Communities are a wonderful thing and feeling part of a community is vital to any doctor and their family looking to make a new home for themselves in the UK.  In this article we will look at seven of the communities that exist in both professional and social circle, which can help you to be happy in your new NHS job and UK home. Study preparations groups Whether it's preparing for PLAB, Royal College or IELTS exams, having friends or colleagues to revise with and push each other is incredibly important. You can find WhatsApp groups for the specific exams on our IMG Community Facebook page and we highly recommend joining a study group if you have not already. Any friends and family in the UK Make the most of any contacts you already have. Make sure to get in touch with any friends or relations let them know your relocation plans. They may give you some trusted hints and tips for the area you are moving to, or just make sure you are looked after from the moment you touch down.  Either way, building friend and family circles around you is very important. Facebook groups and the IMG Community There are many Facebook groups out there geared towards helping doctors like yourself trying to work as a doctor in the UK.  With that in mind, IMG Connect runs a vetted Facebook community that covers all the topics that you might need help or support on. This includes exam support, registration guidance, first-hand advice and knowledge on hospitals and their departments, relocation support, schooling etc. This list goes on and on!  Whatever question or help you might need, you can ask us in private or publicly to the community page, you will usually have a response in minutes.  By joining the IMG Community Facebook group you will be immediately in touch with thousands of people in very similar scenarios to yourself. Colleagues and peers in your department The relationships you hold with the people at work are hugely important; you will spend roughly 60-70% of your day working with them after all! Make sure to involve yourself with your department, the hospital as a whole and become part of the trust’s wider community.  Understanding with their values whilst engaging socially with your colleagues will go a long way to ensuring you are happy and content in your day-to-day job and make you a much better NHS doctor. GMC workshops and events As the GMC knows, adapting to a new healthcare system is hard for any doctor, regardless of experience. The GMC’s free Welcome to UK Practice workshop is designed to help doctors new to the NHS. By offering guidance on GMC and UK medical ethics, it aims to give you the confidence and assurance to make the right choices in difficult ethical scenarios.  These are of course great ways to connect with doctors in similar situations to your own, allowing you to make new friends & contacts with other doctors new to the NHS like yourself. Royal College courses, workshops and events As with the GMC, Royal Colleges in the UK run a wide variety of professional and cultural events that are often free to attend.  Take them up on opportunities to further your learning or meet interesting and influential people in your specialty! Whether it’s an art exhibition hosted by your Royal College or an amazing talk by a field specialist, being a member and part of Royal College community is a valuable thing. The local community you move to Anyone and everyone can get involved in your community. It doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, what you believe in; there will always be something there for you. What you get in return is both priceless and invaluable whatever stage of life you are at: Meeting new people – building new friendships, improving your English, experiencing different cultures, improving relations between different communities in your area, building confidence, self-esteem and giving structure to life in the UK. Get involved in your local school, charities and parks, or look online for groups, activities and events.  And if you do it right… helping people whilst having fun! IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:                  

One of the biggest considerations for IMGs relocating to the UK with families is finding the right school for their children. The education system in the UK can be confusing in places, so it’s important to fully understand all the options available within the UK to be able to make a well-informed decision.  And with factors such as citizenship playing a part in areas such as cost, a good idea of the UK system is crucial for all families relocating with children.  In this blog we’ll be covering the following topics:  An overview of the education system in the UK Educational Institutes Primary Education Secondary Education Further Education Higher Education Citizenship and UK Education Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  AN OVERVIEW OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE UK  The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts, primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education. Children in the UK legally must attend primary and secondary education which runs from about 5-years-old until around 16-years-old.   Early years’ education applies to children aged around 3-years-old to 4- or 5-years old. This stage sets standards for the learning, development and care of a child until the age of 5.  The basic school curriculum includes the ‘national curriculum’, as well as religious education and sex education. And sets out a blueprint of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools that allows children to learn the same things. It covers both the subjects that are taught, and the standards children are expected to reach in each subject.  The UK system is also split into "key stages" where a child’s performance is formally assessed by their teacher at the end of each stage. These break down as follows:   Key Stage 1: age 4 - 7   Key Stage 2: age 7 - 11  Key Stage 3: age 11 - 14  Key Stage 4: age 14 - 16  In England, the compulsory education age has been extended to 18. This means that students must stay in full-time education, begin an apprenticeship or traineeship, or start a part-time education/training course, with 20 hours a week working or volunteering at age 16.  This article discusses the time spent at school, starting and leaving years etc. This will help to give you a general idea when comparing to other countries around the world. Cost of Education in the UK  Education in the UK is free for all children, and all children are entitled to and guaranteed a space at school. The UK is renowned for having a strong academic set-up and we find a lot of IMGs plan to move to the UK for the educational benefit of their children.  Ofsted The regulator that scores and assesses schools in the UK is Ofsted. Ofsted's role is to make sure that educational institutions, training and care services in England operate to a high standard for children and students. Every week, we carry out hundreds of inspections and regulatory visits throughout England and publish the results online.  Ofsted gradings for all schools in England are published on this webpage and can be filtered by region and found here. School Terms and Holidays  A typical school year starts begins in September and ends in June/July. It consists of three terms: Autumn Term (September to December), Spring Term (January to April) and Summer Term (April to July).  As well as having a week-long break in the middle of each term (half-term), students also have longer holidays between terms: Christmas holidays (2-3 weeks), Easter holidays (2-3 weeks) and summer holidays (around 6 - 8 weeks).  EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES  There are two main types of school in the UK - ones that are paid for by the government or local authorities and ones which aren't.  The ones which aren't, need to get the money to pay for themselves from somewhere else, like school fees. The main differences between these two types are that state schools are free for students, whilst private schools often charge fees.  Most state schools (aside from academies) will also follow the national curriculum, whilst private schools (while still rigorously assessed by OFSTED) are able to determine their own curriculum, admittance processes, term dates etc.  There are several types of state schools in the UK which provide free education to pupils in the UK, funded whether by the government or by local authorities, these include:  Maintained schools  Academies  Selective grammar schools  Religion focused faith schools  State boarding schools  Private schools in the UK include:  Independent schools  Boarding schools  As well as these, there are also tutorial colleges which start at age 15 and have a more flexible programme range, focusing on fast access to UK university.  Further education colleges such as sixth forms and colleges provide education for those over the age of 16, and of course universities are higher education institutions where students over the age of 18 study towards undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.  PRIMARY EDUCATION  Primary school education begins in the UK at age around 4 or 5 and continues until age 11, comprising key stages one and two.  The year groups at primary school level are as follows:   Some primary schools are split up into Infant and Junior levels, which are usually separate schools on the same site. The infant age range (Key Stage 1) is from age 4 to 7, and the Junior age range (Key Stage 2) is from age 7 to 11.  SATs  SATs are national statutory assessments that children in England take twice during their primary school years. The assessments are made up of a combination of testing and teacher assessment judgements and are used to assess the attainment of pupils against the national curriculum, firstly, at the end of Key Stage 1 (KS1) in Year 2, and then again at the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2) in Year 6.   KS1 SATs currently assess children in maths (arithmetic) and English (reading, spelling, punctuation and grammar). KS2 SATs are more formal than in KS1 and children are assessed in English reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, science, mathematical reasoning, and arithmetic.  SECONDARY EDUCATION  Secondary school education begins at age 11 and continues until around age 16, comprising key stages three and four.  Key Stage 3  Years 7 and 8 are the first two years of secondary school education in the UK. Under the UK system, all students study English, Maths, Sciences, a Humanity and a Modern Language. Besides these subjects, each school has a list with optional subjects (Art, Music, Drama, Latin, Sport Science, Design Technology, Computer Science).  Year 9 is a very important year in the British school system, as most of the students make the transition from Junior School to Senior School. It is also a very good foundation for the GCSE programme, and it is an entry point to all schools.   Students study English, Maths, Sciences, Humanity and Languages. In addition, students choose a few subjects that interest them from the optional subject list offered by each school.   Key Stage 4 – GCSE programme  In the last two years of secondary education, year 10 and year 11, students prepare for GCSE exams that are taken after two years (General Certificate of Secondary Education).  In the UK school system, during the GCSE programme, students study between 9 and 12 subjects, in which they are examined at the end of the 2-3 year period. English, maths, 2/3 sciences, one humanity and a modern foreign language are compulsory, leaving 3 to 6 subjects free to be chosen by each student according to their abilities and preferences.   The chosen subjects and the GCSE results are very important for their Further Studies (A-Level or IB) and for university admission.  Some schools offer a 1-year GCSE programme in Year 11 for international students seeking a school education in the UK. These intensive courses are available for students aged 15 plus, with the appropriate academic level from their own country. Fewer subjects are studied (maximum 6).  FURTHER EDUCATION  Years 12 and 13  A-level Study  In the UK school system, once a student reaches the age of 16, they can start a 2-year programme which leads to A- (Advanced) level examinations. Students choose 3 or 4 subjects which may continue on from GCSE study or may be new choices.  A-levels are state examinations and are recognised by all UK universities and by institutions worldwide, therefore students usually choose A-level subjects are usually chosen that are relevant to the degree subject they wish to follow at university.  International Baccalaureate (IB)  Some independent schools may offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.  During the IB, students study 6 subjects, 3 at higher level (HL) and 3 at standard level (SL). Each school offers different subjects at different study levels (HL/SL). The IB programme also includes a compulsory core programme consisting of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).  Vocational Courses  Further Education colleges also offer foundation and diploma courses, and all colleges can prepare students for entry to a UK university or any university in the world.   An alternative to A-levels or the IB are BTEC courses, which are designed for students who would like to develop practical knowledge and skills in a specific subject (Business, Psychology, Engineering, Sport, Art & Design) or perhaps find traditional exams challenging.  BTEC students are assessed during the course (usually after each unit) through practical or skills-based assignments, tasks or tests, rather than at the end of the programme.  HIGHER EDUCATION  Foundation Courses  Foundation degrees are courses for international students preparing for undergraduate study, or for UK students who are unsure about taking a full degree or want to study while working.   They usually take one to two years full-time to complete, or longer for part-time students, and students can normally continue for a further year to gain a full honours degree or have direct entry onto a full degree after completing a foundation course.  Undergraduate Study  In the UK, a bachelor's degree normally takes three years to complete, and most are awarded at honours level (360 credits or 180 ECTS). Examples of first degrees are: BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science), and BEng (Bachelor of Engineering).  The academic year is typically 9 months long, with study beginning in September/ October and finishing around June/ July.  Postgraduate Study  Postgraduate courses in the UK education system are very intensive. This means that the courses are usually much shorter than in other countries. A master's degree typically takes 12 months to complete, for example an MA - Master of Arts and an MEng - Master of Engineering.  An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a high profile Masters course which can take 2 years. Applicants for MBA courses will usually be high achieving with at least 2 years managerial experience.   A PhD research degree in the UK can take between 2 and 7 years.  CITIZENSHIP AND HIGHER EDUCATION  University Tuition Fees  Tuition fees cover the entire cost of tuition plus any excess services you may get from the university, such as tutoring services, information technology, and library services that they may provide.   The cost of undergraduate tuition in the UK is usually around £9,250 for home students (British citizens). For non-UK students, this can be anywhere from £11,000 to £20,000, depending on the university.  Besides your nationality, the type and academic level of your course can also influence the cost of a course in the UK. As you would expect, tuition fees in the social sciences and humanities are lower compared to natural science courses where extracurricular lab sessions are involved.   Financial Aid in the UK  Financial aid is available for both UK and international students.  All UK students are eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the full cost of the tuition provided by their higher education institution. This is paid directly to the institution.  Government financial aid for students’ living costs (maintenance), offered by Student Finance England (SFE) is means-tested and parental (or household) income is the key factor here. Another key factor is whether the student will be living at home, away from home outside of London, or away from home within London. You can find full details of the maintenance loans based on household income here. International students are not eligible for maintenance loans from SFE.  Student Loans  Student loans are the most common type of financial aid offered for students in UK. Under current law regulations in the UK, only UK, EU and EEA students are eligible to apply for these funds. International students, have to look for other types of student loans granted in their home country or at the UK university of their choice.  Student loans interest rates are incredibly favourable, regulated so they cannot increase too much and are only repayable once the loanee has begun working and started taking an income above a certain threshold. There is a lot of flexibility in how and when they can be repaid as they are government loans, rather than by corporate or profit driven banks. You can find more information about student loans on the government website here.  UK Higher Education for International Students  Whilst international students are a big part of UK universities, there are many more places allocated to UK students. Being a UK citizen will help your children’s chances of a successful application considerably.  Universities will charge British citizens lower tuition fees than they would for international students. This applies to both EU and non-EU international students. For families of international students, this can be a difference of tens of thousands of pounds spend on tuition and maintenance, when compared to a UK student.  Depending on when you move to the UK, your child may be eligible for university places and financial aid as a British student.  So, there you have it – this should give you a much clearer picture of how the education system works in the UK and where your child may fit into the system depending on their age.  Making the decision to relocate to the UK to work in the NHS involves so many important considerations, including for many, education for their children. With factors such as the cost of university education to consider, the timing of such a move is even more important.   Getting started Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our specialists if you would like some advice or support in considering your options more fully.  For advice, guidance and news and updates for IMGs, join the conversation through the links below:             

Are you an overseas psychiatrist looking to move to the UK? Here, you can hear first-hand the experiences of an international doctor who has been through the process, from completing GMC registration, to securing an NHS job and relocating to the UK. 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 you to Linda Granqvist, a fantastic child and adolescent psychiatrist who relocated to the UK from Sweden. Linda has been living and working in the UK since earlier this year when she received full specialist registration from the GMC. She is now working in the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in the north west of England – where she is making a huge contribution to the NHS and wider community.   Tell us a little about yourself – what should the IMG community know about Linda Granqvist?  I’m a mum of three who comes from Sweden and I work as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, which I have done for many years. I'm also a family therapist and a certified therapy dog handler. In my free time, I really enjoy hiking and diving – I'd say those are my main interests.  What motivated you to move to the UK?  So, for a couple of years, I’d been thinking about moving to an English-speaking country. Both because I want to improve my English skills and the same for my kids – I also wanted them to learn how to speak English fluently. Also of course, to experience another country, to see how they work within CAMHS, and to be able to develop professionally in a new place.  Your journey to the UK was an adventure! Why did you decide to drive rather than fly to the UK?  In the beginning, it was just practical reasons really. I wanted to have the car with me to be able to move around easily in the UK, also, I don't like to put Iris on aeroplanes. So I decided I’d rather drive. I also have a lot of friends in the countries I’d be passing through along the way, so I thought I might be able to stop and say hi. In these strange times, this was a different way to stay in touch. To be honest, I was a little bit nervous at first - it's a long journey. And initially, it was just going to be me and Iris in the car, fully packed with all of our things. But then a very sweet friend of mine offered to join me on the trip. This made the whole trip incredibly easier and so much more fun. I'd recommend traveling with a friend to anyone thinking of coming to the UK the same way.  Tell us about your journey to get here, any issues or exciting moments along the way?  The trip took us four days, which doesn’t sound very long, but then we were on the road for long periods of time, because we needed to cross the French and English borders within 72 hours of us departing Sweden because of the COVID situation. So, we had that tight schedule to work to, but it all worked out!  Alongside taking wonderful swims in the ocean and being on the beach when we were taking a break, getting to visit friends was great. I was a little curious about the COVID restrictions, to see how they would hold up in practice. There was no one checking us at any of the check points we passed at the borders between Denmark and Germany, Germany and Belgium then on to France. The only place where they actually checked all the certificates and vaccination status was on the ferry between France and England, so that was surprising to me.  What were the best places or things you saw on your journey?  The most exciting thing for me, just off the top of my head, is when we got to Dover. It was such a beautiful moment, having these white cliffs heading towards us on such a beautiful evening. I had a moment of strong emotion when I realised this would be my home for a long time and I was finally here.  You are the first psychiatrist we have worked with who has travelled with their care dog - exciting! We can’t wait to meet Iris, what was it like travelling here with her?  Iris is so relaxed. She's very used to me taking her everywhere, to all sorts of places, so she was quite happy after around 12 hours of travelling, when she realised she could just chill out. So she's no problem at all. Even now, I think she sort of misses the car!  Was it difficult to make arrangements to come to the UK with a dog?  You have to have your shots up to date and have the all the tablets that you need. But not really, it's not really been much of a fuss and was quite easy. Also, we'd travelled abroad before, so she had a passport and things like that.  What role does Iris play in your daily practice in the NHS?  Iris is a trained Care and Therapy Dog and we have worked side by side for 4 years now. There were no protocols in place for a care dog at first, so the situation needed some working out, but now that’s been sorted, we’re up and running and I'm working with her clinically every day. She helps me with patients so they feel emotionally supported. She can do most tricks in the book and loves children and adults and is so proud to be helping me with these sometimes very vulnerable children. How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working full time in Sweden?  Without all the support from Ruaidhri, I don’t think I would have, to be honest - all the credit goes to him. There was so much paperwork and so much to consider in doing things in the right order that it would have taken me forever. But Ruaidhri has been so supportive, holding my hand all the way, always letting me know what the next step was and what I would have to do, helping me wherever he could. He's just been amazing.  Do you have any advice for international doctors hoping to find jobs in the UK?  Find IMG Connect. Seriously, it made all the difference for me. If I’d had less support, I don't think I would have gone through with the move.  From your experience so far, tell us about a day in the life of a consultant CAMHS psychiatrist in the NHS…  I'm a locum consultant, so I work together with one other senior doctor and then another part-time consultant, as well as other doctors who are training and more junior. I take part in assessments and support the team in medical issues spend time on-call.   It's a big difference from what I’ve experienced before. I've worked both privately and in the NHS in Sweden, and I'd say it's a big difference in terms of the psychiatry role, and also how we support the team. It’s understaffed in some areas, and the socio-economic factors within the area can make things more difficult. I think I was maybe a little bit naïve coming into this role. But everybody is so supportive and really welcoming.  How are you settling into life in the North West of England?  So far, we’re enjoying it very much. It's almost like a tropical environment for us compared to Sweden. The people are extremely friendly and open, and not to say the least, they're very dog oriented. Iris really gets to socialise, so the dog life here is much easier. And then the nature, I mean, it's beautiful. Preston doesn’t have the most wonderful nature, but it's so close to the Lake District and the sea, so we're taking advantage of that as well.  What’s next for you now that you’re working in the UK?   My field of interest is in using dogs as part of the work within Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. So I’d love to do more research on this, to find out who benefits the most from having a therapy dog - I think that will be my next step. I always give everyone feedback forms to comment on how they found the appointment with a therapy dog present. I've previously done a small project in Sweden related to this, but I would like to expand on that.  Have you had any culture shocks living in the UK so far?  Probably the dog culture being so friendly. It's I think a positive culture shock. I'm really happy with how things are going. We’re vegetarians, me and my three daughters, and we’re finding that British vegetables are so much tastier than in Sweden! We talk about it at dinner all the time, wondering how they can taste so good. I'm not too keen on fish and chips and some other typical British dishes, they’re not my cup of tea, but there’s so much choice here as well.  What have you missed about Sweden the most?  I guess there's the emotional part of it - leaving your closest friends, and some family. I think that's the hardest part and what I've missed most.  Do you have any advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK?  It’s a big step, relocating with your family, so it’s good to have practical and emotional support around you. But don't be afraid to try new things. Embrace everything, be flexible and just go for it. You will have an experience you will never forget.  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 to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their field and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR (for non-EEA doctors), writing publications 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 Connect family.                

It is a good idea for all international doctors new to working in the UK to attend a workshop, course or training programme aimed at helping doctors understand the ethical challenges faced in UK practice. We advise all IMGs to take part in the GMC workshop - 'Welcome to UK Practice'  In this short article we will explore why, focusing on the GMCs ‘Welcome to UK Practice’ training programme.  The NHS relies on overseas doctors to deliver the highest quality of healthcare, and so are now taking extra steps to ensuring that they are addressing some of the vital aspects of settling into the system that have perhaps been missed in the past, and that other healthcare systems perhaps don’t offer. As such the GMC have considered the following questions: how to provide a better induction so that doctors can practice safely how do we help doctors to work to a different set of social norms, such as when dealing with confidentiality and consent how do we ensure that overseas doctors have a successful first year in the NHS In doing so they have established the free training programme ‘Welcome to UK Practice’, which is designed to help doctors adjust and adapt to work in the UK, and subsequently the NHS. It addresses the fact that there can be differences in practicing medicine across the world, as well as the time it can take to adjust to a new culture at work. It offers practical workshops and guidance through ethical scenarios, as well as the opportunity to work with and meet other IMGs coming to practice in the UK.  The GMC also offer workshops designed to guide doctors with their practice, covering topics such as confidentiality, raising a concern, use of social media, consent & making joint decisions, and leadership & management.   We recommend attending the ‘Welcome to UK Practice’ course before you start working in the UK Or the very least just after you start your new post in the NHS. Not only will this give you a boost in terms of how to approach your new role, working with peers, senior colleagues and patients, but it will also give you a chance to discuss your concerns with doctors in similar situations. It is a great forum and platform for a successful first year in the NHS.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

Hinduism is the fourth largest religion in the UK, with the Hindu community reaching some just under 1 million people. Britain is home to one of the most diverse Hindu communities in the world. With such rich diversity, Temples and prayer rooms can be found in every corner of the country.  Hindu communities can be found across the UK, and are represented in all areas of British economic, cultural, political and working life. The NHS has a tradition of encouraging faith or religion to be expressed, with prayer rooms and chaplains provided in every trust across the UK. The Council of Hindu Temples website provides a directory of all UK Temples.  The website is intended primarily for people looking for a Temple when in an unfamiliar area. But you can use it to find your closest Temple.  You can also find excellent information on the British Hindu community from the following:  The Hindu Forum of Britain The Hindu Council UK IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you.

Are you an overseas physician looking to move to the UK?  Here, you can hear first-hand the experiences of an international general physician who has been through the process, from completing their MRCP and GMC registration, to securing an NHS job and relocating to the UK? 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 you to Rehan Qureshi, a brilliant general medicine specialty doctor who relocated to the UK from Saudi Arabia with his wife, children and his mother in 2020. Having passed the MRCP and English language exams, Rehan received full GMC registration with license to practise. He is now working in the NHS at Scarborough General Hospital in the north of England – where he is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.   Tell us about yourself - what should the IMG community know about Rehan Qureshi? I'm a physician with a special interest in acute and renal medicine and over 19 years of multi-centre clinical experience. My other areas of interest are clinical research, healthcare quality and patient safety, medical education as well as medical leadership. What motivated you to move to the UK?  I was practicing overseas where despite working very hard, I had very limited prospects in terms of career progression and growth. I have always admired the NHS’ policy of ‘fair and equal opportunities for all’, and I view the UK in general as a fair and multicultural society. Tell us about your experience with the Royal College of Physicians exams... Honestly, these were some very hard times … as a family, it was quite tough for us while I was taking my MRCP exams. Each time I failed, my wife cried … but I didn't because I knew, the only way to get through the process and past failure was resilience! That helped and in the end I passed! Do you have any tips or advice for overseas doctors who are currently working towards MRCP? Never lose hope. Set a goal, work hard towards it and keep trying until you succeed! Avoid negativity and people who discourage you. Remember, MRCP is very much doable, though not easy. Practice is the key! How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working? I divided my day into four parts: work, MRCP, family and rest. I'd ususally finish work by 5pm and immediately begin my MRCP practice from 5pm - 8pm at the hospital. After getting back home at about 8:30pm, I'd have time for dinner and to spentd a couple of hours with family before going to sleep. The weekends were definitely better, but I'd still spend at least 6 hours in the library. I'd suggest you start your intense preparation no sooner than 6 months in advance. You need to work hard, but try to avoid burnout. For me, it worked. Did you have any major or unexpected issues with the GMC registration process or your visa application? I had none at all - everything went smoothly. How did you find a medical oncology job within the NHS?  To be honest, I connected with Marcus & Ruaidhri, who did everything for me. They actually made my journey to getting my first NHS job a piece of cake! This was to the extent that when we arrived in the UK and reached our hotel, (at a time when the UK was in lockdown due to COVID), we had all our groceries promptly delivered by them. What more could anyone ask for? I knew some friends who were working with other agencies that left everything to them. With how much IMG Connect had helped me, I used to ask Ruaidhri questions to help my friends as well. My advice: find yourself an agency that is known to be responsible and is keen to truly help. I personally found IMG connect very very helpful! Tell us about your journey to the UK... It was scary to travel at a time when the UK was in lockdown and COVID-19 cases were so high. However, my journey was made very simple, since all the logistics including visas were sorted by Ruaidhri, so we did not face any unnecessary hassle. I would say, it was a very smooth transition, we enjoyed two weeks of quarantine as we had been longing to spend some quality time together as a family and enjoy a good rest before starting up again. What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?  The support I received on this journey was amazing. I absolutely could not ask for more. For the first time in my life, I traveled without any need to think or worry about logistics because they were being so well-managed by Ruaidhri and his team at IMG connect. My wife and I were traveling with young children and my elderly mother, and I must say, we have been taken care of very well! How are you settling into life in the UK? We have been settling in very well. In Scarborough, we have a beach that my children enjoy going to, and they also love their new school. Not for a single day have we felt that we are in a country of different culture, ethnicity or faith. My daughter had a pleasant surprise when her school teacher greeted her with 'Eid Mubarak' on the day of Eid festive, which was a great welcome during our first time celebrating Eid in the UK. The UK is truly wonderful and people are very welcoming here. It's beautifully blended multi-cultural society and we consider the UK our home now. What have you enjoyed most about living in Scarborough in particular? So many things: the beach, the variety of fun activities for children - like steam engine trains and parks. We've even enjoyed snow for the first time. Fish and chips are great! Traveling in the UK is absolutely easy and fun and there's so much to do and see. What opportunities have become available to you through your work? I am really enjoying my current role. Within a year of joining the NHS as a specialty doctor, I now hold 4 different roles: I'm a senior lecturer at Hull York Medical School, an SAS regional representative for RCP London, an SAS Teaching Fellow and a member of the RCPQI. I’m also starting my postgraduate certificate in health professions education funded by the HEE. I have the support of mt Trust with my CESR application and have been given the opportunity for research and to become a medical examiner.  For comparison, I was in my previous position for a decade, and only had one role with no career progression prospects. What’s next for you now that you’re working in the UK? I think you should always aim high with your goals. I aim to establish myself as a clinical leader as well as an academic leader, a clinical researcher and principal investigator. In the short term, I look forward to taking on the new 'Specialist' role and making progress on my CESR application with my hospital's support. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK? This would be my mother's visa. I'm an only child, so I couldn't relocate without her. Before finding IMG connect, many agencies had contacted me with job opportunities and all refused to help with my mother's visa. IMG Connect on the other hand, never give up. Marcus & Ruaidhri, perhaps, enjoy such challenges :-) Ruaidhri literally went out on a limb to help me on this. He contacted people, introduced me to an agency, helped me prepare the entire case and finally - we got it done and my mother was given her visa! I can't tell you what a huge relief it was. A big thank you to Ruaidhri, Marcus and the entire team at IMG Connect for this! Have you experienced any culture shocks living in the UK? Not at all! As I said, the UK is a multicultural, multi-faith country. People here in Yorkshire are very welcoming. We can easily find Halal food from local shops which also sell vegetarian food. We have a mosque in town, and there are separate prayer rooms for both male and female Muslim staff in the hospital. We feel so at home here. What have you missed about Saudi Arabia the most? We've definitely missed our old friends, and relatives. Is there anything you wish you’d known before you began your journey to live and work in the UK? I already had most of the information I needed before I came by Ruaidhri and Marcus, so there was nothing that came as a shock or surprise to me. Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK? I have a couple of pieces of advice. Firstly, if you are struggling to progress in your career, consider relocating to the UK. Here, it does not matter who you are, or where you come from. What matters is how dedicated and hardworking you are and I think your hard work always pays off. The NHS is a great institution and wonderful place to work. Secondly, I'd say consider taking an specialty doctor role. It's a great position where you'll have career prospects to develop as a locum consultant and enjoy a good work-life balance. 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 to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their field and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR (for non-EEA doctors), writing publications 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 Connect family.    To receive the latest news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and the NHS, as well as more #IMGStories, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

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 you to Rehan Qureshi, a brilliant general medicine specialty doctor who relocated to the UK from Saudi Arabia with his wife, children and his mother in 2020. Having passed the MRCP and English language exams, Rehan received full GMC registration with license to practise. He is now working in the NHS at Scarborough General Hospital in the north of England – where he is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.   A specialty doctor’s journey to the UK When I was first contacted by Marcus at IMG Connect about an NHS general medicine specialty doctor job opportunity at Scarborough General Hospital, I was a little nervous about where to start, and what lay ahead. We were moving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which is a very lively city, and I was going to quit my permanent job to relocate to the UK. I have always been keen to work for the NHS, but I wasn’t sure what it’d be like to start my first NHS job in a small coastal town. What would the hospital be like? How would I be treated? Would it be wet and dark like you hear about online? Would the hospital be supportive in my career progression, or would I be simply thrown into the wards to struggle? As an ethnic Muslim minority, would we struggle to find Asian, vegetarian and Halal foods and mosques? All these questions were going through my mind, and after working through these together with Marcus and the team at IMG Connect, and with only a few more fears remaining, I decided to take up the challenge and proceed.     "Ruaidhri put in so much effort to turn this impossible task into reality for me."   During my recruitment process, the biggest challenge was getting my mother’s visa. This was absolutely crucial for me as my mother has always lived with us and is such an important member of our household. We have also been her primary carers. Ruaidhri at IMG Connect put in so much effort to turn this impossible task into reality for me. During the process, it was a real team effort from IMG, and I’m also thankful to the MP for Scarborough and Whitby who responded to Ruaidhri’s request and supported our efforts in this matter. Needless to say, my mother is now very happy and settled into life in Scarborough!   The hospital was also very supportive and did not push me to start by any given date. They were very accommodating and gave me ample time to sort out my relocation process. While some of the other international doctors I knew were struggling to travel before the deadlines set by their NHS trusts, I never felt this pressure. I was supported throughout, knew where to turn for answers and ultimately it was such a big relief that my mother was able to come with us.  When we arrived at London Heathrow Airport, the UK was in a lockdown due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. We had to quarantine on our arrival, and during this time, we were very well taken care of. Our groceries were paid for, and Ruaidhri checked in with us often to see how we were and if we ever needed anything. All my queries were promptly answered by Ruaidhri and the hospital’s recruitment team.  The very next working day after our arrival in the UK, I received an email from the medical recruitment team at Scarborough General Hospital, and the process for opening my bank account was promptly initiated. I know a number of people who have also struggled with opening their first bank account in the UK, however mine was just set up for me by the recruitment team, who put me in touch with the bank representative. All I had to do was visit the branch for 15 minutes for an ID check once our quarantine had finished and everything was set up!   At work, I found everybody to be very helpful. I received a tremendous amount of help as I struggled to get used to the new system. Whenever I got stuck somewhere, there was always someone to offer a helping hand by my side.   Initially we struggled with accommodation - finding suitable housing in Scarborough was challenging, especially when we had no previous tenancy history in the UK. However, with some help we were able to get our first accommodation which was a lovely fully furnished apartment. We enjoyed our stay there for a month before moving to a long-term let property.   There are two types of institutions, I believe: those that hire people, use them and lose them, and those that hire people, explore their interests and goals, help them progress in their careers as per their interests and preferences, and turn them into effective and happy members of staff. Scarborough Hospital is definitely the latter. Very soon after I started, my consultant sat with me and discussed my goals and personal development plan. I had always been interested in teaching, so he presented me with a number of teaching opportunities in the area. I received great support from him in my career development and with his support, I was appointed an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Hull York Medical School within only 2 months of my joining. Not only this, but he assured me of his full support in my career progression, which is very encouraging for me. When I meet other IMG doctors in the hospital, the thing that is quite noticeable among them is a great deal of professional satisfaction, no matter what grade they are working at.  Scarborough Hospital has a very friendly, multicultural environment and people work together with mutual respect and support for one another. Scarborough Hospital implements and fully supports the SAS charter of NHS and provides every possible opportunity to SAS doctors for their career progression and growth.   As a town, Scarborough is a lovely place to live in. It’s beautiful, peaceful, lively and even at night, the streets are very well lit, and the town is not dark or dead at all. It has all the amenities to cater for a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and we faced NO difficulty whatsoever at finding some Asian, vegetarian and Halal food to eat. We also love Scarborough’s local fish ‘n’ chips!   Scarborough has plenty of entertainment options for children. A forest on one side, seacoast on the other. Boating, hiking, cycling, parks, children’s train ride, the sea life aquarium, and castles with so much more to explore.   The town also has an Islamic centre where prayers are regularly offered. At the hospital, there are separate prayer rooms for both males and females, as well as a Chapel where Friday prayers are offered. I was very impressed when I first saw the Chapel being offered for prayers, which is a great gesture of inter-faith harmony at the hospital.   "I am immensely thankful to Marcus and Ruaidhri" I am glad that I made the decision to come to Scarborough. It is a wonderful place to live, and people are genuinely nice and welcoming. Scarborough General Hospital is an excellent place to work. We got settled here very quickly and we have fallen in love with this place. My family and I are enjoy living here and have started to consider Scarborough our new home.  I am immensely thankful to Marcus and Ruaidhri at IMG connect and everyone else who played a role in my recruitment, relocation, and induction processes. I really appreciate all their efforts to make the entire process as swift and smooth as possible for us – they gave me the confidence to move to the UK with my family to work as a general medicine specialty doctor in the NHS.  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 to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their field and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR (for non-EEA doctors), writing publications 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 Connect family.   

Moving to a new country means adapting to new ways of doing things. Before relocating, one of the most important things to know is what the typical cultural and social norms are. As an overseas doctor from another country, you may naturally do things differently. So, this article introduces you to a few things that you need to know about British culture and social norms before you arrive.  The British are punctual, especially doctors!  Being late for work or meetings is considered to be rude. If you’re going to be late to an appointment, contact those involved as soon as you know you will be late. But don’t worry, amongst friends and social gatherings it isn’t considered a problem, British people are late all the time!  Never jump the queue.  In many countries jumping to the front of the queue is normal, but in the UK, people may not be very happy with you and will most likely let you know just how unhappy they are. Expect a ticking off, or a 'tut' to let you know. So, as annoying as queuing is, standing patiently in the queue is normal and expected. Don’t get too close.  In the UK, it’s normal to keep arm’s length between yourself and the person you are speaking with. As a doctor of course this is standard practice across the world. But in social situations, any closer is assumed to be uncomfortable for those native to the UK. Of course, this does not mean that you can't be friendly!  Be polite - say “please”, “thank you”, and “sorry”. You will probably get tired of saying these so often, but these are normal parts of everyday conversation and interactions. As an international doctor, you may not be used to this, but you will get used to it very quickly. Shake hands, pat on the back or kiss on the cheek? This one can get confusing. At work, a handshake is the only expected and accepted way of greeting colleagues. For obvious reasons. However, amongst friends, British people shake hands, have a brief hug and pat on the shoulder, or give a ‘peck on the cheek’ (kiss) when greeting a friend or family member. It isn’t that simple though, if you are not a close friend or family member, then the physical touch can sometimes be considered unusual or uncomfortable, shaking hands is best in this situation. So, when greeting people, you will have to judge for yourself the most appropriate way to go about it.  Give up your seat.  Like most corners of the world, the Brits show respect for older adults, pregnant women or disabled people. For example, if you are travelling, you are expected to give up your seat if someone who is pregnant, disabled or older, gets on board and there is no other seat. If an older adult or someone who is disabled seems to be struggling with something, you are also expected to approach them and offer your help. Note, the same can be said for people who are visibly distressed, have fallen unwell, are lost or could benefit from some assistance.  These social norms will help you get along with your new friends and colleagues whilst you settle into your new life in the UK. Get in touch We are of course always here to help you to understand what to expect and once you have started in your new job, we can offer support on any situations that arise which may require some friendly advice. Get in touch here. 

Are you an overseas Psychiatrist looking to move to the UK? Have you always wanted to hear first-hand the experiences of an international Psychiatrist who has been through the process, from completing their MRCPsych exams to GMC registration, and from securing an NHS job to relocating to the UK?    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 Kevin Li, a brilliant psychiatry specialty doctor who relocated to the UK from Hong Kong in 2021. Having passed the MRCPsych and English language exams, Kevin received full GMC registration with license to practise. He is now working in the NHS at Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust in the north of England – where he is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.   What motivated you to move to the UK?  Psychiatrists are in demand in the UK and Hong Kong psychiatrists who have years of experiences would be very much welcomed to work in the country. With some NHS Trusts there is also a well-established CESR program to help overseas psychiatrists with MRCPsych to attain specialist registration. Specialist registration in the UK is also well recognised in a lot of other English-speaking countries.  Tell us about your journey through the Royal College of Psychiatry exams…  I had completed my specialist training in Hong Kong quite some time ago. I only decided to sit the MRCPsych exams last year. Due to the pandemic, all exams were conducted online which actually facilitated a lot of Hong Kong doctors to sit for the exams. Having always been involved in training and supervision of junior psychiatrists, it helped me a lot to keep myself updated with the knowledge and skills required for sitting examinations.   Do you have any tips or advice for overseas doctors who are currently working towards MRCPsych?  For the MCQ based paper A and B, it is important to set aside time for some intensive studying before the exam as a lot of the knowledge asked would not come up in everyday work. It is also important to pay attention to minute details in each topic which would often come up in the exams.   For CASC exams, it would be useful to form a study group with colleagues and have practice sessions together, as well as watching demonstration videos (such as some paid online courses) to learn the skill required to pass type of different stations. Time management (7 minutes) to complete the tasks in each station is also crucial.   How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working full time?  For overseas doctors having attained MRCPsych, registration with the GMC is fairly straightforward after taking an English proficiency exam, which should not be too difficult if one received medical education in English.  However, as the GMC closes an application if it could not be completed within 90 days, I found it important to have all the documents ready prior to submitting the application, especially letter of good standings, further proof of qualification and training from the university faculty which took time to be prepared.  Did you have any major or unexpected issues with the GMC registration process or your visa application?  There had been no major difficulties in terms of the registration. The HR team and IMG connect have been in constant touch with me to see what my needs are and accommodate my relocation schedule.  How did you find a general adult psychiatry job within the NHS?  For Hong Kong doctors coming to the UK, it is better to look for job openings that specifically states that IMG applicants are welcome. It would usually take IMGs quite a while to adapt to the system in the NHS and it is important that the Trust would give time for induction and support for IMGs during the initial phrase when they start their job.   It is also good to keep one’s mindset open to offers in locations that might not be the most popular at first look. Posts in popular locations such as Greater London or Greater Manchester are usually a lot more competitive and the support provided to IMGs could be less sometimes. It would also be a good opportunity to experience life in the UK out of the usual few big cities. There are always opportunities to move to another place after gaining experiences working in the UK.  Tell us about a day in the life of an international General Adult Psychiatrist, newly started in the NHS…  As a specialty doctor with the MRCPsych qualification, one is expected to take an active role in the MDT team with the support of the Consultant, for example on deciding on medications, deriving a care package with other stakeholders.   There is a strong focus on mental health legal and human rights compliance in the field of psychiatry, as well as adherence to treatment guidelines in the UK. Some doctors may need certain time to adjust to such differences in practice from their home countries. There are junior doctors who can readily assist with physical problems of patients, which might make it easier for a Hong Kong psychiatry specialist to adapt after years of working in psychiatric setting only.   What was your journey like to the UK during a period of COVID-19 restrictions?  I arrived at a time when restrictions were gradually easing. It was very easy to arrange mandatory COVID tests according to the government requirements. Most hotels or Airbnbs would welcome arrivals into the UK to be used as self-isolation.   What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?  I had received excellent support from IMG connect in terms of securing a job offer that suits my level and experiences, as well as advising on the career prospect and negotiating an attractive numeration package. The IMG connect team also gave me a lot of useful suggestions about finding accommodation in a suitable area close to work.   Most importantly they have excellent communication with the HR team in the Trust, which makes formalizing the offer and completing the necessary paper works much easier.  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 to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their field and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR (for non-EEA doctors), writing publications 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 Connect family.   

One of the biggest concerns IMGs relocating with families will have, is how to find the right school for their children in the UK. The good news is that the education system is excellent, and education is free!  If you are bringing children to the UK with you, the first thing you will need to do is apply for a place in the school you want them to go to. To do this you will need to get in touch with your local council to ask about the schools in the catchment area, and find out where places are available. You can then apply for places in schools through the local council, applications usually opening a year before you want your child to start. More information about the process is available here. Children normally begin school in the September after they turn four and usually you can apply for a place in a state school at any point in the year. There are many options that parents have when deciding which school is best for their children, including faith schools, free schools, academies, technology colleges, boarding schools, private or paid for schools, or grammar schools to name a few.  All children living in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland are entitled to a free place at a state school. If you choose to send your child to a free state school, then your local council will decide which school your child is given a place at.  All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places. The school or local council usually set these. Admission criteria are different for each school. For example, schools may give priority to children: who live close to the school (catchment area) who have a brother or sister at the school already from a particular religion (for faith schools) who do well in an entrance exam (for selective schools, for example grammar schools or stage schools) who went to a particular primary school (a ‘feeder school’) Councils usually use 'catchment areas' to decide where your child is given a place at school. A catchment area is an area around a school. Any children who live in this area are given a place at the school. Most councils publish catchment area maps on their website. You can find out where your child will be given a place at school by looking on your local council's website. See below useful links to how to register, depending on country:   Scotland England & Wales Northern Ireland Ireland If you choose to send your child to a paid school, then you can ask the team at IMG connect to help you further, including advice on how to check the school’s standards, costs and how to contact them directly.  If you want to know more about schooling in the UK, have a chat with our team or take a look at our relocation blogs.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you.

It is typical to hear people around the world say that childcare can be difficult to find and costly. Affordable child care is one of the main priorities for many working parents. And with a large number of overseas doctors relocating with their families, child care is a big issue.  The good news in the UK is that you can get help finding and paying for childcare.  Even better, if you work for the NHS, then you are entitled to additional support through the Tax-free childcare scheme.  How much does childcare cost?  The average cost of sending a child under 2 years of age to nursery is: Part-time - £125 per week Full-time - £240 per week The average cost of an after-school club for one working week is £60.  Playgroups or pre-school groups (usually organised by the school or nursery directly), typically cost £2 - £10 per session. Sessions are normally two – three hours before and after standard working hours.  A registered childminder could cost on average £250 per week full time, and £150 per week part-time (costs will be slightly higher in London).  If you have read our articles on schooling, you will remember that nursery schools, if provided by the state, are free for all children.  There is help you can get with childcare costs, for example with tax-free childcare you can get up to £2,000. Help is provided if you select childcare run by an approved childcare provider, such as: registered childminder, play scheme, nursery or club childminder with an Ofsted-registered childminding agency registered school home care worker working for a registered home care agency Try this useful tool for checking what childcare can be made available for you. Tax free childcare scheme:  A scheme is in place aimed at helping reduce the cost of childcare for NHS employees. The scheme is administered through online accounts, opened by parents on the get-tax-free-childcare website. Parents pay money into the account, which is used to pay for childcare with registered providers. Parents can pay money into their childcare account as and when they like, and for every £8 paid in, the government will add £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 government support per child, per year (£4,000 for children with disabilities). The scheme is open to parents of children up to and including the age of 11 (16 for children with disabilities).  What else is available?  Some employers offer additional support to families, giving that little bit extra to make the work-life balance more sustainable. Extra help could include workplace nurseries, directly contracted childcare, advice services and community groups.  Checking childcare providers: It is important to check that the provider you wish to use is suitable for your child, working to high standards, and approved for use under the tax-free scheme.  You can check if a childcare provider is approved or search for one using the following websites: England through Ofsted Wales through the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales Scotland through the Scottish Care Inspectorate Northern Ireland through the local early years team register You can get help paying for childcare provided by a school, for example nursery school fees. State schools are free, so when it comes to childcare you can only get help paying for care that is outside school hours, for example after school clubs or breakfast clubs Steps to follow:  If you want to check how much support you can receive and how to find the right provider, follow these steps:  Check how much free childcare you can receive using the government online tool: Government Childcare Calculator Check where you can get childcare:  England Wales Scotland Northern Ireland Get help paying for childcare:  You can get help with childcare costs for children under 18. You might be able to apply for: Tax-Free Childcare Tax credits Universal Credit You could also get free hours childcare. You might be able to apply for: free education and childcare for 2 year olds 15 hours free childcare for 3 to 4 year olds 30 hours free childcare for 3 to 4 year olds Advice and support is provided by the government, local councils and education organisations. We advise you to speak with your IMG consultant, who can help you establish where to start, answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction to getting the best start for your children in the UK.  You will also find that parents in the UK, as well as staff in the NHS and education system, will be keen to support and help you with advice. The parental community in the UK is strong and supportive, with networks of like-minded families sharing experiences and contacts.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you.

IMGs will want to know what an NHS consultant salary could mean as monthly take-home pay in Northern Ireland. To help overseas doctors plan for life in the UK we put together some examples to give a better idea of what you'll actually keep each month. We hope they are of use! How much will I take home? Firstly, take home pay in the UK is the amount that you will receive in your bank account after all deductions have been made from your annual salary. Deductions include Income Tax, National Insurance and NHS pensions.  It is important to state that this is just a guideline. We have based our figures on the gross salary for each pay threshold and have assumed that you do not have other sources of income.  The figures can be higher or lower depending on any additional responsibilities or hours worked, other sources of income you have, your final tax bracket, whether you opt out of pension, and whether you claim for your tax-deductible expenses. Take-Home Pay Expectations in Northern Ireland Threshold Annual gross salary* Estimated annual take-home pay** Estimated monthly take-home pay** 1 £88,799 £60,533 £5,046 2 £91,581 £62,166 £5,181 3 £94,362 £63,779 £5,315 4 £97,141 £65,391 £5,449 5 £99,913 £66,999 £5,583 6 £106,520 £69,527 £5,794 7 £113,124 £72,037 £6,003 8 £119,723 £74,544 £6,212   *before tax and pension **based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions To explore the pay and salary conditions across all grades in the UK take a look at our series of blogs on career structure and pay for NHS doctors in our IMG Resources library. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on NHS Jobs, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

IMGs will want to know what an NHS consultant salary could mean as monthly take-home pay in Wales. To help overseas doctors plan for life in the UK we put together some examples to give a better idea of what you'll actually keep each month. We hope they are of use! How much will I take home? Firstly, take home pay in the UK is the amount that you will receive in your bank account after all deductions have been made from your annual salary. Deductions include Income Tax, National Insurance and NHS pensions.  It is important to state that this is just a guideline. We have based our figures on the gross salary for each pay threshold and have assumed that you do not have other sources of income.  The figures can be higher or lower depending on any additional responsibilities or hours worked, other sources of income you have, your final tax bracket, whether you opt out of pension, and whether you claim for your tax-deductible expenses. Take-Home Pay Expectations in Wales Threshold Annual gross salary* Estimated annual take-home pay** Estimated monthly take-home pay** 1 £87,354 £59,715 £4,967 2 £90,137 £61,329 £5,111 3 £94,789 £64,027 £5,336 4 £100,191 £67,122 £5,594 5 £106,363 £69,468 £5,789 6 £109,882 £70,805 £5,900 7 £113,408 £72,145 £6,012   *before tax and pension **based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions To explore the pay and salary conditions across all grades in the UK take a look at our series of blogs on career structure and pay for NHS doctors in our IMG Resources library. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on NHS Jobs, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

IMGs will want to know what an NHS consultant salary could mean as monthly take-home pay in England. To help overseas doctors plan for life in the UK we put together some examples to give a better idea of what you'll actually keep each month. We hope they are of use! How much will I take home? Firstly, take home pay in the UK is the amount that you will receive in your bank account after all deductions have been made from your annual salary. Deductions include Income Tax, National Insurance and NHS pensions.  It is important to state that this is just a guideline. We have based our figures on the gross salary for each pay threshold and have assumed that you do not have other sources of income.  The figures can be higher or lower depending on any additional responsibilities or hours worked, other sources of income you have, your final tax bracket, whether you opt out of pension, and whether you claim for your tax-deductible expenses. Take-Home Pay Expectations in England Threshold Annual gross salary* Estimated annual take-home pay** Estimated monthly take-home pay** 1 £93,666 £63,376 £5,281 2 £96,599 £65,077 £5,423 3 £99,532 £66,778 £5,565 4 £102,465 £67,986 £5,666 5 £105,390 £69,098 £5,758 6 £112,356 £71,745 £5,979 7 £119,323 £74,392 £6,199 8 £126,281 £77,207 £6,434   *before tax and pension **based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions To explore the pay and salary conditions across all grades in the UK take a look at our series of blogs on career structure and pay for NHS doctors in our IMG Resources library. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on NHS Jobs, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:               

Are you an overseas psychiatrist looking to move to the UK? Have you always wanted to hear first-hand the experiences of an international psychiatrist who has been through the process, from receiving full GMC registration to securing an NHS job and relocating to the UK?    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 Francesco Spadaro, a brilliant consultant psychiatrist who relocated to the UK from Italy. Francesco has been living and working in the UK after receiving full GMC with specialist registration. He is now working in the NHS at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, where he is making a positive impact on the service and the wider community.   Tell us about yourself - what should the IMG community know about Francesco Spadaro? My work is my passion. I really love the clinical aspect of it, especially talking with patients. I enjoy trying to help my patients as much as I can and giving them a hope in trying to improve their clinical condition. No matter who they are, where they come from, or how serious is their disorder may be. At the same time, studying and looking at how the mind works has always been such an important part of my life. What motivated you to move to the UK?  I was very keen to move to the UK. London is such a special place and completely unique in my opinion. The city is so open and inclusive and really encourages you to get involved in so many ways. This was a really big motivating factor for me. Was Brexit an issue for you at all? It was definitely something to consider, but I was lucky enough to be able to anticipate my leave at my previous job in order to avoid any potential Brexit complications. How did you find a general adult psychiatry job within the NHS?  I personally found IMG Connect to be a great help on this. The team really encouraged me with lots of advice and suggestions on how I could tailor my CV to specific roles I was applying to. Most importantly, they really listened and took into consideration all of my needs and difficulties. They go far beyond any of the simple questions you may have for them and cover all angles, including things you may not have considered yourself! Tell us about a day in the life of an international General Adult Psychiatrist. I work in a secondary care, Community Services facility. We work in teams which cover several boroughs and are led by a senior practitioner, ans supported by health professionals with a range of expertise: nurses, social workers, support workers, psychologists and NGO volunteers. We start each day with an MDT (multi-disciplinary team meeting) where we discuss our first assessments, feedback and cases with cause for concern. The great thing about these meetings is that we're all equally involved - everyone participates, sharing knowledge specific to their experience and role. Consultants are involved in the most severe cases. They will also have slots where they will supervise trainee GPs and junior doctors. We also have lots of meetings throughout the week: scientific meetings, journal clubs and meetings concerning the organisation. Sometimes it feels like there are too many meetings, but I'm still getting used to the differences between the UK and Italian healthcare systems.  Tell us about your journey to the UK... It was really quick! Once I'd passed had my interview and been offered the job, I just organised my affairs and hopped on the plane. Of course COVID-19 complicated things, but that was the case for everyone in almost every country at the time. What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?  My experience with IMG Connect has been excellent. They carefully listened to my needs and requests and were always able to offer me appropriate jobs along my requests. They also prepared me in coping with any type of difficulties I would face in regard to relocation to London and my new role in the NHS. They were such a solid presence throughout this process for me and were always there to offer support, both before I had the job and afterwards. Within the IMG Connect team, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ruaihdri MacKay in particular, who is an excellent professional recruitment consultant. He was a wealth of guidance, advice and support for me during, and also after, my entire recruitment and relocation. He showed what I consider a unique commitment, dedication and foresight and completely kept me at ease with his justified optimism and knowlegde of the steps in my journey. I was really lucky to have him on my side. How are you settling into life in the UK? Things were a little difficult to begin with due to the COVID-19 restrictions, but things have really eased and I'm enjoying living here. What’s next for you now that you’re working in the UK? At the moment I'm still settling in, learning a lot about the UK's system and procedures. Once things have settled a little more for me, I'd like to see whether I can incorporate some teaching or lecturing work into my career path in the UK. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK? One of the challenges I've faced has been finding really affordable housing, but this was expected in moving to such a large and popular city as London. Have you experienced any culture shocks living in the UK? I wouldn't consider it so much of a cultural shock, instead I'm pleasantly surprised by the opportunity to work with such a diverse range of people. It really is a special experience that connects you to cultures and people all over the world. What have you missed about Italy the most? Most of all, I miss the lifelong friends I've made in Italy. Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK? I would just say, do it. Take a chance and live the experience! 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 to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their field and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR (for non-EEA doctors), writing publications 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 Connect family.   

It will come as a relief to those moving to the UK from overseas to know that the NHS is free to all at the point of delivery. Put simply, the NHS belongs to you and is run for the people of the UK. It exists to help you and your family to stay healthy and improve your wellbeing. It helps you to keep mentally and physically well.  The NHS was founded on a common set of principles and values that bind together the communities and people it serves – the patients and public of the UK – and of course the amazing staff who work for it. Provided you are resident in the UK, you and your family can access free GP & hospital treatment. Some people in the UK are also entitled to free prescriptions; to check your eligibility, click here. In Scotland prescriptions are free for all patients.  You should register with the NHS as soon as you can have relocated to the UK. To do so is simple. Once you arrive in the UK, check for GP practices near you, and if they are taking new patients all you have to do is register. It is quick and easy, simply complete a registration form. Once submitted your GP will register you with the NHS, and you will receive an NHS number.  Once registered, you can attend your local GP at no cost. Find out more about registering with your GP practice, here. You can search for your local GP service here, the search also gives you access to reviews, overviews of facilities and services that each service offers.  In summary, the NHS is available to all. It is free at the point of delivery, access to NHS services is based on clinical need, not an individual’s ability to pay.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.             

Completing your exams and registrations is one thing, moving to another country is another... All in all, IMGs aspiring to work in the NHS have an awful lot to get done. We know this and is why we exist as a company - to guide and support international doctors on their journey to becoming a doctor in the UK. Here we'll look at 7 mental approaches to making sure your early weeks, months and hopefully years in the UK are sucessful and happy ones! 1. Right mentality When approaching this new challenge, remember the right mentality is key to enjoying your new life and flourishing in your new job. It is understandable that you might be a touch nervous before moving, but whatever your mindset before leaving home try to embrace the new challenge with enthusiasm and a positive mindset. 2. Build support networks Having someone’s support is essential and even the most resilient of characters would struggle without it. Support can come from many different places and sources, from your friends or family back home or those you are closest to in the UK.  Online forums and communities, like our IMG Community, can be incredibly helpful when questions or experiences that you have and you can likely get a response in minutes to a problem that has bothered you for a while.  3. Build social and professional networks At IMG Connect we are big believer in building and utilizing the communities around us, both online and in real life. Ask your peers at work for advice where you need it and think about attending the various professional or social gatherings that you come to be aware of.  It is worth remembering, most people love to share their experiences and offer their advice, whether your peers or new friends you have made in the UK. Use these as opportunities to get to know people around you better. 4. Be socially brave and integrate with your community Always throw yourself into social scenarios and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to new people. The quicker you settle into your new job and home, the quicker you will be feeling comfortable and happy in your day to day! 5. Be patient Adjusting to a new system and new country will take time – remember that. It may take a number of months to get things where you want them and up to a year to feel at home in your new scenery. Don’t be afraid of this, just be aware and be patient. 6. Be resilient and remember why you’re doing this Deciding to relocate to the UK would certainly not have been a decision you took lightly. Remember all the reasons you took the decision to move in the first place, and don’t lost sight of them. Things will invariably get tough at some stage but keep your goals in in throughout.  7. Remember your importance and the good that you do Finally, remember the amazing things you do every day as a doctor, and what a valuable service you provide to NHS and the British population. You should never forget the importance of your job and positive impact it has on the community around you. For more useful blogs & articles on relocation, life & culture in the UK & NHS – take a look at our IMG Library. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Once you've arrived in the UK, how do you set up a new bank account?  There are many things to consider when setting up your new life in the UK, one of which is opening a new bank account. To help, we put together a few tips and suggestions to get you started, including the following topics:  Options can be confusing  Do I need a new bank account?  How do you set up an account and what do you need?  Once your account is open, what next?  Monitoring your account Which bank should I choose?  The main five banks Ethical banking There are various different, and whilst one type of bank will suit one person, it may not suit everyone. So, it is important to shop around and find the right bank account for you.  Options can be confusing  When choosing a bank account, it can get confusing. There can be accounts that are simple to set up, with no fees, or accounts that require a monthly fee. Equally, you now have the option of online banking with banks that have few or no local branches at all, or you may prefer a bank that has a branch nearby, so you can pop in anytime.  We have taken a look at the easiest to set up, but as above, they may still not be the right account for you. If you want to discuss further after reading this blog, why not give us a call and one of our specialist consultants will answer any questions you may have. Do I need a new bank account?  Before we look at specific examples, it is important to mention why setting up a bank account is important.  Firstly, you will need to notify your employer where to pay you!  And secondly, a good bank account will offer ease of use, support you in building your credit score (important for your future in the UK), pay bills, and easily check your balance.  How do you set up an account and what do you need?  Similar to a lot of administrative tasks, to set up an account you will need to make an appointment with the bank and bring along the right documents. Setting up an appointment:  Most banks won’t let you drop in, so it is a good idea to call in advance and schedule in your appointment. The appointment will be focused on discussing your situation in order to open the account.   Required documents: Once you have booked the appointment you can then start to prepare the documents to bring with you. Basically, one document to prove your identity and one to prove your address.  To prove your identity, you will need one of the following:  Passport Driver’s licence EU ID Card Every bank has its own idea of how to prove your address, the following are widely accepted:  Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement Electricity or gas bill, dated within the last 3 months A current Council Tax bill However, as an IMG you will be new to the UK, so you might not have any of the above as evidence of your address. The good news is that most banks will accept a letter of employment from your Trust (employer) written to the bank.  You can request an employment letter from your Trust HR department. This must confirm:  your home address include your name D.O.B you are employed by the Trust the starting date of your role your salary duration of the contract It must be on letter headed paper, stamped, signed and dated. Speak to your IMG Consultant who will be happy to help you set this up.  Once your account is open, what next?  Once you have completed your meeting (usually around an hour), your account will be set up and ready to use. Now that you have your new account number (8 digits) and sort code (6 digits) you can provide these to your payroll department ready for your first pay cheque! Don’t forget you will also need your NI number! Read our blog on how to get yourself a NI number  if you haven't already.  You will also receive your bank card and pin code in the post, these are usually delivered separately.  If you receive one but not the other a day or so after, then contact the bank and they will reissue these. These usually arrive approximately 5 working days after setting up the account, but your bank will advise on the specific number of days so that you can keep an eye out for their arrival.  Once arrived, you can use this to make payments everywhere, including online. If you want to change the pin, you can change this at most bank machines to something that you will remember! Be sure to choose memorably but randomly, not 1234!  Monitoring your account Now that you are set up, most banks will offer an online account to monitor your income.  Most have an app that you can download to your smartphone to manage outgoings and transfers.  Which bank should I choose?  With the banking market bringing a wide range of accounts and banks, it is hard to navigate through all the accounts on offer.  The most important advice we can give is to shop around. Check online and compare what is on offer across a wide range of banks. Often, it can also be easier to open an account with one of the bigger UK banks.  Here are a few things to consider when selecting your account and discussing what is offered during your meeting with the bank:  Examine digital features – online and mobile access via apps and online banking etc. It is beneficial to access your account anywhere, helping you monitor your outgoings and identify fraud. Check if the account has monthly fees – most standard current accounts don’t, but premium services usually have a monthly charge. No minimum balance requirement - good banks don’t have these!  No limitations on the number of transactions – you want to be free to make as many, or little transactions as you want.  Free ATM access, so you can withdraw money when needed. Check overdrafts and associated fees, you don’t want any unwanted charges. Check if the bank has several branches, including one local to you. You may however prefer to use services offered online, which would open more options up to you.  Some banks offer specific accounts for people who have recently relocated to the UK, usually called new to the UK accounts.  You can also chat to an advisor online to answer any questions you may have before you make the decision to arrange an appointment, check the bank websites for web chat options.  Whatever type of banking suits you, it is always best to research extensively, especially online, which will give you a full idea of what they offer.  The main five banks: The five main banks in the UK are: Natwest Royal Bank of Scotland Lloyds Banking Group Barclays HSBC  Opening an account with these banks is usually easy, and they offer a range of accounts with online options.  Another popular option is to set up a Monzo account as they are very quick, easy to set up - whilst they offer a useful mobile app platform which makes it easy to keep track of your expenses. They also offer free payments and withdrawals outside of the UK whilst are an FSCS approved bank so offer the same security as one of the main five banks. Ethical banking:  Ethical banks are those that invest your money transparently and only business, companies and investments that do not have a harmful impact on local communities and the environment. The following two are good options:  Triodos Bank offer a great option for Ethical Banking. They invest their money transparently and into projects and trusts that benefit local communities and the planet we live in. They do not invest in any fossil fuel companies or any business that has a harmful impact. Our directors and our business bank with Triodos. Co-operative Bank offers a range of accounts and can be set up online easily. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

IMGs will want to know what an NHS consultant salary could mean as monthly take-home pay in Scotland To help overseas doctors plan for life in the UK we put together some examples to give a better idea of what you'll actually keep each month. We hope they are of use! How much will I take home? Firstly, take home pay in the UK is the amount that you will receive in your bank account after all deductions have been made from your annual salary. Deductions include Income Tax, National Insurance and NHS pensions.  It is important to state that this is just a guideline. We have based our figures on the gross salary for each pay threshold and have assumed that you do not have other sources of income.  The figures can be higher or lower depending on any additional responsibilities or hours worked, other sources of income you have, your final tax bracket, whether you opt out of pension, and whether you claim for your tax-deductible expenses. Take-Home Pay Expectations in Scotland Threshold Annual gross salary* Estimated annual take-home pay** Estimated monthly take-home pay** 1 £91,474 £59,724 £4,930 2 £93,406 £60,817 £5,019 3 £96,185 £62,389 £5,149 4 £98,967 £63,963 £5,278 5 £101,741 £65,176 £5,377 6 £108,345 £67,559 £5,571 7 £114,949 £69,942 £5,765 8 £121,548 £72,323 £5,959   *before tax and pension **based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions To explore the pay and salary conditions across all grades in the UK take a look at our series of blogs on career structure and pay for NHS doctors in our IMG Resources library. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on NHS Jobs, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:             

I'm an overseas doctor planning to relocate to the UK. Can I drive immediately? Good question, and IMGs asked this question frequently by IMGs planning their relocation to the UK. In this article we’ll help you to arrange your UK driver’s licence by addressing the following questions:  Is my driver’s licence valid? What is the difference for EU and non-EU driver’s licence holders? Exchanging your licence Is my driver’s licence valid? Regardless of where you are relocating from, if you hold a foreign licence you will be able to drive in the UK immediately. For how long and under what conditions will depend on whether your licence is from an EU (or designated country) or non-EU country. You can check here to confirm your licence status.  What is the difference for EU and non-EU driver’s licence holders? For an EU licence holder: If you hold an EU driver’s licence you can drive on your current licence for up to 3 years. After this time, you must exchange your licence, rather than retake the test. For non-EU licence holders: If you hold a foreign driver’s licence and are now a resident in the UK, you can drive for a period of 12-months with your current licence. Within this 12-month period you will need to take and pass both your theory and practical drivers’ examination to continue driving in the UK. Exchanging your licence: You can exchange your foreign driver’s licence for a GB licence if it is from: EU (no time limit for exchange applies) Northern Ireland (no time limit for exchange applies) Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man (must be exchanged before 12 months) A designated country* (must be exchanged before 12 months) * Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe You can check whether you can exchange your licence here.  How do I exchange my licence? To exchange your licence, you will need to get a D1 form from a post office that deals with DVLA transactions.Provide all requested details and send back the D1 form with your current driver’s licence. A fee of £43 is payable by cheque or postal order and this takes roughly 3 weeks to process. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

Life is not all about work! It has been great to hear first-hand from overseas doctors who recently relocated to the UK the main reasons they have enjoyed their move and quickly settled into life in the UK. The UK is bursting with events and festivals from top to bottom, and these can make some of the best shared experiences for you and your family to create memorable moments.  We enjoy them so much that we have put together some of the best British cultural events that you simply have to experience!  1. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Taking place from the 2 – 24th August, this annual series of nightly performances brings the Edinburgh Skyline to life! Armed forces from the UK, across the Commonwealth and internationally, come to Edinburgh to perform. Music, dance, drama, and a mass of Pipers play against the backdrop of the castle.  2. Glastonbury Festival A five-day festival of performances, arts and crafts, Glastonbury is a community that pops up every year to enthral and bring people together. A huge line up of performers entertain over 170,000 people at the largest greenfield festival in the world! Just don’t forget your wellies (waterproof boots).  3. Chelsea Flower Show An annual garden extravaganza, bursting with creation and colour, this is not to be missed! This is regarded as the most important flower show in the world, and on your first visit you will see why! With displays of colour and cutting-edge garden design be prepared to be dazzled, just don’t expect to see any gnomes.   4. The Edinburgh Fringe Discover the world of arts in one city, an inspiring collection of the best performances and entertainment from not just the UK, but the whole world. Visitors come from all four corners of the globe to attend this annual event of arts, crafts, music, comedy, literature, theatre, dance, street performance and much, much more! You can even set up your own event if you feel brave enough!  5. Notting Hill Carnival This is the biggest street party in the whole of Europe. Taking place in London over three days and created by members of the British West Indian Community, this inaugural event attracts over a million people! It is a hugely significant event in British culture, celebrating diversity, music and carnival! Be ready to dance! 6. Hay on Wye Festival If literature is your thing, and let’s face it, it should be, then try this celebration of all things written in the village of books! Taking place in the beautiful Brecon Beacons, this ten-day festival invites writers, poets, broadcasters, radio shows and podcasters to share their work.  7. Liverpool Biennial A huge festival of contemporary visual art, and the best that the UK has to offer. Every two years the city opens its doors to a huge range of artists and their work. Projects span the city for the public to see, take a walk to odd locations, see public spaces transformed, unused buildings become a work of art, and Liverpool galleries burst with new exhibitions.  8. Great Exhibition of the North A true showcase for the North of England, artists, designers and businesses all combine forces to show off all that the North has to offer. Based in Newcastle, enjoy a free celebration throughout the whole summer of the Northern spirit and soul of the UK. Expect plenty of unforgettable experiences.  9. Guy Fawkes Night A festival enjoyed the length and breadth of the country, Guy Fawkes Night is open to all. Also known as Bonfires Night and Fireworks Night, it is easy to understand what to expect… local events take place in every village, town and city, so it won’t take you long to work out where to go and join the fun!  So, there we have it, 9 of the most unmissable events in British culture! Let us know if you have any favourites or anything new to add to the list, we would be delighted to hear from you!  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Medical Defence, via insurance or immunity, can be important for international doctors. As an overseas doctor there are many things to consider when setting up your new life in the UK, one of which is your medical defence and whether to pay for additional cover. In this article we will help explain medical defence, considering the following topics: What is medical defence and do i need it? What indemnity will my trust provide me? Types of medical defence Who can I get medical defence from? IMG Connect's advice What is medical defence and do I need it? Unfortunately, human error is unavoidable and covering yourself against any claim is vital to the continuation of your career as a UK doctor. Appropriate medical defence will provide support for clinical negligence claims made against you whilst working in the UK.  It is a GMC requirement to have adequate or appropriate insurance in place to cover the full scope of your practice in the UK.  What indemnity will my trust provide me? Your NHS Trust will provide you indemnity for the work you are assigned as part of your contract, and you are not legally obliged to take out separate indemnity. However, your NHS Trust indemnity will cover the bare minimum and any extra work you do outside of the specific list of duties in your contract is not covered.  In addition, your Trust indemnity will not cover you for complaints made against you specifically. This includes Trust disciplinary hearings, GMC hearings, criminal investigations, coroner inquests or any private work you undertake. In summary, it is strongly advisable to take out separate indemnity to cover you against all eventualities as a doctor. Types of Medical Defence: There are two types of medical defence:  Indemnity  Insurance Indemnity works on the basis that the claim is covered as long as the cover was in place at the time the incident occurred. Insurance only covers you whilst the policy is in place and/or for a defined period after – called the ‘run off’ period. With the nature of work many doctors prefer indemnity over insurance, as claims can arise years after the event. This rings particularly true in cases involving children where 10+ years can pass before a claim is made. Who can I get Medical Defence from? There are three major Medical Defence Organisations (MDOs) who provide indemnity cover, not insurance. All of them are not-for-profit organisations rather than commercial companies and these are: Medical Protection Society (MPS) Medical Defence Union (MDU) Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) The benefits of membership of the MDOs differ, it is important that you consider each one carefully before making a choice. IMG Connect's advice: Anyone you speak to will strongly advise a doctor working in the UK to take out separate indemnity insurance. This is vital to ensure you are covered at any point you actively practiced as a doctor in the UK.  For avoidance of doubt, consider the significance of the risks for not doing so. We would suggest treating your defence cover as if it were any other utility or provider, and shop around to make sure you get the most comprehensive package at the best value for money. At IMG Connect we are not legal advisors and we want to make clear that we are offering our advice based on conversations with the GMC and any doctors we have worked with. We strongly advise you to seek a professional opinion to form the basis of your decision. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

We just love the UK, and so do our IMGs!  It has been great to hear first-hand from overseas doctors the main reasons why they have enjoyed their move and quickly settled into life in the UK. We enjoyed them so much that we have put together some of the best reasons why we think that Great Britain is great! 12. Cities There are currently a total of 69 cities in the UK, 51 in England, 7 in Scotland, 6 in Wales and 5 in Northern Ireland. Each one has its own diverse history and culture to explore. Cities in the UK are bursting with cultural diversity. They are truly multicultural places to live, work and visit, welcoming people from all over the world and embracing diversity. There are over 300 languages spoken in London alone, it can be said that the capital city of London is the most culturally diverse city in the world. It isn’t just London, cities have their roots in its people who live across its four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each one has its own traditions and customs to explore and get involved in, everyone is welcome to join the fun!  11. National Parks The UK’s 15 National parks span the length and breadth of the country and are open to the Public at all times. From deep waters to high peaks, discover the unspoiled landscapes that are open to everyone. Both beautiful and rugged in equal measure, these breath-taking landscapes are truly special places for the whole family to enjoy.  An adventure awaits you in the wilds of the mountains, or the ancient woodlands full of intrigue.  10. Weather Not the most reliable, but the British weather gets everyone obsessed. Everyone loves to talk about it, and why not! Hot sunny days at the beach, rainy days in the city, or rainbows across the landscape, the UK has it all – so join the fun and start talking about it! Just remember to pack an umbrella.  9. Music For decades British music has taken the world by storm. Blues, rock, folk, metal, ska, punk, rock’n’roll, jazz, classical, electronic, hip hop, pop… there is something for everyone with bustling music scenes up and down the country. Not only can you find British music to follow, but the UK is a hub for diverse musical tastes and cultural difference, with world music accessible with ease.  8. Wildlife Get closer to nature and get outdoors. With plenty of outdoor attractions, parks and countryside to explore, you are never far away from spotting some of the British countryside’s finest, rarest and most magnificent species. From spotting Golden Eagles soaring high in the mountains, to falcons in the city. Or whale sharks to whales! The UK has a myriad of amazing wildlife to spot! And the good news… nothing is so poisonous it will kill you!  7. History From ice ages to invasions, British History is diverse with traces left everywhere you look. Centuries of conquerors and migrants have shaped the United Kingdom, and there is plenty to explore. Historical sites, museums, castles and cathedrals will fascinate! Britain wasn’t always called Britain, in fact that was a name made up by the Romans!  6. Festivals From the annual International Festival and Fringe in Edinburgh, to Glastonbury or the Manchester International Festival, these events come in all shapes and sizes, helping make the UK a hub of creativity and cultural events that attract the biggest names from all over the world. Great fun for the whole family to enjoy, whatever your tastes.  5. Sports The British sporting calendar is vast. Major events in 2019 will include the Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup and the Women’s World Cup in football. But the month by month sporting calendar is packed full of unmissable events. Don’t just watch from the TV, you have to see these in real life!  4. Landmarks Everywhere you turn, you will see familiar sights, iconic buildings, bridges and streets. Architectural masterpieces like the Tower of London, the palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, the Angel of the North, Tower Bridge, Blackpool Tower… the list is endless and are all amazing landmarks that everyone should visit.  3. Gardens The Brits take their gardening seriously, and thank goodness, because there are hundreds of wonderful gardens bursting with colour to enjoy. From grand estates like Abney House, to perfected wonders at Kew Gardens, or even the humble village garden, take a stroll and breathe in the intoxicating smell of honeysuckle.  2. Beaches Yes, that’s right, the beaches! Britain might not be famous for warm weather, but it has miles of unspoiled coastline and many beautiful beaches to explore. In Britain you are never that far away from a beach, even in London!  1. The People In such a small country, it might surprise some to know that Britain is one of the most diverse, rich and multicultural countries in the world. And we celebrate it at every chance we can get! Our strength lies in our diversity. We look forward to welcoming you with a warm smile! IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Just arrived in the UK, how do I set up my mobile phone? There are many things to consider when setting up your new life in the UK, one of which is how to get yourself a mobile phone contract. In this article we’ll help overseas doctors arrange a mobile phone contract by addressing the following questions:  Who are the main providers in the UK? How can I check for the best coverage in my area? What do I need to set up a contract? Can I use my current handset?  What if I plan to be in the UK less than 12 months? First, some general advice At IMG Connect we strongly recommend doing some research by using several trusted market-comparison websites and looking at the reviews to help decide on your network provider.  The wrong contract might leave you stuck with a long contract, that proves to be unnecessarily expensive whilst offering poor signal in your area. If you rush this process and take out a contract that is not right, you will regret it. This comes from personal experience, so please do your homework! Main Providers in the UK The main providers are: EE Three Mobile 02 Vodafone There are numerous other providers that ‘piggy-back’ off their service, but do not have their own network. The package you can get from a ‘piggy-back’ provider is potentially cheaper than the main provider who’s service they use – however the network quality will always be poorer than the main providers. How can I check for the best coverage in my area? Make sure to check the coverage and network availability in your area by using the Ofcom mobile and broadband checker. Ofcom are the government approved authority for communications and tasked with ensuring people get the best service from their provider. You can raise any issues you have, free of charge, with Ofcom. What do I need to set up a contract? Once you’ve decided on your provider and package, most mobile phone companies will only require the following to open a contract: Two proofs of address (utility bills, rental contracts etc.) which must show both your name and address. Proof of Identification Active bank account in order to set up a direct debit Packages on offer: There are two types of package you can consider; Contract or Pay-as-you-go Contract: Most providers offer a minimum contract of 12 months, SIM only.To get a handset included as part of your contract package typically you need a 24-month contract. Pay-as-you-go: Another option to consider is a pay-as-you-go sim card with no contract or handset. This will cost about £10 and can be up and running immediately. Can I use my current mobile phone handset?  Yes, all sim-only packages will work with the device you already have. What if I plan to be in the UK less than 12 months? Whilst most IMGs prefer taking out a contract, if you do plan to be in the UK less than 12 months, a pay-as-you-go contract may be a better option. In summary: Only you will know what you are going to use your phone for, and which package will be right for you. If you are someone looking to call overseas regularly, think about WhatsApp calls, VOIP calling packages, face time etc.  With regard to phone contracts, just make sure to get a number of different quotes on similar packages and use these to try and get a bargain for yourself with one particular provider. All networks tend to be flexible at some point and the general rule is, if you don’t ask, you don’t get! IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

Attaining your national insurance (NI) number once in the UK is essential once in the UK. Overseas doctors new to the UK will not have an NI number, and wll need to appy to ensure they are taxed and paid correctly. In this article we’ll help you to arrange your NI by addressing the following questions:  What is a National Insurance number? Why do I need one? When do I apply? How do I apply? I’ve got my National Insurance number, what next? What is National Insurance?  National Insurance (NI) is a tax system in the United Kingdom paid by workers and employers for funding state benefits. It is a contributory form of insurance against illness and unemployment, and provides retirement pensions amongst other benefits. Citizens of the United Kingdom pay National Insurance contributions to become eligible for State Pension and other benefits. Why do I need a National Insurance number? A National Insurance number is a unique number assigned to an individual looking to work in the UK. You will keep the same number all of your life. Your NI number helps to make sure that the National Insurance contributions and tax you pay are properly recorded against your name.  It also acts as a reference number when communicating with the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). When can I apply? You can only apply once you are living in the UK. Once in the UK you can work for up to 12 weeks without an NI number. However, we strongly recommend applying within your first few days of moving to the UK. How do I apply? Call the National Insurance number application line on 0800 141 2075 between the hours: 8.30am - 5pm Monday - Friday The phone call will be a 5-10 minute process.  You’ll be asked some questions about why you need a National Insurance number, your background and circumstances. Following this call, you will be asked to attend an evidence of identity interview at your local job center which is followed by an email confirming the appointment. They will ask you bring as many identity original documents as you can to the interview. Examples of documents which are acceptable are: valid passport  National Identity card  residence permit or residence card including biometric immigration residency documents full birth or adoption certificate full marriage or civil partnership certificate driving licence In addition, you should provide: evidence you are in work or looking for work proof of address  *If relocating from outside the EU, you will also be asked for your residence permit. I’ve got my National Insurance number, what next? If you were asked to provide additional information you will need to do this by the agreed date.  If not, Jobcentre Plus will write to you and let you know whether your application was successful and what your National Insurance number is. Provide your HR or Payroll department with your National Insurance number as soon as you have it. Remember to keep the letter safe – you may need it in the future. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.             

Islam is the second-largest religion in the UK, with the Muslim community reaching some 2.8 million people. Britain is home to one of the most diverse Muslim communities in the world. With such rich diversity, mosques/masjids and prayer rooms can be found in every corner of the country.  Muslim communities can be found across the UK, and are represented in all areas of British economic, cultural, political and working life. The NHS has a tradition of encouraging faith or religion to be expressed, with prayer rooms and chaplains provided in every trust across the UK. The MuslimsInBritain.org website provides a directory of all UK and Ireland masjids/mosques, these are provided in list, Google Maps, SatNav and smart-phone formats.  The website is intended primarily for people looking for a masjid when in an unfamiliar area. But you can use it to find your closest masjid/mosque.  You can also find excellent information on the British Muslim community from The Muslim Council of Britain.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

It is great to hear first-hand from overseas doctors the main reasons why they have enjoyed their move and quickly settled into life in the UK. We enjoyed them so much that we have put together some of the best reasons to move to the UK (although there are hundreds!) 8. Culture The UK is bursting with art and culture! Cultural diversity is the backbone of British life with workplaces and communities embracing diversity. The UK also has some of the greatest museums, art galleries, music venues, sporting events and theatres that the world has to offer. British culture has its roots in its people who live across its four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each one has its own traditions and customs to explore and get involved in, everyone is welcome to join the fun! Culture vultures certainly won’t be disappointed!  7. Multicultural The UK is truly multicultural, welcoming people from all over the world and embracing diversity. There are over 300 languages spoken in London alone, it can be said that the capital city of London is the most culturally diverse city in the world. It isn’t just London, everywhere you turn the country celebrates and embraces its multiculturalism. From Glasgow to Leeds and Birmingham to Manchester, the UK is diverse and distinct in equal measure.  6. Healthcare Once a resident, you have access to the National Health Service (NHS) – free at the point of access for all. Britain is a world leader when it comes to healthcare, medicine and medical research. It is also home to some of the best hospitals in the world. The NHS is something that all Brits are proud of, and very grateful for, especially at times of emergency. The UK also attracts academics, researchers and medical practitioners from across the globe, making it a world class place to work. 5. Education  The UK has some of the best schools and universities in the world. Renowned universities are on offer right across the country and you would be hard pressed to find a better place to study than the UK. The UK has a reputation for word class schools, research and teaching. What better place to learn!  4. Natural world of beauty Great Britain has scenery for everyone to fall in love with. From rolling hills, sparkling lakes and lochs to snow-capped mountains, its natural beauty is astounding. Join the community of outdoors enthusiasts and go for a hike over mountains, stroll through fields and hedgerows, explore the coastline of beaches, canoe in the lakes, wild swim in the ponds and rivers, or cycle across the countryside. There truly is something for everyone to explore. 3. Finding a job Industry and services stretch across the whole country, and the UK has a huge range of jobs to offer. With demand for skilled workers increasing every year, the chances of finding employment are greatly increased. It is also a great place to work! As an IMG, you are in demand! 2. Location The UK is perfectly positioned for short trips if you want to explore Europe. With commercial airports across the whole country, ferry ports and the Eurostar train leaving from London, travelling out of the UK is easy. It can be cheap too!  1. The people  English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish, the people of the UK are renowned globally for their hospitality. A warm welcome awaits, and no doubt a dose of the Brits keen sense of sarcasm. But don’t fret, sarcasm is usually said with a smile and kind heart ;-) We look forward to welcoming you to the UK as you embark on your new career in the NHS!  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Here we take a look at an essential document for any Pakistani doctor looking to work outside of the country – the Pakistani Protector Stamp. In this article we will look at what exactly the protector stamp is and consider the following topics: What is the Pakistani Protector Stamp? Do I need the Protector Stamp? Life Insurance How do I get my passport stamped? Documents you will need The process I have my protector stamp. What happens next? What is a Pakistani Protector Stamp?  The protector stamp is an actual passport stamp given to any Pakistani travelling abroad on a work visa. It is an official Pakistani government requirement and without the protector stamp you will not be allowed to travel.  In addition to allowing you to work abroad, it will also cover you for life insurance, with the person you nominate receiving one million Pakistani rupees in such an event.  Do I need the Protector Stamp? Every intending emigrant is legally bound to get their foreign service agreement protected from the concerned Protectorate of Emigrants (PE) office in Pakistan. It is important to remember that the protector stamp is needed alongside your offer of employment and your visa. Visits to the UK for leisure or PLAB 2 do not require the Pakistani Protector Stamp. As well as granting you access to work overseas, the Pakistani Protector Stamp will also cover you for life insurance to a figure of PKR 1,000,000 Life Insurance: Whilst life insurance is an obvious perk, you do have to pay for it. You will be required to deposit PKR 2,500 to cover life risk for a sum of PKR 1,000,000. This insurance is valid for five years. There are also a number of other benefits that come once your life insurance and protector stamp are in place, you can read through them on the Pakistani Government website here. How do I get my passport stamped? You will need to attend an appointment at your local Protectorate Office in order to receive the stamp.  The process of getting your Pakistani Protector Stamp can be a little arduous. Specific documents are required and be prepared to spend up to one whole day completing the process. Documents you will need: Your Visa work permit Contract or a conditional offer of employment from the UK employer Pakistani passport Pakistani CNIC (Computerised National Identity Card) Next of kin information (including CNIC for recipient of insurance compensation) Medical report Bank challan receipts Life insurance  Undertaking form One passport photo Please note, until very recently NICOP was an essential document for this process as well. There has been a little confusion over this recently so if you have a card already, it does not hurt to bring this along with you. It is best to make any copies of your documents in prior to attending your local Protectorate Office, it will help you avoid any delays once you are there and make for a smoother process. The Process  Attend your local Protectorate Office early in the morning with the original copies of your documents. You can find your local office here. The main reception will direct you to a window to show the checking officer your CNIC, passport and the copy of your UK visa.  As soon as your visa copy is signed, you will need to take this and the rest of your documents to the next window to submit the rest of your documents.  Once these are ready you can expect to wait a few hours until your passport is stamped. I have my Protector Stamp. What happens next? You need to have your passport stamped once you have a job offer and work visa, so this should be one of the last steps before relocating.  Once your passport is stamped you will be cleared to work outside of Pakistan and begin your journey in the UK! IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

As we continue on our journey through UK Life & Culture we land on one of IMG Connects favorite topics of all – Sport! Britain most definitely is a sporting nation and with events running throughout the whole year there are so many amazing events for IMGs to enjoy once living in the UK – no matter where you live.  So what are our 6 must-see British Sporting events? Let’s find out….. The British invented many of the sports we find popular in the world today including football, rugby, cricket, golf, badminton, field hockey, tennis, table tennis, snooker, curling and darts to name just a few!  Football - English & Scottish Premier Leagues When: August to May Where: Throughout the UK Like the rest of the world, football is huge in the UK and with more big teams than ever challenging for the championship, it is a hugely exciting time to watch British football. Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham represent the biggest clubs in England but with Leicester City winning the title in 2016 anything is possible! The Scots are no less passionate about their brand of the game and this year sees the big two of the biggest clubs in Britain, Rangers and Celtic, go head-to-head for the Scottish title once more. Did you know? The 2018/19 English Premiership season broke records. Both Liverpool and Manchester City were outstanding with City pipping Liverpool to the title on the final day of the season. In the end, Liverpool broke the record for highest points scored for a runner-up. Cricket & ICC Cricket World Cup When: Throughout the summer and World Cup from May to July Where: Throughout the UK The quintessentially English sport of Cricket has captivated the world and is hugely popular in nations such as India, Pakistan, Australia and Sri Lanka to name a few. Whether its 20/20, one day tests or a full test match there are so many great Cricket matches to attend in the UK, each a great day out with friends or family.  2019 is a special year for cricket in the UK, as it welcomes the 12th Edition of the Cricket World Cup. It will be hosted by England and Wales from May to July - two and a half months of amazing one-day internationals. Whilst many teams are in contention, many see England, India and Pakistan as the three favorites to win the World Cup. Did you know? It is thought that cricket may have its origins with shepherds in England who devised the game as a way of passing the time while guarding their sheep. Tennis & Wimbledon When: July  Where: London Wimbledon is famous the world over for its grass Grand Slam event held in South West London. Producing some of the best tennis matches and rivalries across generations, from McEnroe v Carter, Steffi Graff v Monica Sales or Nadal v Federer, Wimbledon has produced some truly magical moments in Tennis history. Some of the world’s biggest celebrities go to Wimbledon every year and it is very hard to get tickets for centre court! That being said, watching with the crowds in Wimbledon on Murray Mound is quite a buzz. Did you know? Serena Williams and Roger Federer are comfortably the most successful tennis players that the sport has seen. This year, Williams is vying for her 8th Wimbledon title whilst Federer is going for his 9th! Snooker & World Snooker Championship When: April to May Where: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield The World Snooker Championship is the leading snooker tournament in terms of prestige and prize money. Ever since 1977 it has been played at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, a beautiful part of the UK. This is a huge event for any snooker fan and is always a tense yet enjoyable two weeks of snooker - one which we would most definitely recommend to any IMGs coming to the UK! Did you know? The first World Snooker Championship was held in 1927 and won by Joe Davis who won every single championship following, until he retired 15 years later!  That kind of domination does not exist today but keep an eye on Zhou Xingtong, a rising star and the ‘Roger Federer’ of snooker. Athletics and London Marathon When: London Where: April Whether running or spectating, this is an amazing event to attend if you’re in London this summer. Starting in Blackheath and finishing in The Mall alongside the beautiful St James’ Park, the course spans 42 kilometres and takes you through many amazing parts of London. Expect the race to pass many of London’s most famous landmarks, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London, whilst encircling the River Thames throughout.  Whilst raising huge amounts of money for charity every year it also offers a fun day out for the family, even if you’re not running. IMG Connect are big London Marathon fans and slowly plucking up the courage to run one year (watch this space!). Did you know? Every year more than 40,000 people run the 26-mile marathon course and in 2018 a record-breaking £63.7 million was raised for charity, breaking global fundraising records for a single event! Six Nations Rugby Where: The six nations championship is an annual Rugby Union tournament played between the national teams of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy.  When; between February & March An amazing, full-blooded and passionate sport – rugby is a sight to behold when watched live with giants running around the pitch hitting each other at full pelt! Perhaps not a game to play for the faint-hearted, but a great one to watch. With all fans mixed together and with a very warm and welcoming atmosphere among fans, this is a lovely day out for family and kids. Did you know? The average weight of a six nations England player is 105kg! Or just under 16 stone if you’re using the imperial system like a true Brit. So, there we have it, just a small selection of the diverse sports that make up our British sporting cultural landscape.   P.S. any hockey or golf fans, sorry I missed you out! IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. 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It is true that the UK is a weird and quirky place at times. But there are some myths about the UK that we have been asked about by overseas doctors (IMGs) that really should be ignored. Here are some of the most common… 5. The food is bland and horrible.  Wrong! Not only does the UK have some of the best chefs in the world it also boasts restaurants inspired by immigration and world cuisine. Ok, back in the 80’s it might not have been anything to shout about, but things have changed rapidly.  Don’t just take our word for it, try the many Michelin starred restaurants or street food festivals and let your taste buds do the talking.  4. It never stops raining!  Wrong! Ok, well mostly wrong. Whatever you think of the British weather, it definitely is unique! Fascinating and frustrating, we love nothing more than to talk about the weather, and when you have been here for more than a day, you will join the daily discussion. As an island, we get the best and worst of weather, at least it isn’t boring! In fact, it is glorious!  3. Everyone speaks with a cockney accent.  Wrong! We might not be the biggest country in the world, but the cultural diversity is immense. Cockney might be the famous accent everyone knows from the movies, and let’s face it, it is fantastic, but from village to village, and region to region, everyone has their own way of saying things. The British accents woo the world, and define its people by pinpointing everyone to the nearest postcode. Centuries of immigration bringing wonderful accents from across the globe, which when coupled with Scots, Welsh, English and Northern Irish accents create a warm linguistic soundscape.  2. All Scottish people wear Kilts.  Wrong! Whilst everyone loves to see a Scotsman or Scotswoman in a Kilt, most Scots only wear this traditional outfit for special occasions, like Weddings or Burns Night. That said, the Scots are a stylish bunch and you can wear a kilt any day of the year!  1. Nobody speaks to each other on the London Underground (Tube).  This one might be a little true....but don’t fret! Londoners, like the rest of the Brits, are a welcoming bunch, and will chat with you over a cup of tea or a beer ;) IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.