A Consultant Psychiatrist's Journey to the UK - Dr Francesco Spadaro
- November 18, 2021
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 receiving full 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 Francesco Spadaro, a brilliant consultant psychiatrist who relocated to the UK from Italy. Francesco has been living and working in the UK after receiving full GMC with specialist registration. He is now working in the NHS at Central and North West London 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 Francesco Spadaro?
My work is my passion. I really love the clinical aspect of it, especially talking with patients. I enjoy trying to help my patients as much as I can and giving them a hope in trying to improve their clinical condition. No matter who they are, where they come from, or how serious is their disorder may be. At the same time, studying and looking at how the mind works has always been such an important part of my life.
What motivated you to move to the UK?
I was very keen to move to the UK. London is such a special place and completely unique in my opinion. The city is so open and inclusive and really encourages you to get involved in so many ways. This was a really big motivating factor for me.
Was Brexit an issue for you at all?
It was definitely something to consider, but I was lucky enough to be able to anticipate my leave at my previous job in order to avoid any potential Brexit complications.
How did you find a general adult psychiatry job within the NHS?
I personally found IMG Connect to be a great help on this. The team really encouraged me with lots of advice and suggestions on how I could tailor my CV to specific roles I was applying to.
Most importantly, they really listened and took into consideration all of my needs and difficulties. 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!
Tell us about a day in the life of an international General Adult Psychiatrist.
I work in a secondary care, Community Services facility. We work in teams which cover several boroughs and are led by a senior practitioner, ans supported by health professionals with a range of expertise: nurses, social workers, support workers, psychologists and NGO volunteers.
We start each day with an MDT (multi-disciplinary team meeting) where we discuss our first assessments, feedback and cases with cause for concern. The great thing about these meetings is that we're all equally involved - everyone participates, sharing knowledge specific to their experience and role.
Consultants are involved in the most severe cases. They will also have slots where they will supervise trainee GPs and junior doctors. We also have lots of meetings throughout the week: scientific meetings, journal clubs and meetings concerning the organisation. Sometimes it feels like there are too many meetings, but I'm still getting used to the differences between the UK and Italian healthcare systems.
Tell us about your journey to the UK...
It was really quick! Once I'd passed had my interview and been offered the job, I just organised my affairs and hopped on the plane. Of course COVID-19 complicated things, but that was the case for everyone in almost every country at the time.
What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?
My experience with IMG Connect has been excellent. They carefully listened to my needs and requests and were always able to offer me appropriate jobs along my requests. They also prepared me in coping with any type of difficulties I would face in regard to relocation to London and my new role in the NHS. They were such a solid presence throughout this process for me and were always there to offer support, both before I had the job and afterwards.
Within the IMG Connect team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ruaihdri MacKay in particular, who is an excellent professional recruitment consultant. He was a wealth of guidance, advice and support for me during, and also after, my entire recruitment and relocation. He showed what I consider a unique commitment, dedication and foresight and completely kept me at ease with his justified optimism and knowlegde of the steps in my journey. I was really lucky to have him on my side.
How are you settling into life in the UK?
Things were a little difficult to begin with due to the COVID-19 restrictions, but things have really eased and I'm enjoying living here.
What’s next for you now that you’re working in the UK?
At the moment I'm still settling in, learning a lot about the UK's system and procedures. Once things have settled a little more for me, I'd like to see whether I can incorporate some teaching or lecturing work into my career path in the UK.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK?
One of the challenges I've faced has been finding really affordable housing, but this was expected in moving to such a large and popular city as London.
Have you experienced any culture shocks living in the UK?
I wouldn't consider it so much of a cultural shock, instead I'm pleasantly surprised by the opportunity to work with such a diverse range of people. It really is a special experience that connects you to cultures and people all over the world.
What have you missed about Italy the most?
Most of all, I miss the lifelong friends I've made in Italy.
Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK?
I would just say, do it. Take a chance and live the experience!
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.
Relevant Jobs
Consultant Psychiatrist – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
South Wales
A dynamic and transformational CAMHS service in South Wales is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in child and adolescent mental health. The successful candidate will join a well-established multidisciplinary team delivering specialist care across the region, contributing to service development and clinical leadership within a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a progressive mental health service with access to regional tier 4 services and a population of approximately 380,000. The post supports the organisation’s strategic vision to integrate CAMHS more closely into community settings while developing clinical pathways in areas including eating disorders, complex care, youth justice, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
We welcome applications for full-time, part-time, or flexible working arrangements and will support CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) development on an individual basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
-
Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 dependent on Consultant experience.
-
Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.
-
Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.
-
Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).
-
Experience delivering psychiatric care in CAMHS or related services is required.
-
A collaborative, developmental, and family-focused approach, with excellent communication and leadership skills, is highly valued.
-
Opportunities for career development through CPD, peer supervision, quality improvement, and service leadership.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
-
Provide consultant-level psychiatric care to children and adolescents as part of a multidisciplinary CAMHS team.
-
Lead clinical care planning, review, and treatment delivery in partnership with colleagues across mental health, health, education, and social care.
-
Work closely with specialist regional services including adolescent inpatient units, eating disorder outreach services, and forensic CAMHS consultation teams.
-
Participate in the CAMHS consultant on-call rota (with prospective cover).
-
Contribute to service improvement, pathway development, and integrated working in line with strategic planning goals.
-
Provide supervision and clinical leadership to junior medical staff and allied professionals.
-
Participate in annual appraisal, job planning, and revalidation, with access to local peer groups and CPD.
-
Uphold principles of clinical governance, information governance, and risk management across the CAMHS Directorate.
LIFE IN SOUTH WALES
South Wales offers a rare combination of coastal beauty, green open spaces, and urban convenience. With beautiful landscapes, affordable living, and excellent local amenities, it is an ideal location for professionals and families alike. The region is well-connected by public transport and road networks and offers easy access to nearby cities and airports.
Healthcare professionals in the area benefit from a supportive and inclusive working environment and access to a wide network of services across health, education, and social care.
If you are passionate about delivering outstanding CAMHS care and want to help shape future services in a supportive, innovative setting, we welcome your application. Please note that we may close this post early if sufficient applications are received.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
-
CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
-
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice.
-
At least two video interview preparation sessions.
-
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including:
-
Document gathering and checking.
-
COS and Visa Application support, if applicable.
-
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation.
-
Travel arrangements and family support for finding schools and other aspects of pastoral care.
Consultant Psychiatrist – Acute Inpatient Service
South of England | Close to London
- Salary: £109,725 – £145,478 dependent on Consultant experience.
- Recruitment premia £15,000 over 3 years *subject to policy requirements
- Relocation allowance: up to £8000 *subject to policy requirements
An inclusive and progressive NHS mental health trust in the South of England is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with a strong interest in acute inpatient care. The successful candidate will join a compassionate and collaborative multidisciplinary team, providing high-quality psychiatric care to adults and clinical leadership across inpatient services. Doctors with MRCPsych, CESR interest, or a European Specialist qualification are encouraged to apply.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading NHS Foundation Trust known for integrated working, a strong culture of kindness and respect, and its commitment to clinical excellence and innovation.
Applications are welcome for full-time, part-time, or flexible working patterns. CESR (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) support is available and tailored to individual needs.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
-
Full GMC registration with a licence to practise is essential.
-
Eligibility for inclusion on the GMC Specialist Register or within six months of CCT.
-
Section 12 approval (or eligibility within 6–12 months).
-
Clinical experience in managing acute adult mental illness in inpatient settings is required.
-
Strong teamworking, communication, and leadership skills are essential.
-
Ongoing opportunities for professional development through training, leadership pathways, teaching, and academic engagement.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
-
Provide Consultant-level psychiatric care to adult inpatients, in line with the Trust’s Acute Operational Policy.
-
Deliver clinical leadership and active involvement in quality improvement initiatives.
-
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and contribute to a recovery-focused, trauma-informed approach to care.
-
Coordinate with specialist and community teams to ensure effective patient transitions and continuity of care.
-
Supervise and support junior doctors, specialty trainees, and students.
-
Participate in Consultant on-call rota (details available on request).
-
Engage in audit, teaching, research, and service development activities.
LIFE IN THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND
Located in the South of England, this opportunity offers the perfect balance of professional fulfilment and quality of life. The area combines vibrant urban centres, picturesque countryside, and excellent transport links — with London just 30 minutes away by train, and both Heathrow and Gatwick airports nearby for easy international travel.
This region is known for its historic market towns, outstanding schools, and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Whether you\'re relocating alone or with family, it offers something for everyone — from city convenience to coastal calm.
The Trust is committed to inclusivity, wellbeing, and the development of its workforce, offering access to flexible working and a wide range of staff benefits.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
-
CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
-
Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice.
-
At least two video interview preparation sessions.
-
Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure, and more.
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll be supported by one of our dedicated relocation executives, who will guide you through the process, including:
-
Document gathering and checking.
-
COS and Visa Application support, if applicable.
-
Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation.
-
Travel arrangements and family support for finding schools and other aspects of pastoral care.
Consultant Psychiatrist (General Adult Psychiatry) – Republic of Ireland
Location: Republic of Ireland - South
Salary: €222,215 to €266,925 per annum
Organisation: Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland
Specialism: General Adult Psychiatry
Job Type: Inpatient and Community Services
A trust in the South of the Republic of Ireland is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with expertise in General Adult Psychiatry to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering both inpatient and community mental health services. The psychiatry department consists of a diverse and well-established team, including Consultant Psychiatrists, Nurse Team Leads, Community Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Support Workers, and other allied health professionals.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to work across varied settings, contributing to high-quality care for adults with complex mental health needs. Applicants with European Specialist qualifications or UK CCT are strongly encouraged to apply, and both internationally based and Ireland-based doctors are welcome.
Job Requirements and Details
- Consultant-level experience in General Adult Psychiatry.
- Eligible for Medical Council of Ireland (MCI) registration with an equivalent European or UK specialist certification.
- Prior experience in adult mental health services is essential.
- Salary ranges from €222,215 to €266,925, depending on experience and qualifications.
Core Duties of the Role
- Provide clinical leadership in General Adult Psychiatry across both inpatient and community settings.
- Supervise and support the development of junior doctors and multidisciplinary colleagues.
- Deliver patient-centred care in collaboration with a skilled multidisciplinary team.
- Contribute to ongoing service development and quality improvement within the department.
Life in the Republic of Ireland – South Region
The South of Ireland is known for its high quality of life, combining vibrant urban life with the tranquillity of coastal and rural living. The region offers beautiful landscapes, excellent schools, rich cultural traditions, and a welcoming community. Well-connected transport links and a variety of recreational and family-oriented opportunities make it a fantastic place to live and work.
How IMG Connect Will Support You
By applying through IMG Connect, you will benefit from dedicated support throughout your relocation and recruitment journey, including:
- CV and application preparation tailored to Irish medical systems.
- Interview preparation, including two in-depth coaching sessions.
- Contract and salary negotiations to ensure you receive the best relocation package.
Once placed, our relocation team will assist with:
- Document collection and verification
- Visa and work permit guidance
- Short- and long-term accommodation solutions
- Travel planning and pastoral support for you and your family, including school search and local integration
This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive and supportive mental health service, delivering high-impact care in General Adult Psychiatry within one of Ireland’s most scenic and vibrant regions.
Consultant Psychiatrist (Old Age Psychiatry) – Republic of Ireland
Location: Republic of Ireland - South
Salary: €222,215 to €266,925 per annum
Organisation: Health Service Executive (HSE), Ireland
Specialism: Old Age Psychiatry
Job Type: Inpatient and Community Services
A trust in the South of the Republic of Ireland is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist with expertise in Old Age Psychiatry to lead a multidisciplinary team providing both inpatient and community services. The psychiatry department consists of a diverse team of professionals including Consultant Psychiatrists, Nurse Team Leads, Community Mental Health Nurses, Healthcare Support Workers, Care Home Liaison Nurses, Young Onset Dementia Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Dementia Post-Diagnostic Support, Care Managers, and other support staff.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work across both inpatient and community services, allowing for a broad and varied clinical experience in the field of old age mental health care. The position is open to both international applicants and those already based in Ireland, and those with equivalent qualifications such as a European Specialist qualification or CCT in the UK are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Requirements and Details
-
Consultant level experience in psychiatry.
-
Eligible for Medical Council of Ireland (MCI) registration with equivalent European certification.
-
Prior experience in Old Age Mental Health is essential.
-
Salary will range from €222,215 to €266,925 depending on experience and qualifications.
Core Duties of the Role
-
Provide clinical leadership in Old Age Psychiatry services across both inpatient and community settings.
-
Supervise and support the training and professional development of junior doctors.
-
Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to provide high-quality care to patients.
-
Participate in the development and improvement of services within the department.
Life in the Republic of Ireland - South Region
The South of Ireland offers a wonderful blend of vibrant urban areas and peaceful rural settings. With stunning coastlines, charming villages, and bustling cities, it’s an ideal location for both professional and personal life. Major cities offer excellent cultural, recreational, and family-oriented opportunities.
Transport links are efficient, and the region is home to highly regarded schools, a wealth of outdoor activities, and a rich cultural scene. Ireland\'s unique history and traditions provide a welcoming and enriching experience.
How IMG Connect Will Support You
When applying through IMG Connect, you’ll receive the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We will support you with:
-
CV preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists.
-
Application support with expert knowledge of Irish medical specialties and recruitment processes.
-
Interview preparation including at least two video calling interview sessions.
-
Contract and salary negotiations for the best possible relocation package, including accommodation and other benefits.
Once you have accepted your new role, IMG Connect’s relocation team will guide you through the entire transition, including:
-
Document gathering and verification.
-
Visa and work permit assistance if required.
-
Accommodation support for both short- and long-term housing.
-
Travel and relocation assistance, including support for your family in finding local schools or any other necessary pastoral care.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team and contribute to the ongoing development of services in the field of Old Age Psychiatry in the Republic of Ireland\'s South Region.
A Health Board on the South Wales coast is seeking a Consultant Psychiatrist to join a central clinic as part of an evolving mental health service committed to delivering a 24-hour single point of admission, supported by two treatment wards and five dynamic community mental health teams.
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead clinical change within a supportive and multidisciplinary environment, where collaboration with management and clinical colleagues is highly valued.
This opportunity is open to both UK-based and international doctors, with CESR portfolio support available to help progress toward specialist registration.
Job Requirements and Details
Qualifications: Full GMC registration with a licence to practise, MRCPsych preferred, CCT or equivalent specialist qualification and training in Psychiatry.
Experience: Applicants must have significant experience in general adult psychiatry.
Desirable: Previous leadership roles, community mental health experience, and involvement in service development or clinical governance.
Salary: £106,000 to £154,760 per annum, dependent on experience and length of service.
Core Duties of This Role
-
Take overall clinical responsibility for outpatient care, including the development and oversight of Care and Treatment Plans.
-
Provide leadership and supervision to the multidisciplinary team, with clear delegation of responsibilities.
-
Contribute to service planning in line with the strategic direction of the Health Board.
-
Provide educational supervision to junior medical staff, supporting training and development in line with Royal College guidelines.
-
Actively participate in quality assurance, clinical governance, risk management, and clinical audit processes.
-
Fulfil on-call commitments on a 1:14 rota, with prospective cover across the SBUHB area.
-
Engage in continuous professional development, including annual job plan review and maintenance of Royal College CPD requirements.
-
Opportunities for involvement in research and innovation are encouraged and supported.
Living and Working on the South Wales Coast
The South Wales coast offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and urban convenience. With stunning beaches, nearby national parks, and a thriving cultural scene, the region provides a high quality of life for professionals and families.
The area is well connected, with excellent schools, vibrant communities, and strong transport links to Cardiff, Bristol, and London. Whether you\'re seeking outdoor adventure or a peaceful place to call home, the South Wales coast offers an ideal setting for both work and leisure.
How Will IMG Connect Support You?
When applying with IMG Connect, you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We will assist you with:
-
CV preparation with a bespoke session from one of our NHS recruitment specialists.
-
Application support tailored to psychiatric roles and NHS expectations.
-
Two comprehensive video interviews to prepare for your NHS panel.
-
Contract negotiation including salary, relocation, and service expectations.
Post-offer, your IMG Connect relocation executive will guide you through:
-
Visa sponsorship (including COS and application support).
-
Accommodation search assistance.
-
Family relocation support (schools, childcare, etc.).
-
Local area orientation and integration advice.