Paediatrics – A Doctor’s Route to the UK
- April 12, 2021
There are several routes overseas paediatricians can take to GMC registration and securing an NHS paediatrics job.
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.
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.
“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
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 paediatrician 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:
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System
- OET – Occupational English Test
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 below: IMG resources - GMC Registration for overseas doctors
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for European paediatricians 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 paediatrics jobs than are readily available online.
Our network extends to Paediatrics 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 speciality knowledge of paediatrics, 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 Resources – Relocation & UK Life
Outside of the EEA
If you qualified as a paediatrician 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 paediatrics doctors, looking at the following:
- English Language Testing
- Evidence of Knowledge & Skills - PLAB, MRCPCH 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:
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System
- OET – Occupational English Test
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 Paediatrics
Overseas paediatricians must prove to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. For paediatricians this can be done through three main routes:
- PLAB
- Royal College qualification of MRCPCH
- GMC - recognised or equivalent qualifications
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 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.
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, paediatricians 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
Route 2 - Royal College Qualification of MRCPCH:
Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. Paediatrics. For senior paediatricians taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice.
The Royal College of Paediatricians is the Professional Body that regulates the specialism of Paediatrics in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH) is the full qualification attainable by examination.
For overseas doctors, attaining MRCPCH will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK Paediatrics. Take a look at our complete guide on Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health to understand more: MRCPCH – a guide for overseas doctors
Route 3 - GMC Recognised or Equivalent Qualifications:
Some 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 Paediatrics qualifications from several countries around the world that are currently accepted by the GMC.
Find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC below: IMG Resources - 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: IMG Resources - 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 dependant visa below: IMG Resources - 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, MRCPCH or equivalent)
Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article below: IMG Resources - GMC Registration for overseas doctors
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for Non-EEA paediatricians 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 paediatrics 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 speciality knowledge of paediatrics, 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. Take a look here: IMG Resources – Relocation & UK Life
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS paediatrician 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.
Relevant Jobs
We are looking to recruit a Consultant Paediatrician 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 Service
The service is committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services to its community. Funded by local authorities, the Trust oversees a comprehensive range of health services including hospital care, public health, and environmental health. With a modern hospital featuring a significant number of acute beds and specialized facilities, the Trust ensures exceptional care for both residents and seasonal visitors. The organization emphasizes excellence in patient care and continuous improvement, making it a prominent healthcare provider in its region.
Department & Team
The Paediatrics Department at this service provides essential care to children and includes a dedicated team of Paediatric Consultants, Staff Grades, and trainee doctors. The department offers a full spectrum of services such as Neonatal Care, Acute Paediatric Medical Care, and Ambulatory Care. With strong links to tertiary centers, the department ensures access to advanced medical treatments and maintains a robust governance system to support high standards of patient care and continuous professional development.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers further training & accreditation within Paediatrics, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop sub-specialist interests. The Trust is committed to your professional growth, providing generous study leave, financial support for relevant courses, and opportunities for involvement in clinical audits and teaching. This support will help you achieve your career goals and meet the requirements for revalidation and ongoing professional development.
Location
The region features diverse natural beauty, including stunning coastlines and scenic landscapes. With a moderate cost of living, excellent educational facilities, and a safe, welcoming community, it offers a balanced lifestyle. The area’s rich cultural heritage and local traditions add to its charm.
Financial benefits
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:
- Specialist Training in Paediatrics
- Consultant or Specialist Experience in Paediatrics
- RCPCH qualification
EEA candidates:
- Consultant or Specialist Experience in Paediatrics
- European Specialist Qualification
Non-EEA candidates:
- RCPCH qualification
- Specialist Training in Paediatrics
- Consultant or Specialist Experience in Paediatrics
An exciting opportunity awaits motivated Paediatricians in the UK to join a dynamic team at the forefront of revolutionizing child health services. This full-time post, tailored for Specialty Doctors in Paediatrics, supports the reconfiguration of child health services in response to recent centralization efforts. Collaboration within a forward-looking General Paediatrics department ensures compliance with standards and ongoing training. Overseas Consultants seeking to establish themselves in the NHS or experienced IMGs are encouraged to apply.
Serving diverse populations, the Health Board provides comprehensive healthcare services across several regions. With a dedicated staff of 11,000, they ensure safe and timely patient care, fostering a positive work environment. The Women and Children\'s Health Directorate plays a crucial role, with a focus on excellence and integrated services.
West Wales offers a blend of rural and urban living, featuring scenic landscapes and quality education options. Convenient transportation links connect to major cities and airports, with varied housing choices available.
The Health Board offers a Consultant Development and Mentoring Programme, aligned with NHS standards, fostering research and development opportunities. Clinical Research Facility initiatives further enrich career prospects.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Paediatrics
- Board Certified Specialist in Paediatrics
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Paediatrics
- Eligibility for GMC registration
- OET or IELTS (candidates who have booked their test and have good levels of English will be considered)
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Paediatrics
An outstanding opportunity for experienced Consulant in Community Paediatrics to join an NHS Trust that is committed to supporting candidates with CESR. This Trust is one of the largest employers in the region and their members and staff are dedicated professionals whose work is varied, challenging and makes a real difference to people’s health and well-being.
The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS TRUST LIKE?
The Trust is one of the largest organisations in the country and they employ over 6,000 dedicated staff with an annual turnover of £380 million who provides service to 525,000 people that live within the area. Their services are mainly provided from two district general hospitals, both have Emergency Departments and provide care 24 hours a day. They offer a comprehensive range of surgical, medical and maternity services supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
The role of the NHS Trust is to provide the best possible healthcare service to patients, who come first in everything the organisation does. Safe patient care is the Trust's highest priority. They will provide high quality clinical services that achieve and demonstrate optimum clinical outcomes and provide an excellent care experience for patients. The employees will be valued and respected. They will be involved in decisions about the services they provide and offered the training and development that they need to fulfill their roles.
They will operate efficiently and effectively, diagnosing and treating patients in timely fashion and expediting their return to health. They will use their resources efficiently and effectively for the benefit of their patients and their care to ensure our services are clinically, operationally, and financially sustainable.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The team is a group of people that are dynamic and prioritises their patients. The deparment service runs child development clinics across the county. From the summer of 2021 the main community hub will be at one of their main sites, with satellite clinics in community settings across the county and at two of their major sites. Neuro-disability clinics are run weekly on each side of the county.
All general paediatric consultants in the department provide a service to examine children for physical abuse medicals, when on call. The community paediatricians are involved in cases of neglect, welfare medicals and when called on for advice for physical abuse. Assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorders are multidisciplinary and involve community paediatricians, speech and language therapists and/or clinical psychologists and the specialist community nursing team.
A sleep service has been developed for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and difficulties. This is a multidisciplinary clinic run by a Community Paediatrician, Clinical Psychologist and Nurse Advisor. The Community Consultants will provide clinical supervision, support and education for members of the Community Child Health Team, i.e. the Specialist Grades, Associate Specialist and Specialist Registrar(s) for Community Paediatrics.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?
The region has a natural beauty. Sussex has some fantastic natural features such as the Seven Sisters National Park, and many areas of outstanding natural beauty that include the medieval heathland and forests of the High Weald. It also has beaches and harbours where people can go to during their dayoffs.
Besides its natural beauty, there's a rich array of accommodation options, ranging from the five star Grand Hotel on Eastbourne seafront to quaint B&Bs set amid beautiful Sussex countryside. East Sussex offers a rich array of culture, with art galleries such as the Jerwood Gallery in Hastings and the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne and an array of theatre and entertainment venues such as the De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill, Congress and Deveonshire Park Theatres in Eastbourne and the White Rock Theatre in Hastings.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
The combination of clinical practice and first-class academic connections means that medical professionals have a wide range of opportunities to develop their careers and achieve their aspirations. You will have access to leadership, teaching, educational and research opportunities for Continued Professional Develop (CPD).
If you are a new consultant you will receive mentoring and support from medical leads as well as access to a large peer group of enthusiastic and high-caliber Consultants.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
- Board Certified Specialist in Community Paediatrics
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCPCH
- Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Consultant or Specialist Paediatrician to join the leading provider of specialist child health services in the South East of England. The post if suitable for overseas paediatricians, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Paediatricians, holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor, Specialist Grade (Associate Specialist) or Consultant grade.
Overseas applications from experienced paediatricians looking to secure their first job in the NHS are welcomed.
WHAT IS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE?
The NHS Foundation Trust is formed by the merger of three NHS trusts in April 2005, with an emphasis on the mental sides of healthcare. The NHS Trust runs a total of 39 sites across their area. They deliver high quality care across our 140 services and they employ over 2,500 staff serving a population of 1.2 million. Their services are provided in community settings, hospitals, and residential homes.
The NHS Foundation Trust is rated "good" overall by the CQC in May 2020. They are the leading provider of health and social care services for people of all ages with neurodevelopmental conditions, neurodisability, mental ill-health and learning disabilities in their area. The NHS Trust has 2,300 excellent staff, and a £155m budget. Their core purpose is to work with people and lead communities in improving their mental and physical health and wellbeing for a better life through delivering excellent and responsive prevention, diagnosis, early intervention, treatment and care.
In 2015, the NHS Trust opened another Hospital, the first major mental health hospital to be erected in Surrey for more than 90 years. The building provides the latest innovations in modern mental health care. This state of the art facility offers people treatment in a light and spacious environment that is therapeutic and promotes wellbeing. It represents a new era of mental health care that focuses on recovery and preventative measures to help people stay well.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Department is a strong team with a range of skills and interests. Across the Children and Family Health in their area, the establishment consists of 14 full time doctors working in developmental paediatrics: this is a mix of Consultants, Associate Specialists and Specialty doctors. Team wide meetings with all the developmental paediatricians are currently held every month, and incorporate CPD, Clinical Governance and service design.
Paediatric services are delivered in a variety of settings including community clinics, community hospitals and in special schools. The service offers excellent opportunities to develop your skills and is committed to regular training and CPD events. We strive to ensure continued progress and a dynamic approach to development both to you as an individual in your career development as well as for continued service development.
The post holder will provide specialist assessment, diagnosis and ongoing care to children and young people and families in Surrey. The Department offers a supportive and encouraging environment in which to develop as a professional with opportunities to develop in specialist fields.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND?
The area is England's most wooded county and home to rolling hills and valleys, as well as some of the best gardens in Britain. There are so many things you and your family can do, from visiting award-winning vineyards and relaxing at country pubs, restaurants and hotels to exploring ancient heathland, stunning hilltop views, beautiful waterways and charming towns and villages. Life in the area will offer you and your family fantastic schools, beautiful countryside, bustling districts with fantastic leisure opportunities, & historic market towns with a vibrant cafe culture.
There are a wealth of options in the area to give your children the best possible education, whatever type of school you're looking for. The transport is not an issue as well, since there is the Southwest Trains that provide services to and from London Waterloo, and the Southern that operates to and from London Victoria. There are two airports within 20 miles from the area as well.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS NHS TRUST?
With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, RCPsych exams, get involved in active research and many aspects of CPD.
Participation in research and educational activities will be encouraged.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Paediatrics
- Board Certified Specialist in Paediatrics (desirable)
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCPCH
- Experience of working in Paediatrics
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Paediatrics
- Within 12 months of completing CCT