Medical Training Initiative (MTI) for Medicine Doctors
- November 22, 2022
Here we take a closer look at the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) for international doctors practicing medicine and its sub-specialties.
Whilst the MTI describes a UK-wide placement scheme for junior overseas doctors, the processes involved vary between specialties.
This blog focuses on the MTI scheme as administered by the RCP, and the particular of this are summarised below along with a broad look the following:
- What is the Medical Training Initiative?
- What is the RCP and what support does it provide throughout my training?
- Am I eligible for an MTI post?
- Are there any additional requirements for the RCP?
- How can I use the MTI for GMC registration?
- What does the application process for the MTI through the RCP involve?
- How am I supported in obtaining a visa?
- I’m coming to the end of the MTI, what’s next?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
The Medical Training Initiative
The Medical Training Initiative, or MTI, is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.
The MTI as a training scheme is mutually beneficial for both junior doctors and the NHS, in that doctors from several countries and specialisms around the world can work and train in the UK, gaining knowledge and experience which they can take back to their home country, while giving NHS Trusts a high-quality, longer-term alternative for unfilled training vacancies and rota gaps.
Royal College of Physicians (RCP)
The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates medicine specialties in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attainable by examination.
Take a look at IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCP to learn more.
There are several ways you will be supported by the RCP as listed below:
- Induction – all MTI candidates are expected to attend an induction at the RCP. The induction is held on a quarterly basis
- Free ePortfolio access – this is an electronic portfolio to log all your assessments and training whilst in the UK
- Free RCP associate membership – this is for the first year and discounted rate for the second year and comes with a number of benefits
- Annual symposium – this is a clinical conference for all RCP MTIs held once a year
- Diploma in UK Medical Practice – participants are required to carefully document their training using the ePortfolio system, complete a range of continuing medical education sessions, and submit a written reflection piece at the end of their placement
- RCP certificate - at the end of training there is an RCP certificate available to all candidates
- Support for any issues that you might encounter relating to your training
Eligibility
The MTI has been designed specifically with junior doctors in mind, therefore sponsorship will not be offered to consultants, specialty doctors or for locum-appointed service posts (LAS).
The eligibility criteria differ among MTI programmes, but for the RCP, eligibility includes the following:
- Country Requirements - Priority is given to doctors from countries classified as low income or lower middle income by the World Bank and priority countries as described by the Department for International Development. Doctors from outside these countries may also apply, but there may be a long wait time and no guarantee of acceptance.
- Primary Medical Qualification: You must hold a recognised PMQ by the GMC and verified by Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
- Have a Postgraduate Medical Qualification: This can be MRCP Part 1, MD or other higher degree in medicine or a medical subspecialty
- Skills & Competencies: You must possess the skills, competencies and understanding of medicine at least equivalent to a UK graduate at the end of their core medical training.
- Clinical Experience: You must have 3 years post-qualification experience, including 1 year's internship and at least 1 year in the specialty in which you intend to train while in the UK
- Active Medical Practice: Candidates must have been actively practicing clinically for at least three out of the last five years including the past 12 months before the application as well as throughout the application process (the GMC does not consider clinical observerships as clinical practice).
Please note, the RCP cannot sponsor doctors who have failed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test.
Additional Requirements
Before you can make an application for the MTI scheme through the RCP, the following criteria must be satisfied:
- Verification of PMQ – your primary medical qualification must be independently verified by the ECFMG via their EPIC service.
- Complete an English Language test – the test must have been completed within two years of application for GMC registration.
- Find an NHS job before applying for the MTI – you are required to apply directly for an NHS post and should have already been formally offered the role before contacting the RCP. The hospitals should also be in support of your intention to seek sponsorship for the post.
- Obtain funding - you should already have funding for your post from either a scholarship, official funding, or a salary. The funding should be equivalent to a UK salary for the level of work being undertaken and must last for the duration of the post. The RCP will not sponsor applicants who are self-funded.
- Certificate of Good Standing - you must be able to provide a certificate of good standing (CGS) from the regulatory body in the countries where you have practised in the last 5 years. The CGS should be no older than 3 months when submitted.
GMC Registration
All doctors practicing in the UK must be registered with the GMC. For MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, but some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.
English Language Testing – candidates will also need to provide evidence of English language skills. This can be done by passing either IELTS with overall score of 7.5 and 7.0 in all categories or OET with minimum grade B in all categories. Further information on these tests can be found below:
Application Process
Once you fulfill all the eligibility criteria and additional requirements laid out by the RCP, you must complete the initial and professional postgraduate experience (PPE) forms and email these along with your CV to mti@rcplondon.ac.uk.
Once your CV, initial form and PPE forms have been received, the RCP will contact the supervising consultant in the UK and confirm the details of your post. You will then be sent an application pack. You should complete the application form and send it to the RCP with all of the following documents:
- sponsor form (forms will be provided by the RCP) – must be completed by your consultant or head of department in your home country
- two reference forms (forms will be provided by the RCP)
- copy of your passport
- copy of your IELTS/OET certificate or details of exemption
- copies of your medical qualifications
- translations of your medical qualifications if they are not in English
- letter from the dean of the medical school from which you graduated
- copy of certificate of good standing
- letter from the UK hospital confirming your appointment
- evidence of funding for the post
- your statement agreeing to the level of funding which you have received from any of the sources listed
- initial fee of £125
We’ve detailed the general processes involved in MTI applications through the RCP below, from a candidate securing an NHS post, to their eligibility to work in the UK after gaining GMC registration and securing a visa.
Tier 5 Visa for MTI
The MTI scheme falls under the Tier 5 government authorised exchange visa. This visa must only be used for travel to the UK at the beginning of the placement and will activate after your arrival, lasting for exactly 24 months from your arrival date.
For a Tier 5 MTI visa, the RCP needs to provide evidence regarding your post to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC - the official visa sponsor) once the GMC has approved your application in order to get your Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued.
Once your Tier 5 CoS has been issued it is your responsibility to apply for the Tier 5 visa via https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas.
Applications for Tier 5 visas must be made in your home country (or the country you work in), but never from within the UK.
You can also apply to the AoMRC for Tier 5 dependent visas for your spouse and children, although this is not guaranteed, and you should read the UKVI requirements on this well in advance.
Please note that Tier 5 visas cannot be extended.
Sources
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/19236/download
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/23841/download
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/4534/download?token=QyAzDCP8
What are my options after I complete the MTI?
Ordinarily, on completion of the MTI scheme, doctors return to their home country with the training and experience they gained from working in the NHS.
Some doctors may want to remain in the UK after completing the MTI for a number of reasons. This can be done if the doctor finds another NHS post, in which case, they may be able to switch from the Tier 5 visa to the Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa.
If you want to find another NHS post after completing the MTI, you would follow the same process as any other doctor. You will need to consider what job it is you would like to obtain and what location in the UK you would prefer to relocate to.
For guidance on NHS jobs in your specialty, please see our live jobs or get in touch with us to learn more about your options in the NHS.
For regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and working in the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation:
Relevant Jobs
A hospital in a UK region is looking for a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine with an interest in Anaesthesia (optional up to 2 PAs). The ICU team includes consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors. This Intensive Care position is open to both international and UK-based applicants, with a preference for those holding European Specialist qualifications or Fellowship of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) or AFICM.
Applicants seeking CESR support can have this discussed on an individual basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Applicants must have a CCT in Intensive Care Medicine, and experience in an acute hospital setting in the UK. Anyone with AFICM/FFICM is encouraged to apply. The salary range is £93,666 - £126,281, dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Daily ward rounds to ensure patients receive optimal care.
- Oversee and guide junior doctors and advanced care practitioners.
- Collaborate with other departments for clinical support and decision-making.
- Engage in teaching, research, and continuous professional development.
LIFE IN THE REGION
This hospital is based in a region known for its balance of urban and rural living, with vibrant cities and scenic countryside nearby. The region is perfect for families, offering excellent schools, good transport connections, and a wide range of leisure activities.
Historically significant, the area is home to famous landmarks and has played a crucial role in UK history, making it a culturally rich environment to live and work.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
- Document gathering and checking
- COS and Visa Application support if applicable
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
- Travel Arrangements
- Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case by case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Full GMC registration and a license to practice with experience in Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in Gynaecology and Upper GI Oncology should apply. The salary will be between £88,364 and £119,133 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Provide a comprehensive Oncology service and expertise in the management of site specialist cancer services.
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary teams to develop and support Oncology services.
- Supervise and manage junior medical staff, including supporting the service during colleagues\' leave.
- Undertake teaching, clinical audit, and research, contributing to local and national postgraduate education.
LIFE IN THE NORTH WEST
The hospital is based in the North West of England, with the closest urban areas offering a range of living options from city life to more rural surroundings.
The region boasts excellent schools and transport links, with trains connecting to major UK cities, and plenty of leisure activities for adults and families, including access to outdoor activities and historic landmarks.
The North West has significant historical importance and features stunning landscapes, making it a desirable location to live and work.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
Once you have accepted your new role, you’ll then be supported and led throughout by one of our dedicated relocation executives who will guide you through all the way to starting to your new role including:
- Document gathering and checking COS and Visa Application support if applicable
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
- Travel Arrangements Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care
An NHS hospital in a coastal region is looking for a Consultant in Dermatology with an interest in Inflammatory/Vascular Skin Disease. The Dermatology department comprises a team of 5 consultants and is supported by a large team of middle-grade doctors and specialists. This dermatology job is open to both international applications and UK-based doctors, though those with equivalent qualifications are most encouraged to apply.
Anyone requiring portfolio support (formally known as CESR) can have their required support discussed on a case-by-case basis.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS
Full Registration with GMC with a license to practice, and a higher degree in Dermatology are required for this role, and anyone with an interest in surgical dermatology should apply. The salary will be between £88,364 and £119,133 dependent on experience or grade.
CORE DUTIES OF THIS ROLE
- Lead clinical activities for an outpatient caseload and conduct inpatient reviews.
- Perform consultations and minor operative surgeries, and attend wards to review inpatient referrals.
- Supervise and mentor junior clinical team members, including GPSI’s and Clinical Nurse Specialists.
- Contribute to service development, training, and participate in clinical audits and governance.
LIFE IN COASTAL REGION
The coastal region offers a blend of vibrant urban life and serene rural settings, with popular towns providing a lively atmosphere and beautiful coastlines. Families will appreciate the excellent local schools, while transport links, including direct train services to major cities, make commuting convenient. The area is rich in history, with landmarks and national parks contributing to its cultural significance in British history.
HOW WILL IMG CONNECT SUPPORT YOU?
When applying with IMG Connect you’ll have the full support of an expert recruitment team who will be your recruitment and relocation partners throughout the process. We\'ll support you with:
- CV Preparation with a bespoke session with one of our specialists
- Application support with expert knowledge of NHS specialisms & recruitment practice
- At least two video calling interview preparation sessions
- Contract and offer negotiations for salary, relocation packages, tenure and more
- Document gathering and checking COS and Visa
- Application support if applicable
- Support sourcing short- and long-term accommodation
- Travel Arrangements
- Family support for finding schools and any other aspects of pastoral care.
We are recruiting for an experienced and motivated Consultant Physician in Gastroenterology to join a friendly and enthusiastic team in the North West of England.
This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who are interested in securing CESR within 1 - 2 years. The post involves out-patient and in-patient duties and a regular commitment to both in-reach into the medical admissions unit and on-call for general medicine.
Sub specialty interest will be encouraged where this contributes to and complements the department and Trusts’ service needs
What is the trust like?
The Trust was formed on 1 October 2019 with the merger of two large tertiary trusts partnering with wider areas of the North West of England to become one of the first 14 areas nationally to be confirmed as an Integrated Care System. The trust services to a half a million people. We’re responsible for delivering over 70 services across 15 main locations and we employ over 6500 members of staff.
What is the department like?
The team of 16 consultants including six consultant gastroenterologists and one specialty doctor in gastroenterology to provide an integrated digestive diseases service across the hospital. The department has two dedicated GI wards within the Infirmary for the treatment of inpatients. There is a dedicated 3-room endoscopy unit along with 2 dedicated rooms in a new, state of the art facility. There is a specialist GI physiology lab on both sites.
The Trust provides access to radiology services, CT scanning, including CT colonography and MRI (including MR enteroclysis), and medical physics imaging on two sites. The trust also has a radiotherapy and oncology on site at Carlisle with outreach services to the hospitals. There is a Palliative care consultant based on each site with links to hospice and community services.
CESR
International candidates are welcome and CESR will be supported. Direct input will be provided on a regular basis from the Clinical Director, with opportunity for shadowing, lists and portfolio building built into the job plan.
The team has recent experience of supporting IMGs with the CESR process, benefiting any newly appointed candidate.
The remainder of the appointee’s professional time will be deployed flexibly on other clinical duties, administration, teaching, research, clinical audit and continuing medical education. The Trust supports the requirements for continuing professional development as laid down by the Royal College of Physicians and is committed to providing time and financial support for these activities.
Career Development and Opportunties available
The posts represent a fantastic career opportunity for clinicians with drive and commitment to completing CESR and securing a permanent consultant post. The opportunity to work closely with an experienced consultant and management structure is excellent.This is an opportunity to join an organisation in which Clinicians are at the forefront of management.
The successful candidate will be encouraged to develop any particular interest she or he has and a timetable will be agreed in advance, to reflect the particular interests of the applicant, the specialist interests of the existing Consultants, and the needs of the Trust.There is considerable opportunity for an appointee to develop sub-specialist services
Life in the area
This is an opportunity to develop your career in supportive and friendly town in the North West of England, set in fantastic scenery. The local are is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, with national parks on your doorstep.
Cost of living in this area is excellent, making this a brilliant location to settle & buy property. The area provides excellent educational, cultural and sporting facilities, making this a fantastic location for families.
Am I eligible for this role?
To be eligible for this vacancy you will need the following:
EEA candidates:
- Recognised European Medical Degree
- Specialist Qualification in Gastroenterology
- IELTS or OET
Non-EEA candidates:
- MRCP(UK)
- GMC Recognised Qualifications
- IELTS or OET
UK-based candidates:
- Within six months of CCT or CCT Holder
This is a great opportunity for any experienced physicians interested in Gastroenterology looking to work in the NHS
An excellent NHS job opportunity for an experienced Consultant in Respiratory Medicine to join a prominent NHS Trust in the UK. This NHS job offers CESR Portfolio Pathway support and international applications from IMGs are welcome.
What is the NHS Trust like?
This leading NHS Trust provides extensive health services across a broad region, including acute and community settings. The Trust is renowned for its commitment to high standards of patient care and innovative healthcare solutions. It has received commendable ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and is recognized for its effective and compassionate care. Recent government funding has further strengthened its facilities and capabilities, making it an ideal environment for medical professionals seeking to make an impact in a forward-thinking NHS organization.
What is the department & team like?
The Respiratory Medicine Department offers a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient specialist services. Inpatient care ward features 28 beds and recently received an enhanced ventilation refurbishment. The ward includes a dedicated treatment room with a mobile Sonosite Ultrasound, ensuring top-notch, consultant-led care. Daily multidisciplinary team meetings facilitate best practices and patient-centered approaches, while medical education and quality improvement are integral to our rounds. Outpatient services include a fully equipped lung function laboratory and a range of lung function tests performed by professional physiologists.
They also offer an ambulatory pleural service and share bronchoscopy lists. EBUS, interventional bronchoscopy, and Thoracoscopy procedures are conducted at the Eastbourne endoscopy unit. A committed secretarial team supports the department, providing dedicated office space and IT facilities for the post holder.
Continued Professional Development
This NHS job offers further training & accreditation within Respiratory Medicine, including CESR Portfolio Pathway Support, access to specialty training, and the opportunity to develop a sub-specialist interest. The Trust emphasizes continuous professional development with structured mentorship, opportunities for research, and involvement in cutting-edge respiratory care practices. You will have the chance to advance your career while contributing to a high-performing team.
What is the location like?
The region offers a high quality of life with a mix of scenic landscapes and cultural attractions. It boasts charming towns, beautiful coastlines, and vibrant countryside. With excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and affordable living costs compared to major cities, it provides a welcoming environment for international doctors and their families. The area is well-connected to major cities, including London, allowing for easy exploration of the UK while enjoying a balanced and enriching lifestyle.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR THIS ROLE?
EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Respiratory Medicine
- Board Certified Specialist in Respiratory Medicine
Non-EEA Candidates:
- Experience of working in Respiratory Medicine
- MRCP UK
UK based applicants
- Experience of working in Respiratory Medicine
- Within 6 - 12 months of completing CCT