IMGs from any country in the world can apply for Specialist Registration, provided certain eligibility criteria are met, though there are different routes available based on a doctor’s qualifications and training.  Here we explore specialist registration in psychiatry for overseas consultant psychiatrists and specialists more closely. We’ll cover the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) in more detail, including the application process, costs, and eligibility criteria, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is Specialist Registration? What route to Specialist Registration is best for me as an overseas psychiatrist? Do I have to complete CESR before I can work in the UK? Do I need MRCPsych for Specialist Registration? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence do I need to submit for a CESR in psychiatry? How much does CESR cost? How long is the CESR application process? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Specialist Registration  Specialist registration in any specialty means that you can be appointed to a substantive (permanent) consultant position in the NHS. All psychiatrists who wish to take permanent consultant roles in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge, and experience in order to apply for Specialist Registration.   For psychiatrists, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a consultant in the NHS.   Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC and is therefore not required to practice as a psychiatrist in the UK.  Routes to Specialist Registration  There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC for specialist registration, and the type of certificate you receive depends on which training route you followed.  For overseas doctors who have completed their full training outside of a GMC-approved training programme, CESR is the route they will usually take towards attaining specialist registration. This route does not require further training, rather the submission of an application.   Doctors who have trained outside of the UK or Switzerland, but within an EEA country, will be awarded CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) after a successful specialist registration application. Specialist Certifications from across the EU are deemed as equivalent by the GMC, and therefore a straightforward application can be made. You can read more about this in the Specialist Registration section under your country on the GMC website here.  NHS Positions in the NHS without CESR  It is important to note that you can apply for more senior psychiatry roles such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or a locum consultant without being on the Specialist Register.  Similarly, overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS.  In these NHS roles, you will have better pay and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. While working in these positions, you can collect evidence of your competences, particularly those specific to the UK psychiatry curriculum.  These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  MRCPsych for Specialist Registration  Whilst it is always beneficial to complete MRCPsych, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not necessarily need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the CCT curriculum is the MRCPsych exam, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the Core Curriculum.  MRCPsych is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route.  However, if CESR applicants have not successfully completed these exams, they must provide alternative evidence that demonstrates equivalent knowledge to psychiatrists who have passed the MRCPsych exams.  Even if the competencies covered by the exam require something that someone in your position would not routinely undertake (in your sub-specialty for example), you must still provide evidence of it – as the evaluators will not make assumptions outside of the evidence presented.  CESR Equivalence Process  Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current psychiatry training programme requirements, in order to be awarded CESR.  The equivalence process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC, consisting of:  training and/or competence  skills and knowledge  The Royal College of Psychiatrists will assess each application against the relevant Curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision.  Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC. Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there.  Evidence Requirements for CESR in Psychiatry  Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in psychiatry must cover the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the General Psychiatry Curriculum, and the Advanced Module in the sub-specialty you are applying in. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your clinical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  Audit and Governance: You are required to submit evidence of your active leadership in audit, including evidence that you have completed at least one audit cycle  Currency of evidence: Your evaluators will be looking for evidence of current competency, generally defined as within the last five years. If you have completed training before this point, it is crucial that you provide evidence of maintaining competency across the whole area of the curriculum.   The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – you can find this on the GMC website here.  As a general guide, the GMC usually expects to see about 800-1200 pages of evidence, divided into four different domains, reflecting those of Good Medical Practice. The GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as shown below:  Domain 1 - Knowledge, skills, and performance  Domain 2 – Safety and quality  Domain 3 – Communication, partnership, and teamwork  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area.  The full list of evidence required for each domain can be found on the GMC website here.  The Cost of CESR Applications  All psychiatrists applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. For CESR, this fee is £1,676. For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £439.  How long does is the application process for CESR in Psychiatry?  The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.  As there is a substantial amount of evidence to gather for a CESR application, the process of preparing all the necessary documentation and applying for CESR can take even longer than this, and a typical candidate will usually set out to complete this within 1 – 3 years.  It is worth noting that more senior psychiatrists, such as consultants, are more likely to have achieved all the competences outlined in the curriculum.  The indicative period of training for a CCT in psychiatry is six years, so it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. Therefore, CESR is not suitable for more junior psychiatrists.  #IMG Tips  Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.   Gather evidence prospectively – this is much easier than retrospectively trying to pull together the evidence under additional pressures.  Make sure that your evidence is of the highest possible quality and is current – you will be assessed against the most recent curriculum.   Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the psychiatry curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Psychiatry CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain headings – organise your evidence directly into these sections to manage your progress.  Do not submit original documents – all your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier).  Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS psychiatry posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you to find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the IMG Psychiatrists community – as well as support on Royal College exams, our online community of international psychiatrists and dedicated psychiatry recruiters offers guidance on other aspects of working in the UK, including finding NHS posts and CESR.  Getting started  Many psychiatry IMGs likely haven’t completed a UK-approved training programme, but you could be eligible for Specialist Registration with the GMC via the CESR route. Take a look at our guide to CESR applications for psychiatry for more information on how to apply and what to expect.  If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.   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.              

The NHS specialty training programme for clinical oncologists is recognised around the world. The quality and depth of oncology training and career development in the UK is recognised as a gold standard across the globe, making it a major attraction for many IMGs when considering a career in the UK.  The NHS training programme for oncology trainees is regularly reviewed and updated, in keeping with advances and progression in the landscape of oncology around the world and throughout the profession.   In this article, we will explore the training pathway for clinical oncologists in the UK, covering the following topics:  What is the NHS Training Pathway? How do you enter the training pathway? What does the specialty training programme look like for clinical oncology? What happens after completing the clinical oncology training programme? Can I enter specialty training in the UK as an IMG? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  The NHS Training Pathway for Clinical Oncologists  The NHS training pathway refers to the complete programme undertaken by UK trainees, from medical school to the completion of specialist training and being awarded a CCT.  It is a good idea for overseas trainees to familiarise themselves with this as it helps to provide an understanding of at what stage they can most likely enter the system, either in a training or non-training post.   Entering the NHS Training Pathway  After graduating from medical school, doctors receive provisional GMC registration, allowing them to enter the Foundation programme (a two-year work-based training programme).  Upon completion of the first year of this programme (FY1), doctors will gain full GMC registration with license to practice and will be able to apply for further study and training in a specialised area i.e. medicine. This is known as Internal Medicine Training (IMT), formerly known as Core Training (CT).  Specialty Training in Clinical Oncology  The Specialty Training programme in Clinical Oncology runs over a 6-year period, and doctors will usually take the indicated time, or slightly longer to complete the Specialty Training programme.  Successful applicants entering into year one of specialty training (ST1), will follow the Royal College of Radiologists’ 2021 Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Curriculum, which sets the expected syllabus as well as required assessments and workload case numbers.   Clinical oncology training as an uncoupled programme  Clinical oncology specialty training begins at ST3, so after foundation training, there are two options open to trainees before they can start specialist clinical oncology training:  Internal Medical Training (IMT)  Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS)  For IMT, this is a two-year training period and the ACCS training programme lasts 3 years.  Both pathways are followed by an open competition to enter a higher specialty training post. It is important to note that the application following core training is competitive and does not guarantee a specialty training post.  Clinical oncology higher specialty training is indicatively a five-year clinical training programme (including Oncology Common Stem), leading to single accreditation in clinical oncology.  There are a few critical progression points during higher specialty training in clinical oncology, and trainees will also be subject to an annual review of progress via the ARCP process. They will have to complete all the curriculum requirements including passing the MRCP and FRCR (Oncology) exams prior to obtaining CCT.  Foundation Training (FY1 – FY2)  The foundation programme usually involves six different rotations or placements in medical or surgical specialties. These rotations enable trainees to practise and gain competence in basic clinical skills and forms the bridge between medical school and speciality training.  This first year of Foundation Training (or FY1) is referred to as an internship. For IMGs applying for GMC registration, it is essential you can meet the requirements for an internship.   Selection  Here, trainees will either choose to either Internal Medicine Training (IMT), Acute Care Common Stem training (ACCS), or training to become a general practitioner (GP Training).   Specialty Training (ST1 – ST7)  Internal Medicine Stage 1 Training (ST1 – ST2)   Year one trainees begin at ST1 of the Internal Medicine Training Programme. In this first stage, trainees develop a solid foundation of professional and generic clinical capabilities, preparing them for participation in acute medicine at a senior level and to manage patients with acute and chronic medical problems in outpatient and inpatient settings. The curriculum for IMT Stage 1 Training can be found here.  The two-year training period culminates in trainees sitting the MRCP (UK) exams. For more information on the Royal College of Physicians examination suite, take a look at our IMG Resources library here.  Please note, trainees must have gained full MRCP prior to beginning Specialty Training in Oncology.  Selection  Here, trainees will either choose to continue with Internal Medicine Training for a further year, to continue with training in a specialty that supports acute hospital care, or to provide primarily out-patient based services in e.g. oncology.  Clinical oncology recruitment into ST3 posts usually occurs after 2 years of Internal Medicine Stage 1 training. However, trainees who complete the full three-year IMT programme are also eligible and there is no preferential selection for trainees who have completed either two or three years of training.  Oncology Common Stem (ST3)  The Oncology Common Stem (OCS) has a duration of one year and usually takes place in year 3 of specialty training (ST3). Here, the focus is on a trainee’s development of generic capabilities-in-practice (CiPs) expected of all doctors, as well as the common CiPs relating to the key areas of overlap between medical and clinical oncology.  Clinical Oncology and Medical Oncology are the two main medical specialities that manage patients with non-haematological malignancy. They often work in partnership with each other, and both offer systemic therapy to patients, but only clinical oncologists administer radiotherapy and there are other differences in work-pattern, approach and focus.  During OCS training, trainees will gain knowledge of radiotherapy planning and delivery. This will enable them to coordinate the care of cancer patients with the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), managing patients throughout a treatment pathway.  The new curricular structure of the OCS means that trainees who successfully complete the training year will have gained the necessary competencies to progress to ST4 in either clinical or medical oncology.  For oncologists wishing to pursue clinical oncology, the first exam in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists assessment series, First FRCR (Oncology) (Part 1/ CO1), must be passed by the end of ST4.  Candidates do not need to have held a clinical oncology training post to attempt the exam however, so candidates are eligible to sit the exam during ST3.  Click here to learn more about the full FRCR (Oncology) examination suite.  Clinical Oncology Specialty Training & Maintenance of Common Capabilities (ST4 – ST7)  Once trainees have completed the OCS, they will then move onto a subsequent higher specialty-specific programme of their choice I.e. clinical oncology. This programme lasts for four years and takes place from ST4 to ST7, the focus here being to acquire clinical oncology specific CiPs, culminating in trainees’ achievement of Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR Oncology).  The higher specialty-specific programme for clinical oncologists is administered by the Royal College of Radiologists, so the Medical Oncology SCE is not a requirement for clinical oncologists.  Trainees will then sit the Final FRCR (Oncology) Part 2A and 2B exams (CO2A and CO2B), usually from ST6 to ST7. This is to assess their knowledge and skills related to the investigation of malignant disease and the care and management of patients with cancer.  Completion of the Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Programme  Upon completion of the clinical oncology training programme, the choice is made as to whether the trainee will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Clinical Oncology. This will be based on high-level learning outcomes – capabilities in practice (CiPs) set out in the curriculum by the Royal College. You can find the 2021 curriculum here.  At this point, clinical oncologists are recommended to the GMC for the award of CCT and entry onto the specialist register for clinical oncology and can now take permanent consultant posts in the NHS.  Specialist Registration for overseas doctors  Doctors who completed part or all of their clinical or radiation oncology training outside of the UK are eligible for specialist registration through the CESR or CESR-CP pathways. To learn more about specialist registration for overseas doctors, read our blog here.  Joining the Clinical Oncology Specialty Training Programme as an IMG  It is possible for overseas doctors to join the Specialty Training programme in Clinical Oncology in the UK, however it is very competitive.   IMGs interested in UK specialty training must have:  Full GMC registration   Completion of a minimum 12-month (FY1 equivalent) internship  English language test  PLAB or a recognised European Medical Degree  AND  12 months post-internship experience by the time you start begin ST1  Please note, whilst UK trainees are not given priority for specialty training spaces, it can be extremely difficult to join the Specialty Training programme if you do not have previous NHS experience.  So there you have it, the NHS Specialty Training pathway for clinical oncology trainees. The training programme forms the basis of clinical oncology training in the UK, and for overseas clinical or radiation oncologists interested in joining the training programme, good knowledge of the pathway allows you to better understand the alignment of your overseas training with the relevant stage of Specialty Training for clinical oncology in the UK.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things oncology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Here we take a closer look at the routes available to overseas consultants & experienced doctors who wish to join the GMC’s Specialist Register.   IMGs from any country in the world can apply for Specialist Registration, provided certain eligibility criteria are met, though there are different routes available based on a doctor’s qualifications and training.  To shed some light on the routes to Specialist Registration, we've put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:  What is Specialist Registration? What are the different types of Specialist Registration? Am I eligible? How do I apply for Specialist Registration and what evidence will I need? What are the benefits of Specialist Registration? Are other senior NHS posts available without Specialist Registration? How much does Specialist Registration cost? #IMG Tips Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Specialist Registration All doctors who wish to work as permanent consultants in the UK must show evidence of skills, knowledge and experience in order to apply for Specialist Registration. This registration in any specialty means you can be appointed to a substantive consultant post within the NHS.  Specialist Registration is additional to full registration with the GMC.  The 3 Types of Specialist Registration There are three types of certificates issued by the GMC, and the type of certificate you will receive at the end of your training defines which training route you are on.  The Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)  The CCT is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have completed a GMC-approved, specialty training programme through the relevant Royal College.  To be eligible for CCT, an applicant’s entire training (including any core years) must have taken place within UK-approved training posts. Please see our blog on career pathways for a UK doctor in training.  The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration - Combined Programme (CESR (CP))   CESR(CP) is a simplified route for doctors who joined their specialty training programme after ST1, and therefore do not meet the requirement of 4 years duration in GMC-approved training on completion, as they began their training overseas and completed it in the UK.  Doctors on the CESR(CP) route count a combination of approved training and previous experience in non-approved posts (overseas) towards their training time.  The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR)  CESR is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved specialty training programme – doctors who have trained outside of the UK, Switzerland, and the EEA.  These doctors apply directly to the GMC to demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience are equivalent to the requirements for CCT in the UK.  Doctors who have completed their specialist training in the EEA or Switzerland are eligible for direct entry onto the Specialist Register through their Relevant European Qualification (REQ).  For an in-depth guide to CESR, take a look at our blog for overseas doctors here.  Eligibility Eligibility for Specialist Registration depends on your nationality, qualification and experience.   To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either:  A specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in OR  At least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in  You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment.   In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.   The CESR certificate is awarded only on the written evidence provided by the applicant. It is not granted on the basis of references or experience.  Applications and Evidence for Specialist Registration CCT and CESR-CP  Once you have been issued with your Outcome 6 has been issued, you must complete and return the relevant CCT/ CESR(CP) notification to your Royal College along with the following documents:  Copies of any ARCPs that are not on your ePortfolio  ARCPS/evidence of successful progression for any LAT/FTTA/SHO posts counting towards your training (this applies to doctors who were appointed above ST1 only)  You will also need to complete an online GMC form. The link to this form will be emailed to you by the GMC and you should contact your Royal College if you do not receive it.   The GMC has created a guide for each CCT specialty with the relevant royal college or faculty. You can see this here.  CESR  You will need to apply to the GMC, who will then send your application to the Royal College for evaluation. The application process for CESR can be lengthy and potentially stressful, so it is important that you read the GMC’s general guidance and specialty-specific guidance before starting to put together an application.   You will need to provide a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that your specialist training or qualifications are equivalent to the award of a CCT in your specialism in the UK. This information is available for each specialty and Royal College on the GMC website here.  If you apply for an NHS post which provides CESR support, your hospital should assist you in this process.  Once the GMC has sent you a letter informing you that your application is complete and has been sent to your Royal College for assessment, the College is not permitted to discuss your case with you until the GMC has sent you a letter informing you of the decision.  Benefits of Specialist Registration Specialist registration allows doctors to take up permanent or substantive consultant positions. Without CCT, CESR or CESR-CP, a doctor may only take a Trust locum or fixed-term consultant posts.  Fixed-term and locum posts offer of course offer less stability than permanent consultant posts and require extension.  It is a legal requirement before taking a substantive, honorary or permanent NHS consultant post in the UK that doctors have their names entered on the GMC's Specialist Register.  Senior Positions in the NHS It is important to note that you can apply for more senior roles such as a specialty doctor (SAS), specialist grade or a locum consultant (locum consultants are not required to be on the Specialist Register).   This way, you will have better pay and roles and responsibilities that are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a trainee. While working in these jobs you can collect evidence of your competences.   These positions also facilitate a faster route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  Cost All doctors applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. The fees for 2021 are as follows:  CCT - £439  CESR-CP - £439  CESR - £1,676  #IMG Tips Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.  Make sure that your evidence is of the highest possible quality and is current – you will be assessed against the most recent curriculum.  Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.    Remember to refer to the relevant CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS posts with CESR support, these are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you to find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Most IMGs likely haven’t completed a UK-approved training programme, but you could be eligible for Specialist Registration with the GMC via the CESR or CESR-CP route. Take a look at our in-depth CESR overview for more information on how to apply and what to expect. If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.  Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:              

Here we take a closer look at the Medical Training Initiative (MTI), a placement scheme for more junior overseas doctors to come to the UK to receive training and development within the NHS.   To be eligible for an MTI post, certain criteria must be met. These are summarised below along with a broad look the following:  What is the Medical Training Initiative? What training will I receive through the MTI? Am I eligible for an MTI post? What does the application process for the MTI involve? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the MTI? Do I need a visa for the MTI? How can I use the MTI for GMC registration? How much will I be paid throughout the MTI? What is the full process for MTI? I’ve completed the MTI, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.   The Medical Training Initiative  The Medical Training Initiative, or MTI, is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.  The MTI as a training scheme is mutually beneficial for both junior doctors and the NHS, in that doctors from several countries and specialisms around the world can work and train in the UK, gaining knowledge and experience which they can take back to their home country, while giving NHS Trusts a high-quality, longer-term alternative for unfilled training vacancies and rota gaps.  Training  The training provided through the MTI scheme will vary between programmes; however, it will typically follow the CCT curriculum (Certificate of Completion of Training). The level of training will be highly dependent on the doctor’s interests, competence and the training available within the placement hospital.  At the beginning of each placement, doctors are allocated an Educational Supervisor who will help to set the doctor’s specific training objectives to meet over the 24 months of the placement.  Eligibility The MTI has been designed specifically with junior doctors in mind, therefore sponsorship will not be offered to consultants, specialty doctors or for locum-appointed service posts (LAS).   The criteria also differ among MTI programmes, so eligibility criteria should be checked directly with the Royal College before applying. However, the general elements of eligibility include the following:  Country requirements - priority is given to doctors from countries classified as low income or lower middle income by the World Bank. Doctors from outside of these countries may also apply, but there may be a long wait time and no guarantee of acceptance.  Evidence of skills and knowledge – the requirements for evidence of skills and knowledge vary based on the MTI programme, but the potential requirements for evidence of skills and knowledge include:  PLAB exams  Part 1 of relevant Royal College exam e.g. MRCP  Specialist qualifications from your home country  Evidence of English language skills - almost all MTI programs accept what test is approved by the GMC, meaning either of the IELTS or OET can be used for MTI.  Sufficient clinical experience - most MTI programmes will require a minimum of three years' experience, including one year of internship and one year in the relevant specialty.  Active medical practice - candidates must have been actively practicing clinically for at least three out of the last five years including the past 12 months before the application as well as throughout the application process.  The Application Process There are two ways to join the MTI programme:  Apply for an MTI-match programme – certain specialisms have programmes which match doctors to a job. For these, you apply for the relevant programme, providing the necessary documentation. If your application is successful, you will be allocated a suitable job, which can take up to 12 months.  Find an NHS job before applying for the MTI – in cases where specialties do not have an established match programme, candidates are required to apply directly for an NHS post. Once the candidate has been accepted for the role, they can then apply for the MTI scheme through the relevant Royal College. If you would like to know more about finding NHS posts for the MTI scheme, you can get in touch with us here.  Specialties may use either, or a combination of these two methods, so we suggest visiting the Royal College and searching for their information on the MTI scheme.  The availability of MTI posts will vary between each Royal College, as certain specialties are more consultant-led, meaning there are fewer training posts for junior doctors. Once again, we suggest finding out more from the relevant Royal College. Advantages and Disadvantages of the MTI Scheme  Advantages  Training – MTI doctors will receive training and development support in their clinical, communication and leadership skills, as well as supervision by a consultant. You will also have the opportunity to create a training plan with the support of an Educational Supervisor.  Reduced cost – for posts that accept specialist qualifications from the applicant’s home country, the associated costs are lower as you will not have to pay for the PLAB or Royal College exams which can be costly, especially where retakes are needed  Alternative to PLAB and the Royal College – As some posts accept a candidate’s specialist qualifications from overseas, this allows you to bypass the Royal College and PLAB exams (N.B. if you have passed both parts of PLAB or ever failed either of the exams, you are not eligible for MTI)  Diploma of UK Medical Practice - If you complete an MTI post that is at least 12 months long, with the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) or the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), you can apply for the DipUKMP, a professional diploma which can be used as part of the portfolio of evidence required for specialist registration (CESR or CESR-CP). Disadvantages  Not all posts are paid - Some MTI posts require you to secure funding for your training, for example through scholarships or funding from an organisation in your home country, such as a government agency or university (N.B. personal funds cannot be used).  Junior posts – More senior doctors wanting to take this route to the UK will receive a lower salary and more junior role than if taking the postgraduate route.  British citizenship or ILR - For doctors who wish to make a permanent move to the UK, the 12-24 months spent in the UK on the MTI scheme will not count towards the 5-year requirement for British citizenship or indefinite leave to remain (ILR).  Return to home country – at the end of the 24-month period, MTI doctors are legally required to leave the UK and return to their home country.  MTI Posts Offer Tier 5 Visas  MTI candidates require a Tier 5 visa to travel to the UK. Applications for the visa can only be made after receiving the Certificate of Sponsorship.   Applications for Tier 5 visas must be made from your home country (or the country you work in), but never from the UK.   The visa must only be used for travel to the UK at the beginning of the placement and will activate after your arrival, lasting for exactly two years from your arrival date.   Please note that Tier 5 visas cannot be extended.  GMC Registration  All doctors practicing in the UK MUST be registered with the GMC. For MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, but some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.  English Language Testing  As always with GMC registration, candidates will also need to provide evidence of English language skills. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors OET – a guide for overseas doctors Pay Received for MTI Posts  MTI posts are either paid, or candidates are required to secure funding for their placement as detailed above.  Where the placements are paid, the salary received by the MTI doctor corresponds to trainees at a similar level in the UK. All trainees can expect to commence their MTI training at an equivalent salary to ST3 level.  Some hospitals may take prior international experience into account while others do not. This is at the discretion of the hospital and not the Royal College. Hospitals can also decide whether to employ MTI doctors under the 2002 or 2016 junior doctor contract, which have slightly different pay scales.  Therefore, it's best to verify as early as possible where your placement will be paid, whether your prior experience will be taken into account, and under what pay scale you will be paid.  Steps through MTI   We’ve detailed the general processes involved in MTI below, from a candidate’s initial application for a post, to their final interview with the Royal College after gaining GMC registration:     I’ve completed the MTI, what’s next?  Ordinarily, on completion of the MTI scheme, doctors return to their home country with the training and experience they gained from working in the NHS.  Some doctors may want to remain in the UK after completing the MTI for a number of reasons. This can be done if the doctor finds another NHS post, in which case, they may be able to switch from the Tier 5 visa to the Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa. For more information on the Health and Care Worker Visa, please see here.  If you want to find another NHS post after completing the MTI, applying for your first NHS job follows the same process as any other doctor. You will need to consider what job it is you would like to obtain and what location in the UK you would prefer to relocate to. For guidance on jobs in your specialty in the UK, please see our IMG Resources library.  Once you are ready to start the application process you can get in touch with us – IMG Connect can offer you expert advice and representation throughout the recruitment and relocation process.  For regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and working in the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation below:              

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 regards 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.   

Are you a psychiatrist from Hong Kong looking to live and work in the UK? Do you want to know how to find the best jobs working in the NHS?  To be eligible to work in the NHS, psychiatrists from Hong Kong must have full GMC registration – this requires completion of the Royal College of Psychiatry exams (MRCPSych), as well as an English language exam.   From our experience, the majority of Hong Kongers are either aware of the Royal College of Psychiatry exams or have already completed these as part of their specialist psychiatrist training - great news you are more than halfway there! If you are unsure about the requirements for MRCPsych, you can find an overview of MRCPsych here and get in touch to discuss in more detail.   With recent experience of working with Hong Kong Psychiatrists on their journey to the UK, we thought that we’d share a few snippets of information to help get you started.   As a Hong Kong doctor, where do I fit into the NHS?    Psychiatrists from Hong Kong are a great fit for the NHS. And no matter what specialist training or specialist interest in psychiatry you have experience with, our NHS clients would consider you to be a high calibre candidate. Why? The training in Hong Kong is thorough, highly regarded here in the UK amongst NHS clients.  If you are not sure about how your experience will translate to working in the NHS, then we are here to help - IMG Connect are experienced working with all specialisms in psychiatry, including general adult, child and adolescent, old age, perinatal, forensic, liaison, substance misuse & addictions, eating disorders, learning and intellectual disabilities.   What kind of jobs can I find in the UK?   This all depends on your experience in Hong Kong. Whilst there are a lot of similarities between our two healthcare systems, there are also a lot of differences too.   MRCPsych typically qualifies candidates to take specialty doctor or middle grade posts. Think of it as like the FHKCPsych and the accompanying Fellowship of FHKAM (Psychiatry) examinations.    NHS clients will look out for your experience and training combined in order to work out what level you will start in. However, before you can work as a consultant, there are a few certifications that you will need to achieve when in the UK, namely Section 12, Approved Clinician (AC) and CESR.   For consultant psychiatrists who have already completed their specialist training in psychiatry in Hong Kong, you can enter the NHS as either a Specialty Doctor, or Specialist Grade, and in some cases as a consultant (dependent on experience & NHS Client). If starting in a specialist position, the aim here is that you will receive support to complete the aforementioned certifications in the UK, before quickly moving to a consultant post – this will be agreed before your arrival in the UK.   There is demand in all areas of psychiatry, covering all grades. So, it is important to understand where you fit into the NHS, and we would be delighted to guide you through the process. Send in your CV or register with us, and we will arrange an informal chat with you to discuss your job options in full.   Where can I find NHS jobs in psychiatry?   You can get full access to the most recent psychiatry job postings straight to your inbox through IMG Connect. The latest NHS psychiatry jobs cover clinical settings from inpatient and outpatient to community services.   With just a few clicks, you can create an account and customise job preferences to receive email alerts, whether you are a consultant, SHO, resident trainee or specialty doctor.   Sign up here to receive up-to-date information on NHS jobs which you can tailor to your job preferences and receive straight to your inbox.  Can I get access to CESR?   Our experience tells us that CESR is a fantastic option for Hong Kong Psychiatrists joining the NHS. So far, we have found that the quickest route for psychiatrists has been to secure a Specialist Grade or Specialty Doctor post, with CESR support. This route will ensure access to a broad range of UK experience helping you to build your evidence for a future CESR application.   It can be a little confusing, so the best advice here is to speak to us about your options for CESR and how best to prepare for a future application.   What if I haven’t taken MRCPsych?   There are two routes to GMC registration for overseas psychiatrists, PLAB and MRCPsych. Whilst MRCPsych can be more time consuming and expensive, our advice is that it is well and truly worth the investment – especially for more experienced psychiatrists. Clients look out for it, and your CV will be moved to the top of the pile.   The MRCPsych exams can now be taken online. Sample questions as well as information about how the three parts are marked are available on the MRCPsych website and can be accessed here. We have also created a detailed guide to MRCPsych for international doctors which you can find on our website here:   MRCPsych – a Guide for Overseas Psychiatry Doctors  For more information about the online MRCPsych exams, click here.  How do I register with the GMC?   Once both the MRCPsych and English exams have been completed, Hong Kong IMGs can then apply for full GMC registration with license to practice.   There are further checks involved in the registration process, such as verification of medical licenses, however these are steps that will be taken care of with your IMG Connect recruitment specialist. However, if you’d like to learn more about these processes, you can find information in our blog breaking down the steps to GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  What visa will I need? BN(O) or Tier 2?   Honk Kong residents with British National (overseas) status can apply to travel to the UK to live for up to five years with dependent family members, through the British National (Overseas) visa.  You also have the option of securing a Skilled Worker visa, or Health & Care visa to give the most recent term. We know that securing a visa in Hong Kong is a challenge at the moment, so if you think that the Health & Care Visa is a good option for you, don’t hesitate to connect with us to discuss your options.   What are the next steps?   We are here to help with all questions big or small, whether you are starting out on your journey or ready to look explore jobs. Get in touch with us or register below.    We hope this helps and wish you the best of luck in your search!  

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 an 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.   

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.   

Are you a psychiatrist looking for your next career move? Get access to the latest psychiatry jobs, whether you're a consultant, resident trainee, specialty doctor or SHO. Through IMG Connect you can receive the very latest psychiatry jobs straight to your inbox, create your own account and job preference email alerts with just a couple of clicks.  IMG Connect specialises in a huge variety of psychiatry vacancies, including jobs in child & adolescent, general adult, old age, perinatal, learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities, eating disorders, addictions and forensic psychiatry. You will find a range of jobs covering inpatient, outpateint and other community services.  Review & apply for the latest Psychiatry & Psychiatrist Jobs - with a range of new jobs added every week, you will find jobs that match your skills, career goals and location preferences in the UK. Register now so you can receive NHS jobs by e-mail to view new posts to suit your job search. 

In this article we look at the guidance on dermatology evidence required for CESR applications... Much evidence must be submitted, and you will only get a full picture of what you specifically require once you've spoken with the GMC and Royal College of Phsyicians. However, here we broadly discuss the evidence required to submit a complete application for entry onto the specialist register with a certificate of eligibility for specialist registration in dermatology. What is CESR in Dermatology in the NHS? As a Dermatology specialist, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice at consultant level in the NHS in Dermatology. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more. Do I need MRCP to attain CESR in Dermatology? No, whilst it is always a benefit to attain MRCP and you may have already attained MRCP as by ways of registering with the GMC, you do not require MRCP to attain CESR in Dermatology. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route must attain MRCP (UK).  What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Dermatology? The indicative period of training for CCT in Dermatology is four years full-time training and it is highly unlikely that a CESR applicant with limited experience, applying directly from outside the UK, could achieve these competencies in less time. Experienced dermatologists who take a consutlant position in the NHS, with support of their department, can attain CESR in much less time with the right focus and clarity on what they need to sign off.  What is the CCT training pathway? The structure of the CCT training programme is: 2 years in Core Medical Training OR  Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) OR LEVEL 1 PAEDIATRICS (ST1-3)  How does IMT fit into this? CMT no longer exists as of Aug 2019. Followed by: 4 years training in Dermatology Therefore, CESR applicants need to demonstrate they have achieved the competencies in both of these areas. Where experience has not provided adequate experience in the diagnosis and ongoing inpatient management of patients with a broad range of general medical problems, this will need to be completed to a level equivalent to the experience gained in Core Medical Training before the specialist curriculum may be followed.  For complete details refer to the Dermatology Curriculum documentation. Submitting Evidence Do not submit original documents – this is very important. All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting aunthenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier). It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence. How much evidence should you submit? The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence. The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Dermatology Curriculum documentation. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail. If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.  The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here. It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it.  As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.  The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below: Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area. Make sure to anonymise your evidence: It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC.  You must remove the following: All patient identifying details Details of patients’ relatives Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes: Names (first and last) addresses  contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers GMC numbers In Summary: If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for senior Dermatologists looking to work as NHS Consultants in Dermatology.

In this article we look at the specific guidance on documents supplied in evidence for an application for entry onto the Specialist Register for Clinical Oncology with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR. What is CESR in Clinical Oncology in the NHS? As a Clinical Oncology specialist, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice at consultant level in the NHS in Clinical Oncology. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more. Do I need MRCP or FRCR to attain CESR in Clinical Oncology? Not necessarily. Whilst it is a benefit to attain MRCP and FRCR, and you may have already attained MRCP or FRCR as your route to GMC registration, you do not necessarily require both or either to attain CESR in Clinical Oncology. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route must attain MRCP(UK) and then FRCR.  What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Clinical Oncology? The indicative period of training for a CCT in Clinical Oncology is six years and it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. This training consists of the following: 2 years in Core Medical Training OR  3 years in Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) OR AND Five years training in Clinical Oncology comprising: 3 years core/intermediate clinical oncology training 2 years advanced clinical oncology training Advanced training covers tumour site specialisation and trainees are expected to specialise in and acquire advanced competencies in at least two tumour sites. The minimum period required for site specialisation is at least six months in each site specialty. CESR applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved the competencies in each of these areas. The list is given for example purposes and is not exhaustive. For the full list refer to the Clinical Oncology Curriculum documentation. Submitting Evidence Do not submit original documents – this is very important. All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier). It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence. How much evidence should you submit? The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence. The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Clinical Oncology Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail. If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.  The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here. It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it. As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.  The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below: Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area. Make sure to anonymise your evidence: It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC. You must remove the following All patient identifying details Details of patients’ relatives Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes: names (first and last) addresses  contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers GMC numbers In Summary: If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for overseas Clinical Oncologists looking to work as NHS Consultants in Clinical Oncology. 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 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.

Experienced overseas Emergency Medicine trust doctors, or consultants who have completed specialist training, can apply for specialty doctor posts in the NHS with CESR programmes included in the job plan.  So, if you are committed, motivated and enthusiastic in embracing the CESR application once in the UK, this could be the best route towards gaining entry to the specialist register. Many trusts are piloting such projects, which will support you via a CESR programme tailored to your needs. Specialist Register for Emergency Medicine All consultants (other than a locum consultant appointments) must be on the specialist register of the General Medical Council (GMC). To be eligible to apply for specialist registration with the GMC, doctors must have successfully completed a GMC-approved training programme leading to CCT, or applied for a certificate confirming Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR). Doctors who have not completed a full GMC-approved training programme and wish to have their training, qualifications and experience assessed for eligibility for entry onto the specialist register must make an application under The General and Specialist Medical Practice Order for a CESR. Working with IMG Connect & our NHS Clients Working with our NHS clients, we are offering CESR Specialty doctor roles, with the opportunity of being mentored by CESR Consultants to guide you in your application toward CESR and to participate in a job plan that is tailored to your needs. Such CESR programmes are locally developed and targeted for both International Doctors coming to work in the NHS and non-trainees wanting to apply for a CESR in Emergency Medicine. As an Emergency Medicine doctor your CESR programme will include dedicated one-to-one mentoring and a course mapped on the GMC domains for successful completion of your application.  Benefits of the CESR programme Such Specialty doctor vacancies will give you the benefit of support on your journey to achieving consultant status, give you the opportunity to adapt to working in the NHS, and help you to further your career at the most senior level.  Furthermore, job plans will typically provide you with a dedicated mentor for CESR applicants by Emergency Medicine CESR Consultants who will take you through the application process. In some circumstances practical experience will be delivered via simulation and workshops where you are at the centre of the learning experience. Most NHS trusts have experienced Emergency Medicine CESR consultants who will be available to give you support, mentorship and coaching. The post are intended to provide the emergency medicine clinician with the support and training required to successfully complete all aspects of the CESR process and attain specialist registration, allowing you to take a substantive emergency medicine post and work as a consultant in the NHS.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

CESR acts as a route to applying for substantive (permanent) consultant jobs for doctors who have not followed a specialty training programme in the United Kingdom. In a nutshell it is the option available to doctors practicing as consultants from overseas who wish to gain specialist registration in the UK. Some doctors choose to apply from overseas, others work with IMG Connect to secure a job in the NHS geared at helping them gain entry to the specialist register once in the UK.  If you are working as a consultant in your home country and are eligible for specialist registration in the UK, then as an overseas doctor (IMG) you have a couple of options. Here we focus on applying for CESR from abroad as well as the alternative route, applying for a Specialty Doctor or Fixed Term Consultant job in the UK before applying for CESR with support of your NHS employer.  Both routes lead to gaining CESR and entry to the Specialist Registration, meaning that you can work as a substantive consultant in the NHS. Both take hard work, preparation, evidence gathering, time and dedication. Both options have the same end goal, specialist registration.  It is important to say that no matter how you choose to apply, the CESR process involves submitting a large volume of evidence to demonstrate that you have the equivalent experience, skills and competencies as a doctor who has taken the specialty training route in the UK. Whether applying from overseas or not, some doctors are asked to complete additional experiences to meet this strict standard. Because of this, the process can be lengthy.  Applying for CESR from overseas  This is a great option for Consultants who are not constrained by time and have an understanding department that will support the additional gathering of evidence. The GMC reckons that it takes between 6 – 9 months between submitting your application and receiving a decision. At IMG Connect our experience tells us that is takes a similar amount of time to gather the evidence prior to submitting. In addition, you must have completed the evidence in the first place in real workplace and clinical scenarios. This can take twice as much time as preparing and submitting. Put simply, the process can be time consuming and laborious.  Add to this the issue of completing and gathering evidence against the CESR application from overseas. It can prove challenging to ensure that you have completed the full complement of competencies for CESR applications. This can result in the GMC asking for further evidence, adding more time to the process. You may have to identify gaps in your learning and then resolve them. It is not all bad though, this is good practice and will benefit you in the long run.  Applying for a specialty doctor job and/or fixed term consultant post before applying for CESR For doctors who are keen to secure entry to the Specialist register quickly, and work in the UK as soon as possible, then taking up a Specialty Doctor role with CESR programme, or a Fixed Term Consultant post with CESR programme/support is a good option. Many NHS hospitals or trusts in the UK will offer access to support, clinical experience and study or preparation time for CESR. This is often built into the weekly job plan, but in some circumstances, this may be arranged informally. Either way, this is a good way for overseas consultants to quickly gather the right evidence for their application with the support of their peers, senior colleagues and NHS employer. This can shorten the time spent on the application overall. If this sounds like the best option for you, it is wise to start gathering and signing off evidence in your current consultant post. That way you will already have some or most of the required evidence for CESR in place, allowing you to quickly focus on any elements that are missing once in the UK and working in the NHS Secure a job in the NHS with CESR  Securing a job as a Specialty Doctor with CESR programme, or a job as a Fixed Term Consultant with CESR programme/support, gives you instant exposure to the UK system, NHS experience and a great start to your career in the NHS.  To discuss whether applying for CESR from overseas or securing a job as a Specialty Doctor or Fixed term consultant with CESR programme is the right route for you towards specialist registration, speak with an IMG Connect consultant, register or send your CV.   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.

One of the main reasons that overseas doctors want to work in the Emergency Medicine departments across the UK, is the excellent opportunity for access to training such as the Specialist Training Programme, career progression, including CESR, and sub-specialty development.  This short article provides useful information on the training and development available, how to access the training, the best route to becoming a consultant in the UK with entry to the specialist register, no matter what stage of your training. Emergency Medicine Training, leading to CCT We start with an overview of the Emergency Medicine Training in the NHS. Trainees may enter the emergency medicine training programme via: The EM (Emergency Medicine) core training programme at ST1. This is a three-year core training programme (starting from ST1 and ending at ST3).  For the first two years, trainees will spend 6 months in EM, Intensive Care Medicine, Anaesthetics and Acute Medicine. This is followed by a further year in trauma and paediatric EM.  The start of specialty training (ST4-6) subject to having achieved the necessary competences required for completion of ST3.  Once ST6 is completed, then a doctor will be added to the specialist register for medicine and hold the title of CCT. This means that they can apply for and practice at a consultant level in the NHS.  CESR For senior Emergency Medicine doctors (experienced specialty doctors, consultants and heads of departments) there is also the option of CESR. You can apply directly for CESR from overseas, or secure a post in the NHS with CESR support and complete your application in the UK. This is a good option for those wanting to take up their first role in the NHS as a speciality doctor (leading to consultant) or as a locum consultant. Applying from abroad can be lengthy, and it is certainly not the quickest route towards specialist registration. Most IMGs prefer to secure a post with CESR support, so speak to your IMG Consultant to learn more about the best route to the UK for senior doctors seeking consultant jobs in Emergency Medicine. Most senior Emergency Medicine job vacancies advertised will offer support with CESR, access to training and career progression, and senior managers will encourage you to develop your own professional interests. Emergency medicine departments in the NHS are particularly supportive of doctors seeking to develop both personally and professionally. To find out what jobs are on offer take a look here.  If you think that a Specialty Doctor post with CESR support is suited to you, or if you are a consultant or head of department, then you can find out more information here.  For further advice on how to secure the right job for you in the NHS, take a look at our the following article. IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to see what Emergency Medicine job opportunities there are for you, including access to CESR support, Core and Specialty training. 

In this article we provide guidance on evidence to be supplied for an application onto the Specialist Register for Emergency Medicine, with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR. What is CESR in Emergency Medicine in the NHS? As a Emergency Medicine doctor, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a Emergency Medicine or ED consultant in the NHS. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more. Do I need MRCEM to attain a CESR in Emergency Medicine? Yes, Emergency Medicine is one of the few specialism where there are no recognised equivalents to MRCEM. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route will attain FRCEM in addition.  What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Emergency Medicine? The indicative period of training for a CCT in Emergency Medicine is six years and it is very unlikely that an applicant would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time.  The evidence you collect for your CESR application should reflect this period of training, which consists of: Two years in the Acute Care Common Stem (covering areas of Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Intensive Care Medicine and Acute Medicine) Four years of training in Emergency Medicine (covering areas of Paediatric EM, EM and EM ultrasound) CESR applicants will need to demonstrate they have achieved the competences in each of these areas.  The EM ultrasound competences (EMUS) can be shown by completing the triggered assessments outlined in the EM curriculum (level 1 or equivalent). The assessments forms for Core Ultrasound can be found in the RCEM EMUS booklet (Appendix 2).  The first three years of training make up Core Specialty Training, the final years of training are known as Higher Specialty Training.  For complete details please refer to the Emergency Medicine Curriculum documentation. Submitting Evidence Do not submit original documents – this is very important. All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier). It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence. How much evidence should you submit? The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence. The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Emergency Medicine Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail. If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.  The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here. It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it. As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.  The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below: Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area. Make sure to anonymise your evidence: It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC.  You must remove the following: All patient identifying details Details of patients’ relatives Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes: Names (first and last) addresses  contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers GMC numbers In Summary: If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for overseas Emergency Medicine doctors looking to work as NHS Consultants in Emergency Medicine. IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding, CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS job & hospital locations for you.

CESR acts as a route to applying for substantive (permanent) consultant jobs in Emergency Medicine for doctors who have not followed a specialty training programme in the United Kingdom. In a nutshell it is the option available to emergency medicine doctors practicing as consultants, or at a senior level from overseas who wish to gain specialist registration in the UK. Some doctors choose to apply from overseas, others work with IMG Connect to secure a job in the NHS geared at helping them gain entry to the specialist register once in the UK.  If you are working as an Emergency Medicine consultant, or at a senior level in your home country and are eligible for specialist registration in the UK, then as an overseas doctor (IMG) you have a couple of options. Here we focus on applying for CESR from abroad as well as the alternative route, applying for a Specialty Doctor or Fixed Term Consultant job in the UK before applying for CESR with support of your NHS employer.  Both routes lead to gaining CESR and entry to the Specialist Register, meaning that you can work as a substantive consultant in the NHS. Both take hard work, preparation, evidence gathering, time and dedication. Both options have the same end goal, specialist registration.  It is important to say that no matter how you choose to apply, the CESR process involves submitting a large volume of evidence to demonstrate that you have the equivalent experience, skills and competencies as a doctor who has taken the specialty training route in the UK. Whether applying from overseas or not, some doctors are asked to complete additional experiences to meet this strict standard. Because of this, the process can be lengthy.  Applying for CESR from overseas  This is a great option for emergency medicine consultants who are not constrained by time and have an understanding department that will support the additional gathering of evidence. The GMC reckons that it takes between 6 – 9 months between submitting your application and receiving a decision. At IMG Connect our experience tells us that is takes a similar amount of time to gather the evidence prior to submitting. In addition, you must have completed the evidence in the first place in real workplace and clinical scenarios. This can take twice as much time as preparing and submitting. Put simply, the process can be time consuming and laborious.  Add to this the issue of completing and gathering evidence against the CESR application from overseas. It can prove challenging to ensure that you have completed the full complement of competencies for CESR applications. This can result in the GMC asking for further evidence, adding more time to the process. You may have to identify gaps in your learning and then resolve them. It is not all bad though, this is good practice and will benefit you in the long run.  Applying for a specialty doctor job and/or fixed term consultant post before applying for CESR For senior emergency medicine doctors who are keen to secure entry to the Specialist Register quickly, and work in the UK as soon as possible, then taking up a Specialty Doctor role with CESR programme, or a Fixed Term Consultant post with CESR programme/support is a good option. Many NHS hospitals or trusts in the UK will offer access to support, clinical experience and study or preparation time for CESR. This is often built into the weekly job plan, but in some circumstances, this may be arranged informally. Either way, this is a good way for senior emergency medicine doctors to quickly gather the right evidence for their application with the support of their peers, senior colleagues and NHS employer. This can shorten the time spent on the application overall. If this sounds like the best option for you, it is wise to start gathering and signing off evidence in your current consultant post. That way you will already have some or most of the required evidence for CESR in place, allowing you to quickly focus on any elements that are missing once in the UK and working in the NHS Find an emergency medicine job in the NHS with CESR Securing a job as a Specialty Doctor with CESR programme attached, or a job as a Fixed Term Consultant with CESR programme/support attached, gives you instant exposure to the UK system, NHS experience and a great start to your career in the NHS.  To discuss whether applying for CESR from overseas or securing a job as a Specialty Doctor or Fixed term consultant with CESR programme is the right route for you towards specialist registration, speak with an IMG Connect consultant, register or send your CV.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live emergency medicine NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor jobs, doctor salary & relocation for emergency medicine specialists Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine 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 an IMG, what documents should you submit for your CESR application in Geriatric Medicine? In this article we look at the specialty specific guidance on documents to be supplied in evidence for an application for entry onto the Specialist Register for Geriatrics or Elderly Care Medicine with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR. What is CESR in Geriatric Medicine in the NHS? As a Geriatrician, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a Geriatrics consultant in the NHS. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more. Do I need MRCP to attain a CESR in Geriatric Medicine? No, but whilst it is always a benefit to attain MRCP you do not require it to attain CESR in Geriatric Medicine, though you may have already attained this depending on which route you have taken for GMC registration. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route must attain MRCP(UK).  What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Geriatrics? The indicative period of training for a CCT in Geriatric Medicine is seven years and it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. This training consists of the following: 2 years in Core Medical Training OR  Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) OR AND  Five years training in Geriatrics Therefore, CESR applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved the competencies in each of these areas.  For a complete list of competencies refer to the Geriatric Medicine Curriculum documentation. Submitting Evidence: Do not submit original documents – this is very important. All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier). It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence. How much evidence should you submit? The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence. The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Geriatric Medicine Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail. If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.  The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here. It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it. As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.  The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below: Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area. Make sure to anonymise your evidence: It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC. You must remove the following: All patient identifying details Details of patients’ relatives Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes: names (first and last) addresses  contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers GMC numbers In Summary: If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for overseas Geriatricians looking to work as NHS Consultants in Geriatrics.

In this article we look at the specialty specific guidance on documents to be supplied in evidence for an application for entry onto the Specialist Register for Respiratory Medicine with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR. What is CESR in Respiratory Medicine in the NHS? As a respiratory medicine or pulmonary specialist, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice at consultant level in the NHS in Respiratory Medicine. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more. Do I need MRCP to attain CESR in Respiratory Medicine? No, whilst it is always a benefit to attain MRCP and you may have already attained MRCP as by ways of registering with the GMC, you do not require MRCP to attain CESR in Respiratory Medicine. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route must attain MRCP (UK).  What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Respiratory Medicine? The indicative period of training for CCT in Respiratory Medicine is six years full-time training and it is highly unlikely that a CESR applicant could achieve these competencies required in less time. The structure of the CCT training programme is: • 2 years in Core Medical Training or Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) How does IMT fit into this? CMT no longer exists as of Aug 2019. • 4 years training in Respiratory Medicine Applicants need to demonstrate that they have achieved the competencies in both of these areas. For complete details have a read through the Respiratory Medicine Curriculum documentation. Submitting Evidence: Do not submit original documents – this is very important. All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier). It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence. How much evidence should you submit? The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence. The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Respiratory Medicine Curriculum documentation. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail. If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.  The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here. It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it. As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.  The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below: Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area. Make sure to anonymise your evidence: It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC. You must remove the following: All patient identifying details Details of patients’ relatives Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes: names (first and last) addresses  contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers GMC numbers In Summary: If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for senior Respiratory doctors looking to work as NHS Consultants in Respiratory Medicine. 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.

Here we will look closely at the application for CESR in acute and general medicine. In particular, we will explore the specialty specific guidance on providing evidence for an application for entry onto the Specialist Register for Acute Internal Medicine or Acute Medicine with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR. What is CESR in Acute Internal Medicine in the NHS? As an Acute Medicine specialist, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice at consultant level in the NHS in Acute Medicine. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Resources library to understand a little more. Do I need MRCP to attain CESR in Acute Medicine? No, whilst it is always a benefit to attain MRCP and you may have already attained MRCP as by ways of registering with the GMC, you do not require MRCP to attain CESR in Acute Internal Medicine. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route must attain MRCP(UK).  What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Acute Internal Medicine? The indicative period of training for a CCT in Acute Internal Medicine is six years and it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. This training consists of the following: 2 years in Core Medical Training OR  Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) OR AND  Four years training in Acute Internal Medicine Therefore, CESR applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved the competencies in each of these areas.  For a complete list of competencies refer to the Acute Internal Medicine Curriculum documentation. Submitting Evidence Do not submit original documents – this is very important. All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier). It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence. How much evidence should you submit? The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence. The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Acute Internal Medicine Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail. If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.  The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here. It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it.  As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.  The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below: Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area. Make sure to anonymise your evidence: It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC.  You must remove the following: All patient identifying details Details of patients’ relatives Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes: Names (first and last) addresses  contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers GMC numbers In Summary: If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for overseas Acute Medicine doctors looking to work as NHS Consultants in Acute Medicine. 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 acute & general medicine job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & hospital locations for you.

In this article we look at the specialty specific guidance on documents to be supplied in evidence for an application for entry onto the Specialist Register for Haematology with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR. What is CESR in Haematology in the NHS? As a Haematologist, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice at consultant level in Haematology in the NHS. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more. Do I need MRCP or FRCPath in Haematology to attain CESR in Haematology? No, but whilst it is always a benefit to attain MRCP, or FRCPath, or both (you may have already attained either of these by ways of registering with the GMC) you do not require MRCP or FRCPath in Haematology to attain CESR in Haematology. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route must attain MRCP(UK) and FRCPath in Haematology.  What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Haematology? The indicative period of training for a CCT in Haematology is seven years and it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. This training consists of the following: 2 years in Core Medical Training OR  Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) OR AND  Five years training in Haematology Therefore, CESR applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved the competencies in each of these areas. For a complete list of competencies refer to the Haematology Curriculum documentation. Submitting Evidence: Do not submit original documents – this is very important. All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier). It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence. How much evidence should you submit? The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence. The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Haematology Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail. If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.  The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here. It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it. As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.  The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below: Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area. Make sure to anonymise your evidence: It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC. You must remove the following: All patient identifying details Details of patients’ relatives Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes: names (first and last) addresses  contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers GMC numbers In Summary: If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for overseas Haematologists looking to work as NHS Consultants in Haematology. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS Pathlology jobs offering CESR in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an CESR, 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 hospital locations for you.

Most overseas radiologists coming to the UK want to attain their CESR in Radiology. In this article we look at the specialty specific guidance on evidence required for entry onto the Specialist Register for Clinical Radiology. This is entry to the specialist registration with a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration or CESR. What is CESR in Clinical Radiology in the NHS? As a Clinical Radiology specialist, attaining CESR will mean you are qualified to practice at consultant level in the NHS in Clinical Radiology. Have a read through our CESR articles found in the IMG Library to understand a little more. Do I need FRCR to attain CESR in Clinical Radiology? Not necessarily. Whilst it is a benefit to attain FRCR, and you may have already attained MRCP or FRCR as your route to GMC registration, you do not necessarily require FRCR to attain CESR in Clinical Radiology. Any doctor wishing to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT route must attain FRCR. What is the indicative period of training for a CCT in Clinical Radiology? The indicative period of training for a CCT in Clinical Radiology is five years it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. This training consists of the following: 3 years in Core Training AND  2 years in Higher Training During Higher Training, competence is expected to be achieved at Level 1 or Level 2 which indicates the greater degree of expertise to be achieved by those intending to practice in one or more special interest areas. CESR applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved the competencies in each of these areas. You should refer to the Clinical Radiology Curriculum documentation before you make your application to ensure that you can demonstrate the required competencies. Submitting Evidence: Do not submit original documents – this is very important. All your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier). It is very important that you read an explanation of how to do this in the GMC’s important notice about evidence. Please note you will also need to submit translations of any documents that are not in English and you must ensure the translations you submit meet the GMC translation requirements. How much evidence should you submit? The GMC recognises that doctors will often not have all the evidence required for a complete CESR application, often many doctors will start their application and delay starting their application until they are able to gather all the evidence. The evidence must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Clinical Radiology Curriculum. If evidence is missing from any one area of the curriculum, then the application will fail. If you have a piece of evidence that is relevant to more than one domain, do not include multiple copies in your bundle. Instead include one copy and list it in your evidence list under each relevant area, stating that the document is located elsewhere.  The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – make sure you are reading the latest version on the GMC website – here. It is important to note that evidence that is more than five years old will be given less weight than more recent evidence, so you may not need to include it. As a general guide, an application for CESR could expect to see around 800-1000 pages of evidence.  Types of Evidence: The types of evidence are divided into four different domains, the GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as per the pie chart below: Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area. Key Evidence Requirements – advice from the FRCR’s Equivalence Committee: Evidence must demonstrate that you have achieved ALL the requirements and competencies as set down in the relevant CCT curriculum.  Where you have worked in a specialised area for a substantial period of time, evidence will be required to the following effect: That at one stage in your career you achieved the requirements and competencies of the relevant specialty curriculum These skills have been maintained within the last five years Your current specialised practice allows you to meet all of the domains above  You must submit evidence to demonstrate that you can practise competently and independently across the breadth of the CCT curriculum Key Evidence Requirements – Summarised: In summary you are expected to demonstrate competence across the core requirements of the radiology specific content of the curriculum:  breast, cardiac, emergency radiology, gastro-intestinal, general and non-vascular intervention, head and neck, moledcular imaging, musculoskeletal, neuroradiology, oncological, paediatric imaging, radionuclide radiology, thoracic, uro-gynaecological and vascular radiology, in the relevant technique-based areas (plain film including mammography, CT, US, MRI, nonvascular interventional procedures, fluoroscopy) You are also expected to demonstrate the equivalent Level 1 and/or Level 2 competencies required for Higher training, in one or more areas of special interests. Key Documents to submit with your application: Take a look at the GMC’s SGPC – SSG document to affirm the information above and to understand the key documents recommended by the Royal College of Radiology’s Equivalence Committee. Make sure to anonymise your evidence: It is very important to anonymise your evidence before submitting it to the GMC. You must remove the following: All patient identifying details Details of patients’ relatives Details of colleagues that you have assessed, written a reference for, or who have been involved in a complaint you have submitted. This includes: names (first and last) addresses  contact details such as phone numbers or email addresses NHS numbers & other individual patient numbers GMC numbers In Summary: If you have any questions or uncertainties, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the IMG Connect team. However, your official point of reference for any queries should the GMC – they can answer and provide the most updated information on CESR applications for overseas Radiologists looking to work as NHS Consultants in Clinical Radiology. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS radiology 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 radiology job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

Hospitals across the UK are offering specialty doctor job plans with opportunity for CESR programmed support, giving doctors the chance to quickly work towards specialist registration.  For experienced IMGs this is a new and quick route to your first Consultant post. By taking up a service level job as a Specialty Doctor with CESR support as part of the job plan many IMGs are securing a great start to their future career inthe NHS taht is suited to their senior level experience.  If you are an overseas doctor looking for a Specialty Doctor job with the chance to work towards your Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR), speak to the IMG Connect team to discuss if this is a suitable route for you. We have opportunities across the UK for doctors to take advantage of the CESR programme. You can also send your CV to info@imgconnect.co.uk or register here. It takes 30 seconds to register!  By taking such posts in NHS trusts and hospitals you can join diverse, dynamic and inspiring groups of specialty doctors and acting Consultants all on the way to achieving their CESR as part of a tailored programme. In offering such job opportunities, hospitals will provide a supportive environment with protected time to fulfil all the requirements of the CESR application, gaining career-enhancing experiences as you do. Acting up, dedicated peer groups, coaching & mentoring, scheduled learning and study time are some of the benefits that you could receive.  In such roles you will typically receive hands on support from consultant colleague and exposure to a wide range of experience to specifically aid competency achievement for your CESR application.  In some specialty doctor jobs with CESR programme you will rotate through various departments, dependent on your required experience. Some hospitals will also provide the following as part of the CESR programme:   Supported Professional Activity (SPAs) sessions per week  Tailored experience to your CESR portfolio Regular clinical supervision  A CESR mentor  Involvement in academic programme and medical student teaching  Support in gaining research competencies  SAS Tutor support CESR / SAS support forums and meetings IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK with CESR 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) and chat with an IMG consultant to discuss the CESR job vacancies in the NHS and start your journey towards specialist registration and your first consultant post in the NHS. 

Here we take a quick look at the CESR route for overseas experienced specialty doctors & consultants hoping to find a senior doctor job in the NHS and qualify for the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR). Many IMGs have recently asked if they would be eligible for the CESR route to Specialist registration. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can apply for CESR, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. To help answer this question we have put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:  What is CESR? How does CESR work?  Am I eligible?  I am eligible, what next?  Applications for CESR requires a lot of preparation and can seem quite daunting. This is the first in a series of articles aimed at helping doctors planning to engage in this process. What is CESR?  The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) is the process by which doctors who have not trained in an approved programme can demonstrate their knowledge, skills and experience are equivalent to that of the relevant CCT curriculum to join the GP or specialist registers.  How does CESR work?  The CESR is awarded by the GMC and applications are made directly to them. The Royal College then assesses the evidence an applicant has submitted to the GMC.  The assessment is to assure the GMC that the applicant has gained the equivalent level of competence as a trainee (i.e. ST6) making application for CCT via the ARCP process (Annual Review of Competency Progression). This means that the CESR applicant must demonstrate competence against all Intended Learning Outcomes in the curriculum of the specialty of their choice via the written evidence submitted. Are you eligible?  There are different ways to apply for registration with a licence to practise in the UK. It depends on your nationality, qualification and experience.  To meet the minimum eligibility requirements to apply you must have either: a specialist qualification in the specialty you’re applying in  OR at least six months continuous specialist training in the specialty you’re applying in. You’ll need to provide evidence of how you’re eligible as part of your application. This could be a copy of your qualification or evidence of your employment.  In your application you must show that you meet the requirements of the CCT curriculum in your specialty.  The CESR certificate is awarded only on the written evidence provided by the applicant. It is not granted on the basis of references or experience.  In most circumstances we can say that evidence must:  come from higher training equivalent  be less than 5years old demonstrate higher level experience  map to the curriculum be represented clearly be current be primary evidence You can check the approved Royal College curricula for all 65 specialities and sub specialties here.  I am eligible, what happens next?  As an IMG, it is highly likely that you haven’t complete a UK based approved training programme but could be eligible for Specialist Registration via the CESR route. Take a look at our in-depth CESR overview for more information on how to apply and what to expect.   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.

Here we look briefly at the CESR route available to overseas consultants and exerienced senior doctors who wish to secure a job in the NHS and relocate to the UK. Many IMGs have recently asked if they would be eligible for the CESR route to Specialist registration. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world can apply for CESR, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. To help answer this question we have put together a short article to explain further, including the following topics:  What is CESR? What is the Equivalence process? Who is the CESR for? Who can apply? What does the CESR route involve? Are there other senior NHS positions available? Legal requirement before taking a substantive, honorary or fixed term NHS consultant post in the UK What are the achieved standards? How can I prepare my evidence for CESR applications? What if my application is not successful?  CESR is suitable for those who have already been practising overseas for many years.  What is CESR?  The CESR is for doctors who wish to join the GMC (General Medical Council) Specialist Register, and whose specialist training, qualifications or experience was partly or completely acquired outside of an approved CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) programme in the UK. It is equivalent to a CCT and certifies that the recipient has all the competences defined in the CCT curriculum, known as specialist registration.  What is the Equivalence process? Equivalence describes the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current training programme requirements, in order to gain a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for the Specialist Register held by the General Medical Council. The process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC of: training and/or competence skills and knowledge Each Royal College will assess the application against the relevant Curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision. Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC.  Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there. Who is the CESR for? Who can apply?  If you have training, qualifications and experience in a CCT specialty but have gained these partly or completely outside of an approved CCT training programme (for example, you have trained outside the UK or EEA), you may apply for a CESR in a CCT specialty. What does the CESR route involve?  In a nutshell, you will need to compile a portfolio of evidence to prove you have achieved the equivalent skills and experience of a doctor who has completed a full GMC-approved training programme.  You can collect this evidence prospectively through non-training jobs. Is it the right route for me? Yes, if… You have already completed specialty training back home If you have already completed Specialty Training, then you’re unlikely to want to repeat it.  You haven’t completed training, but you have too much experience in your specialty to apply for training posts.  In both scenarios, even if you are willing, you may be overqualified to apply for training. Doctors who have complete specialist training overseas or via a non-CCT pathway may be eligible for entry without further training. You can check using the guidelines below:  GMC CESR Guidance Specialty Specific Guidance You will need to demonstrate all specialty learning outcomes specified in the relevant CCT curriculum. Are there other senior NHS positions available? It is important to note that you can apply for more senior roles such as a SAS doctor, specialty doctor or a locum consultant (locum consultants are not required to be on the Specialist Register).  This way you will have better pay and the roles and responsibilities are more appropriate to your level of experience compared to a junior trainee. While working in these jobs you can collect evidence of your competences.  This is also a quicker route to the UK than the CESR route, which can take a substantial amount of time.  Legal requirement before taking a substantive, honorary or fixed term NHS consultant post in the UK:  It is a legal requirement that doctors must have their names entered on the General Medical Council's (GMC's) Specialist Register before taking up substantive NHS consultant posts in the UK.  What are the achieved standards?  To apply you will need to have either a specialist qualification or have undertaken a period of specialist training (not less than 6 months anywhere in the world). Your application is measured against the GMC standard.  The GMC break down the standard into four domains mirroring the headings of Good Medical Practice.  The GMC recommend that you allocate the evidence you provide with your application in the following way: Domain 1: Knowledge, Skills and Performance - 75% Domain 2: Safety and Quality - 20% Domain 3: Communication, Partnership and Teamwork - 5% (combined for both domains 3 & 4) Domain 4: Maintaining Trust - 5% (combined for both domains 3 & 4) The full list of evidence needed for each specialty is provided here. How can I prepare my evidence for CESR applications?  As CESR applications are currently a completely paper-based process it is important to think about the evidence you present. You should: Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application. Make sure that your evidence is current and of the highest possible quality. Always note any curriculum changes – you will be assessed against the most recent one  Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the curriculum, not just your sub-speciality.   Throughout your application you should refer to the Specialty Specific Guidance in your specialty (or the most relevant if applying in a non-CCT specialty).  You should also refer to the relevant CCT curriculum in your specialty; as this is the standard that all CCT applicants will be measured against. Look thoroughly at the GMC guidance available and get advice on your application from the GMC before you apply. Remember to refer to the relevant CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.     The GMC has strict guidelines for presenting evidence, including verification, anonymising and translating documents. We strongly advise all IMGs to take a look here and familiarise themselves with the criteria. What if my application is not successful?  Following an unsuccessful application, you can apply for a review within 12 months of receiving your decision from the GMC. You can apply for a review of the GMC’s decision on the grounds that:  You now have additional evidence to submit that addresses the areas of your application in which you were previously unsuccessful  You believe that there has been a procedural error or unfairness in the processing of your original application.  Please refer to the GMC guidance for further information on applying for a review.  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, CESR and the most suitable hospital locations for you.

The NHS offers extensive training schemes and career development for all of its doctors, and such programmes are recognised as a gold standard across the medical world.  Training in the NHS is always in keeping with advances in medical sciences and the progressive landscape of the medical profession, including the more complex ailments of a growing and ageing population. The NHS frequently updates and develops its training programmes, making them attractive to UK graduates and doctors, as well as overseas doctors seeking the very best training.  In this article we will cover the following topics:  Why is it important for IMGs to understand the NHS Training Pathway? The NHS Training Pathway From Graduation to Foundation Training Specialty Training Programmes Different types of Specialty Training programmes Uncoupled specialty training programmes Run-through Training Programmes Completion of Specialty Training Programme Should I apply for a training or service post?  As an IMG can I get onto the specialist register? How do I secure a service post? With the view to securing training at a later date. Why is it important for IMGs to understand the NHS Training Pathway? Most IMGs looking to move to the UK will be keen to enter into UK Specialty Training at some point, and as such it is important to understand the UK training pathway from start to finish in order to map your NHS career effectively. Furthermore, greater understanding of the NHS structure and training offered to doctors in the UK will help an IMG to understand at what grade they can likely enter the system.  The NHS Training Pathway The NHS Training Pathway is the term given to the journey from medical school to completion of GP or specialist training and is the path most commonly followed by UK trainees. From Graduation to Foundation Training Upon graduation from a medical school, doctors gain provisional registration with the GMC allowing them to enter the Foundation Programme - a two-year work-based training programme. Upon completion of the first year (FY1) doctors will gain full registration with the GMC and can apply for further study and training in a specialised area – known as Specialty Training. Specialty Training Programmes Completion of the Foundation Programme allows doctors to apply for Specialty Training in an area of medicine or general practice. There are 60 different specialties to choose from.  A doctor entering year one of Specialty Training is known as an ST1 doctor. Specialty Training programmes can take between three and eight years depending on the specialism chosen. Doctors can pass through the training quicker depending on how fast they achieve their competencies.  However, rarely do doctors complete the training pathways in the indicated time for a variety of reasons. On average the training takes between 1 - 4 years longer than indicated in the curricula.  Different types of Specialty Training Programmes There are a number of different types of Specialty Training programmes, which are different for each specialty.  Uncoupled Specialty Training Programmes These programmes split into Core Training and Higher Specialty Training. Core Training lasts for either two or three years and once complete, allows you to apply for Higher Specialty Training, which can take between 3 – 5 years.  Overall, Specialty Training programmes can take between 5 – 8 years in their entirety, depending on your medical specialty.  Doctors will be known as ST1-3 during their Core Training and ST4-6/7/8 level during Higher Specialty Training programmes. Higher Specialty Training programmes are very competitive, and completion of Core Training does not guarantee a Higher Specialty Training post.   It is worth noting that in August 2019 the core medical training programme will be replaced by the Internal Medicine Training Programme, described as ‘a new training model designed to equip doctors with skills and confidence to lead on the care of patients in general ward and acute care settings’. Run-through Training Programmes For these training programmes you only have to apply once, at the beginning of the programme, as you are recruited for the full duration of Specialty Training. They can last from approximately three years for general practice, to five or seven for other specialties. Completion of Specialty Training Programme Upon successful completion of either a run-through or coupled training programme doctors are awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). At this point doctors are entered onto the specialist register (or GP Register) and are recognised as a consultant. Should I apply for a training or service post?  As above, competition for places on training posts within the NHS is highly competitive. As such for IMGs interested in securing a place on a training post in the NHS, we advise that IMGs obtain a service post for 1 – 2 years.  Following this contract you can apply for a training post, for which you will be given priority. Not only will this approach give you the best chance of securing excellent training and career progression opportunities in the NHS, it will also give you the chance to settle in to the UK, get to know your trust better, and help you understand the training post that will suit you the most.  Service posts also offer very competitive rates, so whilst you are getting to know the NHS and settling into life in the UK, you can also ensure that you are financially rewarded.  As an IMG can I get onto the specialist register? IMGs that enter the UK training programmes later on and have not completed the full programme can still get on the specialist register via the CESR route (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration) Check to see if you're eligible via the GMC website or read through our overview on CESR and eligibility for CESR. How do I secure work as a trust doctor? With the view to securing a training post at a later date. You can apply for Trust doctor or service roles online via the NHS Jobs website.  However, working with IMG Connect can offer more jobs than are available online with the added benefit of an IMG Consultant speaking directly with services on your behalf to expedite the process and negotiate the best doctor salary for you. 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.