,756   2 4 5 6   £65,500  3 7 8 9   £72,500 4 10 11 12   £80,000 5 - top 13 14 15 16 17   Specialty Doctor Years of experience  Basic Salary  Pay Point 1   £81,500   1   2 3 4   £87,000   2 5 6 7 £92,500  3 (top)   The most recent full pay circular for Northern Ireland can be found here.  Job Planning and Programmed Activities As part of your contract, your job plan will be created in partnership with your new NHS employer. This is an annual agreement that sets out your duties, responsibilities and objectives for the length of your contract.  There are four basic categories of contractual work which will be included in your job plan: direct clinical care (DCC), supporting professional activities (SPAs), additional responsibilities and external duties.  There are ways that consultants will be able to earn more than the basic rates above and these can include additional rotas and PAs. This will also be discussed in the creation of your job plan.  Sources https://www.nhsemployers.org/system/files/2023-02/Pay%20and%20Conditions%20Circular%20%28MD%29%202-2023.pdf  https://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pcs/PCS2022(DD)01.pdf  https://www.nhs.wales/files/pc-resources/042023-md-circular/  https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-hsc-tc8-03-2022.PDF  Getting started NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.  Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.  For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.              

It can be quite difficult to juggle the demands of everyday life such as clinical work and family commitments with preparing for the Royal College exams. This is particularly the case for IMGs who may be completing these exams alongside training and exams in their own country.  In this blog, we will share some great tips we’ve recommended by overseas doctors we’ve worked through after passing their UK postgraduate exams.  1. Plan ahead  It is important to set feasible targets when taking on postgraduate study, so carefully consider your personal circumstances and set a goal for when you are going to take the examinations.  You should try to avoid any major life events at the time of the events e.g. weddings, moving house etc.  2. Use the curriculum  The blueprint for the Royal College exams is the curriculum used in the training programme for each specialty, and we always recommend this as the best place to start.  UK trainees will be familiar with this as part of their training and continued assessment, so international doctors should familiarise themselves with the curriculum and any syllabus as soon as possible.  Curriculum for MRCP, MRCEM, MRCPsych, FRCPath, FRCR, FRCR (Oncology), MRCPCH, MRCOG and MRCS.  3. Familiarise yourself with the exam structure and format  It is important to know exactly what you can expect from the exam, such as whether the exam will be remote or what different topics the exam comprises. This will help you to create a structures and comprehensive plan as you begin your revision.  You can find a detailed overview of the Royal College exams in our IMG Resources library.  4. Create your own study programme  Create a manageable and realistic study plan based on the time you have until the exam. Be sure to build in suitable breaks and time off to allow you to proceed with your study at a steady pace.  Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision.  5. Find the best study materials to suit your needs  There are many online resources available from commercial courses to question banks and notes, which daunting for IMGs. We recommend looking at what seems to be most popular among other IMGs, such as the Bromley courses for MRCEM, SPMM mock exams and notes for MRCPsych or Pathology Online Hub courses for FRCPath Histopathology.  Where there is a large cost associated with the resources, perhaps you can see if any colleagues would like to split the expense or has copies they can lend to you.   Also, don’t be afraid to tailor these resources to suit your study needs – make notes or mind maps to aid learning and revision.  6. Build on your existing knowledge base and experience  You will likely be familiar with many of the concepts in the exam from your own clinical experience – take advantage of this is your study. Use your knowledge and experience from your own country and training as the foundation for your revision.  7. Try to maintain a balance between work and personal life  As much as possible, try not to overload yourself with study and make time for study breaks where you can focus on your personal life and having some downtime.  8. Practise, practise, practise...in the expected exam format  Crucially, you must practice exam-style questions as much as possible within the time you have. This not only helps you to understand where you have any deficits in your knowledge, but also shows you what to expect in the types of questions asked and how they may be phrased.  It is also important to reinforce memory by revising and by practising recall.  For clinical exams such as an OSCE or CASC, you should practise these with others and observe others practising too in order to obtain feedback.  9. Join a community of like-minded doctors  Belonging to a study group may help you reduce your workload of finding information and enable you to share experience and provide support to each other. Study groups also aid reflection on progress.  IMG Connect host two fantastic Facebook groups for overseas psychiatry and pathology doctors where we share guidance, resources and study courses. You can join our communities here: IMG Psychiatrists and IMG Histopathologists.   We hope you find these tips helpful and wish you the best of luck with your exams. Don't forget to share your successes with us on social media using the hashtag #imgstories  To receive the latest news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.                Get in touch  Have you completed the Royal College exams? Get in touch with one of our dedicated recruitment specialists to discuss your next steps towards GMC registration, finding work in the NHS and relocating to the UK. 

Doctors from any country can apply for Specialist Registration in the UK, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria, though there are different routes available based on the doctor’s training and qualifications.  In this blog we’ll be exploring Specialist Registration in medical oncology for overseas medical oncologists more closely. We’ll look at all aspects of Specialist Registration, focusing more closely on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), including the application process, costs, and eligibility criteria, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is Specialist Registration? What route is best for me as an overseas oncologist? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? Do I need MRCP (UK) for Specialist Registration? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence do I need to submit for a CESR in medical oncology? 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  Holding Specialist Registration in any CCT specialty means that you can be appointed to a substantive (or permanent) consultant position in the NHS. All medical oncologists who wish to take permanent consultant roles in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience equivalent to a CCT in order to apply for Specialist Registration.   For oncologists, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a medical oncology consultant in the NHS.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC and is therefore not required to practice as a medical oncologist in the UK.  Routes to Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC for Specialist Registration, and the type of certificate you receive depends on the training route you followed.  CCT for UK-trained Oncologists  For doctors who have completed a GMC-approved training programme, an application must be made to the GMC for a CCT in their specialty within 12 months of their completion date in order to qualify. After this point, they will be required to use the CESR route to apply directly to the GMC if they wish to attain Specialist Registration.  CCT for EEA-trained Oncologists  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. You can read more about this in the Specialist Registration section under your country on the GMC website here.  CESR-CP for Oncologists who have complete part of a GMC-approved training programme  CESR(CP) is a simplified route to Specialist Registration for doctors who joined their specialty training programme after ST1, and therefore do not meet the requirement of 4 years duration in GMC-approved training on completion, as they began their training overseas and completed it in the UK.  CESR for Overseas Oncologists  For overseas doctors 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, rather the submission of an application.   You can read a detailed breakdown of Specialist Registration in the UK in our IMG Resources library.  Medical Oncology Positions in the NHS without CESR  It is important to note that you can apply for senior oncology roles in the NHS, such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or a locum consultant without being on the Specialist Register.  Similarly, CESR is not required by overseas doctors before moving to the UK to work in the NHS.  In these senior NHS roles, you will have better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. Within these positions, you can collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK medical oncology curriculum.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  Get in touch with us to find out more about senior positions in the NHS with CESR support.  MRCP (UK) for Specialist Registration  Whilst it is always beneficial to complete MRCP (UK), particularly for doctors who have trained outside of the UK or an EEA country, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the Medical Oncology curriculum are the MRCP (UK) exams, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the core curriculum.  MRCP (UK) is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.  The structure of the programme is an indicative two years in Core Medical Training or Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS), followed by an indicative four years of training in Medical Oncology. Therefore, applicants need to demonstrate the appropriate level of acute medicine expertise as well as competencies in medical oncology.  You can read more about the evidence required in the specialty specific guidance here.  CESR Equivalence Process  Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current medical oncology 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 Physicians 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 Medical Oncology  Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in oncology must cover the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Medical Oncology Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your medical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  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.  CESR Application Cost  All oncologists applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. As of 1st April 2022, for CESR, this fee is £1,727. For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £452.  How long does it take to complete an application for CESR in Medical Oncology?  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 oncologists, 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 medical oncology is six 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 oncologists.  #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 Medical Oncology curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Medical Oncology CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain 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 oncology posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Sources  https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/certificate-eligibility-specialist-registration   https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/specialist-application-guides/specialist-registration-cesr-or-cegpr  https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/sat---ssg---medical-oncology---dc2310_pdf-48455474.pdf   Getting started  Many oncology 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 medical oncology 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 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:              

Are you an overseas emergency medicine doctor taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration through the MRCEM exams? Are you interested in sitting the exams in the future?  As part of IMG Stories, we introduce to you Dr Behzad Rashid, an emergency medicine doctor who has recently sat and passed the MRCEM Primary exam. Dr Rashid will be sharing with you his experiences of the first of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine exams, taking you through his preparation, experience of sitting the exam and sharing some hot tips for international MRCEM aspirants.  Tell us about yourself... what should the IMG Community know about Behzad Rashid?  I am a Resident Emergency Medicine Physician, currently working in Pakistan and have worked in A&E since completing my internship. I started off as a medical officer, and then began an A&E residency programme in my country. I would say a combination of hard work and fate are the reason why I am where I am today.  What motivated you to sit the MRCEM exams?  I had booked a space on the PLAB 1 exam, however, due to COVID, it was unfortunately cancelled (three times in fact). By the third time, I’d had enough. I decided to progress my career in Pakistan because I felt I wasn’t getting anywhere with the exam bookings, and everything was very uncertain at that time.  Even though time felt like it had stopped, it was actually flying by. I therefore decided to sit the residency exam in Pakistan. I worked in A&E at the time and had heard about the MRCEM exams from my colleagues. Due to the lockdown, they had just announced that the exam could now be taken online, even within the comfort of your own home. I was ready to go all in and grind my way through both exams, so I studied and succeeded in clearing both PLAB 1 and MRCEM Primary.  At what point in your career and training did you sit the MRCEM Primary exam?  There wasn’t anything in particular that made me realise that I was ready to sit this exam, besides the fact that COVID had been ruining my plans. I was going through a difficult time, and A&E was something I dearly wanted to pursue. I saw an opportunity, and I took it.  Applications can be frustrating… how did you find the application process for the exam?  The whole process took me about 30-45 minutes to complete.  The details of application and exam are available on the website, and whilst a bit tedious, it is a straightforward process. Based on the RCEM’s eligibility criteria for the first exam, you only need to have graduated with an approved medical degree in order to sit the exam.   Since I was planning to sit the exam in my own country, I was provided with some options for exam centres. There were multiple private exam centres nearby, and I did not want to sit the exam at home and risk the internet issues others had experienced. I booked my exam for 8 am, because that's when I function best, and I would recommend that everyone books whatever time of day you think you would perform best.  How far in advance did you start preparing for the MRCEM Primary?  I booked the exam 4 months in advance (around the end of October, with the exam in Dec). Everyone has their own method of studying, and for some, this may not be enough time, so whatever schedule has worked for you in the past - stick to it. In my opinion this exam requires about 3-4 months of studying if you are unemployed or have any daily commitments, and about 5-6 months if you are working or have a very busy schedule.   Often IMGs are a bit at a loss to get support... did you benefit from speaking to senior colleagues or peers about the exam? Did you study with other candidates?  I was in touch with a few individuals who had already sat the exam. They guided me through the application process and resources I could use to prepare. They were also the ones who entertained my idea in preparing for both exams at once, and they believed that I could succeed in both.   You don’t need a lot of friends, just the right ones who will push and support you in your journey.   You were preparing for PLAB at the same time as the Royal College exams...how do you feel studying for PLAB 1 compares to your experience of MRCEM Primary?  PLAB 1 and MRCEM Primary are completely different exams.  PLAB 1 focuses on the application of medical knowledge in common day-to-day scenarios that a doctor would encounter in the UK. MRCEM Primary is more of a theoretical assessment of the basics i.e. anatomy and physiology of emergency related scenarios. This became even more apparent after I’d gone over the curriculum provided by the GMC and RCEM, which is honestly the best part of the exams. I would not say that one is easier than the other – they assess different things.  I focused on the blueprint/curriculum for each exam and made sure to get in as many MCQs as possible. That gave me a better overview of what I would actually be tested on.  Emergency medicine doctors are notoriously busy...in the months leading up to the exam, how much time did you spend a week on preparation?  In my case, I had to appear for the MRCEM Primary first, and then a week later for the Pakistan Residency (FCPS I) exam. Since work was extremely hectic, and I felt that I was not able to set aside much time to prepare for both, I quit my job to study for the exams and managed my time throughout the day to study and prepare for both (around 12 hours each day).  It goes without saying that any goal without a plan is just a wish. I divided my day into 2 halves where I would wake up at 5am, and study till 12pm, take a break (which included sleeping, eating or working out), then start off again at 5pm and go at it till 10pm. The first half would be MCQS and making Anki flash cards, second half would be to review the cards I had pending for that day. I would throw in a mock exam every week to see where I stood at that point, correct my mistakes and make cards on those as well. I stuck to this routine for 3 months and by the end of the 3 months, I had a deck of about 2000 Anki flash cards, divided into two groups for the 2 exams, and that is all I would review because I was confident that is all they would test me on.  How did you manage to juggle other commitments whilst studying for the exam (without panicking)?  During COVID, I was pretty much stranded by myself in Pakistan. My family lived in a different country, and I had limited interactions with the family I did have around me. This bizarre period of isolation and confusion gave me ample time to prepare for my exams. Being alone did get frustrating at times, and anxiety would creep up on me, but the hunger to clear my exams and progress my career gave me tunnel vision and cancelled out all the other noise.  The preparation for 2 examinations was an enlightening and humbling experience. My goal is to reach out to students and help them understand what works best for them. I’d be more than happy to provide students with any resources (Including my Anki flash cards) they need. However, there isn’t a cookie cutter plan that will suit everyone - I did what was best for me in my circumstances, and you must do the same.  What resources did you use to prepare and practice for the MRCEM Primary exam?  I used the curriculum provided by the MRCEM on their website which you will find here.  Along with that I was using the MRCEM Success question bank, which I have to say is an excellent resource. The actual exam was very close to the MCQs provided, which is why I would highly recommend it.  I am also an avid user of Anki. It has helped me ace exams in med school, the MRCEM primary, FCPS I and even the PLAB 1. I have never made any notes from any textbooks, and I honestly think hardcovers will eventually become obsolete. I would highly recommend making your own cards since that allows you to work at your own pace and address any weak points. I would love to share my own deck of Anki cards as well, which covers everything provided in the MRCEM curriculum. Feel free to add more to this deck and pay it forward.  Let's face it, exams are not everyone's favourite day out... so on the day of the exam, what did you do to relax?  I woke up early and decided not to go over any cards. I’m the type of exam-taker who enjoys working out and listening to music before an exam. At that point, I know what I know, and that is all I know. So I drank a nice cup of coffee and got some cardio done while listening to music.   What was your experience like on the day?  My exam was around 8:30am, so the drive was about 5 minutes to the exam hall and I got there around 30 minutes before it started. The invigilator was friendly and after leaving my personal belongings in a small locker, they provided a sheet of paper and stationary at the centre. The computer prompted me to start once the invigilator asked me to, and everything after that went smoothly. The invigilators are ready to help you with your queries if you experience any problems during the exam as well.  What was the most challenging part of the exam?  In my honest opinion, I did not come across anything that would throw me off. After going over the curriculum, and having a plan, I just stuck to that plan and followed it till the end.  In hindsight, would you have done anything differently?  I was already taking the most extreme measures by preparing for multiple exams and taking time off work, given everything was shut down during COVID. I have no regrets and cannot think of anything I’d have done differently.  What nuggets of advice would you give to any MRCEM Primary aspirants?  The best thing about the Royal College exams is that they provide a curriculum of what you should know, and they would never ask anything more than that. I would highly recommend you go over that and familiarise yourself with the content you will be tested on. Question banks might provide extra information to give you a different perspective of the subject, however the real exam sticks to its curriculum. If you know what you are required to know, preparation for the exam becomes easier.  What are your plans going forward?  I'm planning on appearing for the PLAB 2 and the MRCEM Intermediate soon. I have already started preparing my Anki deck for the intermediate as well, so wish me luck and stay tuned for that as well.   To learn more about the RCEM exams, see our IMG Resources library. For news and updates on all things emergency medicine, follow us on social media and join the conversation.             

As an overseas doctor looking to work in the UK, it is essential to understand the salary that comes along with your NHS job and how this can be different from one country in the UK to another.   Whilst the NHS has guides that are used to fairly and uniformly determine consultant pay, these do differ across the UK.   Basic Pay  Consultants in England and the other home countries each have their own consultant contracts in place. These are based on a full-time work commitment of 10 programmed activities (PAs) per week, each having a time-tabled value of four hours.   The basic pay thresholds in England and their equivalents in the rest of the home countries are shown below:  England  Scotland Wales Northern Ireland England  Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £93,666 and £126,281 in England.  Threshold  Years completed as a consultant  Basic Salary  1  0  £93,666 2  1  £96,599 3  2  £99,532 4  3  £102,465        5  4        £105,390 5  6  7  8        6  9        £112,356 10  11  12  13        7  14        £119,323 15  16  17  18  8  19+  £126,281 The most recent full pay circular for England can be found here.  The National Clinical Impact Award (NCIA) scheme aims to reward consultants who contribute most to the delivery of safe and high-quality care and the improvement of NHS services. You can apply for a new award after you have completed a full year in an eligible role.  Scotland  Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £96,963 and £128,841 in Scotland.  Threshold  Years completed as a consultant  Basic Salary  1  1 (starting salary)  £96,963  2  2  £99,011  3  3  £101,957  4  4  £104,906        5  5        £107,846  6  7  8  9        6  10        £114,846  11  12  13  14        7  15        £121,846  16  17  18  19  8  20+  £128,841  The most recent full pay circular for Scotland can be found here.  All consultants who have reached point five of the pay scale are eligible for consideration for discretionary points, except for distinction award holders. Consultants granted discretionary points are not normally considered again for two years, although this may vary.  Wales  Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £87,354 and £113,408 in Wales.  Threshold  Years completed as a consultant  Basic Salary  1  0 (starting salary)  £87,354 2  1  £90,137 3  2  £94,789 4  3  £100,191  5  4  £106,363 6  5  £109,882 7  6  £113,408 The most recent full pay circular for Wales can be found here.  Please note that the pay scale above is for substantive or permanent doctors in Wales.  For locum consultants, there is a fixed pay point of £100,381 which will apply regardless of years of consultant experience.  Commitment awards are available to all consultants after three years’ service at the top of the consultant pay scale, who demonstrate their commitment through satisfactory job plan reviews. They are then eligible at three-yearly intervals, until they have achieved eight award levels.  Northern Ireland  Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £88,799 and £119,723 in Northern Ireland.  Threshold  Years completed as a consultant  Basic Salary  1  1 (starting salary)  £88,799  2  2  £91,581  3  3  £94,362  4  4  £97,141        5  5        £99,913  6  7  8  9        6  10        £106,520  11  12  13  14  7  15  £113,124  8  16+  £119,723  The most recent full pay circular for Northern Ireland can be found here.  Job Planning and Programmed Activities  As part of your contract, your job plan will be created in partnership with your new NHS employer. This is an annual agreement that sets out your duties, responsibilities and objectives for the length of your contract.  There are four basic categories of contractual work which will be included in your job plan: direct clinical care (DCC), supporting professional activities (SPAs), additional responsibilities and external duties.  There are ways that consultants will be able to earn more than the basic rates above and these can include additional rotas and PAs. This will also be discussed in the creation of your job plan.  Getting started  NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.  Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.  For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.               Sources  https://www.nhsemployers.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/Pay-and-Conditions-Circular-MD-3-2021.pdf   https://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pcs/PCS2022(DD)01.pdf  https://www.nhs.wales/files/pc-resources/042023-md-circular/  https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-tc8-2-2020.pdf 

Overseas radiologists often ask us how to best prepare for the Final FRCR Part 2A and 2B exams. With so much online content geared towards UK trainees, it can be difficult to know what is best suited to you as an international candidate.  Here we have compiled some of the best advice and resources available to help overseas radiologists prepare for their Royal College (RCR) exams. We’ll also address some of the changes to the exam, both the format, administration and availability of the exam for IMGs.  The topics we’ll cover are as follows:  A recap of FRCR CR2A and CR2B What resources are available for IMGs?  Royal College Resources Courses Books #IMG Tips Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Overview of FRCR CR2A and CR2B As a quick reminder, Final FRCR refers to the final two exams in the Royal College of Radiologists examination suite for clinical and diagnostic radiologists. The full series - Part 1, Part 2A and 2B – is required by overseas radiologists when applying for GMC registration through the postgraduate route.  FRCR CR2A assesses knowledge of the pathology, imaging techniques, congenital abnormalities and radiological findings that underpin clinical radiology practice.   The FRCR 2A exam consists of 2 papers sat on the same day; each paper containing 120 single-best-answer questions (240 questions in total). Each paper lasts 3 hours.  CR2B is not an exit exam but is a key step in a trainee's progress towards independent reporting. The exam assesses several aspects of the candidate's radiological skills, all of which are considered necessary for safe and effective radiological practise.  Part 2B has 3 separate sections as below:  Rapid reporting - 30 plain radiographs in 35 minutes  Reporting (long cases) - 6 cases in 75 minutes  Oral (viva) - 2 x 30-minute vivas  In total, the exam lasts 2 hours and 50 minutes.  For a full overview of the FRCR exam series, see our blog here. Preparation & Revision Resources After discussing with IMGs the best way to approach preparing for the Final FRCR exams, most recommended beginning with the Royal College website and resources, which they have put together to aid in your preparation.  Curriculum: The FRCR exams are based on the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology. As a rule of thumb, your revision should start here to ensure you are focusing on the exact material that will be in your exam. Knowing the curriculum is key and you can find these on the Royal College website here.  Royal College Resources Instructional video: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Guidance notes for Part 2A: a guidance document on key elements of the exam, found here.  Guidance notes for Part 2B: important information on the three sections of the exam, available here.  Sample questions: sample SBA and oral questions for the exams have been provided with answers on the RCR website, here for Part A and here for Part B.  Candidate reference sheet: a reference list of abbreviations and normal ranges for use during Part 2A, found here.  Examiners’ reports for Part 2B: this is a collection of generic reports written by examiners on the overall performance of candidates and individual questions as a guide for applicants for future sittings. These are available here.  Understand the SBA format and how to approach questions: this document also provides questions that have been used previously in the Final FRCR (Part A) Examination. You can find this here.  TNM Staging guidance - this document explains the knowledge required to answer questions related to this topic, available here.  Demonstration films: demonstrations of both parts of FRCR Part 2, providing insight into both elements of the exam and what candidates can expect on the day. These are on the RCR website here.  Scoring system for Part 2B: key information on how each part of the exam is marked, found here.  Courses There are several online courses which provide preparation for the exams, including mock exams and insight into exam technique. As with all courses, we advise that you register your interest as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as they are in very high demand.  Please note these courses are subject to change and candidates are advised to book early (up to one year in advance in some cases), as spaces are often limited. Places may become available at the last minute, so make sure you add your name to a waiting list if possible.  Midlands FRCR 2A Review Course This is an in-person revision course for the FRCR Part 2A exam held in Leicester. The course provides a refresher course covering a range of important topics, an interactive lecture-based course delivered in a ‘single best answer format’ and tips and tricks from trainees with recent experience of the exam. Duration - 3 days Cost - £350 London Heathrow FRCR 2B Preparation Course This is a two-day course aimed at clinical trainees who are preparing for their FRCR CR2B. The course offers a minimum of 4 viva sets, 4 long case sets along with 4 rapid reporting packets. A further 2 lectures would also be included during the 2 days.  The course is delivered live virtually.  Duration - 2 days Cost - £500 Red Dot Radiology Courses These are in-person revision courses for Part 2B which cover rapid reporting as well as focused days on chest x-rays. The courses are live online via an interactive video and are led by FRCR qualified UK-based radiologists.   Duration - 1 day Cost - £165 Aunt Minnie Courses This is an online two-day course that runs twice a year and concentrates on Aunt Minnie cases that you may encounter in your FRCR 2B exam. The course is split into mini tests, workshops and exam tips to ensure candidates remain refreshed and stimulated.   Duration - 2 days Cost - £350 Books FRCR CR2A  Grainger & Allison’s Diagnostic Radiology  Fundamentals of Diagnostic Radiology - Brant & Helms  Primer of Diagnostic Imaging - Weissleder  Radiology Review Manual - Wolfgang Dahnert  Crack the Core Exam – Prometheus Lionhart  Fundamentals of Skeletal Radiology – Clyde A. Helms  Get Through Final FRCR 2A: SBAs - Teck Yew Chin, Susan Cheng Shelmerdine  RSBAs for the FRCR Part 2A - Richard Lindsay    FRCR CR2B  Rapid Review of Radiology - Shahid Hussain, Sherif Latif, Adrian Hall  Top 3 Differentials in Radiology - William O'Brien  Long Cases for the Final FRCR 2B - Rebecca Hanlon  Aunt Minnie's Atlas and Imaging-specific Diagnosis - Thomas Pope  Final FRCR Part B Viva: 100 Cases - Richard White, Robin Proctor, Ian Zealley  Chapman & Nakielny's Aids to Radiological Differential Diagnosis – Stephen Davies  #IMG Tips  Familiarise yourself with the exam content – the best way to do this is through the syllabus and curriculum  Prepare early – the earlier you begin your revision, the more structured and relaxed the entire process can be and the more likely you are to pass!  Invest in the right resources and courses – many resources from books to courses come at a cost – think about your own preferred style of learning and choose the resources that best suit you! Have any colleagues going through the exams or already passed? See if you can borrow or split the cost of resources.  Practise, practise, practise – this is of course a given...practise makes perfect and getting used to the format and being able to go through many sample questions will set you up well for the exam!  Sources  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2a-radiology-cr2a   https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-2b-radiology-cr2b  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/clinical_radiology_curriculum_2020.pdf  Getting started  We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their Final FRCR exam and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!  Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal College, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS.             

Once you have received a job offer to work in the NHS, Hong Kong doctors have two options to choose from when applying for a visa: the British National Overseas (BNO) visa or the Tier 2 Skilled Worker visa for health and care workers.  The two visas have different criteria, requirements and merits, and which is best for any doctor will depend on the individual’s circumstances.  To help you better understand which visa is best suited to Hong Kong doctors relocating to the UK, we’ve put together this blog which will touch on the following questions:  What is a BNO Visa? What is a Tier 2 Health & Care Worker Visa? What are the differences between the two visas? Which visa is better for me as a Hong Kong doctor? I am relocating with family, which visa do they need? What is the application process for the BNO visa? What is the application process for the Tier 2 Health & Care Worker Visa? #IMG Tips I have completed my visa application, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  British National (Overseas) Visa  If you’re from Hong Kong and are a British national (overseas), you and your family members can apply for a British National (Overseas) visa, also known as a BNO visa. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK and was launched by the UK Home Office in 2021.   Within the BNO visa, there are two broad ‘routes’ which have the same general conditions but cater to two different groups of people:  BNO Status Holder route – for BNOs and their dependent partners or minor children. Other adult family members with a high degree of dependency may also apply under this route.  BNO Household Member route – for BNO citizens’ adult children (born on or after 1 July 1997) and the adult child’s dependent partner and minor children. All applicants must form part of the same household as the BNO citizen (i.e. normally live together) and be applying alongside the BNO family member.  Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa (Health & Care)  A Tier 2 visa is what allows overseas health and care workers to live, and work in the UK. Similarly to the BNO visa, it is provided by the 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.   It is safe to assume that the NHS trust you are applying to has a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship licence and that your IMG Consultant will have already checked this for you.  The Tier 2 visa allows you to work in the UK for the duration of your sponsorship period.   You can also bring over certain family members with you on a Tier 2 Dependent visa.  For a detailed overview of the Tier 2 Health & Care Worker Visa, see our blog here.  BNO Visa vs Tier 2 Visa  The BNO or Tier 2 visa essentially serve the same purpose for Hong Kong doctors, but they have some differences and similarities which are important to understand in order to make an informed decision between the two.  The main characteristics of the two visas are summarised below:   Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)  Some of the most significant differences between the two visas is that on the BNO visa, you and your dependents must pay the IHS, whereas the IHS is no longer applicable to doctors on the Tier 2 visa.  You can claim this back every 6 months, but processing can take up to 6 weeks, and you may be doing this several times throughout the duration of your visa. You can read more about this here.  Police Check or Certificate of No Criminal Convictions (CNCC)  For the Tier 2 visa, you are required to produce a CNCC by the Home Office, whereas it is not required for the BNO visa, but it is very likely that you will be asked by the Trust to provide one.  Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)  On the Tier 2 visa, you will require a CoS, which is a digital reference number from a Certified Sponsor (your NHS Trust) which you will need to complete your visa application.  With the BNO visa, you do not need a CoS because this visa isn’t dependent on a job offer.  Dependents  The criteria for dependents are stricter with the Tier 2 visa than the BNO visa.  On the Tier 2 visa, the only people defined as dependents are your partner, children under 18 and children over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependent, whereas the BNO visa has greater allowances for children over 18 and family members dependent on you because of illness, disability or age.  BNO or Tier 2 Visa for HK Doctors  Whether the BNO or Tier 2 visa is better is entirely dependent on the particular circumstances of each doctor, but options are entirely suitable for doctors relocating from Hong Kong to the UK.  As mentioned above, some of these deciding factors may be the eligibility criteria, any dependents you may have, or your rights once you are in the UK on that visa.  We know that securing a BNO visa in Hong Kong can be quite a challenge at present, so if you think that the Health & Care Visa is a more feasible or easier option for you, don’t hesitate to connect with us to discuss your options.  Visas for Families  If you are relocating to the UK with family, each member of your family will need to apply for a visa alongside you.  BNO Visa  For doctors travelling on the BNO visa, you will be able to have your family apply as ‘dependents’.  This can include your:   husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner  child or grandchild under 18  child 18 or older, born on or after 1 July 1997 (and their partner or child under 18)  parent, grandparent, brother, sister, son or daughter (18 or older) if they live with you and they’re dependent on you because of illness, disability or their age  When you apply, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship with these family members and that you normally live together.  As a British national (overseas), you’ll need to submit your application first to get an application number. This is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). Your family members must use your application number when they apply.  Your family members will need to apply for a BNO visa with the same duration as yours (i.e. 2 years and 6 months or 5 years) and will be able to extend their visa if you apply to extend yours.  Adult dependent relatives will need to use your extension reference number, whilst other family members can apply separately from you.  The cost of your family’s BNO visa will be the same as yours - £180 or £250 (per person).  Tier 2 Visa  For doctors with a Tier 2 visa, your family will need a dependent visa to live with you in the UK. They will need to complete separate applications.  Your family members can apply for a dependent visa if they are your:  husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner  child under 18 (including if they were born in the UK during your stay)  child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependent  When you apply, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship with these family members and that you normally live together.  There can be a range of factors that will affect a family member’s eligibility for the Dependent visa, so we recommend you check here for full details.  Each family member will need to complete a separate application and pay the visa fee.  Once you have completed your own application for the Tier 2 visa, they’ll also will need your application number - you’ll get this when you apply. This number is called a Global Web Form (GWF) or a Unique Application Number (UAN). You’ll find it on emails and letters from the Home Office about your application.  As part of their application, your partner and children will need to prove their identity.  The cost of your family’s Dependent visa will be the same as yours – either £232 or £464 (per person).  BNO Visa Application Process  It is important to check what documents you will need before you begin your application.  As part of your online application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on what type of passport you have. You’ll either:  BNO visa applications can be completed from within the UK or outside the UK, but in either instance, the application is completed online, and the process is as follows:  Compile your details and scan all required documents before starting. You can find the full list of required documents here.  Start the application  Create a UK Visas and Immigration account  Pay the visa fee   Further actions will be prompted:  Download document check list - A helpful checklist to ensure you submit everything that is needed (we strongly recommend you use this to ensure nothing is missed).  Provide documents and biometric details - At this stage, you will need to download the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your passport with a biometric chip and upload a photo of yourself*. You can choose this option if you have a British National (Overseas) passport, a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a passport from an EEA country.  Making an appointment with your local visa application centre – If you do not hold a passport with a biometric chip, you can go to an appointment at a visa application centre to give your fingerprints and a photo - this is to get a biometric residence permit (BRP).  Selecting location for BRP pick up in UK – If you have applied for a BRP, you will have 30 days from your date of arrival in the UK to retrieve this from a post office, so think carefully about the location you choose in the UK. Once you’ve chosen, you will be sent a BRP collection letter which you should print and take to the post office to retrieve your BRP.  Submit your completed application  *If you choose not to apply for a BRP and your visa application is approved, you will be given a link to generate a code to share when necessary. This may be people concerned with your relocation such as your employer or landlord, and they will be able to use the code to check your status on the gov.uk website.  You can find the online application form here and you’ll be told what you need to do when you apply. Your IMG Consultant will also be able to assist you with the application.  Application Review  Once you’ve applied, you can expect to receive a decision within 12 weeks, though your application may take longer to process if you need to provide more evidence.  Please note, you can apply for the BNO visa from overseas, but you should wait for a decision on your application before you travel to the UK.  Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) Visa Application Process  Like the BNO visa, we always advise that you check what documents you will need before you begin your application.  Once you have accepted a job offer and pre-employment checks are complete, the hospital will apply for a CoS from the UK Home Office.  Health and Care Visa applications are complete online, and the process is as follows:  Compile your details and scan all required documents before starting. You can find the full list of required documents here.  Start and complete the application - Once you have entered all your details, the application service will offer an appointment at a local visa appointment centre near you.  Pay the visa fee   Further actions will be prompted:  Download document check list - A helpful checklist to ensure you submit everything that is needed (we strongly recommend you use this to ensure nothing is missed).  Provide documents and biometric details - At this stage, you can upload electronic copies of your documents.  Making an appointment with your local visa application centre - Once you have made an appointment you will receive your appointment confirmation letter via email. Make note of the details and print this confirmation to take with you to the appointment.  Selecting location for Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) pick up in UK - You will have 30 days from your date of arrival in the UK to retrieve your BRP from a post office, so think carefully about the location you choose in the UK. Once you’ve chosen, you will be sent a BRP collection letter which you should print and take to the post office to retrieve your BRP.  Submit your completed application  Application Review  Once you’ve completed all the above steps your application will be processed for review, and you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:  4 weeks, if you’re outside the UK  8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK  Every application is different however, so your application may take longer to process if you need to provide more evidence.  You may be able to pay to get a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.   #IMG Tips  Take time to choose best visa for you – speak to your IMG Consultant to discuss your options and circumstances to decide the best visa for you.  Gather and scan all documents early – go through the relevant checklist and read the guidance provided to stay on top of your application and minimise any delays  Think about the start date you want written on your CoS – if you will be applying for the Skilled Worker visa, think carefully about what date you want written on your CoS (it is only valid for 90 days)  Have your application checked before submitting – your IMG Consultant will be more than happy to double check your visa application before it’s submitted – take advantage, we’re here to help!  Apply for the CNCC early – you will almost certainly need a CNCC regardless of which visa you choose, so apply for this early to speed up the process.  My visa application is complete, what’s next?  First things first, congratulations! You are just a few steps away from completing your journey to the UK and can now firm up your relocation plans, putting into action your relocation checklist.   With your application under review, you should begin discussing your relocation plans with your IMG Consultant. This includes accommodation and travel, schooling, banking and any other questions you might have – our relocation team is happy to help!  Don’t forget, once your application is being processed, you can track its progress online.  Getting started  Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss job options in the NHS, from the typical doctor salary in the UK to the most suitable hospital locations for you.  If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with our team.   For advice, guidance and news and updates for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below.               Sources  https://www.gov.uk/british-national-overseas-bno-visa  https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8939/  https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa  https://www.gov.uk/uk-family-visa  https://www.gov.uk/apply-immigration-health-surcharge-refund/healthcare-setting

As there is no hard and fast rule for what position you will have after gaining a UK qualification, it is important for IMGs to understand the posts that are available to you after completing FRCR (Oncology).  FRCR (Oncology) is a highly beneficial qualification to achieve, but it does not guarantee you a consultant position in the NHS.  This can be a confusing area for overseas clinical and radiation oncologists, but this blog aims to de-mystify the subject. This article will explain the following topics:  What is FRCR (Oncology) and how does it fit into the UK training programme? What grade will IMGs, new to the NHS, be offered with FRCR (Oncology)? Can I take a permanent consultant post if I have FRCR (Oncology)? CESR opportunities for clinical oncologists in the NHS Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  FRCR (Oncology) within the UK Oncology Training Programme Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (Oncology) or FRCR (Oncology) is the postgraduate qualification awarded by the Royal College of Radiologists, the body responsible for the specialties of clinical oncology and clinical radiology throughout the UK.   FRCR (Oncology) is a three-part exam which is a necessary part of the training programme of clinical oncologists in the UK.   For trainees who have chosen to pursue clinical oncology, FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 or CO1 must be passed by the end of ST4.  Clinical oncology trainees will then sit Final FRCR (Oncology), also known as Part 2A and 2B or CO2A and CO2B, usually from ST6 to ST7.   These final exams are important in that they assess a trainee’s knowledge and skills related to the investigation of malignant disease and the care and management of patients with cancer.  Any UK-trained clinical oncologist applying for a CCT in order to work as a substantive consultant must have completed full FRCR (Oncology).  As shown above, UK trainees will also have completed MRCP (UK), although this is not required for overseas clinical oncologists.  Positions for Doctors new to the NHS with FRCR (Oncology) As an IMG with full FRCR (Oncology), you will be eligible for consultant grade positions in the UK.   You are not guaranteed a consultant position, particularly if you do not have previous consultant position in your home country, but you will certainly be able to attain more senior positions in the NHS, such as a specialty doctor (SAS) or specialist grade.  Consultant positions are the most senior in the UK, and thus the highest paid position for doctors within the NHS pay system.  For further information on how NHS pay scales work for consultants, please see our detailed article here.  Of course, this is assuming that you have also completed the other necessary components to make you eligible for GMC registration.  Alongside your postgraduate qualification, you will need to have passed an English Language Test (either IELTS or OET).   Additionally, you must obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, and submit this to the GMC. Upon the receipt of these three components, you will receive full GMC registration.  Permanent Consultant Posts with FRCR (Oncology) To take up a permanent consultant position in the NHS, you would need to have Specialist Registration. Specialist Registration (more specifically CESR for most overseas doctors) allows you to take up permanent or substantive consultant roles in the NHS.  The type of consultant position you would be eligible for with FRCR (Oncology) is a locum consultant post.  Firstly, we should clarify the meaning of the term ‘locum consultant’ in the UK. The NHS has two types of locums - Trust locums and Agency locums.   If you are an IMG with full registration, but you are not on the Specialist Register, you are only able to take on consultant positions as a trust locum, but no permanent positions.  Trust locums are hired on a fixed-term contract and are able to better acclimatize themselves to the NHS system, whilst receiving the support and guidance to work towards consultant positions and CESR.  Please note, you can only work as an agency locum if you have a British passport.  CESR Opportunities in the NHS  CESR or the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration is a route of entry to the Specialist Register for those doctors who have not followed a GMC-approved training programme.  You can read more about CESR in Clinical Oncology through our IMG Resources library here.  IMG Connect are able to help you to secure senior roles such as specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or locum consultant in Trusts that offer CESR support.  In these roles, you will have better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. These Trusts have a lot of experience in supporting overseas doctors to progress their careers through CESR.  You can collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK Clinical Oncology curriculum and those you may not be able to achieve outside the UK.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than applying directly through the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  Get in touch with us to find out more about senior positions in the NHS with CESR support.  Getting started  We hope this blog has been helpful in clarifying your questions about securing senior posts in the NHS with FRCR (Oncology). If you have any further questions regarding the postgraduate exams, CESR or Oncology in the NHS - feel free to contact us directly.  Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded clinical and radiation oncologists and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored support for oncology IMGs, including access to our NHS and CESR webinars, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal College, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS.               

The identity checks (ID) usually required for GMC registration were paused earlier in the pandemic to comply with government guidance on safe workplaces and social distancing. ID checks have now resumed and are again necessary for all doctors as part of the registration process in the UK.  The GMC has partnered with Digidentity to allow doctors to complete their GMC identity check using a secure app.  In this blog we will be looking at the process of verifying your ID with the GMC to complete the final step in the registration process.  Who needs to complete an ID check?  All doctors joining applying for registration with the GMC must complete an identity check, as well as those who want to restore their registration.   Please note, if you completed an ID check for your PLAB 2 exam, you would not need to attend another one.  When do you need to complete an ID check?  From Wednesday 19th April 2023, you will have three months to book an appointment and complete your ID check. If you don’t, you’ll have to start a new application.  How do I book an ID check?  You will be emailed by the GMC to invite you to complete your identity check as part of your application. Where can I complete my ID check?  It is no longer necessary to come to the UK to complete your identity check - you can instead do this through the free Digidentity app. If you are not able to complete your ID check through the app, you will need to book an appointment at the GMC's London office to complete your check in person. The  Information on booking in-person appointments can be found in your ID check invitation email. You would need to be in the UK, either on your visitor or working visa (if you already got have one).  What documents do I need?  The GMC will accept: passports full UK driving licences Forms of ID that will not be accepted are: provisional UK driving licences, expired documents and scanned or photocopies. At this time, Syrian passports also cannot be used. The GMC recommends that you use your passport if possible; if you use a full driving licence, you may be contacted for additional information. If you attend your ID check in person, you will need to bring the originals of the documents you submitted earlier in your online application. They must be valid on the day of the appointment and will be photocopied and returned to you. How do I use the app to complete my ID check?  The GMC has created a short and easy to follow instruction video explaining the process of using the app to verify your identity. Once you have watched the video, follow the steps below to complete your check using the app. Download the Digidentity app to your mobile phone – you will need a phone with iOS 14 or Android 9 or higher. Log into your GMC Online account – go to the 'My ID checks' section, click on 'Digital ID checks' and follow the step-by-step guide to completing your check.  When you take your selfie, please try to take an acceptable passport style photo.  You should use the email address the GMC contacted you on to create your Digidentity account and complete your check. If you need any support during this process, please contact Digidentity. Once you’ve completed all the steps in the Digidentity app, you must return to the ‘Digital ID check’ section of GMC Online and follow the steps on screen. This will allow Digidentity to send the details of your check to the GMC to review. What happens after I complete my ID check using the app? Once you’ve successfully completed all the steps on the app, you will receive an email from Digidentity confirming your completed registration.  When Digidentity share the results of your check with the GMC, this will be manually reviewed and you will be emailed to confirm whether your check has been successful. Please note, the registration confirmation email from Digidentity does NOT mean that you can now practise medicine in the UK. The GMC will email you separately once you have been granted registration. You must not start work until you have received the GMC confirmation email.  It can take up to ten working days to process your check, and you can monitor the progress of your verification via the 'Digital ID check' section of your GMC Online account. If there are any issues with your check, or if the GMC requires more information, they will contact you to let you know and explain what your options are. How do I complete my in-person ID check? Your identity check appointment lasts around 30 minutes.  The GMC will check your passport and then take a photo of you for their records. This photo may be disclosed to employers on request - this helps them to confirm your identity when you start work, as well as to help protect you from identity fraud.  You will also have to fill and sign the declaration form.  The appointment timings are strict, so the GMC won’t be able to provide advice on any other subjects during your identity check. If you have any other questions, please speak to your applications adviser or the contact centre.  Key information for doctors attending ID checks  For doctors who registered with the GMC at the beginning of the pandemic and did not complete an identity check, the GMC will offer you an ID check at the earliest convenience, so do look out for an email from them.  You will also be able to complete your ID check using the Digidentity app. I’ve completed my ID check, what’s next?  Firstly, congratulations! Once your identity check is complete and the GMC has confirmed your identity, you will immediately be granted registration and your name will be added to the medical register.  Get in touch with our team if you are interested in finding your perfect role in the NHS and relocating to the UK – we’re always happy to help.              

NHS Hospitals across the UK are offering specialty doctor job plans in Psychiatry with the opportunity for programmed CESR support, giving psychiatrists the chance to quickly work towards Specialist Registration.   For experienced IMGs, this is a new and relatively quick route to your first consultant post in Psychiatry.  By taking up a service level job as an SAS Doctor with CESR support as part of the job plan, many overseas psychiatrists are securing a great start to their career in the NHS that is suited to their senior level experience, whilst taking the time to acclimatize to the NHS and their Trust.  CESR Programmes for Specialty Doctors  By taking such posts in the NHS, you can join diverse, dynamic and inspiring groups of specialty doctors and acting consultants all on the way to achieving Specialist Registration as part of a tailored programme. You can read more about CESR for psychiatrists here. In offering such job opportunities, Trusts will provide a supportive environment with protected time to fulfill all the requirements of the CESR application in Psychiatry and its sub-specialties, gaining career-enhancing experiences as you do.    Acting up, dedicated peer groups, coaching & mentoring, scheduled learning and study time are some of the benefits that you could receive in one of these roles.   In such roles you will typically receive hands on support from consultant colleagues and exposure to a wide range of experience to specifically aid competency achievement for your CESR application in relation to the Specialty Specific Guidance (SSG) for your sub-specialty.  In some specialty doctor jobs with CESR programme you will rotate through various departments, dependent on your required experience.  Some Mental Health Trusts will also provide the following as part of their CESR programme:    A number of Supported Professional Activity (SPAs) sessions per week   Tailored experience to your CESR portfolio  Regular clinical supervision   A CESR mentor   Involvement in academic programmes and medical student teaching   Support in gaining research competencies   SAS Tutor support  CESR / SAS support forums and meetings  Finding SAS Roles with CESR Support  If you are an overseas doctor looking for a Specialty Doctor job with the chance to work towards your Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) in Psychiatry, speak to the IMG Connect team to discuss if this is a suitable route for you.  We have opportunities across the UK for international psychiatrists to take advantage of the CESR programme.  You can also send your CV to info@imgconnect.co.uk or register here. It takes less than 30 seconds to register!  IMG Jobs  Search and find live Psychiatry jobs in the NHS with CESR support IMG Resources Library  Browse our library for more useful articles on NHS jobs in psychiatry, salaries for doctors in the UK and postgraduate qualifications for psychiatrists and much more!  Connect with us  Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) and chat with an IMG Consultant to discuss your options for NHS roles with CESR support and start your journey towards Specialist Registration with IMG Connect.  For access to a community of like-minded psychiatry IMGs and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.    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.               

Overseas doctors from any country in the world can apply for Specialist Registration in the UK, provided certain eligibility criteria are met, though there are different routes available based on the doctor’s qualifications and training.  In this blog we’ll be exploring Specialist Registration in clinical oncology for overseas clinical or radiation oncologists more closely. We’ll look at all aspects of Specialist Registration, focusing more closely on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), including the application process, 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 oncologist? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? Do I need FRCR (Oncology) for Specialist Registration? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence do I need to submit for a CESR in clinical oncology? 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 CCT specialty means that you can be appointed to a substantive (or permanent) consultant position in the NHS. All clinical oncologists who wish to take permanent consultant roles in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience equivalent to a CCT in order to apply for Specialist Registration.   For clinical oncologists, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a consultant in the NHS.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC and is therefore not required to practice as a clinical oncologist in the UK.  Routes to Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC for Specialist Registration, and the type of certificate you receive depends on the training route you followed.  CCT for UK-trained Oncologists  For doctors who have completed a GMC-approved training programme, an application must be made to the GMC for a CCT in their specialty within 12 months of their completion date in order to qualify. After this point, they will be required to use the CESR route to apply directly to the GMC if they wish to attain Specialist Registration.  CCT for EEA-trained Oncologists  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. You can read more about this in the Specialist Registration section under your country on the GMC website here.  CESR-CP for doctors who have completed only part of a GMC-approved training programme CESR(CP) is a simplified route to Specialist Registration for doctors who joined their specialty training programme after ST1, and therefore do not meet the requirement of 4 years duration in GMC-approved training on completion, as they began their training overseas and completed it in the UK.  CESR for Overseas Oncologists  For overseas doctors who have completed their full training outside of a GMC-approved training programme, CESR is the route they will usually take towards attaining Specialist Registration. This route does not require further training, rather the submission of an application.   Clinical Oncology Positions in the NHS without CESR  It is important to note that you can apply for more senior oncology roles 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 clinical oncology curriculum.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  Get in touch with us to find out more about senior positions in the NHS with CESR support.  FRCR (Oncology) for Specialist Registration  Whilst it is always beneficial to complete FRCR (Oncology), particularly for doctors who have trained outside the UK or an EEA country, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the Clinical Oncology curriculum are the FRCR (Oncology) exams, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the core curriculum.  FRCR (Oncology) is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.  Similarly, UK trainees would have completed MRCP (UK) before beginning their clinical oncology training, which is also not required for oncologists going through the CESR route.  However, CESR applicants who have not successfully completed these exams must provide alternative evidence that demonstrates equivalent knowledge to oncologists who have passed the FRCR (Oncology) exams and the appropriate level of non-oncology expertise and that you can appropriately manage the acutely unwell patient.  Even if the competencies covered by the exam 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 of the evidence presented.  You can read more about the evidence required in the specialty specific guidance here.  CESR Equivalence Process  Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current clinical oncology 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 Radiologists 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 Clinical Oncology  Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in oncology must cover the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Clinical Oncology Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your clinical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  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 oncologists applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. As of 1st April 2022, for CESR, this fee is £1,727. For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £452.  How long does it take to complete an application for CESR in Clinical Oncology?  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 oncologists, 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 clinical oncology is seven 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 oncologists.  #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 Clinical Oncology curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Clinical Oncology CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain 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 pro formas 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 oncology posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded clinical and radiation oncology CESR aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology, including guidance on CESR applications, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Sources  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-oncology/careers-and-recruitment/specialist-registration-cesr  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/specialist-application-guides/specialist-registration-cesr-or-cegpr  https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/sat---ssg---clinical-oncology---dc3556_pdf-48456770.pdf  Getting started  Many oncology 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 oncology 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 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:              

For overseas doctors, there are several routes you can use to apply for GMC registration in the UK. The route that is right for you, depends on your qualification and experience.  GMC registration is essential for doctors practicing in the NHS, therefore it is important for overseas doctors to determine the most suitable route before securing a role.  This article will help you to identify the appropriate GMC application route for you as an IMG and will give you guidance on the steps you need to take, covering key areas including the following:  What is the GMC? What do I need for GMC registration? Routes to GMC registration: PLAB Accepted Postgraduate Qualifications / Licensing Exams Relevant European Qualifications Sponsorship & MTI Specialist Registration – CESR, CESR-CP & CEGPR #IMG Tips How do I get started? Please skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  The General Medical Council  The GMC is the body in the UK which is responsible for licensing and revalidating every doctor. Therefore, for every doctor practicing in the UK, GMC registration is essential – you cannot practice in the UK without full GMC registration with a license to practise.  The primary responsibility of the General Medical Council is to ‘protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public’ in addition to improving medical education and practice across the UK.  Requirements for GMC Registration  Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings, actions and documents. For full GMC registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   1. (EEA doctors) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA physician, this would be your recognised EEA qualification.   OR   1. (non-EEA doctors) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA physician, this would either be PLAB, your Royal College postgraduate qualification (e.g. MRCP) or a GMC-approved qualification.   AND  2. 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   3. Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing.  There are several steps involved in the registration process, but these are the three main components required in order to be eligible.  To understand the registration process more fully, read our blog on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  PLAB  The PLAB exam is a two-part licensing exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the UK. As such, it does not demonstrate ability in any particular medical specialty.   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, doctors can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS. Take a look at our comprehensive guides on PLAB for more information.  Is PLAB suitable for me?  The PLAB route may be suitable for you if:  You have not completed an internship, or your internship does not meet the acceptable pattern OR; You have completed an acceptable pattern of internship, but have no other clinical postgraduate experience OR; You are currently in or have completed postgraduate training (residency), and you want a faster route to full GMC registration.  Acceptable Postgraduate Qualifications or Licensing Exams  The GMC has produced a list of postgraduate qualifications which are accepted as sufficient evidence of the necessary knowledge, skills and experience required for full registration.  If these postgraduate qualifications are more than 3 years old when your application is made, you will have to provide further evidence of your recent medical experience.  UK Postgraduate Qualifications  Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e., pathology.   For senior doctors taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice.  For example, the Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates all medicine specialties in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP UK) is the qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining full MRCP (UK) will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior medicine roles in the UK.  Take a look at our complete guides on the Royal Colleges in the UK through our IMG Resources library to understand more.   The full list of UK postgraduate qualifications can be found here.  Overseas Postgraduate Qualifications  There are also some overseas qualifications that meet the same standards as UK postgraduate qualifications, although they are not necessarily the same in every aspect.  You can find the full list of UK and overseas qualifications here.  Licensing Exams  Doctors who have passed an acceptable overseas registration exam can apply for full GMC registration.   You are eligible for to apply via this route if you:  graduated from a medical school outside the UK or Switzerland  and you:  hold an acceptable primary medical qualification  have completed an internship  have passed one of the following overseas registration exams:  United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE): Step 1, Step 2 clinical knowledge and Step 2 clinical skills; For Step 2 clinical skills, your pass must be between 16 April 2004 and 13 March 2020.  Medical Council of Canada Qualification Examination 2 (taken in English) on or before 27 October 2020  The Australian Medical Council Clinical Examination on or before 5 March 2020  have passed each part of the exam including the knowledge tests and clinical skills components in four attempts or less. If you sat any part of the exam more than four times before passing, you will not be eligible for this application.  Is the postgraduate/ licensing exam route suitable for me?  The postgraduate route to GMC registration is a popular one and facilitates the attainment of more senior roles in the NHS than for example PLAB (when combined with the relevant experience).  If you have already completed an acceptable postgraduate qualification in your home country, this is the most suitable pathway for you, as you will not have to sit additional exams.  The same goes for acceptable licensing exams, which also exempts overseas physicians from PLAB.  If you have not passed an acceptable overseas postgraduate qualification or licensing exam, you would have to complete the relevant UK postgraduate qualification.  Relevant European Qualification  If you hold a medical qualification awarded in the EEA or Switzerland, it may be classed as a Relevant European Qualification (REQ). You can find out whether your qualification is classed as a REQ by selecting your country through this link. Each country’s page covers the qualifications you would need to send to the GMC to support your application for entry onto the Medical Register, GP and Specialist Registers, and where appropriate, provisional registration with a licence to practice.  Is the REQ route suitable for me?  The Relevant European Qualification route to GMC registration is suitable for you if you hold a specialist certification that is recognised by the GMC. You can verify this through your country’s GMC page here.  Sponsorship & MTI  Some institutions can provide sponsorship for GMC registration. Doctors who receive sponsorship are therefore exempted from PLAB or the need to have an acceptable postgraduate qualification or licensing exam.  MTI  The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.   Although doctors practicing in the UK must be registered with the GMC, for MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.  You can read more about the MTI scheme here.  Sponsorship  There are several types of sponsorship available to overseas doctors, such as sponsorship offered by NHS Trusts through International Fellowships or sponsorships for specific posts.   If you apply for GMC registration through sponsorship, you’ll have to satisfy the sponsor that you possess the knowledge, skills and experience required for practising as a fully registered medical practitioner in the UK.  Each sponsor may have their own scheme which has been pre-approved by the GMC, and since each scheme differs from the next, we advise that you check the sponsor’s official website and contact them for more information.  A key aspect of all sponsors' criteria is that a doctor applying for GMC sponsorship must have been engaged in medical practice for three out of the last five years including the most recent 12 months. It is important to meet these minimum criteria for the best chance of providing sufficient evidence to support your application.  The complete list of GMC-approved sponsors, including NHS Trusts and Royal Colleges, can be found here.  Is the sponsorship route suitable for me?  MTI is best suited to junior doctors and those who wish to return to their home country after the training period, whereas the criteria for other types of sponsorship can be more varied.  Specialist Registration  The Specialist Register is a register of doctors who can take up substantive consultant (permanent) posts in the UK. All doctors who wish to work as substantive consultant in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience in order to apply for Specialist Registration.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC. You can read more about the types of GMC registration here.  Doctors eligible for Specialist Registration apply directly to the GMC to demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience are equivalent to the requirements for CCT in the UK.   Doctors who have completed their specialist training in the EEA or Switzerland may be eligible for direct entry onto the Specialist Register through their Relevant European Qualification (REQ) and are awarded a CCT after a successful application.  CESR is the route to Specialist Registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved specialty training programme i.e. doctors who have trained outside of the UK, Switzerland, and EEA countries. This is often the preferred route of IMGs.   For an in-depth guide to CESR, look at our blog for overseas doctors here.  Is Specialist Registration suitable for me?  Specialist Registration may be suitable for you if you (at minimum):  1. Hold a specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in  OR  2. Have at least six months of continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in  You will have to provide evidence of your eligibility as part of your application, as well as evidence that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.  The indicative period of training to be awarded a CCT ranges from 5 years to 9 years in the UK (depending on the specialty), so if you have less training than this, it is unlikely that you will have the full evidence required for a successful application for Specialist Registration.  #IMG Tips  In short, there are routes that depend on qualifications or exams from countries you’ve trained in: licensing exams, acceptable postgraduate qualifications, or REQs; or if you do not hold any of these: MTI, UK postgraduate exams or PLAB.  Use the GMC route finder to double-check you are pursuing a route to registration that you are eligible for.  If your route requires additional exams, begin your preparation for these well in advance and always start with the syllabus or curriculum for your exam!  Read through the GMC’s page on required documents – the necessary documents can change, as the GMC adapts to changes in healthcare and current issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic.  If you’ll be completing exams to register with the GMC, complete these or begin the process before you focus on English language testing – your IELTS or OET only have a 2-year validity period!  Getting started  So, there you have it, the main routes to GMC registration for IMGs. Once you have determined your route to GMC registration, it’s time to either begin gathering the required documents for your application or begin your preparation for any exams you’ll need to sit.  Have you already registered with the GMC, or looking to get started? Get in touch with us here to discuss finding an NHS post. If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with our team.  For advice, guidance and news and updates for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below.             

Training in the NHS offers an extensive training scheme and career development for psychiatrists, with the quality and depth of this programme being recognised as a gold standard throughout the international medical community.  In line with developments and progression in psychiatry across the field and around the world, training provided to UK psychiatry trainees is regularly reviewed and updated. This should make the training programme attractive to UK graduates, as well as IMG psychiatrists seeking the best training programmes for their field and career development.  In this article, we will explore the training pathway for psychiatrists in the UK, with a broad look at the following topics:  What is the NHS Training Pathway? How do you enter the training pathway? What does the specialty training programme look like for psychiatry? What happens after completing the psychiatry training programme? Can I enter specialty training in the UK as an IMG? The NHS Training Pathway  The NHS training pathway refers to the complete programme for UK trainees, from foundation training to the completion of specialist or higher training, where candidates may be eligible for a CCT within their chosen specialism, such as General psychiatry or any of its sub-specialties.  It is important for IMGs to understand this process, as it clarifies what stage they can most likely enter the system if they are interested in training in the UK.  Entering the NHS Training Pathway  After graduating from medical school, doctors will receive provisional registration from the GMC which allows them to enter the Foundation programme (a two-year work-based training programme).  Upon completion of the first year (FY1), doctors will gain full registration with the GMC and will be able to apply for further study and training in a specialised area, such as psychiatry – for psychiatry, this first stage is known as Core Psychiatry Training (CT).  Specialty Training in Psychiatry  The UK Specialty Training programme in Psychiatry is 6 years long, and whilst doctors may pass through training quicker depending on how quickly they achieve their competencies, this is rarely the case and psychiatrists will usually take the indicated time, or slightly longer to complete the Specialty Training programme.  Successful applicants entering year one of core psychiatry training (CT1), will follow the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ 2017 Specialist Training in Psychiatry Curriculum.   The Psychiatry training programme  The psychiatry specialty training scheme operates both as a run-through and uncoupled programme, though it is more often un-coupled.  Depending on where your application is successful, you may complete your period of core training, as well as the Royal College exams before making a further application for the next stage of training (requiring two applications). Alternatively, you may be able to apply for run-through training, which guarantees you complete both Core and Higher training in one region, as you are recruited for the full duration of Specialty Training.  Foundation Training (FY1 – FY2)  The foundation programme usually involves six different rotations or placements in medical or surgical specialties. These rotations enable trainees to practise and gain competence in basic clinical skills.  Selection  Here, trainees will either choose whether to enter GP (General Practitioner) training, internal medicine training (IMT) or core training in psychiatry (CT).   Core Psychiatry Training (CT1 – CT3)  This part of training takes place from year 1 to 3, where trainees will work and train in several different sub-specialties within psychiatry. They will gain a broad understanding of psychiatry by rotating between 6-month posts in the following sub-specialties:  General and Community Psychiatry - including Assertive Outreach, Crisis Home Treatment, Outreach for Homeless People, Early Intervention for Psychosis, Rehabilitation and Liaison Psychiatry.  Old Age Psychiatry - including Memory Clinics, Community Teams, Domiciliary Clinics, Young Onset Dementia, Day Hospital and Liaison Psychiatry.  Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - including Specialist Adolescent and Academic Psychiatry.  Substance Misuse  Learning Disability Psychiatry - including Specialist Asperger Services.  Forensic Psychiatry - including all levels of security.  By the end of CT3, trainees will need to have completed the MRCPsych exams.  Please note, trainees must pass the MRCPsych Paper A, Paper B and CASC exams in order to progress to higher psychiatry training.  For more information of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examination suite, take a look at our IMG Resources library here.  There are two opportunities per year to apply to core psychiatry training. Information about how to apply, including the person specifications, is available via the North West Deanery, who manage the recruitment process.  Selection  Here, trainees who are not currently training in a run-through programme will make applications to a deanery for higher psychiatry training in their chosen specialty. Selection is open by national competition.  Higher Psychiatry Training (ST4 – ST6)  This training takes place from years 4 – 6, where trainees will complete 3 years of yearly rotations in their chosen speciality, building on their core training and develop increasing levels of competence in clinical psychiatry.  There will also be opportunities to work in other sub-specialties including: addictions, eating disorders, neuro-psychiatry, perinatal and social & rehabilitation psychiatry.   Trainees will usually be allocated a certain number of PAs (programmed activities) weekly for special interest or research purposes. As well as sub-specialty opportunities, these can also be used towards educational opportunities such as local training days/conferences in relevant domains, from clinical leadership to humanities.  Completion of the Psychiatry Specialty Training Programme  Upon completion of the training programme, the choice is made as to whether the trainee will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in General Adult Psychiatry of one of its sub-specialisms. This will be based on criteria set out in the curriculum by the Royal College. You can find the 2021 curriculum here.  At this point, the psychiatrists are entered onto the specialist register and can now take permanent consultant posts in the NHS.  Specialist Registration for overseas doctors  Doctors who completed part or all of their psychiatry training outside of the UK are eligible for specialist registration through the CESR or CESR-CP pathways. To learn more about specialist registration for overseas doctors, read our blog here.  Joining the Psychiatry Specialty Training Programme as an IMG  It is possible for overseas doctors to join the Specialty Training programme in Psychiatry in the UK, however it is very competitive.   IMGs interested in UK specialty training must have:  Full GMC registration   Completion of a minimum 12-month (FY1 equivalent) internship  English language test  PLAB  AND  12 months post-internship experience by the time you start begin ST1  Although UK trainees are not given priority for specialty training places, it can be very difficult to join the Psychiatry Specialty Training programme without NHS experience.  So here you have it, a broad overview of the NHS Psychiatry Specialty Training pathway for UK trainees. This training scheme is the core of psychiatry training in the UK, and for IMGs looking to join the training programme, understanding of the pathway allows you to better align your overseas training with the relevant stage you wound enter into Specialty Training in the UK.  Getting started  If you have any further questions about the UK training pathway or your route to the UK as an overseas psychiatrist, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.   For access to a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.   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.              

Acute medicine SCE is the higher postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a specialist qualification for acute medicine doctors. It is one of 11 SCEs offered by the Royal College and offers physicians a postgraduate qualification which demonstrates to prospective employers the achievement of a standard equivalent to UK specialist doctors.  Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) Acute Medicine Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in acute medicine. We cover the content of the exam, as well as fees and the eligibility criteria, all summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:  What is the acute medicine SCE? Where does the SCE fit into my training? What is the structure of the acute medicine SCE? How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas acute medicine doctor? How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG? I’ve passed, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.  MRCP (UK) Acute Medicine SCE  The acute medicine specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in acute medicine for all UK trainees.   The purpose of an SCE is to:  ensure that certified specialists have sufficient knowledge of their specialty to practice safely and competently as consultants  complement workplace-based assessments  provide a rigorous national assessment to establish public confidence  offer a challenge similar to sub-specialty certification examination in North America  SCE as Part of Training in Acute Medicine  Since the MRCP(UK) exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (ST1-ST3), the acute medicine SCE allows physicians to demonstrate that they are able to practice independently at a consultant level.  The SCE has no official entry requirements (both for UK and overseas candidates); however, UK trainees would normally take the SCE in their penultimate year of higher specialty training (ST6). UK trainees should have made at least one attempt by the time of their penultimate year assessment.  For in-depth guide to the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.  Exam Structure  The SCE assesses candidates on a wide range of common and important disorders, as set out in the syllabus of the curriculum. This should be taken as an indication of the likely number of questions – the actual number may vary:  Topic  Number of questions  Cancer and palliative care and haematology  10  Cardiovascular medicine  20  Clinical pharmacology and poisoning  10  Critical care medicine  10  Diabetes and endocrine medicine  14  Gastroenterology and hepatology  20  Infectious diseases   14  Medicine in the elderly  18  Musculoskeletal system  12  Neurology and ophthalmology  20  Renal medicine  10  Respiratory medicine  20  Other*  22  Total  200  *Other: Allergy; Clinical genetics; Dermatology; Immunology; Patient safety and risk management; Psychiatry; Public health and health promotion  The questions in each category are distributed across both papers.  All SCEs are computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE at a test centre in the UK or internationally.  Acute Medicine SCE Applications  SCEs are held once a year and applications are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, within the Upcoming Exams section of the Royal College website.   The application process is as follows:  Register online through My MRCP(UK) (candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any special arrangements)  Request a preferred test country and city  Pay applicable examination fee  Application is confirmed via an automatically generated email  Receive test centre confirmation email from Pearson VUE within four weeks of the examination date.  The Royal College of Physicians has created a helpful video guide on SCE applications which you can watch here.  Cost  The cost of the SCE exams are as follows:  UK centres: £665  International centres: £833  Exam Centres  UK Centres  Candidates who choose to sit the acute medicine SCE in the UK must contact Pearson VUE to book their test. There are up to 137 test centres throughout the UK for each SCE, and the Royal College of Physicians advise that candidates should book their exam as early as possible to secure their preferred test centre, as bookings operate on a first come first served basis.  International Centres  Candidates are given a choice of regions and are then asked to nominate a particular city in that region as their desired test location. The Royal College of Physicians will pass this request to Pearson VUE once the application period has closed, and Pearson VUE will confirm final test centre details to candidates via email at least three weeks before the date of the examination. If the exam is not available in a requested location, candidates will be offered a choice of the nearest available test centres.  Please note, international candidates should not book their own test centre with Pearson VUE - attempting to do so may delay a candidate's application.  The full list of international SCE test centres can be found here.  Preparation and Resources for the Acute Medicine SCE  It can be difficult for IMGs to know where to start with their preparation and revision. This list should provide a good starting point for any international acute medicine doctors preparing to sit the SCE:  Curriculum - Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Acute Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Curriculum for Acute Medicine Specialist Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a blueprint for your study.   Guidelines - These tools are helpful for supplementing your knowledge:  National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) The Society for Acute Medicine (SAM) Textbooks  Oxford Textbook of Medicine (Eds David A. Warrell, Timothy M. Cox, John D. Firth. Published by Oxford University Press) Oxford Handbook of Acute Medicine (Eds Punit Ramrakha, Kevin Moore, Amir Sam. Published by Oxford University Press) Journals  Acute Medicine (Published by Rila) Clinical Medicine (Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London) Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Sample questions: It is a good idea to regularly assess your knowledge and progress using example questions from the current exam syllabus. You can find these here.  For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, check out our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.  I’ve passed! What’s next?  First of all, congratulations - this is a massive achievement! With your MRCP(UK) and acute medicine SCE in hand, you can apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Great stuff!   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG medicine recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, acute medicine positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.  To receive the latest news and updates, including the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the specific guidance on NHS applications for entry onto the Specialist Register through the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for psychiatrists.  We’ll cover the eligibility criteria, application process, and most importantly the required evidence, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is CESR and who is it for? Do overseas psychiatrists need MRCPsych for CESR? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence is required for a CESR in psychiatry? Where will I find this evidence? Submitting a CESR Application How much does CESR cost? How long does it take to receive a decision? How long does it take to complete? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Introduction to CESR  The CESR, or Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration, is the route to specialist registration for psychiatrists who have not completed a GMC-approved training programme but who are able to demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications and experience are equivalent to the requirements for the award of CCT in the UK.   CESR holders can be appointed to substantive (or permanent) consultant positions in the NHS. As a psychiatrist, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a psychiatry consultant in the NHS.  Psychiatrists must satisfy the GMC that their specialist training or specialist qualifications, when considered together, are equivalent to a CCT in the specialty in question. Doctors who have undertaken a minimum of 6 months training or obtained a specialist qualification and acquired specialist medical experience or knowledge as a psychiatrist within a non-training post, and are currently practicing, may apply to the GMC for assessment of their competencies.  Overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS. Often, experienced psychiatrists will secure a post in the UK, and work towards CESR whilst in post. Typically, CESR is a preferred route towards specialist registration for overseas trained psychiatrists.  An overseas psychiatrists training may not have covered all the ground of the CCT curriculum, but they may be able to show competence in the missing area through experience in a fixed term Specialty Doctor, Specialty Grade, Associate Specialist, or Acting Consultant post in the NHS. In this case, overseas psychiatrists will likely complete the MRCPsych exams to gain GMC registration and start working in the NHS, before completing CESR.   MRCPsych for Specialist Registration  Overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register are not required to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams. In this case, MRCPsych is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.   The standard test of knowledge in the CCT curriculum is the MRCPsych exam, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the core Curriculum.  However, if CESR applicants have not successfully completed MRCPsych, they must provide alternative evidence that demonstrates equivalent knowledge to psychiatrists who have passed the exams.  Even if the competencies covered by the exam 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 of the evidence presented.  This is not to be confused with the requirements for registering for a full licence to practice with the GMC – many overseas applicants choose to complete MRCPsych. Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC and is therefore not required to practice as a psychiatrist in the UK.  You can read more about the full MRCPsych examination suite in our IMG Resources library.  The CESR Equivalence Process  Equivalence refers to the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current psychiatry 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; AND  skills and knowledge  The Royal College of Psychiatrists 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 Psychiatry  Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in psychiatry must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the General Psychiatry Curriculum, and the Advanced Module in the sub-specialty you are applying in. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your clinical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  Audit & 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 - 1200 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.  Gathering Evidence for a CESR Application  Domain 1 – Knowledge, skills and performance  Qualifications  Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)  Specialist medical qualification(s)  Curriculum or syllabus (if undertaken outside the UK)  Specialist registration outside the UK  Honours and prizes  Other relevant qualifications  Assessments and appraisals  Appraisals and assessments  RITAs, ARCPs and training assessments  360˚ and multi-source feedback  Awards and discretionary points letters  Personal development plans (PDP)  Logbooks, records of daily clinical practice and portfolios  Logbooks  Consolidation, cumulative data sheets, summary lists and annual caseload statistics  Medical reports  Case histories  Referral letters discussing patient handling  Patient lists  Departmental (or trust) workload statistics and annual caseload statistics  Rotas, timetables and job plans  Portfolios (electronic or revalidation)  Details of posts and duties (including both training and experience posts)  Employment letters and contracts of employment  Job descriptions  Job plans  Research, publications and presentations  Research papers, grants, patent designs  Publications within specialty field  Presentations, poster presentations  CPD and CME  CPD record certificates, certificates of attendance, workshops and at local, national and international meetings or conferences  CPD registration points from UK Medical Royal College (or equivalent body overseas)  Membership of professional bodies and organisations  Teaching timetables  Lectures  Feedback or evaluation forms from those taught  Letters from colleagues  Attendance at teaching or appraisal courses  Participation in assessment or appraisal and appointments processes  Domain 2 – Safety and quality  Participation in audit, service improvement  Audits undertaken by applicant  Reflective diaries  Service Improvement and clinical governance meetings  Safety  Health and safety  Domain 3 - Communication, partnership and teamwork  Communication  Colleagues  Patients  Partnership and teamwork  Working in multidisciplinary teams  Management and leadership experience  Chairing meetings and leading projects  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Acting with honesty and integrity  Honest and integrity  Equality and human rights (including disability, human rights, race, religion and ethnicity awareness and equal opportunities)  Data protection  Relationships with patients  Testimonials and letters from colleagues  Thank you letters, cards from colleagues and patients  Complaints and responses to complaints  Additional areas of evidence  Topics Covered in the MRCPsych Exams  Paper A:  Behavioural science and sociocultural psychiatry  Basic psychology  Social psychology  Social science and sociocultural psychiatry   Human development   Basic neurosciences  Neuroanatomy  Neurophysiology   Neurochemistry   Molecular genetics  Neuropathology   Clinical psychopharmacology  General principles  Pharmacokinetics   Pharmacodynamics  Adverse drug reactions   Classification and assessment in psychiatry  Paper B:  Organisation and delivery of psychiatric services   General adult psychiatry   Prevalence/incidence, aetiology, presentation, treatment and outcome of psychiatric disorder in adulthood   Disorders related to pregnancy and childbirth   General hospital psychiatry   Emergency psychiatry   Eating disorders   Psychosexual disorders   Old age psychiatry   Psychotherapy   Dynamic psychotherapy   Family therapy   Cognitive-behavioural therapies   Other therapeutic models   Effectiveness of psychotherapy   Group therapy   Child and adolescent psychiatry   Substance misuse/addictions   Forensic psychiatry   Relationship between crime and mental disorder   Psychiatry and the criminal justice system   Practicing psychiatry in a secure setting   Human rights legislation as it affects patients and psychiatric practice   Learning disability   Services   Epidemiology/Aetiology   Clinical   Research methods, statistics, critical review and evidence-based practice   Translation of clinical uncertainty into an answerable question   Systematic retrieval of the best available evidence   Critical appraisal of the evidence   Application of the results in practice   Evaluation of performance  All these topics covered in the MRCPsych exams can be found in the Core Training in Psychiatry curriculum.   For more guidance on the different types of evidence, see the specialty specific guidance from the GMC for psychiatry.  Validating the evidence   Original documents which are on headed paper with a hospital stamp and original signatures do not need additional validation.   All photocopied evidence should contain a hospital stamp on every page of each document, the validator’s name (printed and in full), job title (printed and in full) and original signature.  Submitting a CESR Application  All CESR applications are submitted online via GMC Online and if you have not already created an account, you can find a guide on how to do so here.  Electronic evidence is required for each of the different evidence sections of the CESR application. Once started, the online application remains open for 12 months, meaning that it can be used as a portfolio to gather evidence against each of the different sections.  Your electronic evidence can be in any of the following formats:  .doc  .pdf  .ppt  .xls  Formats outside of these are unlikely to be accepted.  The Online Application  You will be required to complete the following sections once you begin your application:  Specialty details  Qualification details and professional experience  Details of your referees  Registration and licensing history  Evidence summary  Details of your verifiers  Final declaration and payment  Additional Evidence  Once an Adviser on the Specialist Applications Team has reviewed your initial evidence, they will provide you with information on:   What evidence they’ve accepted   What evidence they’re unable to accept (including the reasons for this)   Advice and guidance on how your application could be strengthened   You’ll have up to 60 days to provide additional documentary evidence in support of your application (30 days if you’ve submitted a Review application).  For further information about the online application process, see the GMC’s User Guide.  The Cost of CESR Applications  All psychiatrists 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 receive a decision?  The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.  How long does it take to complete?   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 psychiatrists, 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 psychiatry is six 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 psychiatrists.  NHS Positions in the NHS without CESR  It is important to note that you can apply for more senior psychiatry roles such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or acting consultant without being on the Specialist Register.  Similarly, overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS.  When compared to a trainee post, you will likely receive better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience. While working in these positions, you can collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK psychiatry curriculum.  Across the UK there are several NHS Trusts with well-established CESR programmes of support for psychiatrists who have taken up a fixed term post with the view to completing CESR.   These positions also facilitate a faster route to working in UK and attaining Specialist Registration when compared to making an application for CESR from overseas, which can take an additional amount of time.   #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 psychiatry curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Psychiatry CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain 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).  Choose your referees carefully - they will need to be able to comment on direct observation of your clinical competences. At least six (from the last 5 years) are required but it would be preferable to give provide eight to ten (based on previous experience).   Reconstruct your CV from scratch so that it matches the application form - if you submit a CV that doesn’t contain the required information or you have not submitted all evidence as mentioned on the CV, this will delay your application.   Request a CV consultation with one of our experts Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS psychiatry posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the IMG Psychiatrists community – as well as support on Royal College exams, our online community of international psychiatrists and dedicated psychiatry recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  Getting started  Attaining Specialist Registration through the CESR pathway can be a long but very rewarding process. Look at our introduction to CESR for psychiatrists for a full overview.  If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.   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.              

There are several routes a haematologist can take to register with the GMC and practice in the NHS.    Haematologists looking to secure a job in the NHS must satisfy certain criteria before fully registering with the GMC (General Medical Council) to receive a license to practice. For haematology, these criteria depend on where you received your training, and the qualifications you hold. In this blog, we’ll be giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to begin your journey to the UK as an overseas haematologist. We’ll be covering the following:  Will my training be recognised in the UK? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA haematologist? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA haematologist? 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.  Recognition of training  For haematologists 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.  Knowledge and Skills for EEA Haematologists  Basic Medical Training: If you meet the requirements for basic medical training, you will 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, without Specialist Registration.  Specialist Training / Residency: If you meet the criteria for entry onto the Specialist Register, then once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in haematology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as a haematologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for haematology and can be appointed as a substantive haematologist in the NHS.  As an EEA haematologist, the main hurdle 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.  Therefore, for European haematologists, this is most likely the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice haematology 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 haematology (FRCPath). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.  Knowledge and Skills for non-EEA Haematologists  If you qualified as a haematologist 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.  Haematologists who have trained from outside the UK and EEA must demonstrate to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. This can be done through 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 haematology 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, haematologists 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 Pathologists: The Royal College of Pathologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of haematologists in the UK, and Fellowship 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 IMG Resources library for a complete guide to FRCPath to learn more.  Please note that only UK trainee haematologists are required to also complete the MRCP (UK) examinations. You can read more about this here.    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 haematologists, 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 haematologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA haematologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.  (Non-EEA haematologist) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA haematologist, 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 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?  So there you have it! Hopefully this clarifies any questions or doubts you may have on your route to the UK as a haematologist planning a career in the NHS. If you have any questions, or wish to know more about the haematology job market then get in touch with our team.  For regular news and updates on all things pathology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Geriatric medicine SCE is the higher postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a specialist qualification for geriatric medicine doctors. It is one of 11 SCEs offered by the Royal College and offers physicians a postgraduate qualification which demonstrates to prospective employers the achievement of a standard equivalent to UK specialist doctors.  Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) Geriatric Medicine Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in geriatric medicine. We cover the content of the exam, as well as fees and the eligibility criteria, all summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:  What is the geriatric medicine SCE? Where does the SCE fit into my training? What is the structure of the geriatric medicine SCE? How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas geriatric medicine doctor? How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG? I’ve passed! What’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.  MRCP (UK) Geriatric Medicine SCE  The geriatric medicine specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in geriatric medicine for all UK trainees.   The purpose of an SCE is to:  ensure that certified specialists have sufficient knowledge of their specialty to practice safely and competently as consultants  complement workplace-based assessments  provide a rigorous national assessment to establish public confidence  offer a challenge similar to sub-specialty certification examination in North America  For in-depth guide to the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.  Geriatric Medicine SCE as part of UK training  Since the MRCP(UK) exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (ST1-ST3), the geriatric medicine SCE allows physicians to demonstrate that they are able to practice independently at a consultant level.  The SCE has no official entry requirements (both for UK and overseas candidates); however, UK trainees would normally take the SCE in their penultimate year of higher specialty training (ST6). UK trainees should have made at least one attempt by the time of their penultimate year assessment.  Exam Structure  The SCE assesses candidates on a wide range of common and important disorders, as set out in the syllabus of the curriculum. This should be taken as an indication of the likely number of questions – the actual number may vary:  Acute Illness (Diagnosis & Management)  Number of questions  Anaemia/ Haematology  1  Cardiovascular Medicine  4  Dermatology  1  Endrocrine medicine  2  Gastroenterology  3  Infection  4  Musculoskeletal medicine  2  Neurology  4  Renal medicine inc. fluid/ electric imbalance  2  Respiratory medicine  4  Sensory impairment  2    Chronic Disease & Disability(Diagnosis & Management)  Number of questions  Anaemia/ Haematology  1  Cardiovascular Medicine  4  Dermatology  1  Endrocrine medicine  3  Gastroenterology  3  Infection  4  Musculoskeletal medicine  4  Neurology  4  Renal medicine inc. Fluid/ electric imbalance  3  Respiratory medicine  4  Sensory impairment  2    Cognitive Impairment  Number of questions  Delirium  8  Dementia  12    Geriatric Assessment  Number of questions  Factors affecting health status  5  Measurement of health status  3    Subspecialty Topics  Number of questions  Palliative care  10  Old age psychiatry  7  Orthogeriatrics and osteoporosis  10  Stroke care  15  Tissue viability  6    Other  Number of questions  Basic science and gerontology  6  Continence  10  Falls and poor mobility  16  Surgical liaison  3  Intermediate care & long-term care  9  Nutrition  4  Rehabilitation, transfers of care  14                         TOTAL                                        200                 The questions in each category are distributed across both papers.  All SCEs are computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE at a test centre in the UK or internationally.  Geriatric Medicine SCE Applications  SCEs are held once a year and applications are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, within the Upcoming Exams section of the Royal College website.   The application process is as follows:  Register online through My MRCP(UK) (candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any special arrangements)  Request a preferred test country and city  Pay applicable examination fee  Application is confirmed via an automatically generated email  Receive test centre confirmation email from Pearson VUE within four weeks of the examination date.  The Royal College of Physicians has created a helpful video guide on SCE applications which you can watch here.  Cost  The cost of the SCE exams are as follows:  UK centres: £665  International centres: £833  Exam Centres  UK Centres  Candidates who choose to sit the geriatric medicine SCE in the UK must contact Pearson VUE to book their test. There are up to 137 test centres throughout the UK for each SCE, and the Royal College of Physicians advise that candidates should book their exam as early as possible to secure their preferred test centre, as bookings operate on a first come, first served basis.  International Centres  Candidates are given a choice of regions and are then asked to nominate a particular city in that region as their desired test location. The Royal College of Physicians will pass this request to Pearson VUE once the application period has closed, and Pearson VUE will confirm final test centre details to candidates via email at least three weeks before the date of the examination. If the exam is not available in a requested location, candidates will be offered a choice of the nearest available test centres.  Please note, international candidates should not book their own test centre with Pearson VUE - attempting to do so may delay a candidate's application.  The full list of international SCE test centres can be found here.  Preparation and Resources for the Geriatric Medicine SCE  It can be difficult for IMGs to know where to start with their preparation and revision.   Preparation for the SCE requires a wide breadth of knowledge around the curriculum and should involve reading of textbooks, journals and guidelines. Experience of the MRCP (UK) examinations provides an excellent background to the format of the examination.  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Geriatric Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Curriculum for Geriatric Medicine Specialist Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a blueprint for your study.   Sample questions: It is a good idea to regularly assess your knowledge and progress using example questions from the current exam syllabus. You can find these here.  For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, the best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, check out at our blog here. I’ve passed! What’s next?  First of all, congratulations - this is a massive achievement! With your MRCP (UK) and geriatric medicine SCE in hand, you can apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Great stuff!   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG medicine recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, geriatric medicine positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.  To receive the latest news and updates, including the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Overseas doctors often have questions about the best ways to prepare for MRCPsych Paper A, particularly with the changes to the exam format and so many online materials geared towards UK applicants and trainees.  So, what study preparation, materials, courses and support are available for international psychiatrists? We have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help you in your preparation for the Paper A exam. We will also address some changes to the availability of test centres and exam delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The topics we’ll cover are as follows:  What is MRCPsych Paper A? How do I get started with my preparation? What other resources are available? How has the exam been affected by COVID-19? #IMGTips Passed? What’s next? If you know what you’re looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section.  For an overview of the entire examination series, have a look at our article in the IMG Resources library here.  What is MRCPsych Paper A?  Let’s begin with a quick recap of the first exam in the MRCPsych examination suite.   MRCPsych Paper A is a three-hour written exam which covers the scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry  The paper comprises 150 questions and is worth 150 marks, with two thirds being multiple choice questions (MCQ) and the other third, extended matching item questions (EMI).  The breakdown of the sections is as follows:  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych Paper A exam here.  Preparation  It can be tough to know the best place to start, so we’ve spoken to some IMG psychiatrists and the consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help candidates in their preparation for the exam. These include:  Syllabus: We always recommend this as the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics for a road map to your success in the exam. You can find this here.  Sample papers: These will help you perfect your exam techniques and are an effective way to benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. They will also help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The sample papers can be found here.  Marking schemes: It’s always a good idea to understand how exams are marked so you can structure your revision accordingly, giving you the best chance of a pass. These are available here.  Sample exam: Samples of the exam are also helpful in fully understanding the format and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment, particularly as this is a more recent change to the exam. This is available here.  Online exam guidance: This guidance has been written specifically to help candidates to prepare for sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings that will be in place on the day. This will be more useful closer to the exam date. The guidance can be accessed here.  Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide: the Royal College suggest having a look through this guide, which is a helpful resource to help you to get over the first steps, available here.  What other resources are available?  IMG Connect has a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the Paper A exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.  The most highly recommended resources are the SPMM and MRCPsychMentor resources. They are available in different formats depending on your revision needs:  SPMM Starter Study Materials: A range of comprehensive study materials and subject-based question banks with evidence-based answers and explanations (SPMM HiYield and SmartRevise). These are available for 6 months from the date of purchase for the price of £299 and can be found here.  SPMM Booster Mock Exams These practice tests are simulations of the real exam prepared to the exam blueprint, allowing you to identify your weakest areas before the actual exam. This package includes access to 6 individual practice papers, comprising reconstructed questions from the most recent exams. Subscriptions can be purchased only 10 weeks before the College exam date.  Duration  N/A  Cost  £249  Next start date  On demand  Website  spmmcourse.com/local/coursepackages.php    MRCPsychMentor Revision Course: unlimited access to a bank of over 2000 questions, including some from previous exams. These are delivered in the same format as will be in the exam (MCQs and EMIs), with practice timed tests you can complete as many times as you like. You can access the course here.  MRCPsychMentor Mock Exam There are two three-hour long exams available here which simulates exam conditions with mock exam papers of questions not available in the question bank. They include a revision mode, timed tests, extensive performance analysis and powerful question review functions.  Duration  6 weeks  Cost  £15 each  Next start date  On demand  Website  www.mrcpsychmentor.com/mocka/index.php    IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych Paper A Crash Course This is a tailored MRCPsych Paper A course for overseas psychiatrists. This course offers weekly sessions covering the exam and its various domains. This is accompanied by practice MCQs and EMQs for exam-style practice, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration. You can access our IMG Psychiatrists Paper A Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources:  BMJ Revision Questions: The BMJ has created an app-based revision resource with over 270 core questions, including the SBA and EMQ formats that will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points dependent on the duration of access, from £29.99 for one month to £129.99 for 12 months. These are available here.  TrickCyclists Exam Notes: A series of psychiatry notes specifically tailored to the MRCPsych Paper A exam, including the nine topics covered by the exam and more. They are available in word and PDF format and are free to be used, distributed and modified. They are available here.  How have the exams been affected by COVID-19?  As a result of the pandemic, all MRCPsych exams have moved online. You can learn more about the online exams for MRCPsych here.  The application process for the exam takes 15 – 20 minutes where candidates will need a valid debit/ credit card, as well as the email address and full details of your sponsor. Further details on the application process can be found here.  #IMGTips  Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Divide your study time according to the marks percentage for each section – dividing your time in this way will ensure you’re putting most of your time towards what will gain you the most marks.  Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage.  Try to take some time off work before the exam – you’ll likely be preparing for the exam alongside full-time work, so, if possible, take around 5-7 days somewhere in the run-up to the exam for some intense revision.  Join the online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation here.  Passed? What next?  Great stuff, this is a fantastic achievement and you should take a well-deserved break!  Once you’re ready, you can apply to sit the Paper B exam (or CASC if you started with Paper B). For more information, take a look at our blog, where we explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything you need to know about sitting the exam, including dates, results, fees and structure.  For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.  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.              

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

One of the biggest considerations for IMGs relocating to the UK with families is finding the right school for their children. The education system in the UK can be confusing in places, so it’s important to fully understand all the options available within the UK to be able to make a well-informed decision.  And with factors such as citizenship playing a part in areas such as cost, a good idea of the UK system is crucial for all families relocating with children.  In this blog we’ll be covering the following topics:  An overview of the education system in the UK Educational Institutes Primary Education Secondary Education Further Education Higher Education Citizenship and UK Education Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  AN OVERVIEW OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE UK  The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts, primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education. Children in the UK legally must attend primary and secondary education which runs from about 5-years-old until around 16-years-old.   Early years’ education applies to children aged around 3-years-old to 4- or 5-years old. This stage sets standards for the learning, development and care of a child until the age of 5.  The basic school curriculum includes the ‘national curriculum’, as well as religious education and sex education. And sets out a blueprint of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools that allows children to learn the same things. It covers both the subjects that are taught, and the standards children are expected to reach in each subject.  The UK system is also split into "key stages" where a child’s performance is formally assessed by their teacher at the end of each stage. These break down as follows:   Key Stage 1: age 4 - 7   Key Stage 2: age 7 - 11  Key Stage 3: age 11 - 14  Key Stage 4: age 14 - 16  In England, the compulsory education age has been extended to 18. This means that students must stay in full-time education, begin an apprenticeship or traineeship, or start a part-time education/training course, with 20 hours a week working or volunteering at age 16.  This article discusses the time spent at school, starting and leaving years etc. This will help to give you a general idea when comparing to other countries around the world. Cost of Education in the UK  Education in the UK is free for all children, and all children are entitled to and guaranteed a space at school. The UK is renowned for having a strong academic set-up and we find a lot of IMGs plan to move to the UK for the educational benefit of their children.  Ofsted The regulator that scores and assesses schools in the UK is Ofsted. Ofsted's role is to make sure that educational institutions, training and care services in England operate to a high standard for children and students. Every week, we carry out hundreds of inspections and regulatory visits throughout England and publish the results online.  Ofsted gradings for all schools in England are published on this webpage and can be filtered by region and found here. School Terms and Holidays  A typical school year starts begins in September and ends in June/July. It consists of three terms: Autumn Term (September to December), Spring Term (January to April) and Summer Term (April to July).  As well as having a week-long break in the middle of each term (half-term), students also have longer holidays between terms: Christmas holidays (2-3 weeks), Easter holidays (2-3 weeks) and summer holidays (around 6 - 8 weeks).  EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES  There are two main types of school in the UK - ones that are paid for by the government or local authorities and ones which aren't.  The ones which aren't, need to get the money to pay for themselves from somewhere else, like school fees. The main differences between these two types are that state schools are free for students, whilst private schools often charge fees.  Most state schools (aside from academies) will also follow the national curriculum, whilst private schools (while still rigorously assessed by OFSTED) are able to determine their own curriculum, admittance processes, term dates etc.  There are several types of state schools in the UK which provide free education to pupils in the UK, funded whether by the government or by local authorities, these include:  Maintained schools  Academies  Selective grammar schools  Religion focused faith schools  State boarding schools  Private schools in the UK include:  Independent schools  Boarding schools  As well as these, there are also tutorial colleges which start at age 15 and have a more flexible programme range, focusing on fast access to UK university.  Further education colleges such as sixth forms and colleges provide education for those over the age of 16, and of course universities are higher education institutions where students over the age of 18 study towards undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.  PRIMARY EDUCATION  Primary school education begins in the UK at age around 4 or 5 and continues until age 11, comprising key stages one and two.  The year groups at primary school level are as follows:   Some primary schools are split up into Infant and Junior levels, which are usually separate schools on the same site. The infant age range (Key Stage 1) is from age 4 to 7, and the Junior age range (Key Stage 2) is from age 7 to 11.  SATs  SATs are national statutory assessments that children in England take twice during their primary school years. The assessments are made up of a combination of testing and teacher assessment judgements and are used to assess the attainment of pupils against the national curriculum, firstly, at the end of Key Stage 1 (KS1) in Year 2, and then again at the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2) in Year 6.   KS1 SATs currently assess children in maths (arithmetic) and English (reading, spelling, punctuation and grammar). KS2 SATs are more formal than in KS1 and children are assessed in English reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, science, mathematical reasoning, and arithmetic.  SECONDARY EDUCATION  Secondary school education begins at age 11 and continues until around age 16, comprising key stages three and four.  Key Stage 3  Years 7 and 8 are the first two years of secondary school education in the UK. Under the UK system, all students study English, Maths, Sciences, a Humanity and a Modern Language. Besides these subjects, each school has a list with optional subjects (Art, Music, Drama, Latin, Sport Science, Design Technology, Computer Science).  Year 9 is a very important year in the British school system, as most of the students make the transition from Junior School to Senior School. It is also a very good foundation for the GCSE programme, and it is an entry point to all schools.   Students study English, Maths, Sciences, Humanity and Languages. In addition, students choose a few subjects that interest them from the optional subject list offered by each school.   Key Stage 4 – GCSE programme  In the last two years of secondary education, year 10 and year 11, students prepare for GCSE exams that are taken after two years (General Certificate of Secondary Education).  In the UK school system, during the GCSE programme, students study between 9 and 12 subjects, in which they are examined at the end of the 2-3 year period. English, maths, 2/3 sciences, one humanity and a modern foreign language are compulsory, leaving 3 to 6 subjects free to be chosen by each student according to their abilities and preferences.   The chosen subjects and the GCSE results are very important for their Further Studies (A-Level or IB) and for university admission.  Some schools offer a 1-year GCSE programme in Year 11 for international students seeking a school education in the UK. These intensive courses are available for students aged 15 plus, with the appropriate academic level from their own country. Fewer subjects are studied (maximum 6).  FURTHER EDUCATION  Years 12 and 13  A-level Study  In the UK school system, once a student reaches the age of 16, they can start a 2-year programme which leads to A- (Advanced) level examinations. Students choose 3 or 4 subjects which may continue on from GCSE study or may be new choices.  A-levels are state examinations and are recognised by all UK universities and by institutions worldwide, therefore students usually choose A-level subjects are usually chosen that are relevant to the degree subject they wish to follow at university.  International Baccalaureate (IB)  Some independent schools may offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.  During the IB, students study 6 subjects, 3 at higher level (HL) and 3 at standard level (SL). Each school offers different subjects at different study levels (HL/SL). The IB programme also includes a compulsory core programme consisting of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).  Vocational Courses  Further Education colleges also offer foundation and diploma courses, and all colleges can prepare students for entry to a UK university or any university in the world.   An alternative to A-levels or the IB are BTEC courses, which are designed for students who would like to develop practical knowledge and skills in a specific subject (Business, Psychology, Engineering, Sport, Art & Design) or perhaps find traditional exams challenging.  BTEC students are assessed during the course (usually after each unit) through practical or skills-based assignments, tasks or tests, rather than at the end of the programme.  HIGHER EDUCATION  Foundation Courses  Foundation degrees are courses for international students preparing for undergraduate study, or for UK students who are unsure about taking a full degree or want to study while working.   They usually take one to two years full-time to complete, or longer for part-time students, and students can normally continue for a further year to gain a full honours degree or have direct entry onto a full degree after completing a foundation course.  Undergraduate Study  In the UK, a bachelor's degree normally takes three years to complete, and most are awarded at honours level (360 credits or 180 ECTS). Examples of first degrees are: BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science), and BEng (Bachelor of Engineering).  The academic year is typically 9 months long, with study beginning in September/ October and finishing around June/ July.  Postgraduate Study  Postgraduate courses in the UK education system are very intensive. This means that the courses are usually much shorter than in other countries. A master's degree typically takes 12 months to complete, for example an MA - Master of Arts and an MEng - Master of Engineering.  An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a high profile Masters course which can take 2 years. Applicants for MBA courses will usually be high achieving with at least 2 years managerial experience.   A PhD research degree in the UK can take between 2 and 7 years.  CITIZENSHIP AND HIGHER EDUCATION  University Tuition Fees  Tuition fees cover the entire cost of tuition plus any excess services you may get from the university, such as tutoring services, information technology, and library services that they may provide.   The cost of undergraduate tuition in the UK is usually around £9,250 for home students (British citizens). For non-UK students, this can be anywhere from £11,000 to £20,000, depending on the university.  Besides your nationality, the type and academic level of your course can also influence the cost of a course in the UK. As you would expect, tuition fees in the social sciences and humanities are lower compared to natural science courses where extracurricular lab sessions are involved.   Financial Aid in the UK  Financial aid is available for both UK and international students.  All UK students are eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of the tuition provided by their higher education institution. This is paid directly to the institution.  Government financial aid for students’ living costs (maintenance), offered by Student Finance England (SFE) is means-tested and parental (or household) income is the key factor here. Another key factor is whether the student will be living at home, away from home outside of London, or away from home within London. You can find full details of the maintenance loans based on household income here. International students are not eligible for maintenance loans from SFE.  Student Loans  Student loans are the most common type of financial aid offered for students in UK. Under current law regulations in the UK, only UK, EU and EEA students are eligible to apply for these funds. International students, have to look for other types of student loans granted in their home country or at the UK university of their choice.  Student loans interest rates are incredibly favourable, regulated so they cannot increase too much and are only repayable once the loanee has begun working and started taking an income above a certain threshold. There is a lot of flexibility in how and when they can be repaid as they are government loans, rather than by corporate or profit driven banks. You can find more information about student loans on the government website here.  UK Higher Education for International Students  Whilst international students are a big part of UK universities, there are many more places allocated to UK students. Being a UK citizen will help your children’s chances of a successful application considerably.  Universities will charge British citizens lower tuition fees than they would for international students. This applies to both EU and non-EU international students. For families of international students, this can be a difference of tens of thousands of pounds spend on tuition and maintenance, when compared to a UK student.  Depending on when you move to the UK, your child may be eligible for university places and financial aid as a British student.  So, there you have it – this should give you a much clearer picture of how the education system works in the UK and where your child may fit into the system depending on their age.  Making the decision to relocate to the UK to work in the NHS involves so many important considerations, including for many, education for their children. With factors such as the cost of university education to consider, the timing of such a move is even more important.   Getting started Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our specialists if you would like some advice or support in considering your options more fully.  For advice, guidance and news and updates for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below:             

Overseas medical oncologists looking to register with the GMC through the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP UK).  Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) examinations for doctors who have chosen their specialism in medical oncology, including a breakdown of each exam, fees and eligibility.   International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can sit the MRCP examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:  What is MRCP (UK)? Where does MRCP fit into my oncology training? How are the MRCP exams structured? Eligibility for overseas doctors How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas medical oncologist? How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG? I’ve passed, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.  What is MRCP(UK)?  The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body responsible for the specialty of medicine throughout the UK. Among many other duties, its role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter the profession.  As medical oncology comes under the umbrella of medicine, the postgraduate exams for medical oncologists are set and delivered by the Royal College of Physicians. For clinical oncologists, the Royal College of Radiologists are the overseeing body for training and exams. You can learn more about the clinical oncology postgraduate route here.  The MRCP examinations assess a candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences, as well as clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease. The exams are designed to test both applied basic science and principles of medicine to the level of a UK trainee with two to three years postgraduate experience.  Therefore, completion of MRCP will allow you to work in the UK from ST3 level upward, with seniority beyond ST3 level dependent on experience.  MRCP (as a postgraduate qualification) is one of the two main routes an overseas doctor can take to gain full GMC registration, the other being the PLAB route. For in-depth information on each of the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.  MRCP as Part of Training in Oncology  Full MRCP (UK) is a requirement for all oncologists wishing to go on to a specialty training post in the UK. For doctors who wish to find more senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice and experience, IMG Connect advise that MRCP (UK) would be the best route to take to GMC registration.  MRCP (UK) Exams Structure  The MRCP exam has three parts as outlined below:   MRCP (UK) Part 1  The first exam in the MRCP exam suite tests a sample of medical knowledge skills and behavior are specified in the UK specialty training curriculum for core medical training / internal medicine training.   The first examine that MRCP suite is designed to assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of the clinical silences relevant to medical practice and of common or important disorders to a level appropriate for entry to specialist training.  The examination has a two-paper format - each paper is 3 hours long and contains 100 multiple choice questions in a ‘best of five’ format. The paper both tests core knowledge and comprehension as well as a candidate's ability to interpret information and solve clinical problems.  Each question has five options: one correct answer and four alternatives to the correct answer.  The exam is also designed to help prepare candidates for the more challenging Part 2 written and PACES exam.  Specialty  Number of questions  Cardiology  14  Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics  15  Clinical sciences  25  Dermatology  8  Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolic medicine  14  Gastroenterology and Hepatology  14  Geriatric medicine  8  Haematology  14  Infectious diseases  14  Neurology  14  Oncology  5  Medical ophthalmology  4  Palliative medicine and end of life care  4  Psychiatry  9  Renal medicine  14  Respiratory medicine  14  Rheumatology  14  Total  200    For more detailed information on the content of the exam, see the Royal College website here.  MRCP (UK) Part 2  The second exam in the exam suite builds on the knowledge assessed in Part 1 and again tests the acquisition of a representative sample of medical knowledge skills and behavior.  The questions will usually have a clinical scenario, may include the results of investigations and may be illustrated with images such as clinical photographs, pathology slides, inheritance trees ECGs, X-rays, CT and MR scans and echocardiograms.  Questions are asked about the diagnosis investigation management and prognosis of patients using multiple choice questions in a ‘best of five’ format.  Specialty  Number of questions  Cardiology  19  Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics  18  Dermatology  9  Endocrinology, diabetes and metabolic medicine  19  Gastroenterology and Hepatology  19  Geriatric medicine  9  Haematology  9  Infectious diseases  19  Medical ophthalmology  3  Neurology  17  Oncology, Palliative medicine & end-of-life care  9  Psychiatry  3  Renal medicine  19  Respiratory medicine  19  Rheumatology  9  Total  200    For more detailed information on the content of the exam, see the Royal College website here.  MRCP (UK) PACES  The MRCP (UK) Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills (PACES) assesses a candidate’s ability to carry out essential clinical skills.  There are five clinical stations where there are either patients with a given condition, or trained stand-ins (surrogates). At each station, there are two independent examiners who will observe and evaluate the candidates' performance.   PACES Carousel  For more detailed information on the content of the exam, see the Royal College website here.  Eligibility for Overseas Medical Oncologists  Part 1  To be eligible for MRCP (UK) Part 1, you must have a GMC recognised Primary Medical Qualification and a minimum of 12 months postgraduate experience in medical employment.  Part 2 & PACES   To be eligible for MRCP (UK) Part 2 & PACES, you must have passed Part 1 within the last seven years.  Please note, whilst it is not essential to successfully complete Part 2 to sit PACES, the Royal College strongly advises you to do so, as pass-rates are much lower for those who sit PACES before passing Part 2.  Applications  Applications for all MRCP exams are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, via the Royal College website. You will need to create an account and submit evidence of your primary medical qualification, then make a payment online to confirm your application.  The cost of the MRCP exams are as follows:  Candidate  Part 1  Part 2  PACES  UK  £460 £460  £657  International  £616  £616 £1,202    Exam Centres  The MRCP exams are held 4 times a year and can be sat in several locations around the world, including the UK, Manama, Dhaka, Cairo, Accra, Hong Kong, Reykjavik, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kerala, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Erbil, Amman, Nairobi, Kuwait City, Kuala Lumpur, Malta, Kathmandu, Muscat, Karachi, Lahore, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Khartoum, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, New Jersey, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Harare.  Please note that the number of sittings for each exam varies between countries – you can find the full list of cities and dates here.  The Part 1 and Part 2 exams are held online in the UK for candidates within the UK and Republic of Ireland.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is limited availability of spaces for the PACES exam, and whilst every effort will be made to provide as many places as possible, if the number of applications for the exam exceeds the places available, candidates in UK training will be prioritised.  Preparation and Resources  With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. These include:  Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a roadmap for your study.   Sample questions for Part 1 & Part 2: It is a good idea to regularly benchmark your knowledge by testing yourself using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College see below:  Part 1  Part 2  PACES scenarios: To familiarise yourself with the format of the PACES exam, take a look at sample scenarios from the stations. You can find these here.  IMG Oncologists Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, the best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.  For more information on the MRCP exams including structure, preparation, dates and a content drill down, see the blogs we’ve written on each part of the examination suite:  MRCP (UK) Part 1  MRCP (UK) Part 2  MRCP (UK) PACES  I’ve passed, what’s next?  First of all, congratulations! This is a massive achievement and you deserve to put your feet up after all that hard work. With full MRCP, you can now apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice (once you’ve passed an English language exam). Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Nice one!  Get in touch  Don’t hesitate to contact an IMG oncology recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, oncology positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.  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 taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration through the MRCPsych exams? Are you interested in sitting the exams in the future? As part of IMG Stories, we're introducing Dr Bilal Zafar, a psychiatrist who has recently sat and passed the MRCPsych Paper A exam. Bilal will be sharing his experiences of the first of the Royal College of Psychiatrists exams, taking you through his preparation, experience of sitting the exam and sharing some hot tips for international MRCPsych aspirants. 1. Tell us about yourself... what should the IMG Community know about Bilal Zafar? My name is Dr. Bilal Zafar and I'm from Karachi, Pakistan. I graduated from Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in 2018 and cleared my FCPS residency entrance exam from College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan. Currently, I'm working as a psychiatry resident at Liaquat National Hospital in Pakistan. I am also Editor in-chief at MEDizzy UK, Global Executive Member at Oli Health Magazine Turkey, and an i-act manager for mental health certified by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK. I served as an ambassador for Banja Luka International Medical Congress (BLIMC) 2019, the 25th Scientific Congress of Hellenic Medical Students and the 13th International Forum for Medical Students and Junior Doctors from Pakistan. More recently in 2022, I excelled in the MRCPsych Paper A examination by Royal College of Psychiatrists. 2. What motivated you to sit the MRCPsych exams? When I started my residency, I was originally convinced to aim for PLAB, however during my practice, I watched one of my supervisors clear all the Royal College exams. This inspired me to switch to my focus to MRCPsych. 3. At what point in your career and training did you sit the MRCPsych Paper A exam? I took the MRCPsych Paper A exam in December 2021. For me, the timing was appropriate as I was in the second year of my residency, therefore more aware of the fundamentals. By this point, I had built enough thorough clinical experience to tackle Paper A. 4. How far in advance did you start preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A and how much time did you spend on revision? I started studying for MRCPsych Paper A soon after clearing my FCPS entrance exam. I had initially allocated 2 hours of studying daily, but as I was at the beginning of my residency so my dedicated study time fluctuated. However, I did my best to adhere to my study plan. When I was around 6 months away from the MRCPsych Paper A exam date, I started aggressive preparation. This is what I recommend to everyone; you will never feel ready for the exam. Book a place, start your preparation and take the exam! 5. Did you benefit from speaking to senior colleagues or peers about the exam? Did you study with other candidates? I was grateful to find very professional, concerned and co-operative senior colleagues. Their thorough guidance and support provided me with the strategy and study materials for this exam. Around 6 weeks before the exam, I joined a study group of IMGs (which I found through IMG Connect) where I found an amazing study partner. She had more than 5 years' experience in clinical psychiatry, and together we solved MCQs and discussed concepts - her experience benefited me a lot! 6.  You are one of the creators of the fantastic MEDizzy UK Journal. How has this impacted your study and practice as a psychiatrist? MEDizzy is the world's fastest growing medical learning communities. I joined the community 4 years ago. Back then, I was doing my internship and preparing for the residency entrance exam. For me, MEDizzy is a door to non-stop medical exposure, and I've learned a lot from the app and journal. MEDizzy journal was launched in 2020 and since then I've served as Editor-in-Chief. We serve the global medical community with the latest news, medical cases, medical technology, inspirational interviews and much more. I must say, sometimes it becomes difficult to maintain a work and study balance and there's no perfect formula for this. I would say my studies have made me what I am today and MEDizzy polished me. 7. How did you manage to juggle other commitments whilst studying for the exam (without panicking)? Sometimes I don't know, myself! After booking my exam, I created a study plan. At the same time, I had to juggle my residency, medical writing on Fiverr, MEDizzy projects and, most importantly, my wedding. It was scheduled for the day after my MRCPsych Paper A exam. I was tangled in multiple commitments and you can only imagine the difficulty. Fortunately, I could manage my personal life, residency and exam and passed the exam on my first attempt, despite the odds. The key is to remain calm and believe that nothing in this world is impossible. 8. What resources did you use to prepare and practice for the MRCPsych Paper A exam? I relied on SPMM notes, SPMM high yield MCQs and mock exams. For my MRCPsych Paper A, I used a retro approach to studying. In this technique, I first solved the MCQs of any topic and studied the same topic later from the SPMM notes. I practiced mock exam questions 6 times. Always remember - revision is the key. You may cover a long list of topics but if you don’t revise what you studied earlier you won’t retain this information. While practicing questions, read them carefully and memorise the explanations. Lastly, I also used the Shorter Oxford Textbook of Psychiatry and Kaplan Neuroanatomy. 9. What is the single best resource you would recommend for IMGs to use when preparing for the MRCPsych Paper A and why? SPMM and SPMM only. The mock exams and practice questions are similar to real exam questions. Take the mock exams 6 weeks prior to the actual exam and solve them in the provided time. This will give you real insight about your time management and retention and recall power. 10. Let's face it, exams are not everyone's favourite day out... so on the day of the exam, what did you do to relax? Nobody should study on the day of exam. This makes you more anxious. For me, I was getting married the very next day and I had so much going around at home and in my mind. My exam was at 12pm, so I woke up at 7am, took a shower, got dressed, and left for the examination centre at 10:00 am.  11. What was your experience like on the day? My experience was overwhelmingly amazing! It was an online exam at a local examination centre. In the exam there were 3 sections of 50 questions each. We had an option to take a break after completing each section, but I didn’t take any breaks as I thought it might disturb my continuity. Most of the questions were doable for me as I had practiced mock questions. However, there were some entirely new questions as well. In every section, I gave a reasonable amount of time to at least 5 questions. The rest of them didn’t take much time. Therefore, I completed the exam in 2 hours. 12. What was the most challenging part of the exam? The most challenging part of the exam was the EMIs. They took a fair amount of time and I had to recall my basic concepts and put them together to solve these questions. 13. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently? After the exam, I was confident about my performance. I thought I'd taken a good approach to the exam and ws confident in the results. 14. What nuggets of advice would you give to any MRCPsych Paper A aspirants? I would recommend that you not wait for the ‘right time' or a time when you're ‘fully prepared'. There is neither a right time nor any point when you're completely prepared. Book the test, make full use of the question banks, take mock exams, start studying and sit your exam. 15. What did you do to celebrate passing the exam? On the day the exam results were to be released, I was at home, and my wife and I were anxiously waiting for the email from the Royal College. The moment we saw “PASS” in the email, my wife literally shouted “You did it, Bilal!”. It was a priceless moment. Later that night, we arranged a gathering of close friends and family to celebrate my achievement. 16. What are your plans going forward? So far, I am a candidate for FCPS (Psych) and MRCPsych. My plan is to take the intermediate module of FCPS in August 2022 and then take MRCPsych Paper B in September 2022. I aim to complete MRCPsych by next year. As far as MEDizzy is concerned, we aim to expand the community by initiating new projects such as the ambassador program and advancing MEDizzy Inspire where we interview the most deserving personalities from the world of medicine who can become inspiration for young healthcare professionals. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded overseas MRCPsych aspirants. For news and updates on all things psychiatry, follow us on social media and join the conversation.             

The General Medical Council’s medical register is a full list of all the doctors qualified to work in the UK. Within this, there are different types of registration which doctors must hold to work in different posts in the UK.  All practicing physicians must hold one of these types of registration with a license to practice.  In this article we will discuss the following:   Provisional Registration Full Registration Specialist Registration GP Registration IMG Tips 1. Provisional Registration The purpose of provisional registration is to allow medical graduates to complete an approved internship (FY1). After this, trainees will receive a certificate of experience with which they can apply for full registration.  Provisional registration can be held for a maximum of three years and 30 days (1,125 days) only, which would be enough time within which to complete a 12-month internship. This registration will expire after the allotted time, and you will be removed from the register, however, more time can be provided, and you can find out whether you will be eligible here.  What roles can I take with provisional registration?  With provisional registration, the only service post you are able to take is an FY1 service post, other than an approved UK FY1 programme.  Who can apply for provisional registration?  If you are eligible for full registration, you cannot apply for provisional registration.  Applications for provisional registration will be considered from:   UK medical graduate who completed their medical degree at a UK university  Doctors who graduated from outside the UK with an acceptable primary medical qualification (PMQ) and have passed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), but have not completed an internship  Doctors who qualified within certain European countries but do not hold the accompanying certificate required to complete their relevant European qualification – you can see a full list of these countries here.  2. Full Registration Doctors require full registration to work in unsupervised medical practice in the NHS, UK private practice, or to move onto the second year of their internship (FY2) in an approved training programme require a full license to practice.  What roles can I take with full registration?  With full registration, doctors can take up any post aside from GP posts and substantive consultant posts.  Who can apply for full registration?  There are certain criteria you must meet before you are eligible for full registration:  1. Completed the first year (FY1) of the Foundation Programme in the UK  2. Be a Swiss or UK national (or benefit from enforceable community rights) and have either:  A formal qualification listed in The Directive on Recognition of Professional Qualifications; OR An acceptable primary medical qualification from outside the EEA (which has been recognised in Switzerland) with evidence of an acceptable pattern of experience  3. Be an international medical graduate (IMG) with an acceptable PMQ, and enough clinical experience to practice medicine in the UK – you can do this in one of 5 ways:  A pass in the PLAB test Sponsorship by a GMC approved sponsor An acceptable postgraduate qualification or overseas licensing exam Relevant European Qualification (REQ) Eligibility for entry onto the Specialist or GP register Full registration does not have a time limit, but doctors should note that they are required to go through a revalidation process every five years to avoid the license to practice being withdrawn.  You can read more about the routes to GMC Registration through our IMG Resources library.  3. Specialist Registration The specialist register is an online list of doctors who are eligible to work as fixed term, honorary or substantive consultants in the NHS, excluding foundation trusts.  If a doctor is on the Specialist Register, it will say so as part of their status on the register, and you will be able to see the specialties (and sub-specialties) they are qualified in, as well as the date they joined the specialist register in each specialty.  Types of Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC, and the type of certificate you will receive at the end of your training defines which training route you are on.  You can read more about Specialist Registration for IMGs here.  What roles can I take with Specialist registration?  Doctors who are on the Specialist Register can take up permanent or substantive consultant positions.   Who can apply for Specialist registration?  Eligibility for Specialist Registration depends on your nationality, qualifications and experience. To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:   A specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in  OR   At least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in   You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment. In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.    4. GP Registration GP Registration is a requirement for any doctor who wishes to be eligible for appointment to a general practitioner (GP) position in the UK.  Please note that unlike in many countries, GPs in the UK are family and community medicine specialists and if you are an IMG general physician, you would need to apply for full registration, not GP registration.  What roles can I take with GP registration?  Doctors who are on the GP Register can take up posts as General Practitioners in the UK. As well as being on the GP Register, you’ll need to complete a number of other processes before you can start work as a GP in the UK. You'll need to join a Performers List and an Induction or Returner Scheme. You can read more about this here.  Who can apply for GP registration?  Doctors may be eligible for entry onto the GP Register if you have a relevant European GP qualification. You can check which GP qualifications are accepted on the GMC’s evidence of qualifications page. You must also check your qualification is on the list of relevant European qualifications, and that:  The title of it is exactly the same as the one in the list  AND  The qualification was issued on or after the reference date listed.  #IMG Tips Use the GMC website – there are many useful resources on the GMC website, including a very helpful registration route finder to help you determine which registration you should apply for.  Research/ think about the types of evidence you will need and make a plan for your application, particularly if you will have to sit any exams.  If you want to contact our specialists use our Candidate Portal today! So there it is, the different types of GMC registration in a nutshell. This is important to understand, particularly for IMGs looking to relocate to the UK and find work in the NHS. If you have any further questions about GMC registration or your route to the UK, 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:                       

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

Are you an overseas oncologist looking to move to the UK? Have you always wanted to hear first-hand the experiences of an international oncologist who has been through the process, from completing their FRCR (Oncology) exams, to GMC registration, securing an NHS job and relocating to the UK?    As part of IMG Stories, we introduce to you, Dr Eric Lee, a wonderful clinical oncologist who relocated to the UK from Hong Kong. Eric has been living and working in the UK with his family after gaining full GMC registration with license to practice.   Today, Eric will be sharing with you his journey and experiences as an IMG oncologist, now working in Colchester in the southeast of England.   Introducing Eric Lee  My name is Eric and I'm a clinical oncologist. I have worked as an oncologist in Hong Kong for 25 years, where I received training in both medical and clinical oncology, in line with the UK system.  Overall, I think the UK system has been so well suited to myself and other generations of doctors and learners, and this was one of my motivations for bringing my family to the UK. Also, for my daughter's education.  Training as a clinical oncologist in Hong Kong  I completed my MBChB and then the FRCR (Oncology) examinations. These were held in Hong Kong with the examiners coming from the UK for assessment. As standard, HK trainees begin FRCR (Oncology) right after becoming medical graduates. Alongside the Royal College exams, you also complete the FHKAM, which is the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine and are the standard qualifications for doctors to complete during their training in Hong Kong.   I began the FRCR (Oncology) training one year after my graduation from medical school. This was in 1996. I spent a total of five years in FRCR (Oncology) training in Hong Kong and received my official FRCR (Oncology) qualification in 2001.  One of the main differences between the UK and Hong Kong systems is that where FRCR (Oncology) tells the medical council that you are almost at the level to work as a consultant. The medical council in Hong Kong has further requirements for doctors transitioning to consultant grade. So, after receiving FRCR (Oncology), I still had to go through 2 to 3 more years of training.   In regards to the Royal College exams, if there's one thing to mention, it's that the examiners are always looking for safe doctors who make patients' safety and comfort their top priority, therefore, my advice for overseas doctors who are looking towards Royal College examinations, especially in oncology, is to remain conscientious and diligent in every aspect of their clinical care, particularly in protecting patients' privacy, rights and safety.   My career as a clinical oncologist  Over the past twenty-five years, I've had rotations in different oncology sub-specialties, including paediatrics, CNS, GI, GU, breast cancer, haematologic malignancies and forensic malignancy. In the last 15 years however, I've been specialising in forensic and genitourinary cancers.   In 2005/ 2006, I had the opportunity to go to Australia for one year for a fellowship. So, I spent almost a year gaining experience in prostate cancer under the supervision of British oncologists in Sydney.  Over the past few years, I've had many thoughts about moving abroad from Hong Kong and looked at several options, including the UK. Finally, it was a Trust in the UK that offered me a job.  This ended up being a very good choice for me, because the UK system is quite similar to medical system in Hong Kong. As an oncologist, I can administer both radiation therapy and chemotherapy, whereas in Australia for example, I'd only be able to practice radiation oncology. So, in the UK, I'm able to use my full training to practice in both medical and radiation oncology.   Going through English language testing  There were several things to consider before I was able to move.   First of all, I had to pass an English language exam. I initially attempted the IELTS exam, but in the end decided to change to the OET exam, because the OET focuses on medical situations, so you don't need to spend too much time going through subjects in other areas.  I managed to achieve a B grade in all 4 sections of the OET exam, which was not easy as my weakest areas are still speaking and writing, and there is of course speaking in the OET exam. You spend 20 minutes speaking in a seminar, similarly to an OSCE. In my exam, I had to take the patient history and give them advice in English.  When the context of the exam is relevant to your specialty e.g. a breast cancer patient, then it’s much easier. However, in the OET exam, the context is not limited to your specialty alone. My tasks for example included two patients with diabetes mellitus and polymyalgia rheumatica. I've not had experience of psychiatry or endocrinology or orthopaedics for many years, but I had to use this knowledge in the exam and act like an orthopaedic surgeon.  Many who take the OET fall into the mindset of a clinical examination and become nervous when presented with a clinical scenario they don’t identify with. My advice to anyone sitting the OET exam is to forget about all the medical things. Forget all your clinical problems. Just relax. Don't worry if your answers aren't 100% correct. What you're expected to do is speak clearly and have an overall caring manner.   The GMC registration process  During the GMC process, I was asked to submit evidence of my continued medical training over the past 10 years because it has been quite a few years since I received my FRCR (Oncology). The GMC wanted to know more about my further medical education over the past 10 years, so I had to submit evidence of all my CME training.  Personally, I'm incredibly fortunate that I've been in the habit of keeping all my certificates of attendance whenever I attend any workshops, conferences or courses, so I have a good record of all my certificates. I spent around a week scanning in all my certificates of attendance from 2002 to 2021, all into one big PDF file.   This advice was given to me by one of my favourite mentors 20 years ago, Dr F.L. Chan, a renowned radiologist in Hong Kong and the warden of the college in Hong Kong. He passed away 10 years ago, sadly, but he gave me some of the most important advice I've been given. He said, 'Eric, you have to keep every one of your certificates, even if you don't see the benefit of the course or workshop, you will find them useful one day'. Since then, I've held onto that advice, and over the last 20 years, I've kept every last certificate in a hard copy!  Finding a job in the UK  I actually posted my CV on LinkedIn and was then contacted by Marcus from IMG Connect. Initially, I wasn't sure if his offer was real as it sounded too good to be true! But I quickly realised that IMG Connect is incredible and could support me with every stage necessary. I personally had a lot of apprehension about the process of moving overseas. I'd been working in a secure job for 25 years, so for me to move from that into the unknown - I would need a lot of support, a lot of counselling. IMG Connect & Marcus were there to provide me with all the support I needed, from day one.  I received job offers from three different Trusts, each with interview processes that began with a stage of informal question, before two rounds of formal interviews online in Microsoft Teams.  Ultimately, the offer from Colchester was the best fit for me. It is the closest to my previous set-up, because I had been working in a General Hospital in Hong Kong and Colchester has the same kind of general hospital set up. This position also allows me to work in my subspecialties of interest - GU and forensic cancers.   My journey to the UK  The timings worked out well for me when it came to the move. We spent some time considering whether to apply for the Tier 2 or BNO visa. The Tier 2 visa requires additional documentation like police checks, but before we had to decide, we received the BNO visa in a matter of days and the decision was made for us. Luckily, because of this, things were much easier - with the BNO visa, my whole family - that is my wife and daughter - could come to the UK as a unit.  The pandemic was really an issue because there was a lot of uncertainty about things like flights, and new variants. After we landed here, all the flights from Hong Kong to the UK were cancelled, so we wouldn't have been able to travel until 2022 if we hadn't left at the time we did.   Since I still have many family members in Hong Kong, I was able to leave behind a lot of my property and belongings with them, and only brought my most important belongings with me. This meant that it didn't take too much time for me to pack all my things together to move, but I still had to do things like sell my car.  What I wish I’d known before I moved to the UK  I wish I’d known more about driving in the UK! There are rules here that I'm not used to, like driving in bus lanes. If I'd known about these things earlier, it may have been easier for me.  My experience working with IMG Connect  First, I must mention Marcus Anderson and IMG Connect - they were very helpful and did such a great job. Everything they do is perfectly timed. I couldn’t improve anything!  Over the past half a year, Marcus was in constant contact with me over WhatsApp and email, and whenever I had a question, I'd WhatsApp or email him, and he’d always get back to me with the answers I needed.   What’s next for me and my family?  I still see myself as someone who is learning, so I'd like to continue with my career development in GU, GI and forensic cancers. I may also try to continue some of my medical studies, for example in palliative medicine, because I know the training for this is very good in Cardiff, where there is a distance learning programme. I'm also looking forward to joining the specialist register for oncology.  My daughter is now enrolled in a private school in Colchester, where the teachers and students are very lovely, so I hope she'll adapt to the system and be able to enter the grammar school here too.   For my wife, she first wants to be able to drive in the UK. She has a driving license, but she's still quite hesitant, so that's a priority for her.   A message to my colleagues in Hong Kong  I have a heartfelt message to my colleagues in Hong Kong, if they are interested in moving to the UK. First of all, there's a lot of negative news in Hong Kong, saying that a lot of good doctors are Hong Kong, leaving those living there unattended. My message to HK doctors is that things aren’t necessarily that bad in HK, but they can be better in the UK.  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 for IMGs to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their fields and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR, writing publications, teaching opportunities 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 family.    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. For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

The NHS offers an extensive training scheme and career development for histopathologists, and the quality and depth of this programme is recognised as a gold standard across the medical community.  The training provided to UK histopathology trainees is regularly reviewed and updated, in keeping with advances and progression in the landscape of pathology around the world and across the profession. This makes the training programme attractive to UK graduates, as well as overseas histopathologists seeking the best training programmes for their field.  In this article, we will explore the training pathway for histopathologists in the UK, covering the following topics:  What is the NHS Training Pathway? How do you enter the training pathway? What does the specialty training programme look like for histopathology? What happens after completing the histopathology training programme? Can I enter specialty training in the UK as an IMG? The NHS Training Pathway  The NHS training pathway is the name given to the complete programme undertaken by UK trainees, from medical school to the completion of specialist training within I.e. within histopathology.  It is important for IMGs to understand this as it helps to provide an understanding of at what stage they can most likely enter the system if they are interested in training in the UK.  Entering the NHS Training Pathway  After graduating from medical school, doctors with receive provisional registration from the GMC which allows them to enter the Foundation programme (a two-year work-based training programme).  Upon completion of the first year (FY1), doctors will gain full registration with the GMC and will be able to apply for further study and training in a specialised area I.e. histopathology – this is known as Specialty Training (ST).  Specialty Training in Histopathology  The Specialty Training programme in Histopathology is 5 years long, and whilst doctors may pass through training quicker depending on how quickly they achieve their competencies, this is rarely the case and histopathologist will usually take the indicated time, or slightly longer to complete the Specialty Training programme.  Successful applicants entering into year one of specialty training (ST1), will follow the Royal College of Pathologist’s 2021 Histopathology Curriculum, which sets the expected syllabus as well as required assessments and workload case numbers.   Histopathology training as a run-through programme  Unlike some specialisms where you complete a period of core training before entering into specialty training (requiring two applications), histopathology specialty training works as a run-through programme. You only have to apply once, at the beginning of the programme, as you are recruited for the full duration of Specialty Training.  Foundation Training (FY1 – FY2)  The foundation programme usually involves six different rotations or placements in medical or surgical specialties. These rotations enable trainees to practise and gain competence in basic clinical skills.  Specialty Training (ST1 – ST5+)  ST1) Year one trainees enter the training programme. In this first stage, trainees will initially develop knowledge of laboratory work, with basic training in all areas of cellular pathology.  Training starts with a 1-2 week induction from the training school. This includes some time in the lab seeing how specimens are prepared and processed. Trainees are taught how to use a microscope, how to approach simple cases under the microscope and the principles of macroscopic assessment and sampling (AKA ‘cut up’). Many training schools do a separate autopsy induction.  When not at block teaching weeks, trainees are rotating through the various specialities in histopathology.  ST2 – ST3 This part of training takes place from year 2 to year 3, with the focus on achieving the FRCPath Part 1 Exam. This will normally be taken after 18 – 24 months of training.  Trainees will consolidate and develop their knowledge base from ST1. Year two trainees are given more independence and are expected to be able to cut up most specimens by the end of this stage.   In many deaneries, this is the time when trainees complete rotations in sub specialities including paediatric pathology, neuropathology and oral pathology. Trainees may rotate to placements in local district general hospitals to gain valuable experience in managing a general histopathology workload.  Autopsy and cervical cytology training continue as mandatory elements of ST2-ST3. Some trainees choose not to continue these specialities when they have completed this stage.  The FRCPath Part 1 exam aims to determine whether you have successfully acquired a core body of knowledge that will underpin your ability to practise in Histopathology.  For more information of the first exam in the Royal College of Pathologists examination suite, take a look at our IMG Resources library here.  Please note, trainees must pass the FRCPath Part 1 examination at the end of ST3 in order to progress to ST4.  Selection  Here, trainees will either choose to continue with general histopathology or peruse subspecialisation in neuropathology, paediatric/perinatal pathology, cytopathology or forensic pathology. ST3 – ST4 This training takes place from years 3 – 4, where trainees will either continue with general histopathology or peruse subspecialisation in neuropathology, paediatric/perinatal pathology, cytopathology or forensic pathology. Trainees are expected to be competent in the macroscopic and microscopic assessment of all specimens, and will also receive training in leadership, management and teaching in preparation for their future roles as consultants.  The focus during this stage is also on achieving the FRCPath Part 2 Exam, thereby obtaining the status of Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists.  This final exam is designed to test your practical skills and understanding, and show that you can apply your expertise appropriately and safely.  Trainees who wish to continue in general histopathology may opt to sit further exams in cervical cytopathology and autopsy practice if they wish to continue these as a consultant.  To learn more about the final exam in the in FRCPath examination suite, read our detailed blog here.  Please note, trainees must pass the FRCPath Part 2 examination at the end of ST4 in order to progress to ST5.  ST5+ This is the final stage of training before CCT during which histopathology trainees may wish to peruse special interests in particular subspecialties, such as gastrointestinal, skin or gynaecological pathology. Having passed the FRCPath Part 2 exam, trainees will continue to take on responsibility to enable the transition to independent practice required of those with CCT, i.e. signing out reports without consultant review.  Completion of the Histopathology Specialty Training Programme  Upon completion of the training programme, the choice is made as to whether the trainee will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Histopathology. This will be based on criteria set out in the curriculum by the Royal College. You can find the 2021 curriculum here.  At this point, the histopathologists are entered onto the specialist register and can now take permanent consultant posts in the NHS.  Specialist Registration for overseas doctors  Doctors who completed part or all of their histopathology training outside of the UK are eligible for specialist registration through the CESR or CESR-CP pathways. To learn more about specialist registration for overseas doctors, read our blog here.  Joining the Histopathology Specialty Training Programme as an IMG  It is possible for overseas doctors to join the Specialty Training programme in Histopathology in the UK, however it is very competitive.   IMGs interested in UK specialty training must have:  Full GMC registration   Completion of a minimum 12-month (FY1 equivalent) internship  English language test  PLAB  AND  12 months post-internship experience by the time you begin ST1  Although UK trainees are not given priority for specialty training places, it can be very difficult to join the Specialty Training programme without NHS experience.  So here you have it, the NHS Specialty Training pathway for trainees in a nutshell. This training scheme is the core of training for histopathologists in the UK, and for IMGs looking to join the training programme, understanding of the pathway allows you to better align your overseas training with the relevant stage you would enter into Specialty Training in the UK.  If you have any further questions about your route to the UK as an overseas histopathologist, FRCPath, or any other aspect of GMC Registration, the NHS or the UK, please get in touch with us here.   We'd also like to invite you to join the IMG Histopathologists online community - as well as support on Royal College exams, our Facebook group of international pathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process, and with a few routes for medical 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 two main pathways to consider: PLAB or the postgraduate route - in this case, MRCP (UK).  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 the two main pathways and briefly consider their benefits, summarised in the headings below:  PLAB for GMC Registration MRCP (UK) for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an overseas pathologist, PLAB or MRCP (UK)? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)  The most common route which tends to be popular 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.  MRCP (UK) - Postgraduate Qualification for Internal Medicine  The internal medicine postgraduate qualification is a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience. Within medical oncology, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Physicians. The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates internal medicine within the UK, including the specialty of medical oncology.  Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attained through the postgraduate exams for physicians. The exams assess a candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences, as well as clinical skills required for the diagnosis and management of disease. MRCP (UK) has three components, with two written and one practical element.  For complete guides on MRCP (UK), take a look at our IMG Resources library.  It is important to note that the MRCP (UK) exams are for medical oncologist, and you would not need to sit the FRCR (Oncology) exams, as these apply to clinical or radiation oncologists only.  PLAB vs MRCP (UK)  Both PLAB and MRCP (UK) 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 may be difficult for an overseas medical oncologist to obtain a more senior post without MRCP (UK), 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.  MRCP has three stages, and the Royal College strongly advises that candidates only sit the final exam after 24 months of practical experience.   These exams can take anywhere from 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost   MRCP costs just under £2,500 for the three exams. The final exam, PACES, is an in-person exam, so travel to the UK must be factored into the overall cost.   PLAB costs £1,189, and 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.  For both MRCP (UK) PACES and 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 or internal medicine 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., medical 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.  MRCP (UK) involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCP (UK) will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.  The Royal College of Physicians’ exams will facilitate the application for more senior roles in medical oncology in the UK 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 online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. 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, MRCP (UK), 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, MRCP (UK) or your route to the UK as an overseas oncologist, don't hesitate to get in touch with our oncology specialists here. We’d be more than happy to help you.  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:              

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

Here we take a closer look at the routes available to overseas consultants & experienced doctors who wish to join the GMC’s Specialist Register.   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.  To shed some light on the routes to Specialist Registration, we've put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:  What is Specialist Registration? What are the different types of Specialist Registration? Am I eligible? How do I apply for Specialist Registration and what evidence will I need? What are the benefits of Specialist Registration? Are other senior NHS posts available without Specialist Registration? How much does Specialist Registration cost? #IMG Tips Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Specialist Registration All doctors who wish to work as permanent consultants in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge and experience in order to apply for Specialist Registration. This registration in any specialty means you can be appointed to a substantive consultant post within the NHS.  Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC.  The 3 Types of Specialist Registration There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC, and the type of certificate you will receive at the end of your training defines which training route you are on.  The Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)  The CCT is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have completed a GMC-approved, specialty training programme through the relevant Royal College.  To be eligible for CCT, an applicant’s entire training (including any core years) must have taken place within UK-approved training posts. Please see our blog on career pathways for a UK doctor in training.  The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration - Combined Programme (CESR (CP))   CESR(CP) is a simplified route for doctors who joined their specialty training programme after ST1, and therefore do not meet the requirement of 4 years duration in GMC-approved training on completion, as they began their training overseas and completed it in the UK.  Doctors on the CESR(CP) route count a combination of approved training and previous experience in non-approved posts (overseas) towards their training time.  The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)  CESR is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved specialty training programme – doctors who have trained outside of the UK, Switzerland, and the EEA.  These doctors apply directly to the GMC to demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience are equivalent to the requirements for CCT in the UK.  Doctors who have completed their specialist training in the EEA or Switzerland are eligible for direct entry onto the Specialist Register through their Relevant European Qualification (REQ).  For an in-depth guide to CESR, take a look at our blog for overseas doctors here.  Eligibility Eligibility for Specialist Registration depends on your nationality, qualification and experience.   To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:  A specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in OR  At least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in  You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment.   In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.   The CESR certificate is awarded only on the written evidence provided by the applicant. It is not granted on the basis of references or experience.  Applications and Evidence for Specialist Registration CCT and CESR-CP  Once you have been issued with your Outcome 6 has been issued, you must complete and return the relevant CCT/ CESR(CP) notification to your Royal College along with the following documents:  Copies of any ARCPs that are not on your ePortfolio  ARCPS/evidence of successful progression for any LAT/FTTA/SHO posts counting towards your training (this applies to doctors who were appointed above ST1 only)  You will also need to complete an online GMC form. The link to this form will be emailed to you by the GMC and you should contact your Royal College if you do not receive it.   The GMC has created a guide for each CCT specialty with the relevant royal college or faculty. You can see this here.  CESR  You will need to apply to the GMC, who will then send your application to the Royal College for evaluation. The application process for CESR can be lengthy and potentially stressful, so it is important that you read the GMC’s general guidance and specialty-specific guidance before starting to put together an application.   You will need to provide a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that your specialist training or qualifications are equivalent to the award of a CCT in your specialism in the UK. This information is available for each specialty and Royal College on the GMC website here.  If you apply for an NHS post which provides CESR support, your hospital should assist you in this process.  Once the GMC has sent you a letter informing you that your application is complete and has been sent to your Royal College for assessment, the College is not permitted to discuss your case with you until the GMC has sent you a letter informing you of the decision.  Benefits of Specialist Registration Specialist registration allows doctors to take up permanent or substantive consultant positions. Without CCT, CESR or CESR-CP, a doctor may only take a Trust locum or fixed-term consultant posts.  Fixed-term and locum posts offer of course offer less stability than permanent consultant posts and require extension.  It is a legal requirement before taking a substantive, honorary or permanent NHS consultant post in the UK that doctors have their names entered on the GMC's Specialist Register.  Senior Positions in the NHS It is important to note that you can apply for more senior roles such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or a locum consultant (locum consultants are not required to be on the Specialist Register).   This way, you will have better pay and roles and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. While working in these jobs you can collect evidence of your competences.   These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  Cost All doctors applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. The fees for 2021 are as follows:  CCT - £439  CESR-CP - £439  CESR - £1,676  #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.  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 curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.    Remember to refer to the relevant CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS posts with CESR support, these are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you to find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Most IMGs likely haven’t completed a UK-approved training programme, but you could be eligible for Specialist Registration with the GMC via the CESR or CESR-CP route. Take a look at our in-depth CESR overview 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 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:              

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

There are several routes a European oncologist can take to GMC registration and medical or clinical (radiation) oncology in the NHS.  All European oncologists looking to secure a job in the NHS will need to satisfy certain criteria before they can register for full GMC (General Medical Council) registration to practice in the NHS. As an oncologist, these criteria depend on where in the world you trained, 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 a European-qualified oncologist. We will be covering the following:  Is my training recognised as an EEA doctor? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills? 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? EEA Doctors  Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article, this refers specifically to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway. If you trained & qualified as an oncologist inside the EEA or Switzerland, then you will have a few 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.  Knowledge and Skills 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 once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in oncology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as an oncologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for medical or clinical oncology and can be appointed as a substantive oncologist in the NHS.  Therefore, the main hurdle that you will face as an EEA doctor will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely and proficiently as a doctor in the NHS.  As a European oncologist, this is in most cases 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 full or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for either clinical oncology (FRCR) or medical oncology (MRCP). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.  English Language Testing All 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 Certificate of Good Standing All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they have 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 are not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact vis the GMC website here.  Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it is signed and must be valid when the GMC approve your application.  If there is 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 have 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  Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA oncologist, this would either be your recognised primary medical degree, or your recognised specialist European qualification (REQ)  AND  Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing To understand the registration process more fully, read our on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  So, there you have it! Hopefully any medical or radiation oncologist planning a career in the NHS should have their route to the UK clarified. If you ever have some questions or wish to know more about the oncology job market, then get in touch with our team.  Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded oncologists and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. For regular news and updates on all things oncology, 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.              

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:              

The NHS specialty training programme for clinical oncologists is recognised around the world. The quality and depth of oncology training and career development in the UK is recognised as a gold standard across the globe, making it a major attraction for many IMGs when considering a career in the UK.  The NHS training programme for oncology trainees is regularly reviewed and updated, in keeping with advances and progression in the landscape of oncology around the world and throughout the profession.   In this article, we will explore the training pathway for clinical oncologists in the UK, covering the following topics:  What is the NHS Training Pathway? How do you enter the training pathway? What does the specialty training programme look like for clinical oncology? What happens after completing the clinical oncology training programme? Can I enter specialty training in the UK as an IMG? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  The NHS Training Pathway for Clinical Oncologists  The NHS training pathway refers to the complete programme undertaken by UK trainees, from medical school to the completion of specialist training and being awarded a CCT.  It is a good idea for overseas trainees to familiarise themselves with this as it helps to provide an understanding of at what stage they can most likely enter the system, either in a training or non-training post.   Entering the NHS Training Pathway  After graduating from medical school, doctors receive provisional GMC registration, allowing them to enter the Foundation programme (a two-year work-based training programme).  Upon completion of the first year of this programme (FY1), doctors will gain full GMC registration with license to practice and will be able to apply for further study and training in a specialised area i.e. medicine. This is known as Internal Medicine Training (IMT), formerly known as Core Training (CT).  Specialty Training in Clinical Oncology  The Specialty Training programme in Clinical Oncology runs over a 6-year period, and doctors will usually take the indicated time, or slightly longer to complete the Specialty Training programme.  Successful applicants entering into year one of specialty training (ST1), will follow the Royal College of Radiologists’ 2021 Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Curriculum, which sets the expected syllabus as well as required assessments and workload case numbers.   Clinical oncology training as an uncoupled programme  Clinical oncology specialty training begins at ST3, so after foundation training, there are two options open to trainees before they can start specialist clinical oncology training:  Internal Medical Training (IMT)  Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS)  For IMT, this is a two-year training period and the ACCS training programme lasts 3 years.  Both pathways are followed by an open competition to enter a higher specialty training post. It is important to note that the application following core training is competitive and does not guarantee a specialty training post.  Clinical oncology higher specialty training is indicatively a five-year clinical training programme (including Oncology Common Stem), leading to single accreditation in clinical oncology.  There are a few critical progression points during higher specialty training in clinical oncology, and trainees will also be subject to an annual review of progress via the ARCP process. They will have to complete all the curriculum requirements including passing the MRCP and FRCR (Oncology) exams prior to obtaining CCT.  Foundation Training (FY1 – FY2)  The foundation programme usually involves six different rotations or placements in medical or surgical specialties. These rotations enable trainees to practise and gain competence in basic clinical skills and forms the bridge between medical school and speciality training.  This first year of Foundation Training (or FY1) is referred to as an internship. For IMGs applying for GMC registration, it is essential you can meet the requirements for an internship.   Selection  Here, trainees will either choose to either Internal Medicine Training (IMT), Acute Care Common Stem training (ACCS), or training to become a general practitioner (GP Training).   Specialty Training (ST1 – ST7)  Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training (ST1 – ST2)   Year one trainees begin at ST1 of the Internal Medicine Training Programme. In this first stage, trainees develop a solid foundation of professional and generic clinical capabilities, preparing them for participation in acute medicine at a senior level and to manage patients with acute and chronic medical problems in outpatient and inpatient settings. The curriculum for IMT Stage 1 Training can be found here.  The two-year training period culminates in trainees sitting the MRCP (UK) exams. For more information on the Royal College of Physicians examination suite, take a look at our IMG Resources library here.  Please note, trainees must have gained full MRCP prior to beginning Specialty Training in Oncology.  Selection  Here, trainees will either choose to continue with Internal Medicine Training for a further year, to continue with training in a specialty that supports acute hospital care, or to provide primarily out-patient based services in e.g. oncology.  Clinical oncology recruitment into ST3 posts usually occurs after 2 years of Internal Medicine Stage 1 training. However, trainees who complete the full three-year IMT programme are also eligible and there is no preferential selection for trainees who have completed either two or three years of training.  Oncology Common Stem (ST3)  The Oncology Common Stem (OCS) has a duration of one year and usually takes place in year 3 of specialty training (ST3). Here, the focus is on a trainee’s development of generic capabilities-in-practice (CiPs) expected of all doctors, as well as the common CiPs relating to the key areas of overlap between medical and clinical oncology.  Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology are the two main medical specialities that manage patients with non-haematological malignancy. They often work in partnership with each other, and both offer systemic therapy to patients, but only clinical oncologists administer radiotherapy and there are other differences in work-pattern, approach and focus.  During OCS training, trainees will gain knowledge of radiotherapy planning and delivery. This will enable them to coordinate the care of cancer patients with the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), managing patients throughout a treatment pathway.  The new curricular structure of the OCS means that trainees who successfully complete the training year will have gained the necessary competencies to progress to ST4 in either clinical or medical oncology.  For oncologists wishing to pursue clinical oncology, the first exam in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists assessment series, First FRCR (Oncology) (Part 1/ CO1), must be passed by the end of ST4.  Candidates do not need to have held a clinical oncology training post to attempt the exam however, so candidates are eligible to sit the exam during ST3.  Click here to learn more about the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite.  Clinical Oncology Specialty Training & Maintenance of Common Capabilities (ST4 – ST7)  Once trainees have completed the OCS, they will then move onto a subsequent higher specialty-specific programme of their choice I.e. clinical oncology. This programme lasts for four years and takes place from ST4 to ST7, the focus here being to acquire clinical oncology specific CiPs, culminating in trainees’ achievement of Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology).  The higher specialty-specific programme for clinical oncologists is administered by the Royal College of Radiologists, so the Medical Oncology SCE is not a requirement for clinical oncologists.  Trainees will then sit the Final FRCR (Oncology) Part 2A and 2B exams (CO2A and CO2B), usually from ST6 to ST7. This is to assess their knowledge and skills related to the investigation of malignant disease and the care and management of patients with cancer.  Completion of the Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Programme  Upon completion of the clinical oncology training programme, the choice is made as to whether the trainee will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Clinical Oncology. This will be based on high-level learning outcomes – capabilities in practice (CiPs) set out in the curriculum by the Royal College. You can find the 2021 curriculum here.  At this point, clinical oncologists are recommended to the GMC for the award of CCT and entry onto the specialist register for clinical oncology and can now take permanent consultant posts in the NHS.  Specialist Registration for overseas doctors  Doctors who completed part or all of their clinical or radiation oncology training outside of the UK are eligible for specialist registration through the CESR or CESR-CP pathways. To learn more about specialist registration for overseas doctors, read our blog here.  Joining the Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Programme as an IMG  It is possible for overseas doctors to join the Specialty Training programme in Clinical Oncology in the UK, however it is very competitive.   IMGs interested in UK specialty training must have:  Full GMC registration   Completion of a minimum 12-month (FY1 equivalent) internship  English language test  PLAB or a recognised European Medical Degree  AND  12 months post-internship experience by the time you start begin ST1  Please note, whilst UK trainees are not given priority for specialty training spaces, it can be extremely difficult to join the Specialty Training programme if you do not have previous NHS experience.  So there you have it, the NHS Specialty Training pathway for clinical oncology trainees. The training programme forms the basis of clinical oncology training in the UK, and for overseas clinical or radiation oncologists interested in joining the training programme, good knowledge of the pathway allows you to better understand the alignment of your overseas training with the relevant stage of Specialty Training for clinical oncology in the UK.  Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded oncologists and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

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             

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 psychiatry for overseas consultant psychiatrists and specialists more closely. We’ll cover the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) in more detail, including the application process, 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 psychiatrist? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? Do I need MRCPsych for Specialist Registration? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence do I need to submit for a CESR in psychiatry? 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 psychiatrists who wish to take permanent consultant roles in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience in order to apply for Specialist Registration.   For psychiatrists, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a consultant in the NHS.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC and is therefore not required to practice as a psychiatrist in the UK.  Routes to Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC for specialist registration, and the type of certificate you receive depends on which training route you followed.  For overseas doctors 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, 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. You can read more about this in the Specialist Registration section under your country on the GMC website here.  Psychiatry Positions in the NHS without CESR  It is important to note that you can apply for more senior psychiatry roles 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 psychiatry curriculum.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  MRCPsych for Specialist Registration  Whilst it is always beneficial to complete MRCPsych, 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 is the MRCPsych exam, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the Core Curriculum.  MRCPsych 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 psychiatrists who have passed the MRCPsych exams.  Even if the competencies covered by the exam 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 psychiatry 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 Psychiatrists 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 Psychiatry  Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in psychiatry must cover the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the General Psychiatry Curriculum, and the Advanced Module in the sub-specialty you are applying in. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your clinical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  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 800-1200 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 psychiatrists 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 is the application process for CESR in Psychiatry?  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 psychiatrists, 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 psychiatry is six 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 psychiatrists.  #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 psychiatry curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Psychiatry CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain 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 psychiatry posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you to find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the IMG Psychiatrists community – as well as support on Royal College exams, our online community of international psychiatrists and dedicated psychiatry recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  Getting started  Many psychiatry 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 psychiatry 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 posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.   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.              

There are several routes a radiation oncologist can take to GMC registration and clinical (radiation) oncology in the NHS.  Clinical (or radiation) oncologists looking to secure a job in the NHS will need to satisfy certain criteria before they can apply for full GMC (General Medical Council) registration with license to practice in the NHS. As an oncologist, these criteria depend on where in the world you trained, 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:  Will my training be recognised in the UK? 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? Recognition of knowledge and skills  For clinical oncologists 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.  Knowledge and skills for EEA radiation oncologists  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 once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in oncology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS. So as an oncologist, if you hold a Relevant European Specialist qualification, you would be put on the specialist register for medical or clinical oncology and can be appointed as a substantive oncologist in the NHS.  Therefore, the main hurdle that you will face as an EEA doctor will be demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely and proficiently as a doctor in the NHS.  As a European oncologist, this is in most cases 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 full or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration include PLAB or (via the postgraduate route) the Royal College exams for either clinical oncology (FRCR) or medical oncology (MRCP). You can find out more about these alternative routes here.  Knowledge and skills for non-EEA radiation oncologists  If you qualified as an 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 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, clinical 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. Fellowship of Royal College of Radiologists The Royal College of Radiologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of clinical oncologists in the UK, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) is the full qualification attainable by examination. For overseas doctors, attaining FRCR (Oncology) will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK clinical oncology. Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists for clinical oncology 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 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 oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA oncologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification.  OR  (Non-EEA oncologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA oncologist, this would either be PLAB, FRCR 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? 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. For clinical or radiation oncologists 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.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

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.

Hinduism is the fourth largest religion in the UK, with the Hindu community reaching some just under 1 million people. Britain is home to one of the most diverse Hindu communities in the world. With such rich diversity, Temples and prayer rooms can be found in every corner of the country.  Hindu communities can be found across the UK, and are represented in all areas of British economic, cultural, political and working life. The NHS has a tradition of encouraging faith or religion to be expressed, with prayer rooms and chaplains provided in every trust across the UK. The Council of Hindu Temples website provides a directory of all UK Temples.  The website is intended primarily for people looking for a Temple when in an unfamiliar area. But you can use it to find your closest Temple.  You can also find excellent information on the British Hindu community from the following:  The Hindu Forum of Britain The Hindu Council UK 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 CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you.

As an NHS employee, you will pay Income Tax and National Insurance on your wages through the PAYE system.  Overseas doctors will have tax and national insurance automatically deducted from their monthly salary. How much deducted depends on how much you earn.  PAYE stands for Pay As You Earn.  Some income is tax-free. You can earn a certain amount of income each year, called your Personal Allowance, before you need to pay any Income Tax.  The personal allowance is a fixed amount set against your gross income.  In all four UK countries, the Personal Allowance is set at £12,500 (tax-free income). It is worth noting that if you earn more than £125,000 you will not receive a personal allowance.  The Personal Allowance will also be set at £12,500 for 2020/21.  Any pay above the personal allowance is then taxed according to your salary and pension.  Tax bands in England, Wales & Northern Ireland Band Taxable income Tax rate Personal Allowance Up to £12,500 0% Basic rate £12,501 to £50,000 20% Higher rate £50,001 to £150,000 40% Additional rate over £150,000 45% How much you pay is fixed as a percentage according to a band system. In Scotland the tax bands vary from those set in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see below:  Tax bands in Scotland Band Taxable income Scottish tax rate Personal Allowance Up to £12,500 0% Starter rate £12,501 to £14,549 19% Basic rate £14,550 to £24,944 20% Intermediate rate £24,945 to £43,430 21% Higher rate £43,431 to £150,000 41% Top rate over £150,000 46% You can check that you are paying the right amounts using this online government tool. This will allow you to check the following your Personal Allowance and tax code are accurate. As well as helping you to understand how much tax you’ve paid in the current tax year and how much you’re likely to pay for the rest of the year. Your NHS employer will set your salary, and you will be automatically set up to pay your pension, tax and national insurance. However, at IMG Connect we think that it’s important to check you have the right tax code and are paying the right amount.  Can I make any more savings?  You will get tax relief on your pension payments. The NHS pension scheme is an attractive one, with very few schemes in the UK even coming close to this benefit. Find out more about your NHS benefits here. Getting started For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.              

Earlier in our Postgraduate Qualifications blog series, we took a general look at PLAB examinations and all its various parts as a whole. Now we’ll take a closer look at the first stage of your PLAB journey – PLAB 1. Here we consider everything that you need to know about the exam including syllabus, dates, fees and preparation by covering at the following topics: What is PLAB 1?  What's the format of PLAB 1? Where can I sit PLAB 1? How do I book? How much does it cost? How do I prepare and what resources are available? What can I expect on the day of the exam? When will I receive my results? Passed? What next? Overview of PLAB 1 PLAB 1 tests your ability to apply your knowledge for the care of patients at the house level, or Foundation year 2 in the UK (12 months of medical practice). Questions relate to current best practice in the UK, and equipment routinely used in UK hospitals. You’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to your local arrangements. Remember, this is an exam for entry into the UK Healthcare system.  The exam covers the common, important and acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by trainees entering the second year of the Foundation Programme (FY2), and the management of long-term conditions seen in primary care.  Still unsure on PLAB as a whole? Take a look at a more general overview of the PLAB examinations.  PLAB 1 Format PLAB 1 is a written exam made up of 180 multiple choice questions, with the test lasting three hours in total. Each question starts with a short scenario followed by a question and five possible answers, from which you must choose the correct answer. The GMC has created a helpful guide setting out what the PLAB test covers, which you can download here.  PLAB 1 Centres  You can sit the exam in both the UK and several overseas locations. PLAB 1 is run four times a year in the UK and overseas venues hosted by the British Council. Overseas venues are listed here with contact details. At IMG Connect we advise that you check the closing date for applications for the closest venue. Also, be sure to submit your application in advance as applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.  Booking PLAB 1 You can book your PLAB 1 examination using your GMC Online account where you can view available dates and book under the My Tests section. Before you book a PLAB exam you must have: an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification.  a GMC Online account to book or cancel the exam. evidence of English competency – before you can book a test you will need to provide your English language test scores. If you've taken the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test or the Occupational English Test (OET), you can complete this in the 'My Tests' section at GMC Online.  Due to a backlog in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to secure a place for the PLAB exams. On Saturday 10 December 2022 at 10 am (GMT) the GMC will release PLAB 1 places for the following dates across all locations: 10 August 2023 2 November 2023 You’ll need to access GMC Online by 10 am (GMT) using this link (rather than the usual link on the GMC Online web page). PLAB 1 Cost The PLAB 1 test costs £255. Preparation & Resources We have discussed this question at length with IMGs and the GMC, and whilst there are many resources to choose from online, we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparations. The PLAB Blueprint: This is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The Blueprint sets out clearly all the topics and skills needed to pass the exam.  Download the PLAB Blueprint here. The Foundation Programme curriculum: The topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2). You can find the Foundation Programme curriculum here Guidance and interactive tools: The GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. During PLAB 1 you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice’ when you take the exam and when you practise as a doctor in the UK.   You can test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using the following online tools: Explanatory guidance Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool Sample questions: 30 sample questions along with their answers can be found on the GMC website here. Courses: You do not need to attend a study or coaching course to pass, but many candidates choose to do so. PLAB 1 can be passed under your own preparation, however PLAB 2 usually requires further study and courses.  There are many courses and materials out there. If you are unsure of how to approach your study preparations, don’t hesitate to ask an IMG Consultant for some recommendations or guidance on which course or resource to use. Remember, we speak to IMGs who've passed these exams on a daily basis and are more than happy to pass on their wisdom! What can I expect on the day of the exam?  First of all, once booked, the GMC will advise you on what time to arrive. You will likely be there for approximately four hours in total.  Do I need to bring anything to the test?  You will need to bring Identification, your booking confirmation and stationery:  For identification, the venue will accept any one of the following: Passport UK Immigration and Nationality Department identification document Home Office travel document If by accident you don't have one of the above you can take the exam but you'll need to provide your identification document later in the process. Booking confirmation: Bring the booking confirmation that includes your GMC booking reference number Stationery: You should bring HB pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener. Maximum Attempts for PLAB 1 For PLAB 1, you can take the test 4 times. If you have not passed after 4 attempts, to be eligible to take the test again you must have completed a further 12 months experience of clinical practice or post graduate qualification.  Passed? What's next?  Once you have passed PLAB 1, you can take the PLAB 2 examination in the UK. Read our blog for more information on how to sit PLAB 2, which includes everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  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 CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. 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:              

Many Hong Kong psychiatrists complete MRCPsych as part of their training or are at least aware of the exam. Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examinations (MRCPsych) is one of the best ways for Hong Kong psychiatrists to register with the GMC and find psychiatry jobs in the NHS.  The exams can be taken by International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. Here we provide a summary of these exams from a Hong Kong perspective, along with a broader look at the topics below:  Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists? What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers? MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK An overview of MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists What is the exam content and format? Assessment Portfolio Sponsorship Requirements How do I apply for the exams? How much will it cost me? As a Hong Kong psychiatrist, where can I sit the exams? How can I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations IMG Tips Passed? What next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists? Postgraduate training in Hong Kong is governed by the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists, and historically, psychiatric training in Hong Kong has aligned closely with the UK system of postgraduate education. Most psychiatrists in Hong Kong obtain membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) as part of their post graduate training.   The structure of postgraduate training in Hong Kong also closely follows expectations for UK Trainees by covering the same 6 years of higher specialist training. In Hong Kong, the first three years of basic training incorporate the pre-MRCPsych training scheme, which gives the trainee the opportunity to take the MRCPsych examinations at a similar time in the process to the UK.   What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers?  The mental health service in Hong Kong has undergone tremendous change over the last 20-30 years, developing a solid foundation in training, legislation, research and academic work. Hong Kong has fast developed a highly regarded psychiatry service and workforce. This level of training and service, coupled with membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) means that Hong Kong Psychiatrists, including specialists and trainees, fit very well into the UK system.   Links through IMG Connect to several of the top performing trusts in the UK, has seen several Hong Kong psychiatrists flourish in the NHS, year on year.   MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK  With the parallels in post-graduate specialist training and qualifications like MRCPsych and FHKCPsych, and the high level of experience of Hong Kong Psychiatrists, Hong Kongers are able to enter CESR programmes successfully, gaining specialist registration in the UK reasonably quickly.  Hong Kong Psychiatrists possess the right level of skills, experience and qualifications required for a psychiatrist to apply for CESR. Upon entering the UK system, typically in a job with CESR support, HK psychiatrists can work towards completing the CESR application process with the support of their new employer, leading to being a specialist psychiatrist in the UK.   What is MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration?   The MRCPsych examinations are the main component of specialty training for psychiatrists in the UK. The Royal College exams are designed to test your knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills required for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.   For IMGs from Hong Kong, MRCPsych is one of the two main routes to full GMC registration - you can find a range of articles covering these routes in our resource library here: Royal College or PLAB route.   For psychiatrists who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCPsych would be the best route to take, rather than PLAB.     As above, Hong Kong Psychiatrists who possess full MRCPsych can register to work in the UK. Whether 3 years into specialist training, or complete in all aspects of the postgraduate programme in Hong Kong, whether working as an Associate Consultant, Consultant or Professor, using the MRCPsych postgraduate route to GMC registration is applicable to you.   Psychiatrists in all main specialisms of psychiatry are eligible for registration and very much in demand to fill vacancies within the NHS.  A very successful route for Hong Kong Psychiatrists has been to secure a non-training post in the NHS, often appointed as a Specialty Doctor, Specialist Grade. Coupled with a developed CESR support programme, a non-training post can ensure swift progress to specialist registration in the UK. CESR will be a requirement for Hong Kong Psychiatrists to allow an appointment to a permanent consultant post.   For Hong Kong Psychiatrists who have not yet sat the examinations, in the following sections of this blog we will provide an overview of the format, dates, fees and exam centres, as well as look at how to prepare.   Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists   The MRCPsych examinations can be taken by any registered doctor in Hong Kong.    Each examination has different criteria, to complete the full MRCPsych a Hong Kong doctor must be registered with the medical council of Hong Kong, or any recognised medical board if working elsewhere overseas. They must also complete the Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates demonstrating that they have complete 3 years of equivalent training.   For each part of the exam the Royal College suggest the following eligibility criteria:   MRCPsych Paper A  You are eligible for Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner (in Hong Kong or elsewhere)  MRCPsych Paper B  It is a recommended to have at least 12 months experience in psychiatry before taking this examination.   Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC)  You have a pass in both Paper A and B; AND  You can demonstrate you have sponsorship in place. Sponsorship forms must be submitted by an appropriate medical education lead confirming that the eligibility requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations have been met; AND  You have 24 months post internship experience in Psychiatry; AND  (Overseas candidates) Assessment portfolio  Exam content and format  The MRCPsych examinations consist of two written papers (Paper A + Paper B) and one clinical examination (CASC).   Paper A – The scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry  This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions made up of approximately two thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ) and one third extended matching item questions (EMI).   It covers the following sections of the syllabus:   Behavioural Science and Socio-cultural Psychiatry  Human Development  Basic Neurosciences  Clinical Psychopharmacology  Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry  Paper B - Critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry  This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions. The content includes one third critical review and two thirds on clinical topics.   It covers the following sections of the syllabus:   Organisation and delivery  General adult  Old age  Psychotherapy  Child & adolescent  Substance misuse  Forensic  Learning disability  Critical review  CASC - Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies  The CASC is based on a format similar to OSCEs. Specifically, the examination consists of two circuits which must be completed on the same day.  In total, the circuit includes 16 stations, made up of:   Five stations on history taking, including risk assessment  Five stations on examination, including physical and mental state  Six stations on patient management   Stations consist of several elements with instructions provided to all candidates, marked against the examiners construct.   These have a standardised format with elements in common between stations of a similar type. Find out more here.  For a more detailed guide on the recent MRCPsych exam changes, read our blog on Online MRCPsych Examinations.  Assessment Portfolio for Hong Kong Psychiatrists  The assessment portfolio should demonstrate achievement of equivalent competencies to those defined in the ARCP documented on the application form, including competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or Learning Disability, by the time of application.  In addition, you must demonstrate that you have undertake the following activities as part of your structured job plans:  Observation in interviewing patients in ward rounds for specified reasons   Observation in interviewing patients in out-patient or community settings or other contexts for specified reasons   Assessment via formal presentation of cases with their medical notes; discuss management of cases with their Clinical or Educational Supervisor  Formal assessment of competencies in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability AND Psychotherapy  Assessments and achievement of competencies should take place in a range of settings and psychiatric specialties with structured, documented feedback on performance having been provided.    Whilst there is no assessment criteria form available, (this is incorporated into the online submission), take a look at the ARCP assessment portfolio form for CT1-3 in the UK, which should help give you a starting point for your own portfolio.   For Hong Kong Psychiatrists, the good news is that since the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists embarked on the expansion and development of formal specialisms in psychiatry, the core competencies required by the Royal College in the UK are easier to gain access to than in other parts of the world. At the time of writing, the Hong Kong College oversees the following clinical divisions: general adult psychiatry, old age psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, psychotherapy, addiction psychiatry, rehabilitation psychiatry and learning disability.     Postgraduate training in Hong Kong allows for MRCPsych aspirants to apply for the examinations with confidence.   Sponsorship Requirements  Hong Kong MRCPsych candidates must have a sponsor in place in order to support evidence that their three years of training satisfy Royal College criteria of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination.   Sponsorship is required by all applicants for entry to the CASC exam and your sponsor should be an appropriate medical education lead, confirming you have met the requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations.  Acceptable sponsors in Hong Kong include:   College Tutor  Training Programme Director  Educational Supervisor  Head of School  Director of Medical Education (or equivalent)  Head of Department of Psychiatry  Consultant responsible for employee/trainee appraisal  Once your sponsor has authorised your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the Royal College, and you will be asked to complete your application and proceed to payment.  Applications for Hong Kong Doctors To apply from Hong Kong, you will need to complete an online application form which takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Applications must be submitted no later than 3:30pm UK time (10:30pm HK time) on the last day of the application period.  Note: the online application form for Paper A, B and CASC will only be available during the published application dates and applications submitted after this will not be accepted.  You can sit Paper A and B in any order. You will be required to enter contact details and training history, including your medical registration. If applying for the CASC, you will also need to provide the contact details of your sponsor.  After you have completed the written exam, you have 1,643 days to sit the CASC – you can find specific time limits here.  Exam Costs and Payment  Payment is made by Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card, and the costs for 2021 are as follows:  Candidate  Paper A  Paper B  CASC  PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres)  £486 (~HK$5228)  £437 (~HK$4701)  £1,004 (~HK$10,799)  Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres)  £539 (~HK$5797)  £485 (~HK$5217)  £1,115 (~HK$11,993)  Exam Locations  Due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CASC examination will not be run in Hong Kong in 2022.  The good news is that changes have been made and all examinations for MRCPsych can be taken online. Hong Kong psychiatrists can now sit all three MRCPsych exams without leaving the country, and even from the comfort of your own home. This makes it easier for HK doctors to complete the MRCPsych examinations and work towards their GMC registration within a normal time frame.   Exam dates  These are the exam dates available at the time of writing.  Paper A  Diet  Date of Examination  Application Period  Publication of Results  2  8 December 2021  4 - 22 October 2021  11 February 2022  1  14 June 2022  4 – 14 April 2022  22 July 2022  2  6 December 2022  3 – 14 October 2022  15 February 2022    Paper B  Diet  Date of Examination  Application Period  Publication of Results  1  29 March 2022  25 January – 4 February 2022  13 May 2022  2  4 October 2022  25 July – 5 August 2022  4 November 2022    CASC - UK & Ireland  Diet  Date of Examination  Application Period  Publication of Results  1  10 – 21 January 2022  1 – 12 November 2021  25 February 2022  2  12 – 23 September 2022  6 – 17 June 2022  31 October 2022    How do I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations?   With lots of materials online, we have discussed with IMGs the best exam resources and materials for Hong Kong doctors. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:   Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.  Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B Critical Review Evidence Based Practice Syllabic Content.   Sample Papers: These will help you prepare and polish your exam techniques. They are helpful in familiarising yourself with the exam format to allow you to work quickly and efficiently on the day, and are a good way to benchmark your knowledge and progress against the syllabus.   Paper A sample questions Paper B sample questions Marking schemes (Paper A and B): Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is worked, so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. Marking schemes can be found here.   Marking scheme (CASC): A good start with CASC preparation is to get to know how you will be assessed, take a look at the criteria for scoring a pass mark in CASC, as well as the History Marksheet, Management Marksheet and Examination Marksheet.   CASC examination guide: The Royal College have produced a helpful guide for candidates which provides information on stations, role plays and assessment.   CASC preparation videos: Here you will have the opportunity to see CASC stations in action. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you prepare.   CASC Blueprint: This helpful summary details stations in some detail and gives a useful overview of the exam format.   The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful guide to help you to get over the first steps.   #IMG Tips  Start preparing early - as ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. Early preparation gives you the best chance for success and lessens the need for the dreaded last-minute cramming.  Join a study group – a great way to share resources, tips and meet new friends at the same time! To join an international study group, get in touch on our Facebook community group, see below.   Practise, practise, practise – psychiatry IMGs preparing in Hong Kong have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations, even better if under the supervision of a colleague who has already passed the exams  Join the online psychiatry community – connect with like-minded psychiatrists and dedicated psychiatry recruiters in the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things psychiatry, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              Passed? What’s next?   Whether you completed MRCPsych as part of your postgraduate training some time ago, or have recently completed the examinations, you can apply for a full GMC registration with license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  This is a great time to get in touch with us to discuss your route towards and preparation for GMC registration, or to find psychiatry jobs in the NHS if you’re further along in the process. In the meantime, why not have a look at our blog on Finding Psychiatry Jobs in the UK for Hong Kong Doctors.   If you’ve passed part of the MRCPsych exams, it’s time to look ahead to your next exam. You can find comprehensive guides to each of the MRCPsych exams in the IMG Resources library.  

Are you an overseas physician looking to move to the UK?  Here, you can hear first-hand the experiences of an international general physician who has been through the process, from completing their MRCP and 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 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.   Tell us about yourself - what should the IMG community know about Rehan Qureshi? I'm a physician with a special interest in acute and renal medicine and over 19 years of multi-centre clinical experience. My other areas of interest are clinical research, healthcare quality and patient safety, medical education as well as medical leadership. What motivated you to move to the UK?  I was practicing overseas where despite working very hard, I had very limited prospects in terms of career progression and growth. I have always admired the NHS’ policy of ‘fair and equal opportunities for all’, and I view the UK in general as a fair and multicultural society. Tell us about your experience with the Royal College of Physicians exams... Honestly, these were some very hard times … as a family, it was quite tough for us while I was taking my MRCP exams. Each time I failed, my wife cried … but I didn't because I knew, the only way to get through the process and past failure was resilience! That helped and in the end I passed! Do you have any tips or advice for overseas doctors who are currently working towards MRCP? Never lose hope. Set a goal, work hard towards it and keep trying until you succeed! Avoid negativity and people who discourage you. Remember, MRCP is very much doable, though not easy. Practice is the key! How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working? I divided my day into four parts: work, MRCP, family and rest. I'd ususally finish work by 5pm and immediately begin my MRCP practice from 5pm - 8pm at the hospital. After getting back home at about 8:30pm, I'd have time for dinner and to spentd a couple of hours with family before going to sleep. The weekends were definitely better, but I'd still spend at least 6 hours in the library. I'd suggest you start your intense preparation no sooner than 6 months in advance. You need to work hard, but try to avoid burnout. For me, it worked. Did you have any major or unexpected issues with the GMC registration process or your visa application? I had none at all - everything went smoothly. How did you find a medical oncology job within the NHS?  To be honest, I connected with Marcus & Ruaidhri, who did everything for me. They actually made my journey to getting my first NHS job a piece of cake! This was to the extent that when we arrived in the UK and reached our hotel, (at a time when the UK was in lockdown due to COVID), we had all our groceries promptly delivered by them. What more could anyone ask for? I knew some friends who were working with other agencies that left everything to them. With how much IMG Connect had helped me, I used to ask Ruaidhri questions to help my friends as well. My advice: find yourself an agency that is known to be responsible and is keen to truly help. I personally found IMG connect very very helpful! Tell us about your journey to the UK... It was scary to travel at a time when the UK was in lockdown and COVID-19 cases were so high. However, my journey was made very simple, since all the logistics including visas were sorted by Ruaidhri, so we did not face any unnecessary hassle. I would say, it was a very smooth transition, we enjoyed two weeks of quarantine as we had been longing to spend some quality time together as a family and enjoy a good rest before starting up again. What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?  The support I received on this journey was amazing. I absolutely could not ask for more. For the first time in my life, I traveled without any need to think or worry about logistics because they were being so well-managed by Ruaidhri and his team at IMG connect. My wife and I were traveling with young children and my elderly mother, and I must say, we have been taken care of very well! How are you settling into life in the UK? We have been settling in very well. In Scarborough, we have a beach that my children enjoy going to, and they also love their new school. Not for a single day have we felt that we are in a country of different culture, ethnicity or faith. My daughter had a pleasant surprise when her school teacher greeted her with 'Eid Mubarak' on the day of Eid festive, which was a great welcome during our first time celebrating Eid in the UK. The UK is truly wonderful and people are very welcoming here. It's beautifully blended multi-cultural society and we consider the UK our home now. What have you enjoyed most about living in Scarborough in particular? So many things: the beach, the variety of fun activities for children - like steam engine trains and parks. We've even enjoyed snow for the first time. Fish and chips are great! Traveling in the UK is absolutely easy and fun and there's so much to do and see. What opportunities have become available to you through your work? I am really enjoying my current role. Within a year of joining the NHS as a specialty doctor, I now hold 4 different roles: I'm a senior lecturer at Hull York Medical School, an SAS regional representative for RCP London, an SAS Teaching Fellow and a member of the RCPQI. I’m also starting my postgraduate certificate in health professions education funded by the HEE. I have the support of mt Trust with my CESR application and have been given the opportunity for research and to become a medical examiner.  For comparison, I was in my previous position for a decade, and only had one role with no career progression prospects. What’s next for you now that you’re working in the UK? I think you should always aim high with your goals. I aim to establish myself as a clinical leader as well as an academic leader, a clinical researcher and principal investigator. In the short term, I look forward to taking on the new 'Specialist' role and making progress on my CESR application with my hospital's support. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK? This would be my mother's visa. I'm an only child, so I couldn't relocate without her. Before finding IMG connect, many agencies had contacted me with job opportunities and all refused to help with my mother's visa. IMG Connect on the other hand, never give up. Marcus & Ruaidhri, perhaps, enjoy such challenges :-) Ruaidhri literally went out on a limb to help me on this. He contacted people, introduced me to an agency, helped me prepare the entire case and finally - we got it done and my mother was given her visa! I can't tell you what a huge relief it was. A big thank you to Ruaidhri, Marcus and the entire team at IMG Connect for this! Have you experienced any culture shocks living in the UK? Not at all! As I said, the UK is a multicultural, multi-faith country. People here in Yorkshire are very welcoming. We can easily find Halal food from local shops which also sell vegetarian food. We have a mosque in town, and there are separate prayer rooms for both male and female Muslim staff in the hospital. We feel so at home here. What have you missed about Saudi Arabia the most? We've definitely missed our old friends, and relatives. Is there anything you wish you’d known before you began your journey to live and work in the UK? I already had most of the information I needed before I came by Ruaidhri and Marcus, so there was nothing that came as a shock or surprise to me. Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK? I have a couple of pieces of advice. Firstly, if you are struggling to progress in your career, consider relocating to the UK. Here, it does not matter who you are, or where you come from. What matters is how dedicated and hardworking you are and I think your hard work always pays off. The NHS is a great institution and wonderful place to work. Secondly, I'd say consider taking an specialty doctor role. It's a great position where you'll have career prospects to develop as a locum consultant and enjoy a good work-life balance. 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.    To receive the latest news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, as well as more #IMGStories, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Are you an overseas medical oncologist looking to move to the UK? Here you can hear first-hand the experience of an international medical oncologist who has been through the process, from completing their MRCP and 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 Kishore Kumar, a brilliant consultant oncologist who relocated to the UK from India. Kishore has been living and working in the UK after receiving full GMC with license to practice. He is now working in the NHS at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he is making a positive impact on the service and the wider community.   Tell us about yourself - what should the IMG community know about Kishore Kumar? I am a medical oncologist who moved to the UK from India. I moved to the UK later in my life than most IMGs, I'd say, having worked as a consultant medical oncologist in India for over 11 years before I decided to move to the NHS. The system I worked in was quite similar to the NHS (free medical care at the point of access), and whilst I was looking for a change, this was something I enjoyed about my previous work and was looking for that in any healthcare system I may move into. What motivated you to move to the UK?  The NHS is arguably one of the finest healthcare systems in the world (I know many some may disagree, but having personally seen some other systems, I would definitely rate the NHS very highly). Working in the NHS was a long-held desire of mine, so the move was logical once the opportunity presented itself. Tell us about your experience with the Royal College exams... I passed the MRCP exams in 2005 at a time when there were no overseas centers in India. I had to travel to the UK for the exam, which was held in Glasgow and I also attended a training session in Ealing Hospital for the exam. It was very exciting process for me, especially visiting the UK for the first time. Do you have any tips or advice for overseas doctors who are currently working towards MRCP? I passed the exam quite a while ago, so I'm not sure how relevant my advice will be to current candidates. However, from my experience, overseas doctors need to understand the NHS system to do well, especially for the PACES exam. Practices which build on this knowledge would be helpful. How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working? Since I was working full time, I needed to set aside dedicated time to study for the MRCP exams. I roped in a friend (a very bright doctor) who would conduct mock exams for me over the weekends. Did you have any major or unexpected issues with the GMC registration process or your visa application? Since I was applying for GMC registration a significant amount of time after passing the MRCP, the GMC wanted evidence that I was still up-to-date in my practice. Luckily, this wasn't too complicated and the GMC advisor was very helpful. How did you find a medical oncology job within the NHS?  Two words: IMG Connect. I was completely new to the process and I was quite unsure about locations and the general steps. Ruaidhri form the IMG Connect team was my go-to person for everything, from advice regarding locations, to job profiles, visas, and GMC registration. I don’t think I would have made it here if not for him. Most importantly, IMG Connect really listened and took into consideration all of my needs and worries. They go far beyond any of the simple questions you may have for them and cover all angles, including things you may not have considered yourself! I would advise any IMGs hoping to relocate to the UK to find someone (like Ruaidhri) who will genuinely look after THEIR interests. It is easy to land up in the wrong role and to struggle through the complications of trying to leave soon after. If in doubt, seek advice from overseas doctors already in the UK and honest recruitment teams like IMG Connect. Tell us about a day in the life of an NHS consultant medical oncologist... The days are usually quite busy. They are split into two sessions (morning and afternoon), with at least one session (sometimes both) being a clinic and the other an MDT or another supportive activity. Working in the UK is very different to working in India, in some ways. At my current hospital, we see far less patients than I used to, but the amount of time spent on each patient is far greater. Of course, five-day working weeks are very welcome (it was six in India). Tell us about your journey to the UK... I arrived in early November 2020, when the UK had just gone into its second lockdown. COVID numbers were very high and many people advised me against traveling until things had settled. However, at this point I didn’t see COVID-19 going away anytime soon and decided there was no time like the present. The only difference was my family made sure I traveled business class to decrease the risks - this was the only time I've ever flown business class and it was nice ;-) What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?  Absolutely fantastic! I can’t thank Ruaidhri and Marcus enough for everything. Just to give you an example, once I'd landed in the UK and reached my accommodation, I had to quarantine for two weeks. Ruaidhri drove over 3 hours (one way, at night) from Scotland to my place and brought in groceries for the next two weeks, since I would not be able to go shopping. Need I say more. Although it’s been almost a year since my arrival in the UK, I still regularly chat with Ruaidhri and Marcus. We're like old friends at this point. How are you settling into life in the UK? I'd say I'm settling in quite well, and my colleagues agree. I am currently here without my family (they will join me later), so I've needed something to do at the weekends. Once the lockdown lifted, I bought a car and have traveled quite a bit. I go trekking most weekends and enjoy visiting new places. What have you enjoyed most about living in Middlesbrough in particular? The proximity to great places to visit. It’s just 20 minutes from the beach, or the Yorkshire Moors. London (from Darlington) is less than 3 hours away, and Scotland is a couple of hours away, as is the lake district. What’s next for you now that you’re working in the UK? My department has been very helpful. They are actively supporting me in my CESR application process, and I'm getting involved in research and clinical trials. I have also been given teaching opportunities, and even delivered a talk in the Royal College of Physicians CPD series. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK? I'd say the separation from my family, primarily on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Have you experienced any culture shocks living in the UK? No real 'shocks', but I've found the people here quite friendly. The only shock really is how expensive things are compared to India (things like train fares, eating out etc). I've also been introduced to things I'd never done before, like filling petrol and air in a car, ironing clothes etc. What have you missed about India the most? Other than my family, I miss the sunny days most (where I lived in India was sunny and not very hot). I will never take the sun for granted again! Is there anything you wish you’d known before you began your journey to live and work in the UK? Not really. Having friends and family who already lived in the UK (as well as the power of the internet), meant that a lot of my questions had already been answered and there was a lot of information available to me. Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK? Moving to the UK is something to consider if you're an IMG looking for a good work-life balance. A medical oncologist might be paid better in some countries, but it would be difficult to beat the quality of work and the relatively stress-free work environment here. I'd say try to avoid landing here during the winter - it does not make a very good first impression, but if you have interests in other areas (especially travel or hiking), the summers here are really awesome! 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 for IMGs to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their fields and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR, writing publications, teaching opportunities 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 family.    Join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

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

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.   

Are you an overseas psychiatrist preparing to take the MRCPsych CASC exam?  International doctors often have questions about how to prepare for the CASC exam, particularly when there are so many materials and information online which can be overwhelming or mostly geared towards UK applicants and trainees.  What study materials, courses and support are available for IMGs? Here we have compiled some of the best advice and resources available to help in your preparation for the exam.  The topics we’ll cover are as follows - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: What is MRCPsych CASC? How do I get started with my preparation? What other resources are available? #IMG Tips How have the exams been affected by COVID-19? What’s next for me? If you’d like an overview of the entire examination series, take a look at the article published in our IMG Library here.  What is MRCPsych CASC?  Let’s begin with a quick recap of the CASC exam. The Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies or CASC is a practical exam which takes the format of an OSCE and tests your clinical skills in a range of competencies.  It is made up of two circuits of individual stations made up of:  Five stations on history taking, including risk assessment  Five stations on examination, including physical and mental state  Six stations on patient management  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, visit the examination page of the Royal College website or see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych CASC exam here.  Getting started with preparation It can be tough to know the best place to start, and after talking with some psychiatry consultants (both IMGs and UK trainees), the general consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help applicants to prepare for the exam.  Royal College Materials  Syllabus: this is the best place to start - you should always plan your study and preparation around the topics within the curriculum to start you off on the best path to success. You can find this here.  CASC candidate guide: this handy guide contains information on domain-based marking, candidate instructions, pass mark, exam criteria and grade descriptors, which you can access here.  Blueprint: the CASC blueprint is a more detailed breakdown of the skills being assessed within the exam and the categories and stations candidates should expect to find. This is available here.  Marksheets: copies of the marksheets which are used in the exam are available online for history, management and examination and allow candidates to familiarise themselves with the marksheets in advance, found here.   Sample stations videos: you can watch videos of sample stations from a face-to-face examination – this will be similar to what you can expect on the day as the principles will remain the same for online exams. You can access these here.  What other resources are available?  IMG Connect have a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the CASC exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.   Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources. These include:  Books  These are the most highly rated books for MRCPsych CASC on Amazon:   Pass the CASC for MRCPsych – Seshni Moodliar (£34.70)  Get Through MRCPsych CASC – Melvyn W. B. Zhang (£45)*  How to Pass the MRCPsych CASC – Andrew Iles (£33.99)  * Get Through MRCPsych CASC is particularly highly regarded by recent CASC candidates who have passed the exam.  Other resources  Passing the MRCPsych Exams – an insider’s guide: a useful guide to the MRCPsych CASC exam written by former trainees and members of the Psychiatric Trainees’ Committee (PTC). This can be found here.  MRCPsych CASC flashcards: flashcards created by a former candidate who has passed the exam. 136 flashcards which cover different aspects of the exam. These are available for free here on Brainscape.  CASC Cluster Cards – Oxfordpsych revision cards written by a consultant psychiatrist in the UK. This is a set of 100 CASC scenarios with instructions and guidance to remember. These can be found here at a cost of £169.  CASC Videos – SPMM: 86 exam stations performed by consultants and role players under exam conditions, featuring advice and tips from examiners for each task. 6 months access is priced at £180 and is available on demand. These are available here.  Oxfordpsych – access to the Oxfordpsych online video bank featuring short and long instruction CASC stations, covering the range of stations and tasks listed in the CASC blueprint. 6 months access costs £169 and £99 for 3 months and can be found here.  Online courses  CASC Prepare mock exam  This exam consists of 16 stations which have all featured in previous RCPsych CASC exams. The mock will be conducted in the format of the actual exam and detailed written feedback on RCPsych marking sheets will be provided after the exam. Other aspects of the exam such ass time management, and communication strategies will also be discussed.  Duration  4 hours  Cost  £310  Next start date  Ongoing Website  https://www.cascprepare.com/mock-exam    Oxfordpsych CASC mock exam  These online exams are based on the RCPsych CASC blueprint. Candidates take the 16 stations under exam conditions and interview with professional actors with CASC experience. Candidates will receive written feedback for each station.  Duration  4 hours  Cost  £475  Next start date  Autumn 2022 Website  http://www.oxfordpsychcourse.co.uk/index.php/online-registration    CASC Master mock exam  This mock exam is carried out over skype or zoom and has 8 continuous stations with one 20-minute break, followed by the final 8 stations. It is set according to the CASC blueprint and is available with or without an actor.  Duration  4 hours  Cost  £325  Next start date  TBC Website  https://www.cascmaster.com/skypemockcasc    IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych CASC Crash Course This is a tailored MRCPsych CASC course for overseas psychiatrists sitting the CASC exam. This course offers weekly sessions covering the entire exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is accompanied by small group role play sessions to allow IMGs to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration. You can access our IMG Psychiatrists CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. #IMG Tips  Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Find the right materials for you – whether its online courses, books or flashcards, try to figure out what the best materials are to jumpstart your preparation  Speak to your peers and colleagues – your senior colleagues may have been through this process themselves and may have helpful tips and guidance to share. Or maybe you’ll find a like-minded peer with whom you can be study buddies! Take advantage of those around you to support you on this journey.  Practise, practise, practise - Our IMGs have shared that it’s crucial that you practice your clinical examinations as often as possible, preferably under the supervision of a senior colleague which will allow you to receive feedback.  Join our online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.  I've passed, what’s next?  Once you’ve passed MRCPsych CASC, you’ve completed the Royal College of Psychiatrists examination suite. Great stuff, this is a massive achievement! Armed with this and your English language test, you are ready to apply for full GMC registration with license to practice.   You may want to start looking for NHS jobs and with the click of a button, you can receive them directly to your inbox. To receive jobs postings which you can tailor to your desired grade, specialty and sub-specialism, sign up here.  If you have any questions about any element of CASC, the Royal College exams as a whole or any other queries related to the processes involved in IMGs coming to the UK to work in the NHS, please get in touch and our psychiatry specialist will be more than happy to assist you.  For access to a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.   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.              

The histopathology job market in the UK is fantastic. Vacancies for histopathologists coming from outside of the UK can be found in a variety of ways, and it can be a little confusing navigating the minefield that is GMC registration, a job search and considering what steps you need to take when relocating to the UK. Working with IMG Connect will give you easy access to vacancies for trained histopathologist, though remember your job opportunities will vary depending on what qualifications you hold, and how advanced your GMC registration is.  The IMG Connect job search is a dedicated online recruitment service for overseas doctors looking to secure a job in the NHS.  Save time and get expert advice based on your preferences  Performing a job search online can take up a lot of your time, so at IMG Connect we are here to do the time-consuming work for you. Upon registering, you will have a dedicated consultant whose role is to find jobs that match your skills, and apply for NHS jobs on your behalf.  You can receive jobs updates by E-mail to view new posts to suit your job search every day. Create a profile – it takes 30 seconds It really is that easy, so why not take advantage of our resources, time and energy to find you the right job in the NHS suited to your preferences. By providing us with some key details we can quickly assess which jobs are best suited to your preferences, and even email you job alerts for new exciting roles which we think will interest you! We understand you, and our clients When looking for a pathology job in the NHS, it can be hard to try to find out key information before applying, such as: What specialty specific training or development will be avialable to you?  Can the trust support CESR applicants and is their CESR programme established enough for my needs?  What is the job plan and how much time will I spend my time?  What is it like to work and live there? How does a histopathology department operate in the NHS? What salary will I get paid, and can I earn extra through additional duties or private work? It can be tricky to get all the answers you want before applying online, so we spend our time getting to know both our clients and you, finding out as much key information as possible to help you to make the right decisions. Including details on the pathology department, hospital & trust, as well as an overview of what it is like to live in the area, including housing and the cost of living, as well as access to schools for your children, childcare and finding work for spouses.  Making an impact We will also provide you with top tips on CV writing, job applications and interviews, ensuring that your application and interview makes the most impact with our NHS clients.  Making it personal  Once registered, you can quickly search and apply for NHS jobs using our job search, and take advantage of many useful articles written to support you through your journey to the UK. In addition, when you sign up to 'job alerts' we will automatically email you each time a relevant Pathology vacancy comes available that you may be interested in. Once logged in, you can also save job details and make applications.  By registering with IMG Connect, you will: Have a dedicated consultant who understands your preferences and will do the time-consuming job searches and applications for you. Find your ideal NHS position amongst thousands of unadvertised vacancies - from consultant to middle grade Be the first to hear about new vacancies – registering with IMG Connect means that your CV will gain priority with our NHS clients, and will professionally represented by international recruitment experts. To help you find a job in the NHS simply follow these easy steps: Register with IMG Connect Fill in the 'Personal details' section. Arrange a chat with your dedicated IMG Consultant  Sign up to receive 'job alerts’  Search our live pathology jobs Searching for pathology jobs in the NHS could not be easier If you want to find out more about the many different pathology jobs available within the NHS - it only takes a minute to register with IMG Connect and receive expert advice and representation. We have helped many overseas pathologists into consultant, specialty doctor, registrar, clinical fellow and staff grade NHS roles, whilst offering expert guidance to many more IMGs on NHS doctor pay, royal college qualifications and English language testing. We’d be happy to help you!

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

To help make your MRCEM journey a success - here we’ll take a closer look at MRCEM Primary, including eligibility, dates, fees & exam centers. We will also provide some tips to give you the best chance of passing first time - giving you MRCEM success and moving closer towards full Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM).  Designed to help you prepare and sit the exam, we consider the following topics:  What is the MRCEM Primary?  What is the content and structure?  Can I sit the exam more than once?  What is the curriculum?  Am I eligible?  How can I apply? Where and when can I take the exam? How much will it cost me?  How do I prepare for each exam and what resources are available? Passed? What next?  What is the MRCEM Primary?  The MRCEM Primary Examination is the first examination in a series of three and is mapped to the Emergency Medicine 2015 Curriculum. You can find more detailed information provided in the RCEM Basic Sciences Curriculum (June 2010) which is available here or as a downloadable PDF. The MRCEM Part A has been replaced by the MRCEM Primary exam with effect from August 2016.  Completion of the MRCEM examinations (Primary/ Intermediate/ OSCE) results in the award of membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine.  The Royal College strongly advises all applicants to familiarise themselves with the Basic Sciences Curriculum when preparing to sit the MRCEM Primary Examination. General advice is to get to know the curriculum as early as possible and use it as a road map for your study plan.  What is the content and structure?  The MRCEM Primary exam consists of one 3-hour paper of 180 multiple choice, single best answer questions (SBAQs).  You must choose one best answer from a choice of five feasible answers.  The paper will examine all the domains of knowledge in the Basic Sciences Curriculum including: Anatomy Physiology Pathology Microbiology Pharmacology Evidence Based Medicine Can I sit the exam more than once?  Candidates are permitted a maximum of six attempts in which to pass the MRCEM Primary Examination.  Previous attempts at the MRCEM Part A examination prior to August 2016 do not count towards the number of available attempts.  The examination is conducted in English and candidates are advised that IELTS Level 7 is the expected standard for completion of the MRCEM examinations. Remember, you will need to have a pass of 7.5 average in all areas of IELTS to complete your GMC registration. What is the curriculum?  The blueprint for the MRCEM Primary Examination is as follows:  Category Sub-Category Questions Anatomy Upper limb  Lower limb  Thorax  Abdomen  Head and Neck  Central Nervous System Cranial Nerve Lesions 60 Physiology Basic cellular physiology Respiratory physiology Cardiovascular physiology Gastrointestinal physiology Renal physiology  Endocrine physiology 60 Pharmacology Gastrointestinal pharmacology  Cardiovascular system  Respiratory system  Central Nervous System  Infections Endocrine system  Fluids and electrolytes  Muscoskeletal system  Immunological products and vaccines Anaesthesia 27 Microbiology Principles of microbiology  Pathogen groups 18 Pathology Inflammatory responses  Immune responses  Infection  Wound healing  Haematology 9 Evidence Based Medicine Statistics Study methodology Principles of critical appraisal 6 TOTAL   180 Am I eligible?  To be eligible you must hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. You do not need to be registered with the GMC to enter. Don’t forget! You may need a visa to enter a different country to sit the exam. Failure to check this could prevent you from sitting the exam and your examination fee will not be refunded. How can I apply? All applications are made online. Please note, the application can take some time to complete so it is always advisable to apply well in advance of the deadlines. Applications submitted after the application period will not be accepted.  Links to all application forms and application windows are available here. Where and when can I take the exam? How much will it cost me?  Exam dates and locations for 2019 are currently available, these are regularly updated by the Royal College and can be found here.  Examination Centre Fees MRCEM Primary Short Answer Question Paper   London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Leeds, Cardiff £310 Chennai, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Reykjavik, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat £390 How do I prepare for the exam and what resources are available? With lots of resources available online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:  Curriculum:  Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Emergency Medicine as set out in the Emergency Medicine Training Curriculum 2015. Information Packs: These provide detailed information for the relevant examination components so that you can best prepare for your studies and what to expect on the day: MRCEM Primary Sample questions:  Test your knowledge using example questions from the current exam syllabus provided by the Royal College, see below: • Primary – sample questions Glossary of Terms:  The royal college uses many terms that may cause confusion, so take plenty time to understand the terms and definitions used in this guide.  Candidates are expected to be rigorous in their use of these terms. Glossary of terms used in RCEM exams. Online resources:  There are lots of resources online, such as videos on YouTube, MRCEM courses and useful reading materials. We think that these are a great addition to your study plan, just be sure to check your sources.  For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, take a look at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation  Passed? What next?  If you are completing the papers in order, the next step will be to apply for MRCEM Intermediate Certificate. For more information take a look at our blog where we explore MRCEM Intermediate and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

Moving to a new country means adapting to new ways of doing things. Before relocating, one of the most important things to know is what the typical cultural and social norms are. As an overseas doctor from another country, you may naturally do things differently. So, this article introduces you to a few things that you need to know about British culture and social norms before you arrive.  The British are punctual, especially doctors!  Being late for work or meetings is considered to be rude. If you’re going to be late to an appointment, contact those involved as soon as you know you will be late. But don’t worry, amongst friends and social gatherings it isn’t considered a problem, British people are late all the time!  Never jump the queue.  In many countries jumping to the front of the queue is normal, but in the UK, people may not be very happy with you and will most likely let you know just how unhappy they are. Expect a ticking off, or a 'tut' to let you know. So, as annoying as queuing is, standing patiently in the queue is normal and expected. Don’t get too close.  In the UK, it’s normal to keep arm’s length between yourself and the person you are speaking with. As a doctor of course this is standard practice across the world. But in social situations, any closer is assumed to be uncomfortable for those native to the UK. Of course, this does not mean that you can't be friendly!  Be polite - say “please”, “thank you”, and “sorry”. You will probably get tired of saying these so often, but these are normal parts of everyday conversation and interactions. As an international doctor, you may not be used to this, but you will get used to it very quickly. Shake hands, pat on the back or kiss on the cheek? This one can get confusing. At work, a handshake is the only expected and accepted way of greeting colleagues. For obvious reasons. However, amongst friends, British people shake hands, have a brief hug and pat on the shoulder, or give a ‘peck on the cheek’ (kiss) when greeting a friend or family member. It isn’t that simple though, if you are not a close friend or family member, then the physical touch can sometimes be considered unusual or uncomfortable, shaking hands is best in this situation. So, when greeting people, you will have to judge for yourself the most appropriate way to go about it.  Give up your seat.  Like most corners of the world, the Brits show respect for older adults, pregnant women or disabled people. For example, if you are travelling, you are expected to give up your seat if someone who is pregnant, disabled or older, gets on board and there is no other seat. If an older adult or someone who is disabled seems to be struggling with something, you are also expected to approach them and offer your help. Note, the same can be said for people who are visibly distressed, have fallen unwell, are lost or could benefit from some assistance.  These social norms will help you get along with your new friends and colleagues whilst you settle into your new life in the UK. Get in touch We are of course always here to help you to understand what to expect and once you have started in your new job, we can offer support on any situations that arise which may require some friendly advice. Get in touch here. 

Exam places for MRCP PACES have been hard to secure in some countries. This increase in demand has continued through to 2023, so what can you do to maximise your chances of securing an examination place?  The Royal College of Physicians has advised that they are working to grow capacity internationally. However, this will not have an immediate impact on the number of spots available across the world.  With so many overseas doctors missing out on a spot, we have put together some of the main discussion points to help you to broaden your chances of sitting the exam as soon as possible.  All applications submitted during the application period will be treated equally, with spaces being allocated using a random lottery model. Some spaces are reserved for local trainees and some priority can be given for applicants near the end of their eligibility periods.  So, to maximise your chance of success, we suggest that not only do you apply to your closest PACES exam centre, but also to 3 more centres that you are able to travel to.  Apply to more centres Why should I apply for more centres? More applications equals more chance of securing a place. They way that it works is that if you are not successful with your 1st preference (most local centre), then you will be considered for a space in your 2nd choice centre, and so on until you secure a spot.  Of course, this means that you must be willing to travel to sit the exam. This can be costly, especially if you have to travel to a different country, flights and hotels are not cheap! As such, we suggest taking some time to carefully choose the locations that will not only have the possibility of a spare place, but where your costs will be kept to a minimum.  Candidates will be notified on the outcome of their application within 2 weeks from the closing date, giving you time to plan your travel if necessary.  Whilst this advice does not guarantee a place to sit the exam, it will increase your chances.  If you are not sure what to do, or have any other questions regarding the PACES exam, get in touch with an IMG Connect specialist. Take a look at our IMG library for more information regarding postgraduate exams & PACES 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 CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

Passing PLAB helps the GMC ensure doctors have the knowledge & skills to practice in the UK. The PLAB test assesses an overseas doctor's ability to work safely in the NHS, showing the GMC they have skills necessary to work at senior house officer level (SHO). IMGs from any country in the world can sit the examinations provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with the following topics: What is the PLAB test? Who needs to take the PLAB test? How is the PLAB exam structured? What are the entry requirements? At what stage should I take the exam? Where and when can I sit the test? What does it cost? How do I book my test place? How do I prepare for PLAB? Do I need to bring anything to the test? How many times can I sit the test? Results Passed? What next? An Overview of PLAB PLAB is as a licensing examination to assess whether an International Medical Graduate (IMG) is eligible to obtain GMC registration.  The exam is designed to ensure that doctors who qualified abroad have the right knowledge and skills to practise medicine in the UK. Whilst PLAB does not demonstrate proficiency in any particular specialty, it does prove that an IMG is at least as capable as an F2 or SHO. Who needs to take the PLAB test? If you graduated from a medical school outside the UK, EEA, or Switzerland, you probably need to sit the PLAB test or attain a recognised postgraduate qualification.  If you are an EEA doctor, and qualified at an EEA institution, then your postgraduate qualification will automatically satisfy the GMC skills and knowledge criteria and don’t need to sit PLAB.  PLAB Structure There are two parts to the PLAB test.  PLAB 1 is a written exam made up of 180 multiple choice questions which you must answer within three hours. Each starts with a short scenario followed by a question. You need to choose the right answer out of the five possible answers given. You can sit part 1 in a number of countries, as well as in the UK.  Take a closer look at PLAB 1 here. PLAB 2 is a practical objective structured clinical exam, known as an OSCE. It's made up of 18 scenarios, each lasting eight minutes and aims to reflect real life settings including a mock consultation or an acute ward. Part 2 tests run throughout the year at the GMC’s own clinical assessment centre in the UK, only.  Take a closer look at PLAB 2 here. You need to pass both parts of the test before you can apply for registration with a license to practice medicine in the UK.   Eligibility To be eligible for the PLAB test you must meet the following criteria:  Your Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) must be awarded by an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Before starting the process, we recommend that you check that your Primary Medical Qualification is accepted in the UK.  You must also have taken and passed the English Language Test (IELTS or OET) with the relevant scores. For IELTS you must have attained a score of at least 7.5 overall and a minimum of 7.0 for all the four language skills. For OET you must have scored at least grade B in each testing area.  At least 12 months’ postgraduate clinical experience in a teaching hospital, or another hospital approved by the medical registration authorities in the appropriate country (the test can be taken without this experience, but the candidate will only be granted limited registration at the grade of House Officer – the grade occupied by new medical graduates). At what stage should I take the exam?  For IMGs we recommend that you apply for the PLAB exams after the completion of an internship or house job, as that makes you eligible for full GMC registration.  However, you can sit the PLAB at any time in your career, so long as you have a recognised Primary Medical Qualification. IMGs in our community advise the earlier the better!  Before you can sit the tests, you need to set up a GMC online account and show the GMC that your medical qualification and level of English are acceptable. Once you have done that you can sit Part 1 of the PLAB test. For further information visit the General Medical Council website. Test Centres Part 1 is run four times a year, both in the UK and in a number of overseas centres. A full list of dates, locations and contact details can be found here. Part 2 can be taken in the UK only. When you book your PLAB 2 test place online, you will be able to see which venue is available for you. Currently, the main test venues are in Manchester. You can find more details here. Cost The fee for Part 1 of the PLAB test is currently £255 The fee for Part 2 of the PLAB test is currently £934 Booking the PLAB Test You can book online using your GMC Online account. You will be able to view available dates and venues and book under the My Tests section.  Remember, before you book, you must have an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification and the necessary knowledge of English.  Preparation PLAB 1 can be taken under your own preparation, but for PLAB 2 most IMGs advise that they have benefited from attending specific courses geared at this test. It is also advisable to plan ahead for PLAB 2, so that you can ensure that you can complete everything within one Visitor Visa time period (6 months).  We have explored the UK Visitor Visa for PLAB 2 in more detail here, but let’s look briefly at booking PLAB 2 in some detail as you will have to arrange a UK Visitor Visa in order to sit the test.  Take some time to consider when you want to sit the PLAB 2 exam, it takes time to study for the test itself, but you also need to start the process of your Visa application. To apply for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete an online UK visa application for PLAB. This takes two steps, online application, and submission of supporting documents in a Visa application centre.  Remember to plan ahead! Once you have applied for your UK Visitor Visa, you must complete PLAB 2 within 6 months. Do I need to bring anything to the test?  You will need to bring Identification, your booking confirmation and stationary.  For identification, the venue will accept any one of the following. Passport UK Immigration and Nationality Department identification document Home Office travel document Booking confirmation Bring the booking confirmation that includes your GMC booking reference number For stationery You should bring HB pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener. PLAB Attempts For PLAB 1, you can take the test 4 times. If you have not passed after 4 attempts, to be eligible to take the test again you must have completed a further 12 months experience of clinical practice or post graduate qualification.  You can only apply for PLAB 2 after the results for PLAB 1 are issued. You must pass PLAB 2 within 2 years of the date you passed PLAB 1.  Results PLAB 1 results are available around 6 weeks after you have taken the exam.  When PLAB 2 results are available the GMC will email you to provide access to the results in the ‘My Tests’ section of the GMC online account. Passed? What next? Once you have passed both parts of your PLAB examinations, you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Your application must be approved within 2 years of passing part 2 of the test. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  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.             

Respiratory medicine SCE is the higher postgraduate qualification delivered by the Royal College of Physicians as a specialist qualification for respiratory medicine doctors. It is one of 11 SCEs offered by the Royal College and offers physicians a postgraduate qualification which demonstrates to prospective employers the achievement of a standard equivalent to UK specialist doctors.  Here we take a closer look at the MRCP (UK) Respiratory Medicine Specialty Certificate Examination for doctors who have chosen to specialise in respiratory medicine. We cover the content of the exam, as well as fees and the eligibility criteria, all summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics:  What is the respiratory medicine SCE? Where does the SCE fit into my training? What is the structure of the respiratory medicine SCE? How do I apply for the exams and what do they cost? Where can I sit the exams as an overseas respiratory medicine doctor? How should I prepare for the exams as an IMG? I’ve passed? What’s next?   Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.  MRCP (UK) Respiratory Medicine SCE  The respiratory medicine specialty certificate exams are administered as a compulsory component of assessment for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in respiratory medicine for all UK trainees.   The purpose of an SCE is to:  ensure that certified specialists have sufficient knowledge of their specialty to practice safely and competently as consultants  complement workplace-based assessments  provide a rigorous national assessment to establish public confidence  offer a challenge similar to sub-specialty certification examination in North America  SCE as part of Training in Respiratory Medicine  Since the MRCP(UK) exams are taken during the Internal Medicine Training years (ST1-ST3), the respiratory medicine SCE allows physicians to demonstrate that they are able to practice independently at a consultant level.  The SCE has no official entry requirements (both for UK and overseas candidates); however, UK trainees would normally take the SCE in their penultimate year of higher specialty training (ST6). UK trainees should have made at least one attempt by the time of their penultimate year assessment.  For in-depth guide to the MRCP exams, see our IMG Resources library here.  Exam Structure  The SCE assesses candidates on a wide range of common and important disorders, as set out in the syllabus of the curriculum. This should be taken as an indication of the likely number of questions – the actual number may vary:  Topic  Number of questions  Airways disease  35  Interstitial lung disease (ILD)  25  Disorders of the pleura and mediastinum, including pneumothorax  25  Pulmonary infections  35  Pulmonary vascular disease  20  Sleep-related breathing disorders and hypoventilation  5  Thoracic oncology  35  Other*  20  Total  200  *Other: Critical and high-dependency care of respiratory disease; Genetic and developmental lung disease; Lung transplantation; Pharmacology; Practical procedures; Statistics  The questions in each category are distributed across both papers.  All SCEs are computer-based and are administered by Pearson VUE at a test centre in the UK or internationally.  Respiratory Medicine SCE Applications  SCEs are held once a year and applications are made online through My MRCP(UK) account, within the Upcoming Exams section of the Royal College website.   The application process is as follows:  Register online through My MRCP(UK) (candidates have the opportunity at this point to register any special arrangements)  Request a preferred test country and city  Pay applicable examination fee  Application is confirmed via an automatically generated email  Receive test centre confirmation email from Pearson VUE within four weeks of the examination date.  The Royal College of Physicians has created a helpful video guide on SCE applications which you can watch here.  Cost  The cost of the SCE exams are as follows:  UK centres: £665  International centres: £833  Exam Centres  UK Centres  Candidates who choose to sit the respiratory medicine SCE in the UK must contact Pearson VUE to book their test. There are up to 137 test centres throughout the UK for each SCE, and the Royal College of Physicians advise that candidates should book their exam as early as possible to secure their preferred test centre, as bookings operate on a first come first served basis.  International Centres  Candidates are given a choice of regions and are then asked to nominate a particular city in that region as their desired test location. The Royal College of Physicians will pass this request to Pearson VUE once the application period has closed, and Pearson VUE will confirm final test centre details to candidates via email at least three weeks before the date of the examination. If the exam is not available in a requested location, candidates will be offered a choice of the nearest available test centres.  Please note, international candidates should not book their own test centre with Pearson VUE - attempting to do so may delay a candidate's application.  The full list of international SCE test centres can be found here.  Preparation and Resources for the Respiratory Medicine SCE  It can be difficult for IMGs to know where to start with their preparation and revision. This list should provide a good starting point for any international respiratory medicine doctors preparing to sit the SCE:  Curriculum - Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in Respiratory Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges’ Curriculum for Respiratory Medicine Specialist Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible and using it as a blueprint for your study.   Guidelines - These tools are helpful for supplementing your knowledge:  American Thoracic Society British Thoracic Society European Respiratory Society National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) Journals  American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine CHEST   European Respiratory Journal Thorax Sample questions: It is a good idea to regularly assess your knowledge and progress using example questions from the current exam syllabus. You can find these here.  For an overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses, check out at our blog: IMG Connects Top Tips for exam preparation.  I’ve passed? What’s next?  First of all, congratulations - this is a massive achievement! With your MRCP(UK) and Respiratory Medicine SCE in hand, you can apply for a full GMC registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. Great stuff!   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG medicine recruitment specialist to discuss GMC registration, respiratory medicine positions in the NHS, including typical NHS salaries, the most suitable UK locations and hospitals for you, and relocation.  To receive the latest news and updates, including the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Are you an overseas psychiatrist taking the postgraduate route to GMC registration through the MRCPsych exams? Are you interested in sitting the exams in the future? As part of IMG Stories, we introduce to you Dr Praveen Kumar, a psychiatrist who has recently sat and passed the MRCPsych Paper B exam. Praveen will be sharing with you his experiences of the second of the Royal College of Psychiatrists exams, taking you through his preparation, experience of sitting the exam and sharing some hot tips for international MRCPsych aspirants. 1. Tell us about yourself... what should the IMG Community know about Praveen Kumar? I'm a Malaysian psychiatrist and I completed most of my training as an Ob-Gyn in Borneo. I originally came to the UK for the PLAB 2 exam, with my ultimate aim being to relocate to Australia. I had planned on spending a few weeks in the UK as a vacation, as it was my first time flying to the west. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I was stuck in the UK for some time. I decided to enter the psychiatry training programme in Inverness, Scotland (CT1) just out of curiosity, because mental health was hardly spoken about in rural Malaysia, so I knew little about it. This was my main plan while I waited for restrictions to ease in Malaysia so I could return home, however plans changed, and I've been here ever since. 2. What motivated you to sit the MRCPsych exams? I had no experience in psychiatry before starting my training in February 2021, but I felt I owed it to my patients to have at least some basic knowledge. I felt studying for MRCPsych would prepare me for the role, so I took Part A and B early on. 3. At what point in your career and training did you sit the MRCPsych Paper B exam? I sat Paper A in December 2020 and Paper A in October 2021, so this was quite early on in my training.  4. How far in advance did you start preparing for the MRCPsych Paper B and how much time did you spend on revision? I began preparing around 6 months before the exam. I'd have 8-20 hours of zoom study sessions weekly for the 6 months, studying around 4-6 days a week. 5. Did you benefit from speaking to senior colleagues or peers about the exam? Did you study with other candidates? I relied on study groups via a WhatsApp group for discussions and attended weekly zoom study sessions. I formed a study group by seeking out other candidates after posting a message on MRCPsych groups on Facebook. 6. Have you already completed MRCPsych Paper A and how do you feel it prepared you for the Paper B exam? I completed MRCPsych A on Dec 2020. By then I had already conducted many group studies and had 117 group study mates that continued with me into part B. We did the same format of group study that I hosted before. 7. How did you manage to juggle other commitments whilst studying for the exam (without panicking)? Since I am on my own here in the UK, I was able to invest a lot of time and energy in hosting daily study sessions because at the start, it kept me grounded while I was stuck in a foreign country. It gave me the opportunity to communicate with so many people in a setting other than my workplace. It was fairly challenging initially while I moved between Airbnbs (7 in total!) while waiting for flights back home. It was only when I was accepted into a psychiatry training programme in Inverness and acquired stable accommodation that things became a lot easier. 8. What resources did you use to prepare and practice for the MRCPsych Paper B exam? The hardest part was actually statistics which took up 1/3rd of the exam questions, so the goal was to complete the statistics syllabus, then move on to cover clinicals, repeat statistics again, then finally start mocks before the exam. This was the process that was recommended to me by some friends who passed the exam before me. The SPMM mocks and high yield questions were most helpful for clinical and stats, but the Psychmentor notes were also really good with the questions and mocks helping to fortify our knowledge. The Statistics and Research Methods (Cambridge Crash Course) by Dr Paul Wilkinson helped loads with statistics near the end. I didn’t use any notes or SPMM videos, but I’ve heard they helped others quite a lot. 9. Let's face it, exams are not everyone's favourite day out... so on the day of the exam, what did you do to relax? I prepped by reassuring myself that I did practice and study as best I could. I was ultimately looking to gather knowledge that would allow me to better help my patients. Whatever else came out of the process was secondary. 10. What was your experience like on the day? I felt like I could hear the voices of my study mates as I did the exam. It didn't feel particularly difficult to be honest, because I'd had lots of practice sessions. 11. What was the most challenging part of the exam? There were some tricky bits, for example being asked the percentage of patients who have a particular illness! 12. Now that the MRCPsych exam is provided online, how (if at all) was the test different to exams sat in person? I didn't see it as much different to be honest. 13. In hindsight, would you have done anything differently? Nothing really. I genuinely enjoyed the study sessions and I hope others did too. 14. What nugget of advice would you give to any MRCPsych Paper B aspirants? Form or join a study group with people from various backgrounds. Mine had folks from around the globe with psychiatry experience ranging from none at all to 12 years. Their input was gold - more so since the exam is very relevant to our day-to-day practice. 15. What are your plans going forward? I’m actually doing a couple of diplomas at the moment. I plan to collaborate with some people on some research/publication opportunities. This is mostly to bide time during CT2 as I am only allowed to sit the CASC exam during CT3 after 2 years psychiatry experience. The postgraduate route to GMC registration, whilst not the fastest, can be the most rewarding in the long run. The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK, and as an international psychiatrist, this is the route that allows you to most closely align your qualifications with the requirements of more senior roles in the NHS. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded overseas MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters. For news and updates on all things psychiatry, including GMC registration, the Royal College and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.             

IMGs often have questions about the best ways to prepare for the MRCPsych Paper B exam, particularly with a new exam format and so many online materials geared towards UK trainees and applicants.  So, what study materials, courses and support are available for international psychiatrists? Here we have compiled some of the best guidance and resources to help in your preparation for the Paper B exam. We will also address some of the changes in the availability of test centres and exam delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The topics we’ll cover are as follows:  What is MRCPsych Paper B? How do I get started with my preparation? What other resources are available? How has the exam been affected by COVID-19? #IMG Tips Passed? What’s next? If you know what you’re looking for, skip ahead to the relevant section.  If you’d like an overview of the entire examination series, take a look at the article published in our IMG Resources library here.  MRCPsych Paper B Let’s begin with a quick recap of the second exam in the MRCPsych examination suite.   MRCPsych Paper B is a three-hour written exam which asses critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry.  The 150-mark paper comprises It is made up of around two-thirds multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and one-third extended matching item questions (EMI). One third of the paper covers critical review, with the other two thirds covering clinical topics.  The breakdown of the sections is as follows:  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, visit the examination page of the Royal College website or see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych Paper B exam here.  Preparation  It can be tough to know the best place to start, and after talking with some psychiatry consultants (both IMGs and UK trainees), the consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help applicants to prepare for the exam. See below:  Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.  Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B, candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B critical review - evidence-based practice syllabic content, available here.  Sample Papers: These will help you polish your exam techniques and are a good way to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. Additionally, they will help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The samples can be found here.  Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is marked so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. These can be accessed here.  Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here.  Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.  The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.  Other resources IMG Connect has a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the Paper B exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.  Other online resources available for the exam include a mixture of paid and free resources. These include:  SPMM Starter Study Materials: A range of comprehensive study materials and subject-based question banks with evidence-based answers and explanations (SPMM HiYield and SmartRevise). These are available for 6 months from the date of purchase for the price of £299 and can be found here.  SPMM Video Lectures: A course covering the most important questions pertaining to clinical and critical appraisal topics. This is delivered through 19 hours of viewing - 10.5 hours of clinical topics and 8.5 hours of critical appraisal. Also provided is a PDF of Q-Bank to print and practice. These are available for 3 months from the date of purchase for the price of £199 and can be found here.  Brainscape Flashcards: Sets of web and mobile flashcards with hundreds of questions across all of the syllabus covered in the MRCPsych Paper B exam. This free resource can be used as either revision or practice material and is available here.  Superego Café Question Bank: This question bank provides over 500 multiple choice questions to help you prepare for your examination. The question bank includes constantly updated revision questions and is available as a mixed variety to reflect the MRCPsych Paper B examination. This can be accessed here.  BMJ Revision Questions: The BMJ has created an app-based revision resource with over 270 core questions, including the SBA and EMQ formats that will be seen in the exam. They are available at several price points dependent on the duration of access, from £29.99 for one month to £129.99 for 12 months. These are available here.  Get Through MRCPsych Paper B: Written by authors with recent exam success, the book provides candidates with realistic and up to date MCQ and EMIs, closely matched to themes appearing most often in the Paper B exam. This can be found here.  TrickCyclists Exam Notes: A series of psychiatry notes specifically tailored to the MRCPsych Paper B exam, including the nine topics covered by the exam and more. They are available in word and PDF format and are free to be used, distributed and modified. They are available here.  Courses  The SPMM and MRCPsychMentor resources are the most highly recommended by IMG psychiatrists we have spoken to and are available in different formats depending on your revision needs.  MRCPsych Mentor Mock Exam A three-hour long exam which simulates exam conditions with a mock exam paper comprising new questions not available in the question bank. It includes a revision mode, timed tests, extensive performance analysis and powerful question review functions.  Duration  6 weeks  Cost  £15  Next start date  On demand  Website  www.mrcpsychmentor.com/mocka/index.php    SPMM Booster Mock Exams These practice tests are simulations of the real exam prepared to the exam blueprint, allowing you to identify your weakest areas before the actual exam. This package includes access to 6 individual practice papers, comprising reconstructed questions from the most recent exams. Subscriptions can be purchased only 10 weeks before the College exam date.  Duration  N/A  Cost  £249  Next start date  On demand  Website  spmmcourse.com/local/coursepackages.php    IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych Paper B Crash Course This is a tailored MRCPsych Paper A course for overseas psychiatrists. This course offers weekly sessions covering the exam and its various domains. This is accompanied by practice MCQs and EMQs for exam-style practice, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration. You can access our IMG Psychiatrists Paper B Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. How the exam has been affected by COVID-19 As a result of the pandemic, all MRCPsych exams have moved online. Applicants from Singapore and Hong Kong who intended to sit exams in local centres are also invited to apply for the online sitting of the exam. You can learn more about the online exams for MRCPsych in the blog we've written here.  The application process for the exam takes 15 – 20 minutes where candidates will need a valid debit/ credit card, as well as the email address and full details of your sponsor. Further details on the application process can be found here.  #IMG Tips  Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Build on your existing knowledge and experience – you’re being tested on things which you’ll likely be familiar; take your experiences and use that to bolster any new information you learn through your revision.  Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage; take what’s available online and maximise their impact on your preparation.  Maintain a work-life balance – whilst you should dedicate time to study for the exam, it’s important to avoid burnout by setting aside time away from work and revision to reset and clear your mind.  Join the online psychiatry community - for news and updates about all things psychiatry for IMGs, follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation here.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things histopathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              Passed? What next?  Great stuff, this is a massive achievement and you deserve to put your feet up for a while! After a well-earned break, you can apply to sit the CASC exam, which you are eligible for once you’ve passed the MRCPsych Paper A and Paper B exams. For more information, take a look at our blog we will explore MRCPsych CASC and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.

Overseas clinical or radiation oncologists wanting to secure a role in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to attain Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology) in order to register with the GMC. FRCR Oncology is the UK Royal College qualification and the recommended route for oncologists looking to work in the UK as a specialist or consultant. IMGs from any country in the world can sit the FRCR (Oncology) examinations, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. These are summarised below along with a broad look at the following topics - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: What is FRCR (Oncology)? Am I eligible? What is the content and structure? Where and when can I sit the exams and how much will it cost me? How do I apply? How can I prepare for the exams? Passed? What next? What is FRCR Oncology?  Clincal oncologists become full members of the Royal College of Radiologists and achieve the designation, FRCR, once they have passed the three separate postgraduate medical exams that make up the FRCR (Oncology) examination suite. The FRCR (Oncology) examinations aim to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology and the exams are a pre-requisite for anyone looking to go into a specialty training post as an oncologist in the UK. For more senior candidates, absence of FRCR (Oncology) will make it very difficult to attain locum-consultant posts unless you have a recognised equivalent or specialist registration in clinical oncology.  The First FRCR Examination expects candidates to have acquired a broad knowledge of those subjects that relate to the investigation and management of patients with cancer. Candidates are examined against the Clinical Oncology curriculum. A new curriculum is being implemented from summer 2021, with all trainees expected to transfer to the new curriculum by August 2022 at the latest. Further details are available on the curriculum webpages. If you are unsure what curriculum you should be using for your studies in 2021 then please refer to the Royal College website page discussing the FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 exam here.  When registering via the postgraduate route, only full FRCR satisfies the GMC postgraduate requirements for registration as an overseas doctor. There are three parts to the FRCR examinations: FRCR (Oncology) Part 1 (CO1) > comprises four papers of single best answer (SBA) questions. The written papers for the four subjects are held twice a year over two consecutive days. FRCR (Oncology) Part 2A (CO2A) (both must be passed in one sitting in order to attain a pass) two separate single best answer papers FRCR (Oncology) Part 2B (CO2B)  a reporting session a rapid reporting session an oral examination The FRCR (Oncology) examinations form an essential component of training for clinical or radiation oncologists in the UK. For overseas doctors relocating to the UK, FRCR is one of two options to support full GMC registration (postgraduate qualification or PLAB route). For doctors who wish to secure a senior clinical oncology job in the NHS reflective of their current practice, we advise that FRCR would be the best route to choose. FRCR is often an essential requirement for many job postings in the UK when a candidate does not already have Specialist Registration in Clinical Oncology or a recognised equivalent postgraduate qualification. Eligibility for FRCR (Oncology):  First FRCR: To be eligible you must: hold a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. have completed courses covering the syllabus in the subjects listed below. Cancer Biology and Radiobiology Clinical Pharmacology
 Medical Statistics Physics There is no requirement to have held a clinical oncology training post in order to attempt the First FRCR Examination. Final FRCR Part A: To be eligible you must:  have passed the First FRCR examination must have passed the First FRCR examination and have completed three years of supervised clinical oncology training covering the examination syllabus. In exceptional circumstances, with support from the Training Programme Director and at the discretion of the Medical Director (Education and Training), this minimum training period may be reduced to two years and six months. Final FRCR Part B: To be eligible you must:  have passed the Final FRCR Part A, First FRCR and have completed three years of supervised clinical oncology training  Content and structure for FRCR (Oncology) First FRCR Examination: It is delivered through a digital platform and as such is now also available at a larger number of test centres than before. The First FRCR Examination comprises four papers of single best answer (SBA) questions. The written papers for the four subjects are held twice a year over two consecutive days. Further general information on the examination shows in the guidance notes for candidates here, however it can be summarised as below: Day One Format Cancer Biology & Radiobiology 50 questions over 2.5 hours Clinical Pharmacology 40 questions over 2 hours Day Two Format Physics 50 questions over 2.5 hours Medical Statistics 40 questions over 2 hours Each SBA question comprises a stem (a question or statement) and five items (answers) [labelled (a) to (e)]. Candidates are asked to decide which one of the five items represents the best answer to the question given in the stem. The four modules break down as below: Cancer Biology and Radiobiology: the processes of cancer cell transformation and tumour development and how these processes may be demonstrated, and the response to ionising radiation of cells both individually and grouped as tissues. Clinical Pharmacology: the structure, action, use and evaluation of drugs used in the treatment of a patient with cancer. Medical Statistics: with special reference to clinical trials and assessment of results, and the epidemiology of cancer. Physics: the application of physical principles and methods in clinical radiotherapy, physical basis of the therapeutic uses of radioactive isotopes, radiation hazards and protection. A knowledge of SI units is expected. Final FRCR (Part A): The examination expects candidates to have a wide knowledge of malignant disease and the management of patients with cancer. The main emphasis is on radiotherapy and drug therapy, but a good knowledge of general medicine, surgery and gynaecology is expected. You will be examined against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. The Final FRCR (Part A) Examination comprises two papers of 120 single best answer (SBA) questions. It is held twice a year, normally in February and August/September and you are given three hours to answer each of the papers. Read the college's Purpose of Assessment to see this information in detail - however below we summarise the content and structure for FRCR Part A. Paper 1 Tumour Type No. of Questions Respiratory  24 Urology  24 Head & Neck  24 Skin  12 CNS 12 Gynaecology 24   Paper 2 Tumour Type No. of Questions Breast  24 Lower Gastrointestinal 24 Upper Gastrointestinal 12 Haematology 12 Miscellaneous* 38 Image-based 10 *The miscellaneous section contains questions on thyroid cancer, sarcoma, unknown primary, regulations, palliative care and a small set of questions that do not specifically fit into a defined site specific category. FRCR Part 2B (Oncology) (CO2B): The exam requires you to have a wide understanding of malignant disease and management of patients with cancer. The biggest emphasis here is radiotherapy and drug therapy, though a strong knowledge of general medicine, surgery and gynaecology is expected also. You will be examined against the specialty training curriculum for clinical oncology and the clinical oncology syllabus. The exam has both a clinical and oral component. Read the Royal College's Final FRCR Purpose of Assessment to understand the format and content in more detail, however a brief summary of both part is below: Clinical Examination: This is the practical element and will involve you rotating round five strictly timed clinical assessment 'stations' where your skills are assessed by a pair of examiners. This part is to test the skills and competencies that are essential for safe and effective clinical practice as a clinical oncologist in the NHS. Patients with real clinical signs are used throughout this examination, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and judgment in as a realistic a scenario possible.  The clinical examination will assess your ability to: identify important clinical signs using effective examination techniques give a rationale differential diagnosis order and interpret appropriate investigations identify the main treatment options select an appropriate, safe and sensible management plan recommend a safe radiotherapy technique, understanding and communicating the likely outcomes & side effects recommend a safe systemic treatment schedule, understanding and communicating their likely outcomes and side effects clearly discuss a likely prognosis in the case presented clearly demonstrate an ability to treat the patient sensitively, ensuring their comfort and dignity Oral Examination: The structured oral examination assesses in-depth issues surrounding radiotherapy planning, diagnostic imaging and clinical decision-making and case management. Communication and ethical scenarios are addressed during this examination. It will mirror day-to-day clinical discussions and MDT meetings, essential elements to a Clinical Oncologist's role in the UK. There are several slides per question, and your answers can lead to further questions on subsequent slides by the examiners. The questions build as the discussion develops, and this oral examination allows each step of the case to be assessed and discussed as it would be in a real-life clinical scenario.  The structured oral examinations allow for fair, valid and reliable assessments due to: uniformity of questions asked pairing of examiners (junior and senior) allowing for ongoing training and accurate data capture and marking four independent judgments of your performance the examination is blueprinted against both the curriculum and the range of RCR-designated skills required to be a competent oncologist in the NHS the use of an objective marking scheme which details the essential points required to pass each question As an overseas candidate, where & when can I sit the exams and how much will they cost me?  This link takes you to the examination updates section. Information on the dates, fees and venues for the FRCR examinations can found here.  How do I apply for the FRCR (Oncology) examinations? UK Trainees are given priority for examination places, whilst overseas candidates are offered the remaining places via a ballot system following the application closing date. If you've had your exam deferred due to cancellations over the last year, you will be prioritised.  The Royal College urges anyone applying to read the examinations guidance before doing so. Applications are made online via the Royal College website here. How should I prepare for the FRCR (Oncology) exams?  With lots of materials online, we have discussed with IMGs the best place to start looking for resources and materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you prepare, see below:  Syllabus: The syllabus should always be your go-to for your studies. This is what you will be tested on, so it should be the foundation of your studies and preparation. As of May 2021 the new curriculum has been approved by the GMC but is pending full publication. You can find this on the Royal College website here. Clinical Oncology Curriculum implementation tools - a variety of tools are available to support the implementation of the new curricula. This page is very useful and has many different tools within the page. You can access it here. Remote proctoring guidance - this is a new system and as with anything techy, problems can arise! Use this section of the Royal College to familiarise yourself with the new system with the new normal. Access this page here. First FRCR examiners' reports - a guide for candidates and trainers preparing for future sittings. Access this here. Trainees share their experiences of the Final FRCR examination - a two-part audio series featuring trainees talking about their experiences of preparing for and taking the examination. Final FRCR examiner reports - a guide for candidates and trainers preparing for future sittings. Access the examiner reports archive here. Final FRCR Part B demonstration films - clinical and oral demonstration videos. Access the Part B demonstration films here. Sample oral questions - sample questions for the oral component of the Final FRCR Part B examination. You can access the sample questions here. Connect with the Royal College - connect with the Royal College on YouTube to see their numerous videos that can be used for training and information purposes. Their channel can be found here. 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. I passed the FRCR Oncology exams! What next? First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all three parts of your FRCR examinations, you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK. This exam will form an integral part of any CESR application (if that is your route to specialist registration) and in most cases, if you have previous and relevant experience, will allow you to practice as a locum consultant clinical oncologist whilst you are not an accredited specialist on the specialist register.  For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

With IMG Connect you can search and apply for roles in the NHS, including posts relating to COVID-19. We can offer you the latest advice on each opportunity to work in the best performing NHS hospitals in the UK.  The NHS is looking for motivated internationally qualified pulmonologists to be a part of its dedicated workforce and join some of the best performing, largest and most successful Trusts in the UK. For experienced pulmonologists, CESR is supported in the majority of vacancies.  NHS Jobs in Respiratory Medicine, offering CESR support and career growth At IMG Connect we are delighted to be able to offer opportunities for motivated, ambitious respiratory medicine specialists (Consultants, Registrars, Clinical Fellows and Registrars) to join Respiratory Medicine services based up and down the country.  Each appointment will be a member of a Respiratory multidisciplinary team providing high quality care, which are constantly seeking to improve and refine their service. Our NHS clients always have the ambition to continue to deliver an international standard service. Our NHS clients can accommodate your skill set and professional interests. In some roles, the appointee will participate in both General Medical and Respiratory and will be responsible for the continuing care of patients admitted as emergencies. Sub-specialty clinical and academic interests are always encouraged.  For consultant paleontologists, there are opportunities to work in major teaching hospitals, and all respiratory specialists will also be expected to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate education. The development of relevant research interests is also encouraged, and opportunities will be enhanced by education and career development departments.  For Specialty Doctors and Consultants in respiratory medicine, CESR is a great option to gain an internationally recognised qualification, allowing you to take on a permanent consultant job in the NHS.  What’s life like in an NHS Respiratory Department?  Respiratory medicine in the NHS is typically a hospital-based specialty. Hospital wards are busy and varied, a third of all acute medical admissions to hospital are the result of respiratory problems. Some Respiratory physicians choose to practice general medicine, and others maintain a focus on acute respiratory medicine. Respiratory physicians in the NHS will work closely with colleagues in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), as well as across all other specialties. Assessing patients in outpatients’ clinics is an important part of NHS jobs. There are two types of clinic: general respiratory clinics and specialist clinics. Respiratory physicians also run lung function laboratories in NHS hospitals and some respiratory units specialise in areas such as lung transplant, sleep-related medical problems or cystic fibrosis. Specialist respiratory clinics in the NHS deal with a range of problems including: cancer tuberculosis, or TB (a bacterial lung disease) cystic fibrosis (an inherited condition that causes a sticky section that can affect the airways often causing infection) interstitial lung disease (scarring of the lung tissue between and supporting the air sacs) chronic cough sleep disorders relating to breathing, eg obstructive sleep apnoea pulmonary vascular disorders (affecting the blood circulation of the lungs) With such a broad range of job plans and career directions available, the NHS is an excellent place for pulmonologists to secure a job and grow their career in respiratory medicine, whilst working in internationally recognised institutions.  To receive the latest news and updates, including the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

There are several routes to GMC registration and securing an NHS role for Critical Care or ICU specialists. Whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the General Medical Council (GMC) before beginning their journey in the NHS. As a critical care specialist 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 “Doctors 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 is part of the continuous exchange of knowledge in healthcare and should be strongly encouraged. They make an invaluable contribution to the NHS.”  Joint statement from the Royal College of Physicians & Intensive Care Medicine 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 doctor inside the EEA or Switzerland, then the good news is that you don’t need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK – you have already done this, and thanks to the EU your qualification is deemed equivalent.  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 doctor in the UK & NHS.  English Language Testing Any international doctor, 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: OET – Occupational English Test IELTS – International English Language Testing System Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors GMC Registration Having passed your English Language Test, you can now apply for full registration with a licence to practice with the GMC. For full GMC registration you must provide evidence of: Evidence of English language capabilities (IELTS or OET) AND Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (your equivalent qualifications) Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article: IMG Library - GMC Registration for overseas doctors Job search We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for European Critical Care specialists in the NHS is ever-increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms! At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for European doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of CCU / ICU jobs than are readily available online.  Our network extends to clinical departments 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 critical care medicine 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 GMC 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 doctor’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 overseas doctors have questioned how the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) will affect doctors 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 doctors 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 doctors are most welcome in the NHS with or without Brexit.  At IMG Connect we do not see Brexit as an end to EEA doctors 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 Outside of the EEA If you qualified as a Critical Care specialist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge & skills and English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.  In addition, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.  Here we summarise the requirements for ICU doctors, looking at the following: English Language Testing Evidence of Knowledge & Skills - PLAB, FRCA or equivalents Tier 2 Visas  Full GMC Registration English Language Testing Any international doctor, 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: OET – Occupational English Test IELTS – International English Language Testing System Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors Evidence of Knowledge & Skills in Critical Care & Intensive Care Medicine Overseas doctors must prove to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. In CCU this can be done through three main routes: PLAB EDIC EDAIC Route 1 - 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 intensive care medicine 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, doctors 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: PLAB – a guide for overseas doctors PLAB 1 – a closer look PLAB 2 – a closer look Route 2 - EDAIC or EDIC: Attaining a EDIC or EDAIC qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism. For senior ICU specialists taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice.  The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine awards EDIC qualifications and the European Society of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care award EDAIC. Read our article on EDAIC here: EDAIC - a guide for overseas doctors. An article on EDAIC will be coming soon. Route 3 - Other GMC Recognised or Equivalent Qualifications: Some other overseas qualifications are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This means to say these qualifications are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications. There are anaesthesiology & intensive care qualifications from several countries around the world that are currently accepted by the GMC, EDAIC being one common example.  Find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications Tier 2 Visa If you are a doctor applying from outside the EEA region you will almost certainly need to apply for a visa to work in the UK.  Applying as a doctor or nurse 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: 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:Tier 2 Dependant visa - can i bring my family with me to the UK? GMC Registration With everything in place, you can apply for full registration with a licence to practice with the GMC. Remember, for full GMC registration you must provide evidence of: Evidence of English language capabilities AND Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (PLAB, FRCA Primary, EDAIC or equivalent) Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article: GMC Registration for overseas doctors Job search We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for Non-EEA anaesthetists in the NHS is increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!  At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for overseas doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of jobs than is readily available online.  Our network extends to anaesthetics 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 1-1 consultant, with a specialty knowledge of ICU, will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get the most competitive salary. Giving you the peace of mind of agreeing your new contract, perhaps even before your GMC registration is complete.  Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search  Relocation Obviously, any doctor’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 ICU specialists have questions about how the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) will affect doctors 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 doctors 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 doctors.  Overseas doctors 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             

Vacancies for Emergency Medicine doctors from outside the UK can be found in a variety of ways, which for some doctors can sometimes be time-consuming and confusing. Working with IMG Connect will give you easy access to vacancies for consultants, clinical fellows, registrars, specialty doctors, trust doctors, as well as LAS posts. The IMG Connect job search is a dedicated online recruitment service for overseas doctors looking to secure a job in the NHS. View our latest Doctor Jobs in the NHS, here.  Save time and get expert advice based on your preferences  Performing a job search online can take up a lot of your time, so at IMG Connect we are here to do the time-consuming work for you. Upon registering, you will have a dedicated consultant whose role is to find jobs that match your skills, and apply for NHS jobs on your behalf.  You can receive jobs updates by E-mail to view new posts to suit your job search every day. Create a profile – it takes 30 seconds It really is that easy, so why not take advantage of our resources, time and energy to find you the right job in the NHS suited to your preferences. By providing us with some key details we can quickly assess which jobs are best suited to your preferences, and even email you job alerts for new exciting roles which we think will interest you! We understand you, and our clients When looking for an Emergency Medicine job in the NHS, it can be hard to try to find out key information before applying, such as: What specialty specific training there will be?  Am I likely to get a training post after taking this role? Can the trust support CESR applicants and is their CESR programme established enough for my needs?  What career progression is available for me with the Emergency Medicine Specialty?  What is the job plan and how much time will I spend on the ward?  What is it like to work and live there?  What salary will I get paid, and can I get extra pay for additional shifts?  It can be tricky to get all the answers you want before applying online, so we spend our time getting to know both our clients and you, finding out as much key information as possible to help you to make the right decisions. Including details on the Emergency Medicine department, hospital & trust, as well as an overview of what it is like to live in the area, including housing and the cost of living, as well as access to schools for your children, childcare and finding work for spouses.  Making an impact We will also provide you with top tips on CV writing, job applications and interviews, ensuring that your application and interview makes the most impact with our NHS clients.  Making it personal  Once registered, you can quickly search and apply for NHS jobs using our job search, and take advantage of many useful articles written to support you through your journey to the UK. In addition, when you sign up to 'job alerts' we will automatically email you each time a relevant Emergency Medicine vacancy comes available that you may be interested in. Once logged in, you can also save job details and make applications.  By registering with IMG Connect, you will: Have a dedicated consultant who understands your preferences and will do the time-consuming job searches and applications for you. Find your ideal NHS position among thousands of unadvertised vacancies - from consultant to registrar, or specialty doctor to SHO.  Be the first to hear about new vacancies – registering with IMG Connect means that your CV will gain priority with our NHS clients, and will be professionally represented by international recruitment experts. To help you find a job in the NHS simply follow these easy steps: Register with IMG Connect Fill in the 'Personal details' section. Arrange a chat with your dedicated IMG Consultant  Sign up to receive 'job alerts’  Search our live emergency medicine jobs Searching for Emergency Medicine jobs in the NHS could not be easier If you want to find out more about the many Emergency Medicine roles available within the NHS - it only takes a minute to register with IMG Connect and receive expert advice and representation. We have helped many overseas Emergency Medicine into consultant, specialty doctor, registrar, clinical fellow and staff grade NHS roles, whilst offering expert guidance to many more IMGs on NHS doctor pay, royal college qualifications and English language testing. We’d be happy to help you! For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Vacancies for psychiatrists from outside the UK can be found in a variety of ways, which for some doctors can sometimes be time-consuming and confusing. Working with IMG Connect will give you easy access to vacancies for consultants, clinical fellows, registrars, specialty doctors, trust doctors, as well as LAS posts. The IMG Connect job search is a dedicated online recruitment service for overseas doctors looking to secure a job in the NHS. View our latest Doctor Jobs in the NHS, here.  Save time and get expert advice based on your preferences  Performing a job search online can take up a lot of your time, so at IMG Connect we are here to do the time-consuming work for you. Upon registering, you will have a dedicated consultant whose role is to find jobs that match your skills, and apply for NHS jobs on your behalf.  You can receive jobs updates by E-mail to view new posts to suit your job search every day. Create a profile – it takes 30 seconds It really is that easy, so why not take advantage of our resources, time and energy to find you the right job in the NHS suited to your preferences. By providing us with some key details we can quickly assess which jobs are best suited to your preferences, and even email you job alerts for new exciting roles which we think will interest you! We understand you, and our clients When looking for a psychiatry job in the NHS, it can be hard to try to find out key information before applying, such as: What specialty specific training there will be?  Am I likely to get a training post after taking this role? Can the trust support CESR applicants and is their CESR programme established enough for my needs?  What career progression is available for me within the psychiatry specialty?  What is the job plan and how much time will I spend on the ward?  What is it like to work and live there?  What salary will I get paid, and can I get extra pay for additional shifts?  It can be tricky to get all the answers you want before applying online, so we spend our time getting to know both our clients and you, finding out as much key information as possible to help you to make the right decisions. Including details on the psychiatry department, hospital & trust, as well as an overview of what it is like to live in the area, including housing and the cost of living, as well as access to schools for your children, childcare and finding work for spouses.  Making an impact We will also provide you with top tips on CV writing, job applications and interviews, ensuring that your application and interview makes the most impact with our NHS clients.  Making it personal  Once registered, you can quickly search and apply for NHS jobs using our job search, and take advantage of many useful articles written to support you through your journey to the UK. In addition, when you sign up to 'job alerts' we will automatically email you each time a relevant Psychiatry vacancy comes available that you may be interested in. Once logged in, you can also save job details and make applications.  By registering with IMG Connect, you will: Have a dedicated consultant who understands your preferences and will do the time-consuming job searches and applications for you. Find your ideal NHS position amongst thousands of unadvertised vacancies - from consultant to registrar, or specialty doctor to SHO.  Be the first to hear about new vacancies – registering with IMG Connect means that your CV will gain priority with our NHS clients, and will professionally represented by international recruitment experts. To help you find a job in the NHS simply follow these easy steps: Register with IMG Connect Fill in the 'Personal details' section. Arrange a chat with your dedicated IMG Consultant  Sign up to receive 'job alerts’  Search our live psychiatry jobs Searching for psychiatry jobs in the NHS could not be easier If you want to find out more about the many different psychiatry roles available within the NHS - it only takes a minute to register with IMG Connect and receive expert advice and representation. We have helped many overseas psychiatrists into consultant, specialty doctor, registrar, clinical fellow and staff grade NHS roles, whilst offering expert guidance to many more IMGs on NHS doctor pay, royal college qualifications and English language testing. We’d be happy to help you!

The MRCEM OSCE exam requires a considerable amount of revision and preparation.... And we are often asked by Emergency Medicine doctors where they should look for MRCEM OSCE resources, online revision materials, mock stations and preparation courses. Here we compile the best advice, tips, courses and resources available for the Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) OSCE exam whilst also address some understandable concerns about the effect of COVID-19 on availability of test centres and upcoming exams. What is the MRCEM OSCE? The MRCEM OSCE consists of 18 stations (16 patient encounters & 2 rest stations), each one lasting for about 7 minutes. The MRCEM OSCE exam will not only test your theoretical knowledge, but also your resus skills and communication skills. Even candidates who are working in an emergency medicine department (ED or ER) often find these OSCEs difficult. Even if you have strong background knowledge in Emergency Medicine the exams can still be tricky due to a heavy reliance on testing your communication skills and etiquette.  Preparation is therefore vital for all doctors who intend to take the MRCEM OSCE (part C) exam. This can be broken down into the following:  Practical day-to-day work (colleague observations & feedback, peer groups, study groups)  Online revision resources (subscriptions, reading materials, tutorials, videos) Courses (face to face, online) In general, emergency medicine course tutors advise setting aside at least 2-3 months preparation in addition to your Emergency Medicine experience. How has the COVID-19 coronavirus afffected MRCEM exam centres & dates? The Royal College of Emergency Medicine took the difficult decision to cancel all events for the months of April, May and June following the escalation of the virus. As the UK and most of the world remain in some form of lockdown, the Royal College has not announced when it is expecting to open up it's centres again. Understandably this will be tied into government advice and that of the WHO whilst most examiners involved in the OSCE examinations will be tied into urgent clinical duties. IMG Connect is keeping a very close eye on the examination schedule and will keep all our IMGs informed as soon as the College publishes some updates. You can find the updated exam schedule here. However, this does not mean you cannot use the time to prepare for your OSCE! So how to get started? The first step is to ensure you are familiar enough with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Curriculum (2015), and to use this to create your study plan covering the whole curriculum, whilst also identifying areas of weakness to strengthen.  Take a look through Mastering Emergency Medicine – a practical guide to re-enforce your solid background in Emergency Medicine knowledge before you start approaching the stations. Note that this book was first published in 2009, and some aspects may be slightly outdated.  Familiarise yourself with the stations, techniques and format by watching online videos and tutorials - you can find both free and paid tutorials online.  YouTube has many great videos available to get you started, covering basics of examination and OSCE guides through to mock OSCE scenarios:  Mcleods Examination videos (Basics of examination) OSCE guides - Geeky Medics   Bromley webinars and tutorials  Watching these videos before you start your practice sessions (and then repeatedly throughout your study plan) will give you a huge boost.    Resources for MRCEM OSCE General advice is to use a variety of resources, including reading materials, online subscriptions to videos and tutorials, podcasts and videos. The following have helped IMGs on their journey to successful completion of the MRCEM OSCE:  Bromley Emergency Courses online tutorials:  Revision communication videos  Revision examination videos Revision procedure videos  MRCEM OSCE course Podcast Geeky Medics – Emergency Medicine Practical work - peer groups and senior colleague observations The best way to practice and solidify what you have learnt from your studies is to organise group sessions and observations at work. Observations at work  Ask senior colleagues to observe and offer feedback to you on a regular basis on the EM ward. Receiving quality feedback in a formal setting is widely regarded as fundamental to your advances in emergency medicine practice.  Group sessions When organising a peer group of Emergency Medicine OSCE aspirants, advice is to have a maximum of three/four persons per group. Three works very well because you can each play a role during role play sessions.  When conducting role plays, you may want to organise yourselves as follows:  Patient (use instructions for the actor provided in the textbooks, remember each patient has a backstory and there are many aspects the actor must show, including emotion) Exam Candidate Examiner (takes notes, observes, marks the checklist and gives immediate and detailed feedback on all aspects of the marking sheet) Remember to take turns and swap roles, work as the patient, exam candidate and the examiner. Stick to the exam format, for example set a time limit of about 7 minutes which will allow you to get a clear understanding of how to pace yourself and finish before 7 minutes. Remember not to be too fast, or too slow, helping you to make every second count. Feedback is crucial to improving your practice. As you practice together, look at the checklists after you perform each station and find out if you are missing anything.  When taking up the examiner role ensure to give detailed feedback covering all marking criteria (intro, examination, body language and winding up - the four key areas that can improve your score). Once the examiner has delivered their feedback, discuss as a group, considering how to improve in all aspects of the exam criteria.  Build stamina Once you have a routine in place for peer group practical OSCE simulations, build up towards completing a full set of stations. This should be done for each member of your group. The exam can be tiring, which can in turn affect your performance on the day of the exam. For example, if exhausted at the final stations, it can be hard to maintain your clear communication and positive body language, so a full run through will help you to understand what it will be like on the day and what you need to do to ensure that you are consistently performing.  Record sessions Try recording your group scenarios. IMGs who have done this repeatedly informed us that this was one of the single most important methods for seeing first-hand how to improve. We are after all our own worst critics! Take notes on the way you enter the room, move, talk, express yourself, your non-verbal cues, body language and interactions. Take a course  There are various workshops organised by expert course tutors in Emergency Medicine designed to help you pass. You can find these online and anecdotal evidence suggests that taking a face to face course improves your chances of passing the MRCEM OSCE exam.  Speak to an IMG Consultant to check what courses might be suitable for you, if there is not a course where you live, it may be possible for us to organise one for you and your peers.  Is a course necessary?  Many overseas doctors preparing for their FRCEM or MRCEM Emergency Medicine examinations wonder if they should take a course as part of their preparation. In short, we advise that all IMGs should attend as many courses as possible. The knowledge gained on an MRCEM or FRCEM course goes well beyond the exam.  One issue is of course that courses cost a considerable amount of money, but if you consider that taking a course increases your chances exponentially of passing the examinations first time, the cost is offset by not having to pay to re-sit and all the additional costs that come with it (i.e. flights & accommodation). Finding courses can be tricky  So take some time to work out what you specifically need help with and the stage you are at in the process. Search online to find the course that will suit your needs the most.  Speak to your peers, some may have attended a course that they felt had a positive impact on the learning and preparation.  Once you think you have found a course that suits your needs, such as an MRCEM OSCE course, check reviews posted by other IMGs to be sure of the quality of the tutoring.  If you have found a course that suits your needs, has good reviews recommendations from your peers, then it will likely be worth the investment. As a direct result you will likely pass the exams much quicker, helping you to secure the Emergency Medicine job that you want in the NHS. On the day of exam - tips from IMGs Passing any exam is not easy, passing the Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) OSCE examination even more so. In speaking with IMGs about their journey through the MRCEM OSCE exams, we have heard many thoughts about what it takes to pass. To help IMGs preparing to take the test, here we share some tips from past examinees and OSCE course tutors.  Firstly, it is good to know that every IMG taking the test is in the same position as you, perhaps anxious about how to prepare and worried about the exam day. We are told that the exam is just an ordinary day on the ward, so why then do so many excellent practicing EM physicians struggle to pass at first attempt? It is perhaps important to say that the advice below is not just from not just those IMGs who passed first time, but from those who had to learn from their mistakes and take the test a second or even third time.  The most common thing that we hear is that IMGs must adapt their skill set to the requirements of the NHS system as well as changing their mindset to be able to work under intense observation.  Further reasons they struggle are:  1. Anxiety Experiencing anxiety during exams is completely natural and the fact that the OSCE stations are only 7 minutes adds to this in the Part C. The only way to combat exam anxiety is to accept that is both natural and inevitable. The best way to prepare and suppress the adrenergic surge is with practice, practice and more practice. The best way to practice is under exam conditions and if possible, this should be timed and observed by different examiners. We are not of the opinion that this practice should be done last minute in the week before the exam, instead, your practice should start long before this point. Ask your senior colleagues in the ED to observe and comment upon your history taking and examination skills. If you can get into a routine of doing this with 3 to 5 patients per day you will be able to run through nearly all the most likely scenarios in only 12 shifts. Another great strategy is to teach OSCEs to the more junior doctors within the department. Teaching can be a powerful learning tool and has helped many aspirants with their revision. 2. Lack of practice Make no mistake – the exam is very tough. Over 50% of candidates failed the 2016 sitting. Unless you are freakishly good at cramming you will need to set aside at least 3 months to prepare. IMGs will all study in different ways. Remember you have been through many exams all on your own. Whatever revision method works for you, stick to it. Once you know that you are going to study, make a revision plan and stick to it.  Practice in any way that you can. As above, be sure to ask senior colleagues to observe and offer feedback to you on a regular basis on the EM ward.  To practice out of work, form a small group of colleagues who are also taking the test and run through role plays, taking turns to be patient, doctor or examiner.  Pay careful attention to time keeping as it is very common for candidates to run out of time, particularly in history taking and communication skills stations. 3. Lack of familiarisation with curriculum If you don’t know what you could be tested on, you won’t know what to prepare. The MRCEM OSCE is mapped to the competences of Year 1-3 of the Emergency Medicine 2015 Curriculum which is available on the 2015 Curriculum page. You should familiarise yourself with the Year 1-3 competences in preparation for sitting this examination.   4. Not being able to communicate effectively  Many IMGs have made the mistake of thinking that communication is only about what you say, not considering how you say it, and what you look like when you are saying it. Of course, you may be anxious, which can make you behave differently and say things in a different way. So, if you have practiced as above, make sure you incorporate practicing communicating not just focusing on what you say, but also your body language when saying it. Remember that between 70% of our communication is non-verbal! Try to speak audibly and clearly and if at all possible, sit at the same level as the patient with an open posture. Attempt to make a connection with the patient, maintain good eye contact and give them your undivided attention. Treat actors and mannequins as if they are real patients, interact with them in the same way that you would on the EM ward. Be direct and to the point but deliver any bad news in a sensitive and empathetic manner. Always check whether the patient has understood what you have said and ask if they have any questions. 5. Reading and deciphering the instructions  It is vitally important to read the instructions very carefully before entering a station. Easy marks are frequently lost by nervous or over-confident candidates that have overlooked key information or made assumptions by misreading. This is a mistake many IMGs have made, so learn from their mistakes and be sure to read everything carefully. Once read, make a plan of how you will approach the scenario. Once your minute is up… deep breath and smile!  If you have any questions about how to prepare for the MRCEM OSCE exam, including advice on courses, resources, mock scenarios, online materials and revision books, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with an IMG Consultant. IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

CESR acts as a route to applying for substantive (permanent) consultant jobs for doctors who have not followed a specialty training programme in the United Kingdom. In a nutshell it is the option available to doctors practicing as consultants from overseas who wish to gain specialist registration in the UK. Some doctors choose to apply from overseas, others work with IMG Connect to secure a job in the NHS geared at helping them gain entry to the specialist register once in the UK.  If you are working as a consultant in your home country and are eligible for specialist registration in the UK, then as an overseas doctor (IMG) you have a couple of options. Here we focus on applying for CESR from abroad as well as the alternative route, applying for a Specialty Doctor or Fixed Term Consultant job in the UK before applying for CESR with support of your NHS employer.  Both routes lead to gaining CESR and entry to the Specialist Registration, meaning that you can work as a substantive consultant in the NHS. Both take hard work, preparation, evidence gathering, time and dedication. Both options have the same end goal, specialist registration.  It is important to say that no matter how you choose to apply, the CESR process involves submitting a large volume of evidence to demonstrate that you have the equivalent experience, skills and competencies as a doctor who has taken the specialty training route in the UK. Whether applying from overseas or not, some doctors are asked to complete additional experiences to meet this strict standard. Because of this, the process can be lengthy.  Applying for CESR from overseas  This is a great option for Consultants who are not constrained by time and have an understanding department that will support the additional gathering of evidence. The GMC reckons that it takes between 6 – 9 months between submitting your application and receiving a decision. At IMG Connect our experience tells us that is takes a similar amount of time to gather the evidence prior to submitting. In addition, you must have completed the evidence in the first place in real workplace and clinical scenarios. This can take twice as much time as preparing and submitting. Put simply, the process can be time-consuming and laborious.  Add to this the issue of completing and gathering evidence against the CESR application from overseas. It can prove challenging to ensure that you have completed the full complement of competencies for CESR applications. This can result in the GMC asking for further evidence, adding more time to the process. You may have to identify gaps in your learning and then resolve them. It is not all bad though, this is good practice and will benefit you in the long run.  Applying for a specialty doctor job and/or fixed term consultant post before applying for CESR For doctors who are keen to secure entry to the Specialist register quickly, and work in the UK as soon as possible, then taking up a Specialty Doctor role with CESR programme, or a Fixed Term Consultant post with CESR programme/support is a good option. Many NHS hospitals or trusts in the UK will offer access to support, clinical experience and study or preparation time for CESR. This is often built into the weekly job plan, but in some circumstances, this may be arranged informally. Either way, this is a good way for overseas consultants to quickly gather the right evidence for their application with the support of their peers, senior colleagues and NHS employer. This can shorten the time spent on the application overall. If this sounds like the best option for you, it is wise to start gathering and signing off evidence in your current consultant post. That way you will already have some or most of the required evidence for CESR in place, allowing you to quickly focus on any elements that are missing once in the UK and working in the NHS Secure a job in the NHS with CESR  Securing a job as a Specialty Doctor with CESR programme, or a job as a Fixed Term Consultant with CESR programme/ support, gives you instant exposure to the UK system, NHS experience and a great start to your career in the NHS.  To discuss whether applying for CESR from overseas or securing a job as a Specialty Doctor or Fixed term consultant with CESR programme is the right route for you towards specialist registration, speak with an IMG Connect consultant, register or send your CV.   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.

One of the main reasons that overseas doctors want to work in the Emergency Medicine departments across the UK, is the excellent opportunity for access to training such as the Specialist Training Programme, career progression, including CESR, and sub-specialty development.  This short article provides useful information on the training and development available, how to access the training, the best route to becoming a consultant in the UK with entry to the specialist register, no matter what stage of your training. Emergency Medicine Training, leading to CCT We start with an overview of the Emergency Medicine Training in the NHS. Trainees may enter the emergency medicine training programme via: The EM (Emergency Medicine) core training programme at ST1. This is a three-year core training programme (starting from ST1 and ending at ST3).  For the first two years, trainees will spend 6 months in EM, Intensive Care Medicine, Anaesthetics and Acute Medicine. This is followed by a further year in trauma and paediatric EM.  The start of specialty training (ST4-6) subject to having achieved the necessary competences required for completion of ST3.  Once ST6 is completed, then a doctor will be added to the specialist register for medicine and hold the title of CCT. This means that they can apply for and practice at a consultant level in the NHS.  CESR For senior Emergency Medicine doctors (experienced specialty doctors, consultants and heads of departments) there is also the option of CESR. You can apply directly for CESR from overseas, or secure a post in the NHS with CESR support and complete your application in the UK. This is a good option for those wanting to take up their first role in the NHS as a specialty doctor (leading to consultant) or as a locum consultant. Applying from abroad can be lengthy, and it is certainly not the quickest route towards specialist registration. Most IMGs prefer to secure a post with CESR support, so speak to your IMG Consultant to learn more about the best route to the UK for senior doctors seeking consultant jobs in Emergency Medicine. Most senior Emergency Medicine job vacancies advertised will offer support with CESR, access to training and career progression, and senior managers will encourage you to develop your own professional interests. Emergency medicine departments in the NHS are particularly supportive of doctors seeking to develop both personally and professionally. To find out what jobs are on offer take a look here.  If you think that a Specialty Doctor post with CESR support is suited to you, or if you are a consultant or head of department, then you can find out more information here.  For further advice on how to secure the right job for you in the NHS, take a look at our the following article. IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to see what Emergency Medicine job opportunities there are for you, including access to CESR support, Core and Specialty training.  For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

Here we explore the best way to answer NHS interview questions requiring detailed answers. The main thing to remember is that it is important to answer any NHS interview question honestly, providing details from your own clinical perspective and experiences. One useful approach to structuring your answers is called the STAR technique.  STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result  The technique is designed to help you to formulate clear, concise and relevant answers to competency-based or behavioural questions (questions that require you to give specific examples demonstrating particular skills, attributes or behaviours). During your NHS job interview you will be asked to provide details or descriptions of a time when you have faced a problem or challenge, what steps you took to deal with it and what the outcome or results were.  In answering competency-based or behavioural NHS interview questions, you should consider how to provide information for the panel to evaluate your mindset and your skill set. NHS employers will analyse your behaviours, values and approach to situations defined against the skills and qualities that high-level doctors have exhibited in the role you are applying for. In your answers to NHS interview questions, employers are looking for evidence of your clinical skills, problem-solving skills, analytical ability, perseverance, team work and collaboration, quantitative skills, or expertise.  STAR can be used to answer such questions; each letter stands for a part of your answer.  S – Situation Describe the context of the job, task or challenge that you were facing. Be specific.  T – Task Describe your duty or responsibility in this particular situation.  A – Action Describe how you completed the task or met the challenge. Focus on what you did, not what anyone else did. Say “I”.  R - Result Finally, explain the outcome or results that came about as a direct result of your actions. Emphasize what was achieved and what you learned.  We can’t predict what questions you will be asked during an NHS interview, but you’ll benefit from preparing several scenarios from the jobs you’ve held and what you anticipate will be required in the job you are applying for.  We advise that you make a list of the skills and/or experiences that are required for the job. Take a look at the job description or personal specification to find the skills/qualities required in the role and match these to your qualifications or experience. Then, consider specific examples of occasions when you displayed those skills. For each example, name the situation, task, action, and result. We also suggest that IMGs take a look at our series of articles on preparation for NHS interviews, giving you the best chance of securing the doctor role that you want in the UK. 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 CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

Are you a psychiatrist finalising your revision for the MRCPsych CASC exam?  Here are the tips you can't live without!  As you've likely got months of dedicated study behind you already, in the final push to the exam, we’re sharing some of the essential tips from Dr Kevin Li (MRCPsych) for your final days of preparation for CASC.  Mental state, history taking and risk assessment (8 stations) It is important to demonstrate your clinical skills in assessing symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. Prepare for a cognitive examination station! Management and counselling (8 stations) Address any concerns or expectations early on in the station Provide factual knowledge and information - some last minute reading up on topics such as ECT, psychiatric emergencies and ECG is very important! For stations where you encounter angry patients or relatives, demonstrating good communication skills is more important than delivering lots of factual knowledge Prepare stock phrases and questions Empathetic statements I can appreciate this must be very difficult for you I understand that this must be quite concerning Soft questions to elicit sensitive information How are you coping with...? Are you doing anything to manage the stress of the situation? Phrases to manage angry situations I appreciate your concerns and why you feel let down We are all trying our best to help Reflect on your manner and style of speaking It is important to try and demonstrate genuine empathy! Do not sound paternalistic or patronising Take an MDT approach where necessary - the clinical team is good backup where you don't know what to do e.g. next steps like admissions Always be courteous and do not show any anger or frustration Always look at and address the actor Time management Get yourself an analogue countdown timer to allow you to properly manage your time during the stations Look the part Dress professionally, as if you were speaking to a real patient (pick your outfit at least the night before) Finally... As much as it is important to practice a lot near the exam, it is equally important to relax the day before and morning of the exam. At that stage, try not to think about what you have not practiced or not read! You will have sufficient knowledge, it’s just about communicating it and executing it confidently. We hope you find these tips helpful and wish you the best of luck in your exam. Don't forget to share your successes with us on social media using the hashtag #imgstories Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group to become part of a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters. In the group you will find tailored resources for Psychiatry IMGs including our MRCPsych Crash Course.  This course offers weekly sessions covering the entire exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is accompanied by small group role play sessions to allow IMGs to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Psychiatrists CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here. Get in touch Passed the MRCPsych CASC exam? Get in touch with one of our dedicated psychiatry recruitment specialists here to discuss your next steps towards GMC registration, finding work in the NHS and relocating to the UK.  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.              

GMC Registration is a complex process. For histopathologists who’ve qualified outside the EEA region there are two main pathways to consider – FRCPath and PLAB. Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exahaustive 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 will give a summary of both of the main routes and briefly consider their benefits.  PLAB for GMC Registration FRCPath for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an overseas pathologist, PLAB or FRCPath? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB)  The first and most popular route with most junior doctors is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam (one written one practical), and which assesses whether you are 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 have created a video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  FRCPath - UK Postgraduate Qualification  The UK postgraduate qualification for histopathology – FRCPath Histopathology - is the most popular and recommended route for overseas doctors who have completed a training or residency programme, and will be looking for senior pathology positions in the NHS.   By completing both parts of the FRCPath you are awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. The Royal College of Pathologists is the professional body that regulates the pathology specialties in the UK. Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on FRCPath for histopathology to learn more.  PLAB vs FRCPath  Both are legitimate routes 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 priorities and needs in moving to the UK.    Seniority of Positions in the NHS  Histopathology is a consultant led specialty in the UK, and it would be difficult for an overseas pathologist to obtain a more senior post without FRCPath, 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.  FRCPath has two stages and can take anywhere between 18-30 months to prepare from start to finish.   Cost   FRCPath costs just under £1,930 and whilst the Part 2 exam is an in-person exam, the Part 1 exam can be taken online. You can read about the changes to the FRCPath 1 delivery 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.   For both FRCPath Part 2 and 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 assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely in the UK, does not demonstrate ability in histopathology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine.  Additionally, PLAB can facilitate GMC registration much faster than other routes – so if you feel you can attain an offer of employment in the UK with your overseas experience only – but GMC registration is the one thing standing in your way – PLAB may be a good option for you.   FRCPath involves two more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. Attaining FRCPath in Histopathology will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, you’ll most likely be able to take a consultant role. You would not need PLAB or Core Training in addition to FRCPath.   Additionally, histopathology in the UK is also a consultant-led specialism, and FRCPath demonstrates competency to practice unsupervised as a consultant.   #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 IMG Histopathologists, an online pathology community of UK and NHS histopathology aspirants and dedicated histopathology recruiters. You’ll find advice, guidance and news and updates about all things histopathology 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 FRCPath 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, feel free to get in touch with our histopathology consultants here. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below.             

Are you an overseas Psychiatrist looking to move to the UK? Have you always wanted to hear first-hand the experiences of an international Psychiatrist who has been through the process, from completing their MRCPsych exams to GMC registration, and from securing an NHS job to 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 Kevin Li, a brilliant psychiatry specialty doctor who relocated to the UK from Hong Kong in 2021. Having passed the MRCPsych and English language exams, Kevin received full GMC registration with license to practise. He is now working in the NHS at Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in the north of England – where he is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.   What motivated you to move to the UK?  Psychiatrists are in demand in the UK and Hong Kong psychiatrists who have years of experiences would be very much welcomed to work in the country. With some NHS Trusts there is also a well-established CESR program to help overseas psychiatrists with MRCPsych to attain specialist registration. Specialist registration in the UK is also well recognised in a lot of other English-speaking countries.  Tell us about your journey through the Royal College of Psychiatry exams…  I had completed my specialist training in Hong Kong quite some time ago. I only decided to sit the MRCPsych exams last year. Due to the pandemic, all exams were conducted online which actually facilitated a lot of Hong Kong doctors to sit for the exams. Having always been involved in training and supervision of junior psychiatrists, it helped me a lot to keep myself updated with the knowledge and skills required for sitting examinations.   Do you have any tips or advice for overseas doctors who are currently working towards MRCPsych?  For the MCQ based paper A and B, it is important to set aside time for some intensive studying before the exam as a lot of the knowledge asked would not come up in everyday work. It is also important to pay attention to minute details in each topic which would often come up in the exams.   For CASC exams, it would be useful to form a study group with colleagues and have practice sessions together, as well as watching demonstration videos (such as some paid online courses) to learn the skill required to pass type of different stations. Time management (7 minutes) to complete the tasks in each station is also crucial.   How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working full time?  For overseas doctors having attained MRCPsych, registration with the GMC is fairly straightforward after taking an English proficiency exam, which should not be too difficult if one received medical education in English.  However, as the GMC closes an application if it could not be completed within 90 days, I found it important to have all the documents ready prior to submitting the application, especially letter of good standings, further proof of qualification and training from the university faculty which took time to be prepared.  Did you have any major or unexpected issues with the GMC registration process or your visa application?  There had been no major difficulties in terms of the registration. The HR team and IMG connect have been in constant touch with me to see what my needs are and accommodate my relocation schedule.  How did you find a general adult psychiatry job within the NHS?  For Hong Kong doctors coming to the UK, it is better to look for job openings that specifically states that IMG applicants are welcome. It would usually take IMGs quite a while to adapt to the system in the NHS and it is important that the Trust would give time for induction and support for IMGs during the initial phrase when they start their job.   It is also good to keep one’s mindset open to offers in locations that might not be the most popular at first look. Posts in popular locations such as Greater London or Greater Manchester are usually a lot more competitive and the support provided to IMGs could be less sometimes. It would also be a good opportunity to experience life in the UK out of the usual few big cities. There are always opportunities to move to another place after gaining experiences working in the UK.  Tell us about a day in the life of an international General Adult Psychiatrist, newly started in the NHS…  As a specialty doctor with the MRCPsych qualification, one is expected to take an active role in the MDT team with the support of the Consultant, for example on deciding on medications, deriving a care package with other stakeholders.   There is a strong focus on mental health legal and human rights compliance in the field of psychiatry, as well as adherence to treatment guidelines in the UK. Some doctors may need certain time to adjust to such differences in practice from their home countries. There are junior doctors who can readily assist with physical problems of patients, which might make it easier for a Hong Kong psychiatry specialist to adapt after years of working in psychiatric setting only.   What was your journey like to the UK during a period of COVID-19 restrictions?  I arrived at a time when restrictions were gradually easing. It was very easy to arrange mandatory COVID tests according to the government requirements. Most hotels or Airbnbs would welcome arrivals into the UK to be used as self-isolation.   What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?  I had received excellent support from IMG connect in terms of securing a job offer that suits my level and experiences, as well as advising on the career prospect and negotiating an attractive numeration package. The IMG connect team also gave me a lot of useful suggestions about finding accommodation in a suitable area close to work.   Most importantly they have excellent communication with the HR team in the Trust, which makes formalizing the offer and completing the necessary paper works much easier.  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 final exam in the FRCPath Histopathology series...  International specialists in histopathology, cellular pathology or anatomic pathology looking to secure a job in the UK via the postgraduate qualification route will need to obtain Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists or FRCPath Histopathology by examination only.   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 international 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 - skip to one of these sections if you know what you're looking for: An overview of FRCPath Histopathology What is FRCPath Part 2? Am I eligible to sit this exam? How is the exam structured and marked? As an international histopathologist, where can I sit the exam? How much will the exam cost? How do I apply for the exam? What is the best way to prepare for the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed the FRCPath exams, what’s next? 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 out 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 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. In most cases, and FRCPath qualification will help you to attain a locum consultant role.  What is FRCPath Part 2?  FRCPath Part 2 is the last exam in the FRCPath qualification. It is designed to recognise candidates who are close to the end of their training who can demonstrate an appropriate approach to independent practice. The assessment consists of six components which are take over a period of two days. The components include both written and face-to-face elements with an examiner where candidates are expected to demonstrate both clinical and practical knowledge as well as special techniques and complex diagnoses. Every section assesses a distinct set of professional skills which are all essential to effective performance ad an independent histopathologist and cytopathologist.  Am I eligible to sit this exam?  The FRCPath Part 2 Histopathology exam is open to candidates from every country, provided they have met certain criteria. This includes the expectation that most trainees will sit the Part 2 exam after at least 3 years of specialty training in Histopathology. There should also normally be a 12-month wait between passing the Part 1 exam and attempting Part 2.   For full details, please see the Royal College website here.  How is the exam structured and marked?  The six stations of FRCPath Part 2 are detailed below:  Surgical Histology   Format: 20 x 20 mins stations, 20 cases over 3 hours and 20 minutes.   This will include twenty cases presented in H&E stained slides in 20-minute slots over 3 hours and 20 minutes. The cases are selected according to a blueprint and include a balanced mix of neoplastic and non-neoplastic material, drawn from a wide range of organ systems. The cases will vary in difficulty from straightforward cases to cases not capable of diagnosis through a single H&E, prompting the use of further techniques and specialist opinions.  Cytopathology   Format: 8 x 20 mins stations, 16 cases  Eight non-gynaecological cases in pairs, in 20-minute slots and will be marked according to pre-determined criteria.  Macroscopic Pathology  Format: 2 x 20 mins stations, 4 cases; 20 mins discussion  Candidates will be provided with photos of 4 cases in the form of gross pathology specimens. Candidates will be provided with clinical information and asked to prepare responses to specific questions and mark on the photos where they would take blocks. There will be two 20-minute slots given to view two cases per slot, followed by a 20-minute discussion with two examiners. The exercise is designed for candidates to show their capabilities in discussing gross pathology and familiarity with block selection in relation to the RCPath Minimum datasets.  OSPEs  Format: 2 x 20 mins stations  The objective structured practical examination (OPSE) includes two 20-minute stations, one of which is a written exercise and the other is conducted face-to-face with two examiners. Topics may include management/ clinical governance type and MDT-type cases, amongst other topics.  Long Cases  Format: 4 x 20 mins stations  Four 20-minute stations of cases which cannot usually be covered by a single H&E section, requiring additional stains. These may include histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, among other cases.  Frozen Sections  Format: 2 x 20 mins stations, 6 cases; 20 mins discussion  Six cases for review in two 20-minute stations where candidates should make notes, including a ‘bottom line’ diagnosis only, before discussing these with a pair of examiners in a face-to-face 20-minute station.  Exam marking   Each section of the exam is marked against a pre-determined specimen answer with a pass or fail awarded per section. Due to the importance of cellular pathology in medical practice, only a small margin of inaccuracy is allowed. Failure to distinguish across the benign/ malignant boundary (or other similar errors of equal significance in terms of affecting patient outcome) in 15-25% of cases in any section of the exam will result in a failure of the entire exam, regardless of performance in other areas with no leeway to compensate. Final marks will be approved by the Examinations Committee.  Candidates attempting the FRCPath Part 2 exam have four attempts within which to pass the exam, and 7-years between each sitting to pass the full qualification.  As an international histopathologist, where can I sit the exam?  The exam currently takes place twice a year in Spring and Autumn and are held in the UK and in one overseas centre in Irbid, Jordan.   For up-to-date information on exam centres, visit the Royal College website here.  How much will the exam cost?  The FRCPath Part 2 exam costs £1,416. A breakdown of the cost of the 2019 sitting of the exam can be found on the Royal College website here.  How do I apply for the exam?  Applications for each sitting of the exam open months in advance and are currently closed for the Autumn 2021 sitting. Applications for the Spring 2022 sitting will open in late 2021. Late applications are not accepted. Keep an eye on the Royal College website for up-to-date information on applications here.  What is the best way to prepare for the exam?  There are several resources available to help you prepare for your Histopathology FRCPath 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 for 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 2 – these are forums that bring together international doctors from all over the world in one communicative, constructive, and moderated space for learning, sharing, and supporting international histopathologists.  If you are interested in joining the IMG Connect FRCPath Part 2 study group, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to our histopathology specialist and request your admission.  Online courses, videos and other resources - there are some great online courses and resources available to prepare for the FRCPath Part 2 exam. These include everything from full mock exams to mock exams targeting specific sections of FRCPath Part 2 and YouTube videos. You can find a full list of these here, through our IMG resources library.  FAQs - there is also a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document which the Royal College have 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 senior 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?  Food and drink – there are multiple stations on both days of the exams so make sure you’re prepared with lots of fuel for the day as there may be no access to food.  Hire a microscope – for applicants for the UK sitting, examination centres will not have microscopes for you to use so you will need to hire one in advance. There are a few companies who rent microscope and you can find these through a quick web search!  Join the conversation – for news and updates on all things histopathology for IMGs, click here follow IMG Connect on social media and join the conversation.  I’ve passed the FRCPath exams, what’s next?  Firstly, congratulations! The FRCPath exams are not easy so this is an incredible achievement. Once you have passed both passed of the FRCPath in Histopathology, your postgraduate qualifications satisfy the requirements for GMC registration. You can now apply for full registration with license to practice.  Get in touch with our IMG Connect histopathology specialist to discuss your options for specialist jobs in the UK or to find out more about where you fit into the NHS as a histopathology specialist with FRCPath.   FRCPath also plays a big part in the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) application, the alternative route to the Specialist Register for overseas doctors who did not complete their training in an approved UK training programme. You can find out more about CESR in our guide for international doctors here.  The team at IMG Connect hope you find this article helpful and wish you the best of luck in your FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam!  Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

Are you an overseas pathologist preparing for FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 exam? Overseas doctors often wonder how to prepare for the FRCPath Part 2 examination, especially when so much content and advice online appears geared towards UK applicants and trainee. So what study courses, resources and support is available to an overseas histopathologists looking to take the test? Here we have compiled some of our advice and resources available to help you prepare for the exam, whilst we also address some of the changes in availability of test centres and upcoming exams as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. What is FRCPath Part 2? First a quick reminder of what the FRCPath Histopathology Part 2 is. The Part 2 exam consists of six components which are taken over two days. Each component comprises a different number of cases provided in 20-minute stations or slots. The components include both written and face-to-face elements with the examiner where candidates should demonstrate and discuss both clinical & practical knowledge as well as complex diagnoses and special techniques. This is done through elements of interpreting and writing reports, interpretation and OSPE. If you want to have a more detailed overview of the FRCPath exam then take a look through the article published in our online IMG Library here, or take a look through the Royay College of Pathologists website here.  So how do I get started with my preparation? Starting is often the hardest thing to do, and as there are many resources available online, it's hard to tell where the best place is to start. After discussing this with consultants who've passed (both UK trainees and IMGs), most recommended starting with the Royal College, who have posted some useful resources on their website to aid in your preparation. Curriculum: The exam questions are based on the Curriculum for Specialist Training in Histopathology. As a first step, we recommend becoming familiar with this curriculum as early as possible to reinforce your knowledge and to provide a solid foundation for your study plan. Knowing the curriculum is key - as this is what you will be tested on. Regulations and guidelines: Ensure you have read both the general regulations and guidelines and the specialty specific regulations and guidelines. Social Media study groups: There are many social media study groups available across various platforms. These include Telegram, Facebook, WhatsApp and to a lesser extent LinkedIn. IMG Connect hosts study groups for FRCPath Part 1 and 2 exams - these are forums that bring together international doctors from all over the world into one constructive, communicative and moderated space where you can share exam tips, stories and woes, and the opportunity to buddy-up with similar colleagues looking to pass the test.  If you think you would be interested in joining either the IMG Connect FRCPath 1 or Part 2 Study groups, please email info@imgconnect.co.uk to speak to the histopathology specialist and request your admission. Online Courses for FRCPath Histopathology: There are a few online courses which provide preparation, from full mock exams to individual component courses. We've spoken with some IMGs to understand which courses they favoured, and below we have summarised a few of these. With all courses, it is advised that you register your interest as early as possible as they are in high demand. Pathology Online Hub - FRCPath Part 2 Histopathology Full Mock Exam This is a complete mock exam course with interactive live discussion sessions and individual feedback for each participant. Sessions will be delivered by UK based pathologists with extensive experience of teaching for the FRCPath exam. Participants will be provided with the mock exam for all the 7 components of FRCPath 2 under strict timed conditions closely simulating the real exam. Mock exam will include:&nb