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.

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. 

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.