Intensive Care Medicine - a Doctor's Route to the UK

  • November 21, 2022
 

There are several routes to GMC registration and securing an NHS role for Critical Care or ICU specialists.

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.

As a critical care specialist 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 & Intensive Care Medicine


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 doctor 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:

  • OET – Occupational English Test
  • IELTS – International English Language Testing System

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: IMG Library - GMC Registration for overseas doctors

Job search

We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for European Critical Care specialists 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 CCU / ICU jobs than are readily available online. 

Our network extends to clinical departments 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 specialty knowledge of critical care medicine 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 Library – Relocation & UK Life

Brexit 

Many overseas doctors have questioned how the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) will affect doctors from Europe already working in the UK, and those who may wish to work here in the future.

Whilst we are still pushing for a halt to Brexit, we've been keeping a close eye on policies and developments to ensure that we keep our doctors as up to date as possible. While we await more information from the UK Government about what our future relationship with Europe will look like, what is clear is that European doctors are most welcome in the NHS with or without Brexit. 

At IMG Connect we do not see Brexit as an end to EEA doctors relocating to the UK, far from it… you are in demand and we will support with all the necessary requirements for entry to the UK, whatever the outcome. 

Take a look at our Brexit articles for more information:

IMG Library - Brexit


Outside of the EEA

If you qualified as a Critical Care specialist 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 ICU doctors, looking at the following:

  • English Language Testing
  • Evidence of Knowledge & Skills - PLAB, FRCA 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:

  • OET – Occupational English Test
  • IELTS – International English Language Testing System

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 Critical Care & Intensive Care Medicine

Overseas doctors must prove to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. In CCU this can be done through three main routes:

  1. PLAB
  2. EDIC
  3. EDAIC

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 intensive care medicine 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, doctors 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 - EDAIC or EDIC:

Attaining a EDIC or EDAIC qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism. For senior ICU specialists taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice. 

The European Society of Intensive Care Medicine awards EDIC qualifications and the European Society of Anaesthesiology & Intensive Care award EDAIC. Read our article on EDAIC here: EDAIC - a guide for overseas doctors. An article on EDAIC will be coming soon.

Route 3 - Other GMC Recognised or Equivalent Qualifications:

Some other 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 anaesthesiology & intensive care qualifications from several countries around the world that are currently accepted by the GMC, EDAIC being one common example.  Find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC: 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: 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 dependent visa: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, FRCA Primary, EDAIC or equivalent)

Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article: GMC Registration for overseas doctors

Job search

We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for Non-EEA anaesthetists 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 anaesthetics 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 specialty knowledge of ICU, 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.

IMG Library – Relocation & UK Life

Brexit 

Many ICU specialists have questions about how the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) will affect doctors from outside the EEA already working in the UK, and those who may wish to work here in the future.

Whilst we are still pushing for a halt to Brexit, we've been keeping a close eye on policies and developments to ensure that we keep our doctors as up to date as possible. While we await more information from the UK Government about what our future relationship with Europe will look like, what is clear is that there are no current changes to immigration entry requirements for non-EEA doctors

Overseas doctors are most welcome in the NHS with or without Brexit… you are in demand and we will support with all the necessary requirements for entry to the UK. 

Take a look at our Brexit articles for more information: IMG Library - Brexit

            

 

Relevant Jobs

£50,373 - £91,584

An opportunity for a SAS grade Anaesthetists to work for an established NHS Trust that prides itself on delivering high quality care and services. . 
This is a great opportunity for overseas Anaesthesia specialists who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced anaesthetists IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE? 
The Trust is one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England, serving a regional, national and international population. In April 2018 the trust now has a turnover of £1.6bn, over 2,700 beds and employs more than 20,000 members of staff. It also provides the city wide vascular service including a vascular emergency service and endovascular service. A dedicated elective paediatric surgical unit for patients over the age of 1 has been set up and offers trauma, ophthalmic, ENT and general surgery.

The trust consist of 4 hospitals covering all sub-specialisms along with excellent support in their CESR pathways to develop their professional careers. 

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 
The anaesthetic department also provides a consultant led acute pain service, a pre- operative assessment service as well as support for anaesthetics in remote areas such as endoscopy and radiology. The pioneering techniques in surgery and pain control that have been developed whilst treating military patients are used for civilian surgery in the UK and elsewhere, and are progressed through the Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC).
With almost 200 Consultants based over the four main hospital sites, the trust currently provide anaesthetic and ICU cover in excess of 400 sessions/week across both the Trust and those hospitals with which we have service level agreements.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THIS AREA?
Fancied by most IMG\'s, the area has an internal airport connected to all major cities in the UK along with excellent road and train routes around the country. With low cost of living compared to all the other cities, the area has vibrant independent restaurants, shops and bars throughout the centre and popular districts. 
New bars and shops open frequently as the city continues to build its youthful and unique identity. There is so much diversity and history within the area that the shops, food and venues reflect this. Old icons such as the Custard Factory host alternative shops and bars, just a short walk from the city center. 

There\'s excellent schooling covering off both private and public schooling around the area with people from different cultures and backgrounds in the area. 

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The Trust have wellbeing groups that organise regular ‘coffee & gas’ meetings, support the trainee buddy system and raises awareness of mental health issues and support systems. They also produce a monthly newsletter featuring department news and colleague profiles and is soon to launch in-house mentoring. The Trust is committed to the development and maintenance of the highest clinical standards through individual appraisal. This will include the audit of personal and clinical practice, as well as involvement in departmental and specialty reviews. It will also involve attention to continuing professional development, in order to meet the requirements for continuing medical education as expected by the relevant Royal College.
The successful applicant would be expected to have an active interest in the areas of both teaching and research. Our junior anaesthetic training has recently been adapted to reflect the new RCOA Anaesthesia curriculum. Due to the number of specialties covered at the Trust, they are able to deliver the vast majority of the curriculum across our four sites except advanced paediatric case. 

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Relevant European Qualification (recognised by GMC)
Non-EEA Candidates:
  • FRCA Primary, EDAIC, or equivalent
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
UK based applicants
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
This is a great opportunity for any experienced physicians interested in Anaesthesia working CESR or specialist registration in the UK.
£100,381

An outstanding opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic Consultant in Anaesthetics with an interest in Intensive Care to join a very dynamic department that is supportive of opportunities for their team. The Anaesthetic Deparment offers an active training and research programmes, a strong link across Wales through various clinical networks allowing effective development of areas of subspecialty, managerial and academic interest. The Anaesthethic Department is a team of doctors that are enthusiastic and always aims to deliver high quality Critical Care to the population of Carmarthenshire.

This is a great opportunity for overseas Consultants who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE HEALTH BOARD LIKE? 

The Health Board provides healthcare services to a total population of around 372,320 throughout several areas. It provides Acute, Primary, Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities services via General and Community Hospitals, Health Centres, GP\'s, Dentists, Pharmacists and Optometrists and other sites. It also provides a range of services for people living in nearby areas. Integrated health boards are a key first step in creating a world class NHS in Wales.

The Health Board have always aimed to provide safe and timely care for their patients. The Health Board continuously make improvements in order to be better. The Health Board partners with the local government and the third sector to improve local care services and ensure that the right care is provided in the right place, at the right time.

The Health Board shape the identity of their organisation and act as a guiding light for their employees. They aim to be an enjoyable and fulfilling place to work at.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

The Department runs the Critical Care Unit and accepts admissions from all the other associated acute specialties in consultation with the on-duty Critical Care Consultant. The team is responsible for the pre-operative assessment unit and provides cover for ECT and X-ray lists, as well as running the acute and chronic pain services. The Department constitute a pivotal component of the trauma team and provide resuscitation services in emergency situations throughout the hospital. It has been the ethos of the department to be progressive and to provide state of the art anaesthetic and ICU services for our patients.

The Department has the highest quality anaesthetics machines, ventilators and monitors available, including Cardiac Output monitoring in all areas. They have a variety of ultrasound machines, with significant interest in regional anaesthesia within the department. There are new blood gas analysers in theatre and ICU as well as a ROTEM machine. They are provide a comprehensive vascular access service and support the efficient delivery of both elective and emergency anaesthesia as well as significantly enhancing the ability to provide high quality training.

The post holder will be expected to undertake their programmed activities split between Intensive Care and Anaesthetics sessions. The post holder will be expected to conduct clinical practice in accordance with contractual requirements within the parameters of the Division’s and Health Board’s agreed objectives. 


WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?

The Health Board is in an area wherein there are excellent choice of schools and very reasonable property prices while having a picturesque countryside view. The area is home to the Brecon Beacons, National Botanic Gardens of Wales and some of the longest and most beautiful beaches. West Wales provides wonderful lifestyle opportunities.

There are other activities such as climbing and mountain biking, as well as walking, surfing, fishing, sailing and hiking. There are also excellent road and rail connections to London and the larger cities. Wales has a low crime rate and is a safe and friendly place to live and work.

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The Health Board has University status with strong links to other Universities to develop and strengthen multi-profession teaching. This initiative programme aims to engage and capture the enthusiasm and commitment of their up and coming clinicians in Wales in addressing Prudent Health Cares. 

They have an 8-room Clinical Research Facility in PPH, with state of the art facilities that opened in 2012 and new initiatives involve BioBanking, EU Lead for telemonitoring at scale and new Clinical Research Fellowships.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in General Internal Medicine / Care of the Elderly
  • Board Certified Specialist in General Internal Medicine / Care of the Elderly

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in General Internal Medicine / Care of the Elderly

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in General Internal Medicine / Care of the Elderly
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
88,364 - 119,113

An opportunity for a Consultant Anaesthetists to work for an established NHS Trust that prides itself on delivering high quality care and services. . 
This is a great opportunity for overseas Anaesthesia specialists who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced anaesthetists IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE? 

The Trust is one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England, serving a regional, national and international population. In April 2018 the trust now has a turnover of £1.6bn, over 2,700 beds and employs more than 20,000 members of staff. It also provides the city wide vascular service including a vascular emergency service and endovascular service. A dedicated elective paediatric surgical unit for patients over the age of 1 has been set up and offers trauma, ophthalmic, ENT and general surgery.

The trust consist of 4 hospitals covering all sub-specialisms along with excellent support in their CESR pathways to develop their professional careers. 

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

The anaesthetic department also provides a consultant led acute pain service, a pre- operative assessment service as well as support for anaesthetics in remote areas such as endoscopy and radiology. The pioneering techniques in surgery and pain control that have been developed whilst treating military patients are used for civilian surgery in the UK and elsewhere, and are progressed through the Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC).
With almost 200 Consultants based over the four main hospital sites, the trust currently provide anaesthetic and ICU cover in excess of 400 sessions/week across both the Trust and those hospitals with which we have service level agreements.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THIS AREA?

Fancied by most IMG\'s, the area has an internal airport connected to all major cities in the UK along with excellent road and train routes around the country. With low cost of living compared to all the other cities, the area has vibrant independent restaurants, shops and bars throughout the centre and popular districts. 
New bars and shops open frequently as the city continues to build its youthful and unique identity. There is so much diversity and history within the area that the shops, food and venues reflect this. Old icons such as the Custard Factory host alternative shops and bars, just a short walk from the city center. 

There\'s excellent schooling covering off both private and public schooling around the area with people from different cultures and backgrounds in the area. 

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The Trust have wellbeing groups that organise regular ‘coffee & gas’ meetings, support the trainee buddy system and raises awareness of mental health issues and support systems. They also produce a monthly newsletter featuring department news and colleague profiles and is soon to launch in-house mentoring. The Trust is committed to the development and maintenance of the highest clinical standards through individual appraisal. This will include the audit of personal and clinical practice, as well as involvement in departmental and specialty reviews. It will also involve attention to continuing professional development, in order to meet the requirements for continuing medical education as expected by the relevant Royal College.
The successful applicant would be expected to have an active interest in the areas of both teaching and research. Our junior anaesthetic training has recently been adapted to reflect the new RCOA Anaesthesia curriculum. Due to the number of specialties covered at the Trust, they are able to deliver the vast majority of the curriculum across our four sites except advanced paediatric case. 

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • European Specialist Qualification in Anaesthetics

Non-EEA Candidates:

  • FRCA Primary or Equivalent 
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics

UK based applicants

  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
This is a great opportunity for any experienced physicians interested in Anaesthesia working CESR or specialist registration in the UK.
51,000 - 58,000

An opportunity for a SAS grade Anaesthetists to work for an established NHS Trust that prides itself on delivering high quality care and services.

This is a great opportunity for overseas Anaesthesia specialists who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their consultant career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced anaesthetists IMGs looking to complete CESR.

WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE? 

The Trust is one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England, serving a regional, national and international population. In April 2018 the trust now has a turnover of £1.6bn, over 2,700 beds and employs more than 20,000 members of staff. It also provides the city wide vascular service including a vascular emergency service and endovascular service. A dedicated elective paediatric surgical unit for patients over the age of 1 has been set up and offers trauma, ophthalmic, ENT and general surgery.

The trust consist of 4 hospitals covering all sub-specialisms along with excellent support in their CESR pathways to develop their professional careers. 

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE? 

The anaesthetic department also provides a consultant led acute pain service, a pre- operative assessment service as well as support for anaesthetics in remote areas such as endoscopy and radiology. The pioneering techniques in surgery and pain control that have been developed whilst treating military patients are used for civilian surgery in the UK and elsewhere, and are progressed through the Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre (SRMRC).
With almost 200 Consultants based over the four main hospital sites, the trust currently provide anaesthetic and ICU cover in excess of 400 sessions/week across both the Trust and those hospitals with which we have service level agreements.

WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THIS AREA?

Fancied by most IMG\'s, the area has an internal airport connected to all major cities in the UK along with excellent road and train routes around the country. With low cost of living compared to all the other cities, the area has vibrant independent restaurants, shops and bars throughout the centre and popular districts. 
New bars and shops open frequently as the city continues to build its youthful and unique identity. There is so much diversity and history within the area that the shops, food and venues reflect this. Old icons such as the Custard Factory host alternative shops and bars, just a short walk from the city center. 

There\'s excellent schooling covering off both private and public schooling around the area with people from different cultures and backgrounds in the area. 

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?

The Trust have wellbeing groups that organise regular ‘coffee & gas’ meetings, support the trainee buddy system and raises awareness of mental health issues and support systems. They also produce a monthly newsletter featuring department news and colleague profiles and is soon to launch in-house mentoring. The Trust is committed to the development and maintenance of the highest clinical standards through individual appraisal. This will include the audit of personal and clinical practice, as well as involvement in departmental and specialty reviews. It will also involve attention to continuing professional development, in order to meet the requirements for continuing medical education as expected by the relevant Royal College.
The successful applicant would be expected to have an active interest in the areas of both teaching and research. Our junior anaesthetic training has recently been adapted to reflect the new RCOA Anaesthesia curriculum. Due to the number of specialties covered at the Trust, they are able to deliver the vast majority of the curriculum across our four sites except advanced paediatric case. 

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?

EEA Candidates:

  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Relevant European Qualification (recognised by GMC)
Non-EEA Candidates:
  • FRCA Primary, EDAIC, or equivalent
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
UK based applicants
  • Experience of working in Anaesthetics
  • Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT
This is a great opportunity for any experienced physicians interested in Anaesthesia working CESR or specialist registration in the UK.

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