FRCR (Oncology) vs PLAB - GMC registration for overseas clinical or radiation oncologists 

  • May 16, 2023
 

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With a few options available for clinical oncologists to provide evidence of their skills and knowledge, it can be difficult for IMGs to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.  

For international doctors considering their route to the UK, there are essentially two main pathways to consider: PLAB and the postgraduate route - FRCR (Oncology).

Whilst these are the most common routes to GMC registration, this is not an exhaustive list. There are other options such as Royal College sponsorship and GMC-approved qualifications or licensing exams, and you can read more about these here.

Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits. 

Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board (PLAB) 

The first and most common route which is often a popular choice among junior doctors is PLAB

PLAB is a two-part exam with one written and one practical element, that assesses whether candidates are at least as capable as doctors starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training, and can therefore work safely as an SHO in the NHS. 

The GMC has a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library. 

FRCR (Oncology) - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Clinical or Radiation Oncologists 

The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience. Within clinical or radiation oncology, this can be done by attaining Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists. The Royal College of Radiologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of clinical oncology in the UK. 

Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology) is the full qualification attained through these postgraduate exams for clinical or radiation oncology. The exams assess a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding against the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Oncology. FRCR (Oncology) has three components, with two written and one clinical and oral element. 

For complete guides on FRCR (Oncology), take a look at our IMG Resources library. 

It is important to note that the FRCR (Oncology) exams are for clinical or radiation oncologists only. Overseas clinical oncologists are not required to also sit the MRCP (UK) exams. 

PLAB vs FRCR (Oncology) 

FRCR (Oncology) is a legitimate route that demonstrates skills and knowledge and will allow oncologists to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each exam, as well as how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK. 

Seniority of Positions in the NHS 

It may be difficult for an overseas clinical oncologist to obtain a more senior post within the NHS without FRCR (Oncology), GMC-approved training, or extensive experience from a similar, English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS. 

Time  

PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish. 

FRCR (Oncology) has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 36 months of postgraduate experience in clinical or radiation oncology. 

These exams can take anywhere from between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish. 

Cost  

The FRCR (Oncology) exams cost just over £1,600, but all the exams are sat in person and there are only a few overseas exam centres. 

PLAB costs £1,189, and both exams are sat in person. PLAB 1 can be taken in the UK or several overseas centres, which you can find here. PLAB 2 must be taken within the UK. 

SO, for PLAB 2, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.    

It’s important to note that the total cost of each exam can rise if re-sits are necessary. 

Summary 

PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as a Senior House Officer (SHO), does not assess ability in oncology specifically. For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine, I.e., oncology. PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK. 

FRCR (Oncology) involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas oncologists, attaining FRCR (Oncology) will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you will not need PLAB or Core Training. 

The Royal College of Radiologists’ exams will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK oncology than PLAB. 

#IMG Tips 

  1. Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone. 
  2. Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time. 
  3. Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.  
  4. Join the community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded FRCR (Oncology) aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters.

In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our FRCR (Oncology) crash courses, completely free to all doctors.

You can access our IMG Oncologists community here.


Getting started 

Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time for a deep dive into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB, FRCR (Oncology), GMC registration and finding your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.  

If you have any further questions on PLAB or postgraduate qualifications, please get in touch with our oncology specialists here. We’d be more than happy to help you. 

For advice, guidance and news and updates about all things oncology for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below

            

 

Relevant Jobs

£93,666-£126,281

We are currently looking for an experienced Clinical Oncologist, who works with both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments for a large acute hospital in the Midlands, England.

You\'d be joining a team of 8 clinical and 2 medical oncology consultants at the modern Oncology Centre (opened in mid 2010\'s), to help support and develop site-specific services in outpatient and chemotherapy as part of the development of the centre. 

There are 3 Elekta LINACS with VMAT and IGRT, using Mosaiq and Raystation for RT planning on site, along with 35 chemo day chairs used across 3 hospitals under this NHS trust.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • FRCR Clinical Oncology or equivalent
  • Excellent english language skills
  • Extensive experience as a consultant oncologist (UK or overseas experience)

LENGTH OF CONTRACT:
12 - 24 months fixed term (subject to be renewed)

Benefits:

  • Attractive salary and relocation package
  • Training and development opportunities
  • CESR support for those eligible
  • Tier 2 Health and Care Visa (sponsorship for the whole family)
  • Guidance regarding the CV and full interview preparation
  • Assistance regarding the GMC registration, visa, accommodation and transportation by an experienced onboarding specialist
  • Complete IMG Relocation service from start to finish of process

GRADE:
Locum Consultant

Specialty & Special Interests:
Clinical Oncology with primary interest in Gynaecological and Upper GI cancers

£93,666-£126,281

An exciting NHS job opportunity is open for a Consultant Clinical Oncologist specializing in Lung & Breast Cancer at an NHS Trust that has been rated \"good\" over all by the CQC. This NHS Trust has undergone significant development, emphasizing patient and community care excellence. With £58 million in national funding, the Trust boasts a University Hospital status, prioritizing research, education, and training. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) lauds the Trust\'s outstanding performance, with 992 beds and 92% patient recommendation, serving a population of 675,000.

This position aims to strengthen the Oncology team, focusing on lung cancer care and Stereotactic Ablative Body Radiotherapy (SABR). Situated at the dynamic centre within the \"good\"-rated trust, the role contributes to systemic treatment advancements and ongoing research. The Oncology Department at the Combined Haematology Oncology Centre caters to 1-1.5 million residents. Designated as a Cancer Centre since 1996, the Centre collaborates with neighboring hospitals, fostering a multidisciplinary approach. The purpose-built Cancer Centre, equipped with advanced imaging, provides nurse-led services, chemotherapy units, and home-delivered immunotherapy.

The post holder is expected to: 

  • Participate in all facets of departmental activity.

Career development at the Trust includes access to CESR support, specialty training, and opportunities for external duties. The forward-thinking Oncology department initiated SABR practices in 2021 and maintains a dynamic research team supporting various clinical trials.

Life in the area, a historic home of the Royal Navy, offers cultural richness and proximity to scenic countryside. A thriving artistic community, excellent schools, and various development projects contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. The area combines city conveniences with picturesque villages, making it an excellent place to raise a family!

This comprehensive opportunity integrates the Consultant role, SABR RT specialisation, CESR support, and coastal life in the UK, creating a fulfilling and enriching professional and personal experience. 

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE? 

EEA Candidates: 

  • Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • FRCR or equivalent qualification 

UK Based Candidates: 

  • FRCR qualification

This is a great opportunity for any experienced consultant clinical oncologist working towards CESR in Clinical oncology specialist registration in the UK.

£87,354-£113,408
A Cancer Centre in Wales are looking for a Consultant or Specialist in Medical Oncology with a sub-specialty interest in AOS/Melanoma. They are considering either UK or Overseas trained doctors for a permanent or fixed term contract type. The trust will support with CESR support and/or those looking to enter specialty training in the NHS.

This is a high performing and supportive department for overseas doctors new to the NHS, or UK-based doctors looking to further careers in the UK, and a great opportunity for any overseas oncologists looking for CESR support and great career development in a beautiful part of England, filled with sandy beaches and offering vibrant city living.

What is the Welsh Health Board like?

The Health Board are one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK, providing primary, community, mental health and acute hospital services for the population of around 390,000. They have a budget of around £1bn and employ approximately 12,500 staff. Besides their three major hospital sites, they are also responsible for community hospitals, health centres, clinics, mental health units, community teams, GP practices and other services provided by dentists, opticians and pharmacists. Their mission is to improve the health, wealth and wellbeing of the people of Wales and the rest of the world.

What is the Oncology Department like?

This Cancer Centre provides a high degree of specialisation for all the major cancers. It has one dedicated ward of 30 beds (with scope to increase to 36 beds at periods of high demand) for both oncology and haematology patients, together with a chemotherapy and haematology day unit, and an aseptic unit on site. There are also two laminar flow rooms for patients requiring bone marrow/stem cell transplantation and one dedicated room for radioactive isotope therapy.

There is a state of the art telemedicine facility allowing regular multi-professional meetings between oncologists, physicians, surgeons and AHPs in Wales. The system has the capacity to transmit and view both high quality radiological images and histopathological slides.  

The staff are highly experienced, consisting of nurses, radiographers, research officers and admin staff. The new consultant will be joining a friendly and forward-thinking consultant team of clinical and medical oncologists who are committed to delivering highest standards of cancer care, alongside a large team of other clinical and non-clinical professionals.

What Career Development and Opportunities are available?

The Cancer Centre is heavily involved in training which takes place at all levels from undergraduate lectures and clinical teaching, through to Foundation and Core Medical trainee clinical and educational supervision, and higher specialist training. They will also provide excellent CESR support.

Life in South Wales

Based in South Wales, the area is fast becoming one of the most popular places to live in the UK. This waterfront location is actually Wales’s second most populated city and county, offering all the benefits and amenities of a built-up urban environment, alongside a 5 mile stretch of a pristine, sandy coastline. 

The city is home to multiple live music venues, showcasing everything from small gigs to orchestral performances. Annually, the city hosts a number of different festivals, attracting artists from across Wales and the UK. Today, new regeneration is planned which will only increase its popularity, amenities, and modernity. The city is experiencing a period of development and a resurgence of new business and investment, with the city council focusing on creating a culture of creativity and an emphasis on attracting tech led businesses.

The area also has good travel links. It is an easy drive to Port Talbot and Cardiff and you can get to London via the M4, and around Wales on the A48. There are also regular trains to Cardiff, Newport and London. For international and domestic flights, Cardiff Airport is just 44 miles away.

Am I eligible for this role?

EEA candidates: 
•    Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Medical Oncology
•    Extensive experience in AOS/Melanoma oncology
  
Non-EEA candidates: 
•    MRCP
•    Extensive experience in AOS/Melanoma oncology
 
UK-based candidates: 
•    Extensive experience in AOS/Melanoma oncology
•    Within 6-months of CESR or CCT in Medical Oncology

This is a great job for any experienced overseas Medical Oncologists working towards CESR and specialist registration in the UK.
£50,000-£126,281
A cancer centre in the South West of England are looking for a Consultant in Clinical Oncology with any sub-specialty interest. 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, and a great opportunity for any overseas consultant oncologists looking for CESR support and great career development in a beautiful part of England.

What is the NHS Trust like?

This NHS Trust is the first NHS Trust on the English mainland to provide community, mental health and acute hospital services. It was formed from the merger of two trusts on the 1st April 2020. Now, they are preparing to merge with another trust so that they are better able to support the health of all the people in the area.

The trust provides a range of services from 13 community hospitals including outpatient and diagnostic services, 190 inpatient beds and seven Minor Injuries Units. They also provide specialist mental health services, healthcare for adults with learning disabilities, medical and surgical care, maternity services and cancer treatment services. The trust\'s facilities for the treatment of cancer have undergone a major expansion, culminating in the opening of the Cancer Centre in May 2009.

What is the Oncology Department like?

The Oncology Department provides Clinical and Medical Oncology inpatient and outpatient services as well as radiotherapy and chemotherapy to all common tumour sites. The new appointee will be joining an ambitious team of 12 Consultant Oncologists (8 Clinical & 4 Medical), 1 Associate Specialist (Medical Oncology), 3 Speciality Doctors, and a rotation of junior doctors who cover the inpatient ward. There are also two Clinical Oncology ST3 doctors. It is a research orientated department with a dedicated clinical trials team and are one of the highest recruiters within the South West and nationally for a number of trials. 

The new consultant will be working within the Cancer Centre which provides cancer care to a population of approximately 500,000. It has received a number of accolades since opening in 2009 for the high quality care delivered. These include CHKS ISO 9001 accreditation, Macmillan Quality Environment Mark score of 5 (out of 5) on all principles and in the 2018 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, the Beacon Centre was ranked third overall which is an excellent reflection of the patient centred care delivered.

What Career Development and Opportunities are available?

There is real opportunity to progress through CESR at pace at this trust, with a strong desire for newly-qualified consultants to develop their specialty areas of interest and undertake in various cancer trials and research projects where possible. Research is encouraged here, particularly when this is appropriate to professional development and to the service development of the department. Opportunities are available with applications for funding co-ordinated by the Trusts Medical Directors and clinical trial recruitment to International, National and Regional trials is active in all tumour sites. This trust was also rated as an area of Outstanding Practice by CQC (2016), and with the highest GMC score in the South West for training.

Life in the area:

This area has diverse shopping, restaurants, and regularly hosts international music and sporting fixtures. It is located between various areas of outstanding natural beauty, featuring national hotspots for cycling, surfing, and climbing. There’s plenty to keep you occupied alongside the abundance of music festivals and local traditions. The area is in close proximity to both the beaches of North Devon and Cornwall, while also being less than two hours from the city of London. 

It also offers some of the best schools in the country. Ranging from public institutions to award winning state schools with one being ranked in the top 10 of A-level providers nationally for the last eight years.

Am I eligible for this role?

Non-EEA candidates: 

  • FRCR (Clinical Oncology)

EEA candidates: 

  • Recognised European Qualifications 

UK candidates: 

  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
£55,329

Are you a Clinical Oncologist looking for a rewarding opportunity in the UK? An excellent NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a talented professional to join their oncology team. With a commitment to collaborative working, this NHS Foundation Trust provides excellent oncology services and ample opportunities for training, research, and career development. The trust is supportive of CESR applications.

The Oncology Department takes a collaborative approach to cancer care, with teams in two sites working together to provide comprehensive and sustainable services. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the Cancer Centres offer a multidisciplinary approach, supported by Acute Oncology Teams and a skilled team of healthcare professionals. The post holder will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an NHS Role as part of a well-equipped, modern oncology department.

The department sits within an NHS Trust that is known to be the leading healthcare provider in East Anglia, serves a population of nearly 800,000 residents across two main hospitals, six community hospitals, and various clinics. With a budget exceeding £650 million, the NHS Foundation Trust invests in enhancing their hospitals and creating an ideal working environment. They prioritise the well-being of their staff and patients, offering exciting prospects for development, innovation, research, education, and training.

Additional to the opportunity of working for a great NHS Foundation Trust, living in the area offers a diverse and vibrant lifestyle. Essex, with its stunning coastline, beaches, and countryside, provides a great environment for families. The county offers a range of housing options, urban or rural, at affordable prices. With excellent transport links to London, you can enjoy the benefits of both city and countryside living. Furthermore, Essex boasts good schools and a high quality of life, making it an ideal place to settle and explore nature\'s playground.

Join them to make a significant impact in the field of oncology while enjoying a fulfilling career and a balanced lifestyle in a beautiful region of the UK.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

To be eligible for this vacancy you will need the following:

EEA Candidates:

  • Recognised European Medical Degree or Specialist Qualification in Clinical Oncology
  • IELTS or OET

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • MRCP/FRCR/PLAB qualifications
  • Experience in Oncology
  • IELTS or OET

UK-Based Candidates:

  • MRCP or equivalent MD qualification
  • 2 years post-registration clinical practice

This is a great opportunity for any experienced Oncologist working towards CESR in the UK and Specialist Registration in Oncology. There will be opportunity to develop and lead on sub-specialist areas of cancer care.

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