A Psychiatrist's Journey to the UK - Dr Brittany Meyer
- April 06, 2023
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 Brittany Meyer, a brilliant general adult psychiatrist who relocated to the UK from the US. Having completed the USMLE during her training, Brittany was able to gain full GMC registration with license to practise. She is now working in the NHS at West London Mental Health Foundation Trust, where she is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.
Tell us about yourself – what should the IMG community know about Brittany Meyer?
I am a US-trained psychiatrist now working as a specialty doctor in the NHS. I trained in psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and following training, I worked at a consultant level in an intensive outpatient treatment centre specialising in OCD and anxiety.
My academic interests include catatonia, psychosis, OCD, and teaching, and I have a special love for opportunities that allow blending the arts and humanism with medicine.
What motivated you to move to the UK?
I moved to the UK to be with my fiancé, who is a born and bred Londoner. The pandemic was a major motivator to be in the same country finally! Luckily, I have dual US-UK citizenship, so this made the move over much simpler.
How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working full time?
During the registration process, at which point I had moved to the UK, I worked part-time for a tele-psychiatry service located in the USA, allowing me to treat patients from abroad. This was invaluable in terms of flexibility, and it prevented my clinical skills from becoming too rusty while I waited for my licensing to be approved.
My main struggle, if anything, was having so much unfamiliar unstructured time on my hands. I strongly recommend setting out a weekly schedule for yourself if you are in a similar situation, filled with other means of staying productive and gaining a sense of accomplishment you might otherwise get from your job. It’s also important to maximize such rare time to enjoy nourishing hobbies and interests - for example I learned to watercolour and spent many mornings at the V&A museum - and in hindsight wish I had been more proactive in seeking such activities out.
How did you find a general adult psychiatry job within the NHS?
I was hoping to find an outpatient mental health team position and Ruaidhri fully facilitated the job search. When I began the registration process, I felt quite disoriented, and it was difficult to find someone who had an incentive to talk me through my options and the steps to get there.
It was only when I found IMG Connect and Ruaidhri that I felt someone was in my corner, illuminating an otherwise confusing journey and assisting with each step along the way. It was no different for the job search, when Ruaidhri deftly handled the search and communication with NHS trusts to find a position for me. I am deeply indebted to Ruaidhri for not only the logistical work he put in on my behalf, but also the moral support along the way.
Tell us about a day in the life of a general adult psychiatrist in the NHS...
Learning an entirely new system has been quite an adjustment. In addition, I am working in a model that is new to the NHS, so the system is foreign in ways I didn’t expect, for example not having the ability to order blood work or imaging, or to even prescribe anything beyond very short-term medications. The team I work with has been incredibly welcoming and have helped orient me to resources like the BNF and Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines to orient me to standard practice.
Working in the NHS can be quite chaotic, and this is an especially challenging time in terms of staffing and funding within the system, but the difference I can make in my patients’ lives is striking.
What opportunities have become available to you through your work?
I am still in the infancy of my NHS career, but I am hoping to pursue teaching opportunities, particularly around the diagnosis and management of catatonia. I have found everyone to be very supportive and willing to connect me to those who can further this.
How are you settling into life in the UK?
London is a magical space. Having access to some of the best museums, opera, theatre, restaurants and architecture in the world is a luxury. I have also loved the flexibility of being so close to other amazing places in the UK and Europe, which has allowed me to spend time in France, Spain, Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland, and more. Being able to spend a weekend in another country the way we would visit another state in the US is incredible!
I hope to eventually have a role that blends more teaching and support of trainees and medical students with clinical care. I am very excited to get married in 2023 and hopefully become a dog parent as well!
You’re of course a British citizen, is living in London what you had expected?
Yes and no! Though a British citizen, I had only lived in Scotland as a small child and spent holidays with my family in Northern Ireland growing up. So the big city - especially a walkable city - was a new experience for me! I’ve really enjoyed not owning a car and using public transport, and I’ll admit I’m still adapting to the very small stores with fewer than the usual 500 options of cereal that the US touts.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK?
Leaving family and friends, especially during the pandemic, was even more difficult than I expected. Not being able to have anyone visit in the first year of being in the UK was challenging. I think it is important to normalise that moving to a new place - even an incredibly exciting and vibrant place like London - can feel lonely at times, and that it is expected to have a period of transition that might not feel comfortable. However, London is feeling increasingly like home, and I have made wonderful friends since arriving.
What have you missed most about the US?
Target! Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing (for the very desperate like me, available for ten pounds at Partridge’s)! Tacos! Smiling and saying hello to strangers on the street!
Is there anything you wish you had known before you began your journey to the UK?
I wish I had found IMG Connect while living in the US so I could have prepared and submitted my application while living in the US before moving; this would have cut down on a lot of limbo time after I moved.
I also wish I had understood the CESR process for specialist registration while still in the US, as that would have allowed me to gather and anonymise patient documentation from my job there to support my CESR application; unfortunately I have now lost the right to access that documentation due to patient information protection laws. If you are considering applying for specialist registration and are still in your pre-NHS job, collect all the supporting documentation you can!
What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?
IMG Connect has been incredibly key in helping me to get licensed and find a position working as a doctor in the UK. Ruaidhri has been helpful in a multitude of ways: explaining a foreign system and where I might fit in, doing the groundwork of distributing my CV and liaising with HR departments to explore job possibilities, setting up interviews, guiding my licensing application, and supporting my appeal including with a written letter of support. I truly would not have been able to navigate this on my own - and had tried unsuccessfully before I found IMG Connect.
Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK?
I tried to seek information from a lot of different sources: forums, family friends who were practicing physicians in the UK, online blogs, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the GMC. Ultimately the most helpful resource by far was IMG Connect: both the one-on-one tailored advice, as well as their handouts that break down the ins and outs of the UK system and guide you through exactly what documents you need to collect in what order, etc., to achieve licensing. It’s such a niche process that I found the only really helpful resource to be a service that is devoted to my precise needs as an internationally-trained doctor transitioning to the UK.
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 for IMGs to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their fields and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR, writing publications, teaching opportunities 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 Family.
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Relevant Jobs
A new role as Specialty Doctor in inpatient child and adolescent mental health service at a Trust rated \"Outstanding\" by the CQC has just opened for both UK based and overseas candidates. Based in a city just north of London the trust supports doctors looking to build experience before entering ST4 or to support with CESR applications.
This is a great opportunity for overseas Specialty Doctors who want to establish themselves in the NHS, and grow their career. The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
ELIGIBILITY FOR THE ROLE:
Non-EEA:
- MRCPsych
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Specialist certification in Psychiatry (desirable)
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Experience in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Discover an exceptional opportunity for a Specialist Doctor in General Adult Psychiatry at an NHS Trust in London. This dynamic role caters to overseas specialists aspiring to join the NHS, accepting applications from EEA-specialized candidates and experienced IMGs pursuing CESR.
As part of the highly diverse General Adult Psychiatry Department, you\'ll work in various mental health services, contributing to the well-being of over 800,000 individuals. The department functions as a cohesive team of doctors built on mutual respect and trust. It offers a comprehensive range of services, including adult mental health, crisis resolution, home treatment teams, community integrated mental health teams, eating disorders, liaison psychiatry, personality disorder services, and psychological therapies.
There will be a CESR support, Section 12, and AC are provided, fostering career development. Enjoy a vibrant life in London, while advancing your career in this exceptional NHS job opportunity.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
-
Experience of working in General Adult Psychiatry (essential)
Non-EEA Candidates:
-
MRCPsych or PLAB (essential)
-
Experience of working for General Adult Psychiatry (essential)
UK based applicants
-
Experience of working in General Adult Psychiatry(essential)
An excellent job opportunity for either experienced Specialist grade (Associate Specialists) or Consultants in General Adult Psychiatry working in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester. The Trust\'s vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in their communities and their staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use their services. They are really proud of their people, and continue to do everything they can to make sure that they are a great place to work.
The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE?
The NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of 1.3 million and their vision is a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in their communities. The Trust has more than 3,600 dedicated and skilled staff deliver care from 88 different locations in six boroughs. The Trust\'s mental health teams provide care and treatment for people with mild to moderate conditions such as depression, anxiety or dementia, or more serious mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. They run \"Healthy Minds\" (psychological therapies), drug and alcohol services, psychiatric intensive care, rehabilitation services, military veterans\' services and many more.
The Trust\'s learning disability services are for people with a moderate to profound level of learning disability, such as those with downs syndrome. The Trust has an updated strategy (2022-2025) that confirms their commitment to being a specialist mental health, learning disability and autism provider, while recognising the impact of the pandemic and the changes within the health and social care system.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The service (generally for people aged 16 to 64) has been running since 2008, according to a model whereby their team of consultants are deployed as follows: three consultants work exclusively in the community and outpatient areas, one consultant works with the Early Intervention Service, two consultants cover the inpatient area and one works with our Home Treatment and A&E Liaison Team. Within this arrangement, the consultant appointed to this post will work with other sector consultants (East, West and South sector community outpatients).
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?
Situated in the east of Greater Manchester, between the City of Manchester and the Pennines National Park, the area offers a wonderful mixture of city and famously beautiful countryside. Manchester is one of the main cities of England, with all the benefits that brings including vibrant social and entertainment options in a vibrant city centre. The region enjoys excellent transport connections both international through the airport and local, via the M62, and M60 motorways and the Metrolink tram system. Approximately 22.5% of the population are from ethnic minority groups.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
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:
- European Specialist Qualification
- Experience of working in General Adult Psychiatry
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCPsych
- Experience of working in General Adult Psychiatry
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in General Adult Psychiatry
- Section 12 and Approved Clinician
This is a great opportunity for any experienced General Adult Psychiatrists and including those working towards CESR or specialist registration in the UK.
The NHS Foundation Trust is currently looking for a Specialist in Inpatient Adult Psychiatry. This is an outstanding opportunity for experienced Consultants Psychiatrists, Associate Specialist (Specialist Grade) and Specialty Doctors who is looking to work toward Specialist Registration through the CESR pathway.
The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs ideally with MRCPsych and overseas consultant or specialist experience looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE?
The NHS Trust provides mental health services to all age ranges and supports people with a range of mental health problems whether they are mild, moderate or severe. The NHS Trust employs over 9,000 people who deliver support for the patient services. In addition to providing a wide range of patient services, we also contribute to training the next generation of nurses, doctors and therapists and conduct research that will help to advance clinical practice and treatments in the future.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Department is a 14 bedded ward which admits adults of working age. The district covers a largely rural area of 285 square miles with a population of approximately 114,000. There are 275 admissions per 100,000 adult population in Somerset. Over the last three years there was an average of 223 admissions per year with bed occupancy being lower than the national average. The majority of the patients admitted were given a diagnosis of a psychotic illness, followed by a mood disorder and then personality disorders.
The post holder will be part of the team which consists of a ward manager 0.5WTE, a deputy ward manager 1WTE, a trainee doctor 1.WTE, a medical secretary 0.4WTE, a ward administrator 1.0WTE, a ward psychologist 0.5WTE, three occupational therapists, 11 staff nurses, 17 health care assistants, and 6 service assistants.
The post holder will also be responsible for conducting Mental Health Act assessments for adults of working age admitted to the ward. Other Mental Health Act assessments for adults of working age in Mendip will fall to the community adult consultant psychiatrists. The post holder may be invited to contribute.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?
Based in the South West, the trust is located between various areas of outstanding natural beauty and the idyllic rolling hills of Exmoor, featuring national hotspots for cycling, surfing, and climbing. There’s plenty to keep you occupied alongside the abundance of music festivals and local traditions.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
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.
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?
UK based candidates:
- Specialty Doctor Experience
- Specialisation in Psychiatry
- MRCPsych
- Consultant or specialist experience
An excellent job opportunity for either experienced Specialist grade (Associate Specialists) or Consultants in Learning Disability Psychiatry that continuously provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester. The Trust\'s vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in their communities and their staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use their services. They are really proud of their people, and continue to do everything they can to make sure that they are a great place to work.
The post is suitable for candidates holding specialisation in the EEA, or for experienced IMGs looking to complete CESR.
WHAT IS THE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST LIKE?
The NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of 1.3 million and their vision is a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in their communities. The Trust has more than 3,600 dedicated and skilled staff deliver care from 88 different locations in six boroughs. The Trust\'s mental health teams provide care and treatment for people with mild to moderate conditions such as depression, anxiety or dementia, or more serious mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. They run \"Healthy Minds\" (psychological therapies), drug and alcohol services, psychiatric intensive care, rehabilitation services, military veterans\' services and many more.
The NHS Foundation Trust aims to deliver mental health through services based in each Borough and in conjunction with local Commissioners and local social service departments. The Trust\'s learning disability services are for people with a moderate to profound level of learning disability, such as those with downs syndrome. The Trust has an updated strategy (2022-2025) that confirms their commitment to being a specialist mental health, learning disability and autism provider, while recognising the impact of the pandemic and the changes within the health and social care system.
The Trust made the list of the top 120 best places to work in 2015, as compiled by HSJ and Nursing Times, in association with NHS Employers. 5 The list is a celebration of NHS organisations that have worked hard to promote great staff engagement and create an environment where people can enjoy their work. The Trust is accredited with a ‘two ticks’ symbol to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded equal opportunity to enter employment and progress if and where possible.
WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT & TEAM LIKE?
The Department is a team of kind, fair & determined doctors. In the context of a Specialist Community Learning Disability service model these values translate into principles which drive their vision and work. The team is committed to building upon the evidence base which informs the delivery of safe, caring, responsive and well led services. Their network of teams benefit from sharing learning from quality initiatives, research, compliments, complaints and incidents which in turn drive locality developments and the plans they share. Their service model will be supported by Quality Improvement forums and Research and Innovation hubs, these groups will work across disciplines, organisations and geographical boundaries.
The service model provides a platform from which their multi-disciplinary teams deliver a broad spectrum of pathways. Each pathway is flexed to meet the individual needs, skills and circumstances of the client. A client’s pathway may vary in the range of reasons for involvement, the setting of the intervention, the approach taken, even the number of disciplines involved. The population of Oldham is around 238,722, with a growth projected increase to 246,645 by 2025 (2.18%). At present, around 5156 people, within the borough of Bury, have a known learning disability, with the five year forecast showing this to increase to 5536 by mid-2025.
The post holder will provide psychiatric input to adults with learning disabilities of 18 years and older within the area. The post holder will be a key member of the team and will have access to clinical space at the clinic. It is also expected that psychiatric assessment, advice and liaison will be given in a variety of community locations. For example: The post holder is expected to carry out assessments of complex cases and support development of multi-disciplinary management plans.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE IN THE REGION?
Oldham is a town with considerable geographical, cultural and ethnic diversity, situated in the northeast part of Greater Manchester, between the City of Manchester and the Pennines. The town enjoys excellent transport connections via the M62, and M60 motorways and the Metrolink tram system. The population of Oldham Borough is 227,312, of whom 62.1% are aged between 16 and 64 (OMBC 2013 mid-year estimate). Approximately 22.5% of the population are from ethnic minority groups.
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
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 Learning Disability Psychiatry
- Board Certified Specialist in Learning Disability Psychiatry
Non-EEA Candidates:
- MRCEM (UK) (essential)
- Experience of working in Learning Disability Psychiatry
- Specialist training in Learning Disability Psychiatry
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Learning Disability Psychiatry
This is a great opportunity for any experienced General Adult Psychiatrists working towards CESR or specialist registration in the UK, whilst working as a specialty doctor in the NHS.