Postgraduate Routes to GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors

  • April 20, 2022
 

Recognised postgraduate qualifications are essential to work in the NHS with full GMC registration.

The GMC must be satisfied you have sufficient knowledge and skills before it grants you a license to practice, and for international doctors there are various routes to be considered. Your experience and desired role in the NHS should help shape the route you take option for you. The following postgraduate routes are available to you:

PLAB

The first and most popular route for more junior doctors is the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board or PLAB as its commonly known. It is a two-part exam, with Part 1 taken all over the world and the second part taken in the UK only. It is a quick and relatively simple set of examinations for overseas doctors to work in the NHS.

Have a read through our detailed and helpful blog series on the PLAB for more information.

UK Postgraduate Qualifications / Royal College Qualifications

One of the most popular routes for overseas doctors is to attain a UK Postgraduate Qualification through one of the UK's Royal Colleges.

There are twenty-four Royal Colleges in existence in the UK, and they are the professional bodies responsible for the individual medical specialties they cover. Among their many duties, their role is to set and monitor the educational curriculum for those training to enter their respective professions.

UK trainees will sit a series of examinations set by their Royal College depending on what medical specialty they have chosen and these generally are set to a higher level of specialism and training when compared to the PLAB examinations.

Attaining a Royal College Qualification will of course satisfy GMC postgraduate criteria for full registration and are often the route for more senior international candidates looking to work in the UK. Certainly, if you want to 

Have a read through our Postgraduate Qualification section to find the qualification set against your specialty. The entire list of Royal College examinations can be found below.

Alternatively, have a look through our blog on PLAB v Royal College to help you decide.


CLICK ON THE QUALIFICATION BELOW TO READ A USEFUL GUIDE FOR IMGs.


Awarding Body 

Qualification

Royal College of Anaesthetists

Primary FRCA examination

Royal College of Emergency Medicine

Membership of the College of Emergency Medicine
(MCEM/MRCEM)

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
(MRCOG)

Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Royal College of Pathologists

Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists
(FRCPath) by examination only

Haematology, Histopathology, Medical Microbiology

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
(FRCS Glasg Ophthalmology)

Royal College of Physicians London 

Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Membership of the Royal College of Physicians MRCP (UK)

Royal College of Psychiatrists

Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
(MRCPsych)

Royal College of Radiologists 

Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR)

Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh 

Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
(MRCS Ed Opthalmology)

Royal College of Surgeons of England

Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

Any of the following:

Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - MRCS

Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - (MRCS (ENT))

Collegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons - (MRCS)

Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons - (following examination) (FRCS)

Recognised or Equivalent Postgraduate Qualifications

Another option is to attain a GMC recognised overseas qualification. These overseas qualifications are recognised by the GMC as equivalent and will be accepted as evidence that you have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to apply for full registration with a licence to practise.

Have a read through our blog on GMC Recognised Postgraduate Qualifications to find out if your qualification is on the list and recognised by the GMC. 

Please note, you must be granted full registration with a license to practice within three years of passing your postgraduate qualification.

Recognised Equivalent Qualifications

Country

Awarding Body

Qualification 

 

America

American Board of Pediatrics (ABP)

Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics - General Pediatrics

American Board of Anaesthesiology

Certificate of the American Board of Anaesthesiology

The American Board of Radiology 

The American Board of Radiology diagnostic radiology examination

Australia/New Zealand

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists

Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists

Royal Australasian College of Physicians 

FRACP Adult medicine or evidence of three years of basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations

OR

FRACP Paediatrics or evidence of three years basic training (PREP) + achievement of RACP written and clinical examinations

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists

Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (FRANZCP) awarded since January 2012

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists 

Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Clinical Radiology)

Fellowship of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) (Radiation Oncology)

Bangladesh 

Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons

Fellowship in Anaesthesia or Anaesthesiology awarded since July 1999

Canada 

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - diagnostic radiology examination

Europe

European Academy of Anaesthesiology or European Society of Anaesthesiology

European Diploma in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong College of Physicians

Membership of the Hong Kong College of Physicians

Ireland

College of Anaesthetists of Ireland 

Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists

Royal College of Physicians in Ireland

 MRCP Medicine (Medicine of Childhood)

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

 

MRCS (collegiate examination)

MRSCI (intercollegiate examination)

Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland

Fellowship of the Faculty or the College of Anaesthetists of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Malaysia 

Ministry of Health

Master of Medicine (MMED) Malaysia with MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010

This must include four years of clinical experience (required to complete MMED) plus two years of training

Pakistan 

College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan

FCPS Paediatrics Pakistan

Fellowship in Anaesthesiology awarded since1998

Singapore

National University of Singapore

Master of Medicine (Paediatrics) 

Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) including MRCP (UK) 

Joint Committee on Specialist Training Singapore 

Master of Medicine (MMED) Singapore, plus MRCP (UK) awarded since 1 July 2010

South Africa

College of Anaesthetists of South Africa

Fellowship of the College of Anaesthetists of South Africa

FCA (SA)

Colleges of Medicine of South Africa 

Fellowship of the College of Radiologists of SA FC Rad Diag (SA) - Diag Rad awarded after 1 October 2013

Sri Lanka 

University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Doctor of Medicine or MD (Anaesthesiology)

Doctor of Medicine or MD, (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Doctor of Medicine or MD, (Paediatrics)

Doctor of Medicine or MD (medicine) awarded after January 2017

Doctor of Medicine or MD (surgery) awarded after July 2017

West Africa 

West African College of Physicians

Fellowship of the West African College of Physicians (Paediatrics)

West Indies 

University of the West Indies

Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia) awarded since September 2003

(Course title has since changed to Doctor of Medicine (Anaesthesia and Intensive care)


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Relevant Jobs

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A Northern English NHS Trust is looking for a Consultant Histopathologist to join their team at. They are considering either UK or overseas-trained doctors for a permanent contract type. The trust will support with CESR support for those who are looking to attain CESR and Specialist Registration. This is a high performing and friendly department for overseas doctors new to the NHS, or UK-based doctors looking to further careers in the UK.

This is a great job for any overseas Pathologists looking for CESR-support and great career development in a beautiful part of England.

What is the NHS Foundation Trust like?

The NHS Foundation Trust offers top-notch hospital and community healthcare services to a population exceeding 400,000 individuals across several areas/ With two primary hospital locations boasting a combined total of 553 beds, and their hospitals situated approximately 15 miles apart - along with a community hospital, the Trust ensures comprehensive care coverage. Its extensive range of services and specialties includes Bariatric Services, Orthopaedics, Urology, Cardiology, Diabetes Care, Elderly Care, Emergency Care, Gastroenterology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radiology, Respiratory Medicine, Rheumatology, Stroke Care, Critical Care, Neonatology, Pain Services, and Pathology.

What is the department & team like? 

The Histopathology Department is staffed by a dedicated team of consultants and junior doctors committed to delivering outstanding patient care. The team comprises experienced consultants and supportive junior doctors, ensuring comprehensive coverage and expertise in diagnosing a wide array of cases. The department is actively involved in the diagnosis and management of diverse histopathology and cytology cases, encompassing oncological, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and respiratory conditions, among others.

They offer a range of treatments tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient, with a focus on delivering timely and accurate diagnoses to support effective treatment plans. Equipped with advanced facilities and state-of-the-art technology, the department boasts modern laboratory equipment and diagnostic tools. These resources enable them to efficiently process and analyze histopathological specimens, facilitating prompt and precise diagnoses.

On average, the histopathology department handles a substantial volume of cases each year, covering a broad spectrum of pathology types. Through the collaborative approach and commitment to excellence, they strive to uphold the highest standards of patient care and contribute to advancements in diagnostic medicine.

Career Development & Opportunities Available

The Trust and Histopathology team are dedicated to supporting their doctors career development through. For example, the new appointee will have the opportunity for the development of teaching experience as they would be expected to undertake formal and informal teaching of trainees within the department, and participate with other consultants in teaching/lectures as part of the Trust’s postgraduate education program. There will also be the opportunity for the development of personal research interests through the Research and Development Department. Research is highly encouraged at this trust and is undertaken during SPA sessions. The new consultant will also be able to increase their experience in MDTs, as these are regularly held within the department. 

Life in North East

The North East of the UK offers a diverse blend of rural and urban settings, providing both tranquility and vibrant city life. Residents can explore scenic landscapes such as the Northumberland Coast or enjoy cultural attractions in cities like Newcastle upon Tyne. The region boasts esteemed universities like Durham and Newcastle, along with quality schools. Transportation links are well-established, connecting the area to major cities and airports. Housing options vary from historic properties in market towns to modern developments in bustling urban centers, catering to diverse preferences and lifestyles.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Histopathology
  • Specialist European Qualification in Anatomic Pathology
  • Full and Specialist registration (and with a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC), or be eligible for registration within six months of interview.
  • An understanding of Clinical Governance

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • FRCPath
  • Full and Specialist registration (and with a licence to practise) with the General Medical Council (GMC), or be eligible for registration within six months of interview.
  • An understanding of Clinical Governance

UK based applicants

  • Full GMC registration
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
  • An understanding of Clinical Governance
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We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to a Crisis & Assessment Team role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.

The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.

Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.

The Department & Team

The Crisis and Assessment Team (CAT) serves as the primary gateway to adult and older people\'s mental health services, conducting assessments in the community and emergency settings, alongside medical reviews. They collaborate closely with law enforcement, responding to Adult Protection Notices and coordinating mental health law assessments. This role within the CAT focuses on streamlining referrals, providing short-term crisis interventions, and ensuring individuals receive appropriate ongoing care. You\'ll engage with both working-age adults and older adults, with responsibilities extending to police referrals and mental health law assessments during standard working hours, with on-call commitments.

Continued Professional Development

Professional development is integral to their ethos, offering CESR Portfolio Pathway support, access to specialty training, and opportunities for sub-specialist development. They prioritize ongoing learning through conferences, local CME events, and a generous study leave allowance.

Life in the area

Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.


Am I eligible for this role?

UK based candidates:

  • Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
  • Specialist Registration or locum consultant experience

EEA candidates: 

  • Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
  • European Specialist Qualification


Non-EEA candidates:

  • MRCPsych
  • Experience in General Adult Psychiatry
110,257 - 164,372

We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to an Old Age role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.

The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.

Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.

 

What is the health & community service like?

Working in this location is professionally rewarding, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. Clinicians lead in developing and managing services, supported by strong links with UK specialists. With a generous study leave budget, doctors are encouraged to pursue further education. Exciting developments include a new general hospital and a new mental health inpatient unit. The service fosters strong relationships between mental health, primary, and secondary care, promoting joint learning and teaching in a modern education center.

What is the department & team like?

The inpatient services are currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, including two wards for older adults. One ward offers 14 assessment beds for individuals over 65 experiencing functional mental health issues, with some flexibility for those under 65. The other ward provides 10 assessment beds for patients with dementia. Following the refurbishment, the latter ward will feature 8 acute assessment beds and 8 transitional/step-down beds for those with dementia or enduring mental health problems who cannot be supported in local nursing or residential homes.

The Older Adults Community Mental Health Team (OACMHT) manages a caseload of about 300 patients, including new referrals triaged by the Crisis and Assessment team, providing both short-term treatment and long-term care coordination. The role involves providing medical support to the OACMHT alongside two other consultants and a staff grade doctor.

The post holder will join an established team, comprising 2 WTE older adult consultants, 1.0 WTE Associate Specialist (Memory Assessment Service), 2.0 WTE staff grades (inpatient and community), and 1.0 WTE F1 doctor (inpatients and community). Dedicated administrative support includes a 0.5 WTE medical secretary and ward and team secretarial support.

Continued Professional Development

This position offers further training and accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. The organization supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in 3 years and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.

Living in the Area

Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.

Am I eligible for this role?Am I eligible for this role?

UK based candidates:

  • Experience in Old Age Psychiatry
  • Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience
EEA candidates: 
  • Experience in Old Age Psychiatry
  • European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
  • MRCPsych
  • Consultant experience in Old Age Psychiatry
110,257 - 164,372

We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to a General Adult role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.

The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather. 

Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%

General Adult Psychiatry Department & Team

The inpatient service features 17 adult acute beds, including an extra-care area, for individuals aged 18 to 65 with severe mental illness requiring admission. The goal is to promote recovery and well-being, helping service users achieve their potential. The service caters to a diverse population with complex needs. The multidisciplinary inpatient team includes doctors (two part-time consultants, staff grade/clinical fellow, and F2), a clinical psychologist, nurses, a social worker, occupational therapists, an art therapist, healthcare assistants, and administrative staff.

The Home Treatment Team functions as a step-up, step-down service to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and facilitate early discharge. They attend ward reviews, support patients on leave, and assist with discharge planning, also gatekeeping inpatient beds. The team includes two part-time consultants, a 0.5 FTE team manager, two FTE senior practitioners, 5.5 FTE nurse practitioners, one FTE social worker, three FTE senior HCAs, and one FTE occupational therapist. Covering all adult ages, there is an arrangement with an Older Adult Consultant for additional support if needed.

Continued Professional Development

This position offers further training and accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. The organization supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in three years and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.

Living in the Area

Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.

Am I eligible for this role?

UK based candidates:

  • Experience in Adult Psychiatry
  • Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience

EEA candidates: 

  • Experience in Adult Psychiatry
  • European Specialist Qualification

Non-EEA candidates:

  • MRCPsych
  • Consultant experience in Adult Psychiatry
110,257 - 164,372
We are looking to recruit a Consultant Psychiatrist to a Child & Adolescent  role in the Channel Islands, a UK territory sitting off the coast of France and just a 1 hour flight from London. This job presents a great opportunity to advance your medical career in the UK.

The health service, separate from the NHS, is an integrated, taxation-funded system, free at the point of delivery, managed by the Health and Community Services Department on the island. Key benefits of working there are higher salaries than the NHS, lower taxes and sunnier weather.

Consultant Pay range - £110,257 to £164,372
Single rate of tax - 20%.

The post holder will be expected to take on the full range of duties including the routine and emergency diagnosis and management of children and young people with significant mental health problems (up to the age of 18), the support of other team members, and providing consultation and advice to other agencies. Successful applicants will be encouraged to develop a special interest and take a clinical lead in one of the following areas: Eating Disorders, Crisis Intervention, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, or Transition.

The Health Service

Working for this service is professionally rewarding, offering high-quality, patient-centered care. Their clinicians lead in developing and managing services, supported by strong links with UK specialists. With a generous study leave budget, doctors are encouraged to pursue further education. Exciting developments include a new general hospital and a new mental health inpatient unit. They foster strong relationships between mental health, primary, and secondary care, promoting joint learning and teaching in their modern education centre.

Department & Team

The Mental Health Service is staffed by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team, supported by secretarial and administrative staff. The service provides comprehensive assessment, treatment, and therapeutic interventions for a wide range of developmental, behavioral, emotional, and psychiatric issues in children and young people up to their 18th birthday.

Currently, CAMHS manages 1,627 open cases. In 2022, 926 new referrals were received, with 752 new referrals to date in 2023. The current locum postholder\'s caseload is approximately 90, with most cases having an allocated care coordinator. While most new assessments are conducted by other members of the multi-disciplinary team, some will require an initial medical assessment. On average, there are 1-2 new assessments and 15-20 follow-up appointments per week, depending on case complexity and other commitments.

Continued Professional Development

The health service offers further training & accreditation within psychiatry, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interest. The post holder will have ample opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and experience through attendance at relevant courses, conferences, and locally organized CME events. Health & Community Services supports Continuing Medical Education with time and financial support, offering study leave of 30 days in 3 years, and an annual study leave allowance. Regular case discussions, teaching sessions, and MDT supervision ensure ongoing professional development, meeting the Royal College of Psychiatrists\' CPD requirements.

Living in the Area

Living in this location offers significant financial benefits. The flat income tax rate of 20% is notably advantageous compared to the UK, and a generous public sector pension scheme is provided, not constrained by UK lifetime or annual contribution limits. The consultant contract closely mirrors the UK model but offers higher incremental levels starting at £110,257 and with a top basic salary of £164,372.

Am I eligible for this role?

UK based candidates:
  • Experience in Child & Adolescent  Psychiatry
  • Specialist Registration or locum Consultant Experience
EEA candidates: 
  • Experience in Child & Adolescent  Psychiatry
  • European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
  • MRCPsych
  • Consultant experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

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