Recognised qualifications, endless potential
For European-qualified anatomical pathologists, transitioning to the NHS is now smoother than ever. Recognition of specialist qualifications from EEA countries means that most anatomical pathologists can register with the GMC and work as histopathology consultants in the UK. However, it’s not just about recognition; understanding the NHS’s unique approach to pathology can make a significant difference for those making the move.
This series explores the evolution of NHS pathology services, beginning with the Carter Review, which catalysed key changes in UK histopathology. We’ll dive into the practical impact on subspecialisation, digital pathology, and NHS networks, mapping how these changes could shape your NHS experience.
The Carter Review - a catalyst for modernising NHS pathology
In 2008, the UK government commissioned the Carter Review, a significant report aimed at transforming pathology services in the NHS. Led by Lord Carter of Coles, the review highlighted areas for improvement, pushing for efficient, cost-effective, and patient-centred pathology services. For European pathologists joining the NHS, understanding these reforms provides valuable context for today’s NHS setup.
Here’s a look at the key reforms and why they matter:
Centralisation of Pathology Services - centralising pathology services into regional labs, instead of maintaining many smaller units, was one of the Carter Review's foundational recommendations. This shift aimed to reduce duplicate work, improve quality control, and facilitate better investment in advanced equipment for enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
Emphasis on Digital Pathology - digital pathology was a major focus and something most pathologists get excited about! Digital platforms streamline histopathology workflows, enabling faster reporting, reducing storage needs, and allowing for easier peer reviews. The UK is currently one of the most digitally developed pathology systems in Europe—a potential game-changer for those accustomed to more traditional setups.
Standardised Processes and Reporting - the Carter Review recommended standardised protocols to ensure uniformity across NHS services. With a more consistent approach to diagnostics, patients receive equitable care, regardless of which hospital they attend, and what laboratory their biopsy gets sent to. This also aligns with the Royal College’s points-based system which is designed to support system-wide adoption of best practices. You can read more about the RCPath Points based-system here.
Optimising Workforce Efficiency - the review recognized the importance of a balanced, efficient workforce, advocating for an increased role for biomedical scientists (BMS) to relieve histopathologists, allowing them to focus on complex cases. This support system is crucial in reducing diagnostic backlogs and improving patient outcomes.
Building Clinical Networks for Subspecialisation - recognising the benefits of subspecialisation, the review encouraged collaboration across clinical networks. With centralised hubs, referrals to subspecialist pathologists are more efficient, improving access to expert diagnostics, especially for rare or complex cases.
The Modern NHS - so what can a European (EEA) pathologist expect?
In the years following the Carter Review, the NHS has made strides toward a more digital, centralised, and specialised pathology landscape. While some regions are more advanced in implementing these changes, the NHS’s commitment to modernisation is clear. For European pathologists, this means:
A digitalised workspace - NHS laboratories now offer state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, providing opportunities for remote working, enhanced workflows, and digital archiving.
Opportunities for subspecialisation - pathologists can increasingly specialise in one, two, or three specific organ systems or pathology subspecialties, supported by an efficient referral network not just in their laboratory, but in their regional (and national) network.
Job security and flexible working conditions - with high demand and ongoing recruitment needs, NHS consultants enjoy secure employment with the flexibility to work from home as digital systems continue to advance.
Competitive compensation - recent updates to NHS consultant pay scales have increased earning potential, making the NHS an attractive option for European-trained histopathologists. Here you can find the NHS pay circulars, and here we discuss their comparison with other European healthcare systems, focusing on the consultant pay in particular. With pay in the NHS now far higher than many other European countries, its a great moment to take that step upwards into the NHS and UK pathology sector.
Joining the Digital NHS Landscape
If you’re a European pathologist interested in joining the NHS, now is the time to explore your options. The UK welcomes EEA-qualified pathologists to contribute to a healthcare system embracing innovation and collaboration. If you're curious about GMC registration or how your experience could translate to NHS practice, reach out to IMG Connect to discover how you can step into a modernised, supportive, and specialised NHS environment. Alternatively, you can read through our Route to the UK blog for Pathologists blog published on our IMG Library.
Whether you’re ready to make the move or just starting to explore the possibilities, the NHS offers a promising, high salaried, digitally integrated, and patient-centred future for European-trained anatomical pathologists
Many overseas pathologists wonder how UK reporting patterns are structured within the NHS. One of the key benefits of working as a histopathologist in the NHS is the use of the RCPath points system. But what does this actually mean?
What is the RCPath Points System?
The RCPath points system is used by the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) in the UK to measure the workload of pathologists. The system assigns points to different activities based on their complexity and the time required to complete them. This helps in workload planning and ensures that tasks are distributed fairly among pathologists. You can read more about the points system via the RCPath publicised document here.
Here's a summary of some key features, focusing on histopathology, cytology, and autopsy practice. You can also find the most recent updates on this via the RCPath website here.
1 - 5 Minutes
1 Point
6 - 10 Minutes
2 Points
11 - 20 Minutes
3 Points
21 - 30 Minutes
5 Points
31 - 50 Minutes
8 Points
> 50 Minutes
12 Points
Points Allocation:
Histopathology: Different types of specimens are assigned specific points based on the complexity of the examination. For example, simple biopsies might be assigned fewer points, while complex surgical resections would have higher points.
Cytopathology: Points are allocated based on the type of cytology specimen, such as fine needle aspirations or exfoliative cytology.
Post-Mortem Examinations: Autopsies are assigned points depending on the type (e.g., routine or complex cases).
Workload Management:
Daily/Weekly Limits: The system sets recommended daily or weekly points totals to prevent overworking and ensure manageable workloads.
Job Planning: Pathologists' job plans are often based on achieving a certain number of points per session or week, balancing clinical duties with other responsibilities like teaching or research.
Fair Distribution:
The system aims to distribute cases evenly among pathologists by assigning points based on workload rather than just the number of cases. This helps maintain fairness within pathology departments.
Adjustments:
Complex Cases: Cases requiring additional time or expertise, such as those needing second opinions or further testing, may have adjusted points.
Special Circumstances: Adjustments can also be made for special circumstances, such as when pathologists are in training or dealing with new techniques.
What is the Purpose and Benefit of the RCPath Points System?
Ultimately, every decision in the NHS is made with the aim of improving patient experience and care—a central theme of all work within the NHS.
The RCPath points system benefits patient outcomes in the following ways:
Standardisation of Reports and Quality: Provides a standardised way to measure and compare workloads across different institutions and pathologists.
Efficiency of Reporting and Staff Workload: Helps in resource allocation, ensuring that pathologists are not overburdened and that the quality of work is maintained.
Transparency Among Colleagues: Offers transparency in workload expectations and aids in discussions around job planning and workload distribution.
The RCPath points system is a structured approach to ensuring that pathologists’ workloads are balanced, manageable, and fair, contributing to better patient care and job satisfaction.
If you would like to read more about how staffing and workload for pathology departments are assessed and managed by the Royal College, an updated version of the RCPath Best Practice Recommendations is due for publication soon.
Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
FRCPath Part 1 Online
In response to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royal College of Pathologists has continued to offer the FRCPath Part 1 exams online. This includes FRCPath Part 1 in Histopathology, Haematology, and Microbiology.
This means that FRCPath Part 1 can be taken from the comfort of your own home. This development allows the College to continue offering the FRCPath Part 1 exam to both UK trainees and overseas pathologists.
Please note that the delivery of FRCPath Part 2 remains offline, with examinations being conducted in person.
FRCPath Part 1 Delivery
The format of the Part 1 exam remains unchanged – 125 SBA (single best answer) and EMQs (extended matching questions) which aim to assess the candidate's overall knowledge and understanding of histo/cytopathology, basic science underpinning pathology (including microbiology), and full understanding of autopsy practices undertaken in an NHS District General Hospital.
FRCPath Part 2 is available in multiple overseas centres; in Irbid, Jordan, Cairo, Egypt or Dubai, UAE. These centres will be offered on an annual basis in either Spring or Autumn session subject to there being sufficient candidates to run the centre.
All other Diploma practical, Part 1 practical and Part 2 examinations can only be taken in the UK
The online exam is delivered through a company called TestReach.
Candidates will have the opportunity to trial the examination software before the exam to familiarise themselves with it ahead of time. The TestReach system is fully proctored, and candidates will need to complete both an IT systems and environment check before the exam. These checks will ensure that candidates' devices are suitable for the exam and that they are in an environment that satisfies exam conditions, i.e., where they do not have access to textbooks or other revision materials.
For more information on the online examination, see the College website here, or read their FAQs here.
How to Apply
The application window for the Autumn 2024 sitting of the FRCPath Part 1 exam will open at the end of July and close in mid-September. While the examination date has yet to be finalized, candidates are advised to apply early and may withdraw their place for a refund if the examination date is unsuitable.
The cost of the exam is £700. For up-to-date information on exam and application dates, keep an eye on the College website here.
For more information on FRCPath in Histopathology, take a look at our collection of articles and blogs here, where we explore the full examination suite, including a detailed look at the structure and format, fees, preparation, and resources.
If you are looking for general information that any overseas doctors might need to know, check out our IMG Resources library.
We hope this is helpful for any overseas doctors preparing to sit their FRCPath Part 1 exam, and the team here at IMG Connect wish you the best of luck!
Don’t forget to share your progress and successes with us using the hashtag #imgstories on social media. We love to hear from you.
Join the online histopathology community – connect with like-minded histopathologists and dedicated pathology recruiters in the IMG Histopathologists Facebook group.
For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things histopathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:
The MRCPsych exams can be overwhelming for overseas Psychiatrists and UK trainees alike.
Where do you turn for study materials? How do you prepare for the exams? What are the exams dates and fees? Where can I sit the exam? How can I find support online?
In this blog we will explore MRCPsych Paper B and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, taking a detailed look at the following topics:
An overview of MRCPsych
What is MRCPsych Paper B?
How is the exam structured and marked?
Am I eligible to sit this exam?
As an international psychiatrist, when and where can I sit the exam?
Where and how do I apply?
How much will the exam cost?
What is the best way to prepare for MRCPsych B?
#IMG Tips
Passed? What next?
Skip to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
An overview of MRCPsych
The MRCPsych exams are the central components of psychiatry training in the UK. The examination series is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills needed for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.
For IMGs taking this route, full MRCPsych satisfies the postgraduate requirements for full GMC registration.
The exams within the series are as follows:
MRCPsych Paper A
MRCPsych Paper B
MRCPsych CASC
For a more general overview of the MRCPsych examinations via our IMG Resources, please click here.
MRCPsych Paper B
Paper B is a three-hour written exam which asses critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry.
Each questions is worth 150 marks, comprised of 150 questions:
One third - critical review
Two thirds - clinical topics
Exam structure and marking
Paper B will cover the following sections of the syllabus:
Organisation and Delivery of Psychiatric Services
General Adult Psychiatry
Old Age Psychiatry
Psychotherapy
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Substance Misuse/Addictions
Forensic Psychiatry
Psychiatry of Learning Disability
Critical Review
In Paper B, the percentage split, and marks allocation for the 150-mark exam will be approximately:
Eligibility
Trainees from any country in the world can sit the MRCPsych Examinations providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.
You are eligible to sit Paper B if you are a fully registered medical practitioner. It is also recommended that you have 12 months experience in Psychiatry before attempting Paper B.
Exam locations and dates
Since the Pandemic, commencing from 2021, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has made the decision to move all MRCPsych exams online and will remain this way for the forseeable future. This means you can sit the MRCPsych exams from your home country with submission and preparation details available on the Royal College website.
This change makes it much easier for international psychiatrists to complete their Royal College exams and work towards GMC registration within a normal timeframe and with reduced disruptions.
Exams are usually held three times a year – you will find the most up-to-date information on exam and application dates on the Royal College website.
Applications
To apply you’ll need to complete the Royal College online application form. The form is only available during the published application dates and must be submitted prior to the closing date. If you miss the cut-off date, your application will not be considered.
For new overseas candidates, you will need to register for a Royal College login first.
You will need to provide the following:
Personal details
Primary Medical Qualifications & Registration
Training
Written paper selection
Fees
At the end of your application, you will be directed to an online payment system where you can pay by credit or debit card, so make sure you have your details ready.
Once your application is complete you will receive two confirmation emails, one to confirm receipt of the application and one to confirm the payment has been received.
See below for MRCPsych Paper B fees for 2024:
PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £496
Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres) - £550
Preparation
With lots of materials online, we have discussed with our community of international psychiatrists as to the best resources and materials relating to the exams. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:
Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.
Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B, candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B critical review - evidence-based practice syllabic content, available here.
Sample Papers: These will help you polish your exam techniques and are a good way to regularly benchmark your knowledge against the syllabus. Additionally, they will help you work quickly on the day as you will already know what to expect. The samples can be found here.
Marking schemes: Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is worked, so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. These can be accessed here.
Sample exam: These can help you understand the exact format of the exam and to familiarise yourself with the online exam environment. This is available here, you'll need scroll down to see 'Taking Papers A and B onine: Sample Exam'.
Online exam guidance: Detailed guidance written specifically to guide candidates in preparing for an sitting an online exam, including technology checks and timings. The guidance can be accessed here.
The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful resource to help you to get over the first steps. This is available here.
#IMG Tips
Start your revision early – preparation is key, and what better way to avoid last-minute stress?
Choose the best resources for you – whether it’s the Royal College materials, online courses or flash cards, try to figure out what works best for you.
Join our online support community – why not be part of a community of like-minded psychiatrists and MRCPsych aspirants? Join IMG Connect on social media for a place to ask questions and share resources.
Passed? What next?
Now that you have passed Paper A and B you are now eligible to sit the CASC exam. For more information take a look at our blog we will explore MRCPsych CASC and everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, including syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.
For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library.
In this blog, we’ll be covering some of the key aspects of the CASC exams, as well as introducing you to the team at PassTheCASC, an online learning and resource platform for MRCPsych CASC aspirants. We will be covering:
What is MRCPsych CASC?
Why does MRCPsych CASC Matter?
What resources are available?
The 3-Keys
Tutorial Examples
CASC Simulator
What is MRCPsych CASC?
Let’s begin with a quick recap of the CASC exam. The Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies or CASC is a practical exam which takes the format of an OSCE and tests your clinical skills in a range of competencies.
It is made up of two circuits of individual stations made up of:
Five stations on history taking, including risk assessment
Five stations on examination, including physical and mental state
Six stations on patient management
For full guidance on the structure of the exam, visit the examination page of the Royal College website or see our detailed blog on the MRCPsych CASC exam here.
Getting started with preparation
It can be tough to know the best place to start, psychiatry consultants (both IMGs and UK trainees) as well as the team at PassTheCASC, it seems the general consensus was that the Royal College website is the best place to begin. There are some great resources on their website to help applicants prepare for the exam.
Why does MRCPsych CASC Matter?
The value of holding MRCPsych CASC cannot be understated, serving as both a symbol of your medical competence as a psychiatrist and giving you a competitive edge in the NHS job market. Attaining full MRCPsych demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to provide high-quality care to patients. To secure and work in an NHS job at the Speciality Doctor grade, and above, many NHS Trusts will list MRCPsych CASC as essential criteria.
MRCPsych also provides a stepping stone for further specialist training and can significantly enhance career prospects for international psychiatrists, more easily facilitating entry into more senior positions in the NHS, such as speciality doctor, the new specialist grade and consultant roles.
What resources are available?
IMG Connect have a library of written resources geared towards preparation for the CASC exam. If you’re interested in any of these, please get in touch here and we would be delighted to share these with you.
IMG Psychiatrists MRCPsych CASC Crash Course
This is a tailored MRCPsych CASC course for overseas psychiatrists sitting the CASC exam. This course offers weekly sessions covering the entire exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is accompanied by small group role-play sessions to allow IMGs to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors.
The course is supplemented by additional advice and guidance on MRCPsych CASC as a whole, GMC registration support, as well as guidance and webinars on other topics such as finding work in the NHS, relocation support and specialist registration.
You can access our IMG Psychiatrists CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here.
Partnering with PassTheCASC
As an exciting development in our provision of medical education, IMG Connect and PassTheCASC have forged a partnership to offer extensive support to overseas doctors preparing for the MRCPsych CASC exams. This collaboration aims to ensure your exam success through a series of exam-focused training videos and continuously evolving and up-to-date revision resources to keep pace with the demands of the MRCPsych CASC exams, along with discounts on revision course subscriptions.
The 3-Keys
Consistency! In order to pass the MRCPsych CASC you must be consistent in your performance across all 16 stations.
We believe that consistency is unlocked with mastering ‘The 3-Keys’: Knowing Your Exam-self (Optimising your mindset), Knowing the Exam (Mastering your exam-technique) and Knowing the Subject.
Watch Dr. Mishra in an excerpt from Key 1: Know your Exam-self.
Tutorial Examples
All of the PassTheCASC videos are accompanied by a related audio-visual tutorial revealing the succinct structure, relevant phrases, core clinical knowledge and key advice to ensure you excel in every station.
There are over 20 related Tutorials from Pass The CASC for candidates to learn with confidence for free on YouTube.
Remember, while this study plan serves as a roadmap, you should adapt it to suit your personal learning style and pace e.g., time available to prepare and external commitments. The aim is to ensure comprehensive understanding and effective retention of knowledge.
CASC Simulator
Structure building! The ability to create and conduct a structured interview is critical for any candidate aiming to pass their MRCPsych CASC. The ‘CASC Simulator’ is specifically designed to help subscribers accelerate their development of this fundamental skill.
PassTheCASC - Your Companion in Success
Dr. Mrigank Mishra MBChB, MRCPsych, Dip CBT, the founder and owner of PassTheCASC.
Mrigank is a UK trained Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist and University College London MRCPsych CASC course lecturer. He also holds a Diploma in Cognitive Therapy from the University of Oxford. His special interest is CASC teaching and in 2010 created the Complete Online MRCPsych CASC Revision Course: Pass the CASC.
All stations are conducted by Dr. Mishra, so unlike any other MRCPsych CASC course available, teaches a proven, consistent and systematic exam technique that can be applied across the wide range of scenarios encountered in the CASC. He also demonstrates the key Communication Skills assessed by examiners in every station.
Dr. Uppal (West Midlands Deanery), a satisfied user, shared her experience:
“I passed the CASC on my first attempt! I purchased Pass the CASC 3 weeks before the exam and it was my main source of revision. I wanted to thank Dr. Mishra and the team as I found the exam questions very similar to those discussed in the videos. I scored nearly 80% having passed 14 stations!”
Your Future Awaits
With your career goals within reach, embark on your journey towards conquering the MRCPsych CASC exams by subscribing to PassTheCASC. Utilise their resources and watch your preparation transform into success!
For a walkthrough of the PassMRCPsych platform and resources, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the MRCPsych, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
I've passed, what’s next?
Once you’ve passed MRCPsych CASC, you’ve completed the Royal College of Psychiatrists examination suite. Great stuff, this is a massive achievement! Armed with this and your English language test, you are ready to apply for full GMC registration with license to practice.
You may want to start looking for NHS jobs and with the click of a button, you can receive them directly to your inbox. To receive jobs postings which you can tailor to your desired grade, specialty and sub-specialism, sign up here.
As we anticipate the Royal College of Psychiatrists New Member's Ceremony for this year, let's explore what awaits attendees on this auspicious occasion!
As the new members assemble in the prestigious hall, they are met with enthusiastic applause and friendly faces. The ceremony commences with a captivating address by the president, establishing the ambience for the evening. Following this, the ceremony officially begins with a warm welcome from the president, followed by enlightening speeches from distinguished figures within the field.
Throughout the ceremony, voices from diverse specialities unite to honour the achievements of the latest additions to the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It's a jubilant affair, marked by inspirational narratives, heartfelt speeches, and a palpable sense of solidarity that fills the room. The event serves as a grand showcase, spotlighting the accomplishments and contributions of the newest members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
A pivotal moment of the ceremony is the presentation of certificates to the new members, symbolizing their dedication and perseverance. It's a proud moment not only for the individuals themselves but also for their families, whose unwavering support has been integral to their success. Upon attaining membership in the Royal College of Psychiatrists, individuals gain access to a wealth of resources and support networks.
To qualify for membership, individuals must fulfil specific criteria, including completing their core psychiatry training and successfully passing relevant examinations
Sources
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/members/rcpsych-ceremonies/new-members-ceremonies#:~:text=11%20and%2019%20October%202023%20and%201%20February%202024&text=Those%20who%20registered%20as%20Members,invited%20to%20attend%20these%20ceremonies.
Connect with us
Get in touch with us to find out more about The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ new member's event as an IMG! If you are attending, please join us on either the 21st or 28th of March or the 4th of April at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge- opposite The Royal College of Psychiatrists building, for a celebratory drink!
As the Royal College of Psychiatrists New Member's Ceremony is coming up, we wanted to delve into what you could expect on the day!
As the new members gather in the grand hall, they are greeted with warm applause and welcoming smiles. The ceremony begins with a keynote by the president, setting the tone for the evening, the ceremony then kicks off with a warm welcome by the president, followed by speeches from prominent figures in the field.
During the ceremony, voices from various specialities come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the newest members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. It is a joyous occasion filled with speeches, inspirational stories, and a sense of camaraderie that resonates throughout the room. The ceremony is a grand event that highlights the achievements and contributions of the newest members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
One of the highlights of the ceremony is the awarding of certificates to the new members. This moment serves as a tangible recognition of their hard work and commitment. It is a proud moment for both the individuals and their families, who have supported them throughout their journey. Upon becoming members of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, individuals gain access to a wide range of resources and support systems.
To be eligible for membership, individuals must meet certain criteria, including completing their core psychiatry training and passing the relevant examinations.
Sources
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/members/rcpsych-ceremonies/new-members-ceremonies#:~:text=11%20and%2019%20October%202023%20and%201%20February%202024&text=Those%20who%20registered%20as%20Members,invited%20to%20attend%20these%20ceremonies.
Connect with us
Get in touch with us to find out more about The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ new member's event as an IMG! If you are attending, please join us on either the 11th or 19th of October at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge- opposite The Royal College of Psychiatrists building, for a celebratory drink!
Understanding the status of your qualifications when registering with the GMC is critical to finding the best registration route for you and streamlining your journey to the UK and working in the NHS.
The breadth of global postgraduate oncology qualifications can confuse overseas oncologists as to the status of their qualifications in the UK. This blog aims to simplify subject, covering the following topics:
How do I register with the GMC as a European specialist?
EEA Countries
GMC-accepted EEA Primary Medical Qualifications (PMQ)
GMC-accepted EEA Specialist Qualifications
I am on the Specialist Register - what type of post can I be offered?
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.
GMC Registration for European Specialists
When applying for GMC registration, all doctors must provide evidence of sufficient skills and knowledge. For oncologists from certain European countries (those within the European Economic Area or EEA), there is a group of relevant European qualifications which are accepted as sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge to practise in the UK.
These are Primary Medical Qualifications and European Specialist qualifications which provide eligibility for Full and Specialist Registration respectively.
European Economic Area (EEA) Countries
These are the countries from which a relevant European qualification would be accepted by the GMC*:
Austria
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
Greece
Norway
Bulgaria
Hungary
Poland
Croatia
Iceland
Portugal
Cyprus
Ireland
Romania
Czech Republic
Italy
Slovakia
Denmark
Latvia
Slovenia
Estonia
Lithuania
Spain
Finland
Luxembourg
Sweden
France
Malta
Switzerland
*When determining the eligibility of your EEA qualification, it is important to check the given dates and evidence required by the GMC for acceptance.
EEA Primary Medical Qualifications
If your primary medical qualification was awarded by a medical school in an EEA country, it may be a relevant European qualification. Oncologists with an EEA PMQ are eligible for full GMC registration with licence to practise.
You can find out whether your PMQ is eligible and what qualifications and evidence you need to send to the GMC to support your application here or by selecting your country from the table above.
EEA Specialist Qualifications
If your specialist qualification was awarded after the completion of an EEA training programme, it may also be a relevant European qualification. Oncologists with an EEA specialist qualification are eligible for direct entry to the GMC’s Specialist Register.
You can find out whether your European Specialist Qualification is eligible by searching for oncology within this list and checking whether your country’s evidence is accepted (if your country’s field is blank for oncology, your qualification would not be accepted for Specialist Registration).
You can then check what qualifications and evidence you need to send to the GMC to support your application here or by selecting your country from the table above.
NHS Posts for European Oncologists on the Specialist Register
The NHS post you would be eligible for as a European oncologist would be dependent on your level of experience with your postgraduate qualifications taken into account.
If you are on the Specialist Register for clinical or medical oncology, you are eligible fo substantive consultant positions in the NHS - meaning you can be offered a permanent consultant contract to work in the NHS.
Without GMC Specialist Registration, you can still work as a locum consultant on a fixed-term contract, and attain Specialist Registration via the CESR Portfolio Pathway.
Oncology Consultants are in high demand in the UK, and thus command competitive rates of pay.
As a Consultant Oncologist, the pay you will earn can be broken down as follows:
Basic salary for 40 hours per week or 10 PAs (programmed activities)
Pay for additional hours worked
37% premium for night hours worked
Weekend allowance for hours worked
On-call allowance
There are also other wage premiums that may be offered.
You can find the latest pay scales for NHS Consultants across the UK here.
Please use these pay scales as a guide, but bear in mind that you may be eligible for a different rate of pay than stated, based on experience and/or demand. It is therefore worth checking what you may be entitled to with your IMG Consultant.
Sources
https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/eea-countries
IMG Connect are here to help
We hope this helps to clear up any doubts around registering to work in the UK as an EEA oncologist and securing an NHS post.
Get in touch with our oncology team if you have any further questions regarding EEA entry to the NHS, CESR or oncology in the NHS more broadly.
Guest blog, written by Dr Jon Turvey, Core Psychiatry Trainee, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Dreams of providing quality psychiatric care within the dynamic medical landscape of a job in the NHS, often lead overseas psychiatrists from healthcare systems around the world to embark on the journey towards Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych).
As a crucial milestone on the path to a career in psychiatry within the UK, the MRCPsych examinations provide an internationally recognised credential that sets the bar for clinical excellence, comprehensive medical knowledge and training, and confident decision-making skills in the field.
In this blog, we’ll be covering some of the key aspects of the Paper A and B exams, as well as introducing you to PassMRCPsych, an online learning and resources platform for MRCPsych aspirants, summarised in the headings below:
Why does MRCPsych matter?
An overview of MRCPsych Paper A
Unpacking MRCPsych Paper B
IMG Psychiatrists partners with PassMRCPsych
Mapping your MRCPsych journey
Using PassMRCPsych for exam success
Why does MRCPsych Matter?
The value of holding MRCPsych cannot be understated, serving as both a symbol of your medical competence as a psychiatrist and giving you a competitive edge in the NHS job market. Attaining full MRCPsych demonstrates to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to provide high-quality care to patients.
MRCPsych also provides a steppingstone for further specialist training and can significantly enhance career prospects for international psychiatrists, more easily facilitating entry into more senior positions in the NHS, such as specialty doctor, the new specialist grade and consultant roles.
An overview of MRCPsych Paper A
Paper A is a written exam comprising 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and extended-matching questions (EMQs), sat over 3 hours and now held online, through test centres. Paper A forms the foundation of the MRCPsych and focuses on the basic sciences that underline psychiatric practice. It touches on areas such as neurosciences, psychology, and social sciences, which are the cornerstone of psychiatry and set the scene for more advanced topics.
The average pass mark is typically around 60-70%, although this varies slightly depending on the difficulty of the paper for each diet. As per the latest statistics from the Royal College website, approximately 65% of candidates pass Paper A each diet.
You can find a detailed breakdown of the Paper A exam here.
Unpacking MRCPsych Paper B
Similarly to Paper A, Paper B comprises 150 MCQs and EMQs sat over 3 hours through a remote test centre. Paper B requires an understanding of more nuanced clinical topics like psychopathology, treatment protocols, and management strategies for psychiatric disorders. It's about applying your foundational knowledge to real-world scenarios and demonstrating effective clinical decision-making.
For Paper B, the average pass mark usually ranges around 65-70%, with a pass rate of approximately 60%.
See here for an in-depth overview of the Paper B exam.
Partnering with PassMRCPsych
As an exciting development in our provision of medical education, IMG Connect and PassMRCPsych have forged a partnership to offer extensive support to overseas doctors preparing for the MRCPsych exams. This collaboration aims to ensure your exam success through a series of exam-focused webinars and a continuously evolving and up-to-date revision resource to keep pace with the demands of the MRCPsych exams, along with discounts on revision course subscriptions.
Mapping Your Journey: A 4-Month Study Plan
Navigating the MRCPsych exams is no easy feat. It demands rigorous and methodical preparation for UK trainees and IMGs alike. Here's a 4-month study plan for each exam to keep your preparation on track:
Month 1: Get to Grips with the Syllabus - Familiarise yourself with the syllabus and identify key areas that you need to focus on (these may be areas you are less familiar with or those not covered by your current practice). Use this month to dive into the revision notes on PassMRCPsych. Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group for access to Paper A and Paper B study courses to support your study alongside your PassMRCPsych resources.
Month 2: Deep Dive into Topics - In this month, start working on each topic systematically. Use the revision notes to ensure you cover every aspect and create your own short notes for quick revision closer to the exam date.
Month 3: Challenge Yourself - This is the month to test your knowledge. Attempt the MCQs in the question bank regularly. This will help you gauge your understanding and identify areas of weakness. Don’t forget to read the explanations when you get the answers wrong!
Month 4: Revise and Review - Revision is the key to retaining information. Revisit your short notes, attempt more MCQs, and make full use of the PassMRCPsych mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern. This final month should be dedicated to reinforcing your learning, particularly on topics which you need to keep in your short-term memory.
Remember, while this study plan serves as a roadmap, you should adapt it to suit your personal learning style and pace e.g., time available to prepare and external commitments. The aim is to ensure comprehensive understanding and effective retention of knowledge.
PassMRCPsych - Your Companion in Success
The seemingly vast MRCPsych syllabus might appear intimidating, but with the right guidance and resources, passing Paper A and Paper B can transform from an uphill task into an achievable goal. Here's where PassMRCPsych comes into play.
The online platform is armed with resources tailored specifically to the MRCPsych syllabus, from comprehensive revision notes that decode every topic in the syllabus, to an MCQ question bank with over 5000 questions, and mock exams providing the perfect opportunity to test your knowledge under timed conditions.
Better still, PassMRCPsych can also be used through a mobile app (on both iOS and Android), ensuring that your study materials are just a tap away and facilitating the seamless switch from studying at your desk to revising on-the-go.
It’s important to acknowledge that the MRCPsych exams come with a not insignificant cost. Understanding the financial constraints that often accompany rigorous exam preparations, PassMRCPsych offers highly competitively priced subscriptions which ensure that every aspirant, regardless of their budget, has access to top-notch preparation resources.
Dr Aisha, a satisfied user, shared her experience:
"PassMRCPsych.com was instrumental in my MRCPsych journey. The meticulous revision notes, the challenging MCQs, and the realistic mock exams provided an unparalleled learning experience. The convenience of a mobile app made it possible for me to study anywhere, anytime. And the affordable subscription didn't put a dent in my pocket while offering unparalleled resources."
Your Future Awaits
With your career goals within reach, embark on your journey towards conquering the MRCPsych exams by subscribing to PassMRCPsych for Paper A and Paper B. Utilise their exhaustive resources and mock exams, and watch your preparation transform into success!
For a walkthrough of the PassMRCPsych platform and resources, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the MRCPsych, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
Following an extensive review of its assessment strategy, the Royal College of Psychiatrists has announced changes to the delivery of the MRCPsych examinations.
MRCPsych Paper A and B will remain online for the foreseeable future, and the CASC exam will remain online for the May 2023 diet, moving back to an in-person exam from September 2023.
Online MRCPsych Written Papers
The written MRCPsych papers (Paper A and Paper B) will continue to be delivered through a test centre of your choosing (including international centres). This exciting development was of course accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling MRCPsych examinations to be delivered for both overseas doctors and UK trainees.
The structure of MRCPsych Papers A and B remains that candidates complete 150 questions. From these questions, roughly 100 are multiple choice with single answers and 50 are extended matching questions which ask a series of multiple choice questions about information in a single question stem.
The online system is straightforward, requiring only a few checks and guidelines to follow to help you make the process a success.
In-person CASC Exam
Subject to final GMC approval, from September 2023 the CASC exam will be delivered face-to-face in the UK, with international centres for face-to-face delivery set to be introduced in 2024. There will be no further online diets after May 2023.
Face-to-face delivery enables candidates to better demonstrate that they meet the key capabilities outlined in the 2022 curriculum.
After consultation with stakeholders, it was clear that the validity and reliability of the examination was of prime importance, and that face-to-face assessment is the optimal way to assess the clinical skills required for psychiatric practice.
The structure of the MRCPsych CASC exam remains unchanged - candidates complete two circuits, each of eight stations. An examiner will evaluate your performance and the invigilator would be on hand to make sure that everything runs to plan.
The September 2023 exam will be held in Sheffield, with international centres to be confirmed for 2024 onwards. If you are an overseas candidate for whom this change will delay when you will sit CASC, email the Royal College who are able to extend validity periods according to individual circumstances.
Getting started
An online application form must be completed and takes around 15 minutes. For full guidance on the application, please visit the Royal College website here.
Join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group to become part of a community of like-minded MRCPsych aspirants and dedicated psychiatry recruiters.
In the group you will find tailored resources for Psychiatry IMGs including our MRCPsych Crash Course.
This course offers weekly sessions covering the entire exam and its various domains, including marking and station requirements. This is accompanied by small group role play sessions to allow IMGs to practice stations across various scenarios with feedback on each station, delivered by an experienced NHS psychiatrist and specialist psychiatry recruiters. These sessions are completely free to all doctors.
You can access our CASC Study Course by joining the Facebook group here.
Connect with us
Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) and chat with an IMG Consultant to discuss your options for NHS roles with CESR support and start your journey towards Specialist Registration with IMG Connect.
For access to a community of like-minded psychiatry IMGs and dedicated psychiatry recruiters, join the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.
To receive the latest news and updates on all things psychiatry, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.
Vacancies for Emergency Medicine doctors from outside the UK can be found in a variety of ways, which for some doctors can sometimes be time-consuming and confusing.
Working with IMG Connect will give you easy access to vacancies for consultants, clinical fellows, registrars, specialty doctors, trust doctors, as well as LAS posts.
The IMG Connect job search is a dedicated online recruitment service for overseas doctors looking to secure a job in the NHS. View our latest Doctor Jobs in the NHS, here.
Save time and get expert advice based on your preferences
Performing a job search online can take up a lot of your time, so at IMG Connect we are here to do the time-consuming work for you. Upon registering, you will have a dedicated consultant whose role is to find jobs that match your skills, and apply for NHS jobs on your behalf.
You can receive jobs updates by E-mail to view new posts to suit your job search every day.
Create a profile – it takes 30 seconds
It really is that easy, so why not take advantage of our resources, time and energy to find you the right job in the NHS suited to your preferences. By providing us with some key details we can quickly assess which jobs are best suited to your preferences, and even email you job alerts for new exciting roles which we think will interest you!
We understand you, and our clients
When looking for an Emergency Medicine job in the NHS, it can be hard to try to find out key information before applying, such as:
What specialty specific training there will be?
Am I likely to get a training post after taking this role?
Can the trust support CESR applicants and is their CESR programme established enough for my needs?
What career progression is available for me with the Emergency Medicine Specialty?
What is the job plan and how much time will I spend on the ward?
What is it like to work and live there?
What salary will I get paid, and can I get extra pay for additional shifts?
It can be tricky to get all the answers you want before applying online, so we spend our time getting to know both our clients and you, finding out as much key information as possible to help you to make the right decisions. Including details on the Emergency Medicine department, hospital & trust, as well as an overview of what it is like to live in the area, including housing and the cost of living, as well as access to schools for your children, childcare and finding work for spouses.
Making an impact
We will also provide you with top tips on CV writing, job applications and interviews, ensuring that your application and interview makes the most impact with our NHS clients.
Making it personal
Once registered, you can quickly search and apply for NHS jobs using our job search, and take advantage of many useful articles written to support you through your journey to the UK. In addition, when you sign up to 'job alerts' we will automatically email you each time a relevant Emergency Medicine vacancy comes available that you may be interested in.
Once logged in, you can also save job details and make applications.
By registering with IMG Connect, you will:
Have a dedicated consultant who understands your preferences and will do the time-consuming job searches and applications for you.
Find your ideal NHS position among thousands of unadvertised vacancies - from consultant to registrar, or specialty doctor to SHO.
Be the first to hear about new vacancies – registering with IMG Connect means that your CV will gain priority with our NHS clients, and will be professionally represented by international recruitment experts.
To help you find a job in the NHS simply follow these easy steps:
Register with IMG Connect
Fill in the 'Personal details' section.
Arrange a chat with your dedicated IMG Consultant
Sign up to receive 'job alerts’
Search our live emergency medicine jobs
Searching for Emergency Medicine jobs in the NHS could not be easier
If you want to find out more about the many Emergency Medicine roles available within the NHS - it only takes a minute to register with IMG Connect and receive expert advice and representation. We have helped many overseas Emergency Medicine into consultant, specialty doctor, registrar, clinical fellow and staff grade NHS roles, whilst offering expert guidance to many more IMGs on NHS doctor pay, royal college qualifications and English language testing. We’d be happy to help you!
For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, 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 Brittany Meyer, a brilliant general adult psychiatrist who relocated to the UK from the US. Having completed the USMLE during her training, Brittany was able to gain full GMC registration with license to practise. She is now working in the NHS at West London Mental Health Foundation Trust, where she is making a fantastic impact on the service and wider community.
Tell us about yourself – what should the IMG community know about Brittany Meyer?
I am a US-trained psychiatrist now working as a specialty doctor in the NHS. I trained in psychiatry at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, and following training, I worked at a consultant level in an intensive outpatient treatment centre specialising in OCD and anxiety.
My academic interests include catatonia, psychosis, OCD, and teaching, and I have a special love for opportunities that allow blending the arts and humanism with medicine.
What motivated you to move to the UK?
I moved to the UK to be with my fiancé, who is a born and bred Londoner. The pandemic was a major motivator to be in the same country finally! Luckily, I have dual US-UK citizenship, so this made the move over much simpler.
How did you manage to navigate and juggle the different aspects of registration whilst working full time?
During the registration process, at which point I had moved to the UK, I worked part-time for a tele-psychiatry service located in the USA, allowing me to treat patients from abroad. This was invaluable in terms of flexibility, and it prevented my clinical skills from becoming too rusty while I waited for my licensing to be approved.
My main struggle, if anything, was having so much unfamiliar unstructured time on my hands. I strongly recommend setting out a weekly schedule for yourself if you are in a similar situation, filled with other means of staying productive and gaining a sense of accomplishment you might otherwise get from your job. It’s also important to maximize such rare time to enjoy nourishing hobbies and interests - for example I learned to watercolour and spent many mornings at the V&A museum - and in hindsight wish I had been more proactive in seeking such activities out.
How did you find a general adult psychiatry job within the NHS?
I was hoping to find an outpatient mental health team position and Ruaidhri fully facilitated the job search. When I began the registration process, I felt quite disoriented, and it was difficult to find someone who had an incentive to talk me through my options and the steps to get there.
It was only when I found IMG Connect and Ruaidhri that I felt someone was in my corner, illuminating an otherwise confusing journey and assisting with each step along the way. It was no different for the job search, when Ruaidhri deftly handled the search and communication with NHS trusts to find a position for me. I am deeply indebted to Ruaidhri for not only the logistical work he put in on my behalf, but also the moral support along the way.
Tell us about a day in the life of a general adult psychiatrist in the NHS...
Learning an entirely new system has been quite an adjustment. In addition, I am working in a model that is new to the NHS, so the system is foreign in ways I didn’t expect, for example not having the ability to order blood work or imaging, or to even prescribe anything beyond very short-term medications. The team I work with has been incredibly welcoming and have helped orient me to resources like the BNF and Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines to orient me to standard practice.
Working in the NHS can be quite chaotic, and this is an especially challenging time in terms of staffing and funding within the system, but the difference I can make in my patients’ lives is striking.
What opportunities have become available to you through your work?
I am still in the infancy of my NHS career, but I am hoping to pursue teaching opportunities, particularly around the diagnosis and management of catatonia. I have found everyone to be very supportive and willing to connect me to those who can further this.
How are you settling into life in the UK?
London is a magical space. Having access to some of the best museums, opera, theatre, restaurants and architecture in the world is a luxury. I have also loved the flexibility of being so close to other amazing places in the UK and Europe, which has allowed me to spend time in France, Spain, Italy, Wales, Northern Ireland, and more. Being able to spend a weekend in another country the way we would visit another state in the US is incredible!
I hope to eventually have a role that blends more teaching and support of trainees and medical students with clinical care. I am very excited to get married in 2023 and hopefully become a dog parent as well!
You’re of course a British citizen, is living in London what you had expected?
Yes and no! Though a British citizen, I had only lived in Scotland as a small child and spent holidays with my family in Northern Ireland growing up. So the big city - especially a walkable city - was a new experience for me! I’ve really enjoyed not owning a car and using public transport, and I’ll admit I’m still adapting to the very small stores with fewer than the usual 500 options of cereal that the US touts.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in moving to the UK?
Leaving family and friends, especially during the pandemic, was even more difficult than I expected. Not being able to have anyone visit in the first year of being in the UK was challenging. I think it is important to normalise that moving to a new place - even an incredibly exciting and vibrant place like London - can feel lonely at times, and that it is expected to have a period of transition that might not feel comfortable. However, London is feeling increasingly like home, and I have made wonderful friends since arriving.
What have you missed most about the US?
Target! Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing (for the very desperate like me, available for ten pounds at Partridge’s)! Tacos! Smiling and saying hello to strangers on the street!
Is there anything you wish you had known before you began your journey to the UK?
I wish I had found IMG Connect while living in the US so I could have prepared and submitted my application while living in the US before moving; this would have cut down on a lot of limbo time after I moved.
I also wish I had understood the CESR process for specialist registration while still in the US, as that would have allowed me to gather and anonymise patient documentation from my job there to support my CESR application; unfortunately I have now lost the right to access that documentation due to patient information protection laws. If you are considering applying for specialist registration and are still in your pre-NHS job, collect all the supporting documentation you can!
What has been your experience working with IMG Connect?
IMG Connect has been incredibly key in helping me to get licensed and find a position working as a doctor in the UK. Ruaidhri has been helpful in a multitude of ways: explaining a foreign system and where I might fit in, doing the groundwork of distributing my CV and liaising with HR departments to explore job possibilities, setting up interviews, guiding my licensing application, and supporting my appeal including with a written letter of support. I truly would not have been able to navigate this on my own - and had tried unsuccessfully before I found IMG Connect.
Do you have any tips or advice for international doctors who want to move to the UK?
I tried to seek information from a lot of different sources: forums, family friends who were practicing physicians in the UK, online blogs, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the GMC. Ultimately the most helpful resource by far was IMG Connect: both the one-on-one tailored advice, as well as their handouts that break down the ins and outs of the UK system and guide you through exactly what documents you need to collect in what order, etc., to achieve licensing. It’s such a niche process that I found the only really helpful resource to be a service that is devoted to my precise needs as an internationally-trained doctor transitioning to the UK.
Moving to live and work in the UK is a big decision to make but can be massively rewarding in many ways. International doctors have the chance to find a new home and the NHS presents an incredible opportunity for IMGs to secure rewarding jobs, progress within their fields and explore adjacent opportunities such as CESR, writing publications, teaching opportunities and research.
Whatever route an overseas doctor may take on their journey to the UK, IMG Connect is here to support them through every step and welcome them to the IMG Family.
For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below: