Paediatrics – A Doctor’s Route to the UK

  • November 23, 2022
 

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. 

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


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:

  1. PLAB
  2. Royal College qualification of MRCPCH
  3. 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

PLAB 1 – a closer look

PLAB 2 – a closer look

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

88,364 - 119,133

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Community Paediatrics to join a Health Board in North Wales that promotes equality and diversity. If you love a challenge, have a passion to help others or simple fancy a fresh start, then this Health Board has all the ingredients. The post if suitable for overseas consultants, including candidates who are pursuing CESR. Specialists in Community Paediatrics holding a specialist certification would be suitable for this post, based on experience entering at either Specialty Doctor or Consultant grade. 

Overseas applications from experienced Specialty Doctors and Consultants are welcomed. 

WHAT IS HEALTH BOARD LIKE? 

The Health Board is largest health organisation in Wales, that are developing an integrated health service which provides excellent care delivered in partnership with the public and other statutory and third sector organisations.

The Health Board have a budget of £1.3 billion and a workforce of over 17,000 staff. Providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 700,000 across of North Wales. They continuously develop their workforce so that it has the right skills and operates in a research-rich learning culture.

Besides their three main hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other NHS services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. They plan to improve the health of the population, with particular focus upon the most vulnerable in our society.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

All health services for children in North Wales, including Community Child Health, are delivered by the Children & Young People Division. The area has a population of around 275,000, including a childhood population of almost 60,000. The service encompass Acute Paediatrics and Neonatology, Community Child Health, Health Visiting and School Nursing, Neurodevelopmental and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

All Consultants take on particular areas of responsibility with committee service and representation, and the new consultant will be expected to play a full part in such duties. For Acute Paediatric Services, there are just over 4600 admissions each year to the paediatric ward with around 2600 being emergency admissions. The department provides high dependency care and short-term intensive care to acutely ill children and young people. There is a comprehensive CAMHS service with 5 Consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists based in the community. 

The successful applicant will work with the other community paediatricians to develop the integrated Child Health Services in the Health Board to provide a comprehensive service. The post holder will share the duties below with the existing Consultants and their teams, each leading on agreed aspects of the work. The post holder will be responsible for children with a wide variety of presentations, including developmental and behavioural concerns, developmental assessments, child protection concerns, care of children with complex neuro-disability, and palliative care needs and providing pre-school and school health services.


WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN NORTH WALES? 

North Wales has a vast national park, purpose built mountain biking trails, a breath taking coastal path, soaring zip wire, food festivals and world class sport and adventure around every corner. The North Wales is equipped with sport and leisure centres that provide opportunities for a wide variety of sporting, fitness and recreational activities. Not only does it have lots of activities for you, it also has a wide selection of private housing is available, both traditional and modern in towns, villages and rural settings.

For doctors with family, the educational standards are consistently high in both the primary and secondary sectors. There are several well established independent schools within North Wales and the surrounding area that cater for both day pupils and boarders. The regional University with its excellent scholastic reputation has a thriving student community.

You can say goodbye to heavy inner city commuter traffic, and enjoy a breath-taking commute across North Wales.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU AT THIS HEALTH BOARD?

With an extremely active education/teaching programme supported by the consultant team, there is opportunity to work towards and complete CESR, 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 Community Paediatrics
  • Board Certified Specialist in Community Paediatrics

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Community Paediatrics

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in Community Paediatrics
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
88,364 - 119,133

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
88,364 - 119,133

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

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