A Psychiatrist's Journey to the UK - Dr Connie Chan
- 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 Connie Chan, a brilliant perinatal psychiatrist who relocated to the UK from Hong Kong in 2022. Having passed the MRCPsych and English language exams, Connie received full GMC registration with license to practise. She is now working in the NHS at Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS 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 Connie Chan?
I was born and trained in Hong Kong as a psychiatrist and have been working in perinatal mental health in the last 8 years, before I moved to practice in the UK in Spring 2022. I find working in perinatal mental health rewarding and it’s something I’m passionate about, so I was lucky to be able to find a job in the same sub-specialty in the UK.
What motivated you to move to the UK?
My main priority has always been my children’s education, so quite naturally, I had considered sending them to study in the UK, where the standard of schools (both private and state) is excellent and world-class. My kids are still young, and so rather than sending them to boarding schools, I preferred to relocate with them so that I would not miss out on seeing them grow up.
Tell us about your experience of completing MRCPsych as part of your training in Hong Kong...
I completed the Royal College of Psychiatrists examinations years ago, during a time when it was the norm in Hong Kong to do both our local professional exams and Royal College exams simultaneously. However, things have changed in my home city recently, and trainees can opt to complete the local membership examination only.
How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working full time?
I did not face any major setbacks in my registration, and it was quite smoothly done. My GMC registration only needed restoration, but when I made the decision to restore it, it was at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, so the restoration process was delayed by the suspension of all identity checks.
How did you find a perinatal psychiatry job within the NHS?
I made IMG Connect aware of my intention to look for jobs in perinatal psychiatry and there were several openings around the country. Ruaidhri, the co-founder, helped me to line up interviews and with the preparation, and voila, I got the job.
Tell us about a day in the life of a perinatal psychiatrist in the NHS...
I am currently working in the community team of a perinatal psychiatric unit. We have multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss cases and I am amazed by the different perspectives contributed by different disciplines in the team to make discussions really meaningful, tailor-made and human-centred. I make home visits, do clinics and attend meetings, and have supervision with my line manager and supervise my junior doctors as well.
Work-life balance is something that is important to a lot of people. My previous job was more about meeting deliverables for the service pledge, which emphasised efficiency and service output, and sometimes led to staff burnout. Working in this new environment, I feel that I do have a choice.
What opportunities have become available to you through your work?
The Trust I am working in has quite a comprehensive programme for IMGs, including personal development, understanding the values of the NHS, general IMG support and advice and peer groups for CESR. It is a good way to become familiar with the system. There are also a lot of managerial training and professional updates available.
How are you settling into life in the UK?
I am living in Greater Manchester with about a 45-minute commute into work each way. I prefer living a little further from work as driving by myself can be a good time for my own mindfulness to clear my thoughts. On weekdays, things are quite busy and it takes some planning to get my kids off to school and for pickups, as well as working and cooking in the evening. At the weekend, it is really a time that I can unwind and have quality time with my children. We have so many new things to learn and to share and new places to explore together.
What have you enjoyed most about living in Greater Manchester?
There is the airport in Manchester which brings a lot of vibrancy to the city and the areas around it. The atmosphere of traveling and the mood for holidays is infectious. It makes friends stopping by for a visit whenever they come to visit the UK much easier. In fact, there are quite a lot of Hong Kong communities in the area, so it made my initial move feel less isolated and the transition period easier.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK?
Living in a bigger place has been both a blessing and a curse. Manchester is the 2nd largest city in the UK, and living nearby allows me to have easy accessibility to many different things. However the vast area means to get from one place to another, I rely heavily on driving, and there is more to consider with regard to my children’s care and school runs. For me, driving is a challenge in winter as it gets dark earlier, and the rain makes the motorway quite daunting.
What have you missed about Hong Kong the most?
Definitely Hong Kong street food! There are just so many food delicacies there and they are a part of my cultural heritage that I am really proud of.
In hindsight, is there anything you would’ve done differently?
Honestly, I would do most things the same way. I would still choose to work with IMG Connect. But as a parent, I would try to plan my relocation to coincide with the beginning of the academic year for school admissions, so that it would be easier to find schools for the kids, as in-year transfers are more difficult.
What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?
My experience working with IMG Connect has been nothing short of amazing. I have been well taken care of on every level from job hunting, interview preparation, negotiations with human resources, to the choice of home, location, phone cards, school information, interesting places to visits, etc. My queries and my worries were always addressed and attended to, and that was massive help for someone like me with no prior connections in the UK.
Ruaidhri was really my guiding star in getting me through tricky situations, and it is a testament to how helpful and easily approachable everyone at IMG Connect is, from top to bottom.
Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK?
It is certainly a huge decision to make to relocate to the UK to work as a doctor. It is easier if one has a clear goal and works toward it step-by-step. Most importantly, I find it is the psychological preparedness to adapt to a new culture and work model that matters. It is never too late to make a new start.
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.