Preparing for the MRCP PACES can be a daunting task, but with the right strategy and mindset, success is within reach. We are proud to introduce our expert faculty, Dr. Joseph Barker MRCP and Dr. Nabil Ilyas MRCP, who bring their extensive experience and passion for teaching to our program. Having both passed PACES they have compiled their top tips to help you excel.
1. Understand the Exam Format
The MRCP PACES exam consists of five stations, each designed to test different clinical skills. Familiarise yourself with the structure and timing of each station to manage your time effectively during the exam. Each station is 20 minutes with 5-minute intervals in between.
The stations include:
Station 1: Respiratory and Communication (10 minute, 10 minute)
Station 2: Consultation (15 minutes with 5 minute QA with examiner)
Station 3: Cardiovascular and Neurological System Examination (10 minute, 10 minute)
Station 4: Abdominal and Communication (10 minute, 10 minute)
Station 5: Consultation (15 minutes with 5 minute QA with examiner)
2. Practice Clinical Examinations
Thoroughly Practice as you’re examined. Regularly practice clinical examinations on colleagues, friends, patients, mum & dad or even a pillow. Pay special attention to performing systematic examinations and articulating your findings clearly. This will help you build muscle memory and fluency in your exam technique. Make sure to practice in front of people who make you nervous, that way you get used to performing under pressure.
3. Develop a Structured Approach
Create a consistent and structured approach for each clinical examination. This ensures that you cover all necessary aspects and don't miss key points under pressure. WIPE – Wash your hands, Introduce yourself, Permission, Expose … then inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation – look how simple the examination stations are! Same for the history – presenting complaint, patient concern*, history of presenting complaint … past medical history… you know the rest. *Bring up the patient's concerns early so you can shape the consultation around them as people.
4. Refine Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is vital for ALL stations especially consultation and communication stations. Practice explaining medical conditions, treatment options, managing complaints and delivering bad news with empathy and clarity. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to improve your communication style.
5. Master the Art of Differential Diagnosis
Develop a strong foundation in formulating differential diagnoses. There is no substitute for being out on the wards and this really is where the examiner can get the measure of a candidate. For each clinical scenario you encounter, practice thinking through possible diagnoses and justifying your reasoning in a STRUCTURED manner- there is a theme here. Practice out loud, we promise it will help.
6. How to investigate and manage patients
You will have passed MRCP Part 1 and 2. You have the knowledge but PACES tests decision making; you need to know emergency cases thoroughly and have a logical and STRUCTURED approach to care. # Investigations start with bedside investigations, then bloods, then imaging, then special tests. For management patient care is ALWAYS “dictated by degree of severity and patient choice”, whilst management options more often than not “include conservative, medical and surgical options” - these stock phrases buy you time to think of what goes after. Use them.
7. Simulate Exam Conditions
Recreate exam conditions by timing your practice sessions and simulating the exam environment. Nominate an examiner and don’t break character until time is up, however excruciating the line of questioning. This will help you get accustomed to the time constraints and pressure of the actual exam. Consider joining a study group or attending mock exam sessions for added realism. IMG Connect Medicine Facebook group can help you find study partners.
8. Focus on Common* Conditions (*common = common for PACES)
While preparing, prioritise common and high-yield conditions that are frequently tested in PACES. Things that are stable in outpatient but have excellent signs, like dialysis, transplant and congenital heart disease. Ensure you can confidently assess, diagnose, and manage conditions such as COPD, heart failure, stroke, and diabetes. Don’t forget that if a patient doesn’t show up the examiners will go and fish someone from the wards. Keep an eye out for cannulas, wrist bands and drains which can be a clue as to their inpatient status.
9. Seek Feedback and Reflect
Ask anyone that will watch you to give you feedback. Your final exam technique will be the sum of the best titbits from every one of these people, whether they are supervisors, mentors, peers or family. Reflect on your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your preparation strategy accordingly. Continuous feedback and self-reflection are key to ongoing improvement.
10. Balance
Medicine is a marathon, not a sprint. The PACES process, including the months of build-up, is mentally and physically demanding, requiring you to stay focused on your goal for a long time. We all thought PACES was impossible at some point… and now we are teaching it. You will get there but make sure to maintain good health by getting adequate rest, exercise, nutrition and to have fun in the build up to reduce stress and improve stamina.
11. Clinical consultation (CC) station:
Answering patient concerns carries more marks than one can imagine. It is the make or break of the CC station. PLEASE DO NOT wait for the “bell at 2 mins remaining” but start to address patient concerns maybe with 5 mins left on the clock as the patient/surrogate always have follow-up concerns. Many candidates feel that they’ve got the “case” and they feel confident about the station. But they don’t realize that this cardinal mistake has happened leading them to score less than they would have liked.
12. Examination Station
Practice, Practice, Practice on presenting your examination findings in under 2 minutes in an orderly fashion. Everyone knows how to examine an abdomen, everyone knows ascites or a hepatomegaly or what ballot-able kidneys feel like but only a few know ‘how to put it all together’ and present it in a very systematic and neat manner leading to an accurate differential.
Conclusion
Passing the MRCP PACES requires a combination of clinical knowledge, practical skills, effective communication and self-belief. By following these ten tips, you can enhance your preparation and boost your confidence for the exam. Remember, consistent practice, a structured approach and a positive mindset are your best allies in achieving success.
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Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
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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's salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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What does an NHS specialty doctor take home as their monthly salary?
Overseas doctors frequently ask us what their monthly take-home pay would be when working as an NHS specialty doctor. So, to help IMGs plan for life in the UK we put together some examples to give a better idea of what you'll actually keep each month. We hope they are of use!
How much will I take home?
Firstly, take home pay in the UK is the amount that you will receive in your bank account after all deductions have been made from your annual salary. Deductions include Income Tax, National Insurance and NHS pensions.
It is important to state that this is just a guideline. We have based our figures on the gross salary for each pay threshold and have assumed that you do not have other sources of income.
The figures can be higher or lower depending on any additional responsibilities or hours worked, other sources of income you have, your final tax bracket, whether you opt out of pension, and whether you claim for your tax-deductible expenses.
Specialty Doctor Take-home Pay Expectations
Pay threshold
Annual gross salary*
Estimated annual take-home pay**
Estimated monthly take-home pay**
Min
£55,825
£42,936
£3,578
1
£64,315
£47,860
£3,988
2
£71,696
£52,141
£4,345
3
£79,359
£56,586
£4,715
4
£90,000
£62,757
£5,230
*before tax and pension
**based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions
Specialist Grade Take-home Pay Expectations
Pay threshold
Annual gross salary*
Estimated annual take-home pay**
Estimated monthly take-home pay**
Min
£91,500
£63,627
£5,302
1
£95,079
£65,073
£5,475
2
£101,089
£68,971
£5,748
*before tax and pension
**based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions
To explore the pay & salary conditions across all doctor grades in the UK take a closer look here.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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:
As an overseas doctor looking to work in the UK, it is essential to understand the salary that comes along with your NHS job and how this can be different from one country in the UK to another.
Whilst the NHS has guides that are used to fairly and uniformly determine consultant pay, these do differ across the UK.
Basic Pay
Consultants in England and the other home countries each have their own consultant contracts in place. These are based on a full-time work commitment of 10 programmed activities (PAs) per week, each having a time-tabled value of four hours.
The basic pay thresholds in England and their equivalents in the rest of the home countries are shown below:
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
England
Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £99,532 and £131,964 in England.
Threshold
Years completed as a consultant
Basic Salary
1
0
£99,532
2
1
£99,532
3
2
£99,532
4
3
£105,390
5
4
£108,390
5
6
7
8
6
9
£118,884
10
11
12
13
7
14
£131,964
15
16
17
18
8
19+
£131,964
The most recent full pay circular for England can be found here.
The National Clinical Impact Award (NCIA) scheme aims to reward consultants who contribute most to the delivery of safe and high-quality care and the improvement of NHS services. You can apply for a new award after you have completed a full year in an eligible role.
Scotland
Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £96,963 and £128,841 in Scotland.
Threshold
Years completed as a consultant
Basic Salary
1
1 (starting salary)
£96,963
2
2
£99,011
3
3
£101,957
4
4
£104,906
5
5
£107,846
6
7
8
9
6
10
£114,846
11
12
13
14
7
15
£121,846
16
17
18
19
8
20+
£128,841
The most recent full pay circular for Scotland can be found here.
All consultants who have reached point five of the pay scale are eligible for consideration for discretionary points, except for distinction award holders. Consultants granted discretionary points are not normally considered again for two years, although this may vary.
Wales
Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £87,354 and £113,408 in Wales.
Threshold
Years completed as a consultant
Basic Salary
1
0 (starting salary)
£87,354
2
1
£90,137
3
2
£94,789
4
3
£100,191
5
4
£106,363
6
5
£109,882
7
6
£113,408
The most recent full pay circular for Wales can be found here.
Please note that the pay scale above is for substantive or permanent doctors in Wales.
For locum consultants, there is a fixed pay point of £105,401 which will apply regardless of years of consultant experience.
Commitment awards are available to all consultants after three years’ service at the top of the consultant pay scale, who demonstrate their commitment through satisfactory job plan reviews. They are then eligible at three-yearly intervals, until they have achieved eight award levels.
Northern Ireland
Consultants currently earn a basic rate of between £88,799 and £119,723 in Northern Ireland.
Threshold
Years completed as a consultant
Basic Salary
1
1 (starting salary)
£88,799
2
2
£91,581
3
3
£94,362
4
4
£97,141
5
5
£99,913
6
7
8
9
6
10
£106,520
11
12
13
14
7
15
£113,124
8
16+
£119,723
The most recent full pay circular for Northern Ireland can be found here.
When would I see an increase in my pay?
We are confirming when exactly SAS doctors would see the increase to their pay, but it has been agreed that the uplifts will be backdated to April 2024.
Job Planning and Programmed Activities
As part of your contract, your job plan will be created in partnership with your new NHS employer. This is an annual agreement that sets out your duties, responsibilities and objectives for the length of your contract.
There are four basic categories of contractual work which will be included in your job plan: direct clinical care (DCC), supporting professional activities (SPAs), additional responsibilities and external duties.
There are ways that consultants will be able to earn more than the basic rates above and these can include additional rotas and PAs. This will also be discussed in the creation of your job plan.
Getting started
NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.
Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Sources
https://www.nhsemployers.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/Pay-and-Conditions-Circular-MD-3-2021.pdf
https://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pcs/PCS2022(DD)01.pdf
https://www.nhs.wales/files/pc-resources/042023-md-circular/
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-tc8-2-2020.pdf
What does the NHS Consultant pay scale increase in England mean for you?
Doctors play an integral part in delivering high quality patient care in the NHS and as such, they are rewarded with competitive pay rates and benefits.
NHS pay scales can be confusing, particularly for overseas doctors. Here we hope to provide some clarity to help you understand the NHS grades and how they fit on the various NHS pay scales.
Now, let's take a closer look at the updated consultant pay rates. The latest pay circular released by NHS Employers provides detailed information on the revised salary structure.
Remember, use the below as a salary guide for service-level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
The pay elements of the new deal will be applied in the coming months and backdated to the 1st of March 2024.
Threshold
Years completed as a consultant
Basic Salary (£)
23/24 deal
Period of eligibility for next threshold
Pay scale code
1
0
99,532
1 year
YC72 Point 00
2
1
99,532
1 year
YC72 Point 01
3
2
99,532
1 year
YC72 Point 02
4
3
105,390
1 year
YC72 Point 03
5
4
108,390
5 years
YC72 Point 04
5
108,390
4 years
YC72 Point 05
6
108,390
3 years
YC72 Point 06
7
108,390
2 years
YC72 Point 07
8
118,884
1 year
YC72 Point 08
6
9
118,884
5 years
YC72 Point 09
10
118,884
4 years
YC72 Point 10
11
118,884
3 years
YC72 Point 11
12
118,884
2 years
YC72 Point 12
13
118,884
1 year
YC72 Point 13
7
14
131,964
5 years
YC72 Point 14
15
131,964
4 years
YC72 Point 15
16
131,964
3 years
YC72 Point 16
17
131,964
2 years
YC72 Point 17
18
131,964
1 year
YC72 Point 18
8
19
131,964
-
YC72 Point 19
These updated figures reflect an increase across various experience levels, underscoring the NHS's commitment to fair compensation for its dedicated workforce.
These changes are particularly encouraging for overseas doctors considering a career in the UK. The improved pay rates, coupled with the renowned quality of healthcare in the NHS, present an enticing opportunity for medical professionals seeking growth and fulfilment in their careers.
Download the latest NHS pay circular for detailed information
When would I see an increase in my pay?
We are confirming when exactly SAS doctors would see the increase to their pay, but it has been agreed that the uplifts will be backdated to April 2024.
Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms & conditions
Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers website.
You may be eligible for additional pay on top of your basic salary if you work above the standard 10 PAs, work on call & weekends, or take on extra responsibilities. All doctors are eligible for NHS pensions and benefits.
Sources
www.nhsemployers.org/system/files/2024-04/Pay-and-Conditions-Circular-%28MD%29-1-2024_2.pdf
Getting started
NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.
Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
IMGs will want to know what an NHS consultant salary could mean as monthly take-home pay in England.
To help overseas doctors plan for life in the UK we put together some examples to give a better idea of what you'll actually keep each month. We hope they are of use!
How much will I take home?
Firstly, take home pay in the UK is the amount that you will receive in your bank account after all deductions have been made from your annual salary. Deductions include Income Tax, National Insurance and NHS pensions.
It is important to state that this is just a guideline. We have based our figures on the gross salary for each pay threshold and have assumed that you do not have other sources of income.
The figures can be higher or lower depending on any additional responsibilities or hours worked, other sources of income you have, your final tax bracket, whether you opt out of pension, and whether you claim for your tax-deductible expenses.
Take-Home Pay Expectations in England
This is the new 23/24 salary and take-home pay structure following the agreed recent deal.
The pay elements of the new agreement will be applied in the coming months and backdated to 1 March 2024.
Threshold
Annual gross salary*
Estimated annual take-home pay**
Estimated monthly take-home pay**
1
£99,532
£68,286
£5,691
2
£99,532
£68,286
£5,691
3
£99,532
£68,286
£5,691
4
£105,390
£70,606
£5,884
5
£108,390
£71,746
£5,979
6
£118,884
£75,733
£6,311
7
£131,964
£81,727
£6,811
8
£131,964
£81,727
£6,811
*Before tax and pension
**Based on standard salary and not inclusive of additional payments for extra hours worked or pension deductions
To explore the pay and salary conditions across all grades in the UK take a look at our series of blogs on career structure and pay for NHS doctors in our IMG Resources library.
IMG Jobs
Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK
IMG Resources
In our IMG Resources library you can read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!
Get in Touch
Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor's salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on NHS Jobs, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:
For international doctors looking to work in the UK, it is important to understand the salary you will be offered with your NHS job and how this can be different depending on the country you are working in within the UK.
The NHS follow pay guidelines that are used to fairly and uniformly determine consultant pay, however, these do differ across countries in the UK.
What is an SAS doctor?
SAS stands for Staff grade, Associate Specialist, and Specialty Doctor. They will have at least four years of full-time postgraduate training, two of which have been in their relevant specialty.
They are experienced and senior doctors in fixed term or permanent posts (outside a training pathway).
Many SAS doctors have made a positive choice to step into a SAS position from a traditional consultant training pathway. This could be for reasons such as geographical stability or wanting to familiarise themselves with the NHS system before working up to a consultant position.
SAS doctors maintain their skills through the CPD system and there are routes, through gaining CESR (Specialist Registration) or applying for a training post, for SAS doctors to become consultants if they wish to.
Basic Pay
Specialist Grades and Specialty Doctors in England and the other home countries have their own contracts in place for senior doctors. These contracts are based on a full-time work commitment of 10 programmed activities (PAs) per week, each having a time-tabled value of four hours.
The basic pay thresholds in the UK are shown below:
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
England
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £55,825 and £90,000 as Specialty Doctors and from £91,500 to £101,089 as Specialist Grade doctors in England.
Specialty Doctor
Years of experience
Basic Salary
0 (min)
£55,825
1
2
3
£64,315
4
5
6
£71,696
7
8
9
£79,359
10
11
12
£90,000
13
14
15
16
17
Associate Specialist / Specialist Grade
Years of experience
Basic Salary
0 (min)
£91,500
1
2
3
£95,079
4
5
6
£101,089
The most recent full pay circular for England can be found here.
Scotland
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £45,193 and £84,272 as Specialty Doctors and from £63,361 to £103,074 as Associate Specialists in Scotland.
Specialty Doctor
Years of experience
Basic Salary
0 (min)
£45,193
1
£49,057
2
£54,080
3
£56,772
4
£60,651
Threshold 1
5
£64,516
6
7
£68,466
8
9
£72,418
10
Threshold 2
11
£76,370
12
13
14
£80,321
15
16
17
£84,272
Associate Specialist
Years of experience
Basic Salary
0 (min)
£63,361
1
£68,454
2
£73,546
3
£80,271
4
£86,099
Threshold 1
5
£88,517
6
7
£91,673
8
9
£93,880
10
Threshold 2
11
£96,945
12
13
14
£100,008
15
16
17
£103,074
The most recent full pay circular for Scotland can be found here.
Wales
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £51,765 and £81,200 as Specialty Doctors and from £82,722 to £93,887 as Specialists in Wales.
Specialty Doctor
Years of experience
Basic Salary
1
£51,765
2
3
4
£59,637
5
6
7
£66,482
8
9
10
£73,587
11
12
13
£81,200
14
15
16
17
18
Specialist
Years of experience
Basic Salary
1
£82,722
2
3
4
£88,305
5
6
7
£93,887
The most recent full pay circular for Wales can be found here.
Northern Ireland
SAS doctors currently earn a basic rate of between £51,000 and £80,000 as Specialty Doctors and from £81,500 to £92,500 as Associate Specialists in Northern Ireland.
Specialty Doctor
Years of experience
Basic Salary
Pay Point
0
£51,000
1
1
2
3
£58,756
2
4
5
6
£65,500
3
7
8
9
£72,500
4
10
11
12
£80,000
5 - top
13
14
15
16
17
Specialty Doctor
Years of experience
Basic Salary
Pay Point
1
£81,500
1
2
3
4
£87,000
2
5
6
7
£92,500
3 (top)
The most recent full pay circular for Northern Ireland can be found here.
Job Planning and Programmed Activities
As part of your contract, your job plan will be created in partnership with your new NHS employer. This is an annual agreement that sets out your duties, responsibilities and objectives for the length of your contract.
There are four basic categories of contractual work which will be included in your job plan: direct clinical care (DCC), supporting professional activities (SPAs), additional responsibilities and external duties.
There are ways that consultants will be able to earn more than the basic rates above and these can include additional rotas and PAs. This will also be discussed in the creation of your job plan.
Sources
https://www.nhsemployers.org/system/files/2023-02/Pay%20and%20Conditions%20Circular%20%28MD%29%202-2023.pdf
https://www.sehd.scot.nhs.uk/pcs/PCS2022(DD)01.pdf
https://www.nhs.wales/files/pc-resources/042023-md-circular/
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-hsc-tc8-03-2022.PDF
Getting started
NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.
Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
New Pay Deal for SAS Doctors Accepted
The BMA’s SAS UK Committee has accepted the Government’s latest pay offer for England, following a 79% approval in a referendum.
Key Pay Increases
What do you need to know?
For SAS doctors on 2021 contracts: Annual increase of 9.5% to 19.4%.
For SAS doctors on 2008 contracts: £1,400 uplift plus 6% increase for 2023/24.
Go to our SAS Doctors’ Pay across the NHS blog to view the recent salary changes.
Career Progression and Contract Improvements
The offer also includes proposals to enhance career progression and improve contracts for locally employed doctors, ensuring better working conditions and opportunities for advancement.
While this deal marks progress, the BMA continues to push for further improvements, focusing on pay restoration and career advancement for SAS doctors.
Stay tuned for more updates, as we continue to keep you in the loop about the latest updates in the UK healthcare sector.
For more information and updates, keep an eye on our website and social media channels.
When would I see an increase in my pay?
We are confirming when exactly SAS doctors would see the increase to their pay, but it has been agreed that the uplifts will be backdated to April 2024.
Additional infomation
Sources
Read the full article about the SAS doctors in England accepted pay offer
Getting started
NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.
Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Revised Offer for SAS Doctors in England
IMG's aspiring to work in the UK NHS... We've got some thrilling news to share with you. The British Medical Association (BMA) is poised to unveil a revised and final offer to SAS (Specialty and Associate Specialist) doctors in England.
This update marks a significant step forward in addressing the needs and concerns of SAS doctors, ensuring fair compensation and improved working conditions. The proposed offer, set to be presented by the BMA, holds the promise of enhancing the professional experience for SAS doctors across England.
As a company dedicated to assisting doctors in securing rewarding careers in the NHS, we understand the importance of staying informed about these developments. We're committed to keeping you updated on any changes that could impact your journey to becoming a part of the UK healthcare system.
Stay tuned for more details on the revised offer for SAS doctors, as we continue to keep you in the loop about the latest updates in the UK healthcare sector. Exciting opportunities await those looking to embark on a fulfilling medical career in the NHS, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
Next steps
The BMA will put this offer to its members with voting to take place between 31 May to 14 June. Strike action will continue to be paused during this time. Further information on full aspects of the deal will be made available in due course.
For more information and updates, keep an eye on our website and social media channels.
Additional infomation
Sources
Read the full article about the revised offer for SAS doctors in England
Getting started
NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.
Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Understanding your NHS job's salary or pay is essential for overseas doctors new to the UK.
Doctors play an integral part in delivering high quality patient care in the NHS and as such, they are rewarded with competitive pay rates and benefits.
NHS pay scales can be confusing, particularly for overseas doctors. Here we hope to provide some clarity to help you understand the NHS grades and how they fit on the various NHS pay scales.
In this article we will take a look at the following topics:
Typical NHS doctor’s salary in the UK
FY1 & FY2
Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
Specialty doctors
Specialist Grade
Consultants
Where do I fit on the pay scale?
Doctors in training pay scale
Specialty Doctor pay scale
Specialist Grade pay scale
Consultant pay scale
Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms and conditions
Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for.
Trust doctor jobs and IMGs' pay
It is important to note that the majority of overseas doctors will start their career in the UK in a fixed term trust doctor role (also known as a service post), before taking up a training position. Doctors across all grades can enter a service post which means to say that they are not in training or entering specialty training.
As such, most of our adverts for fixed term or permanent posts will be service level jobs, these are usually SAS doctor, consultant, SHO or Trust doctor posts at the equivalent of FY2, ST1/2, ST3+.These can be attractive due to the improved doctor’s salaries that can be negotiated for fixed term contracts, based on experience and demand.
The salary pay scales that we have included in this article are to be used as a guide or starting point for negotiating your trust doctor role (or service post).
Typical NHS doctor’s salary in the UK
FY1 & FY2
In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation Year 1 (FY1) your basic salary is £29,384. In year two this increases to £34,012.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premiums.
Specialist Training (ST1 – ST8)
If you are a doctor starting your specialist training in 2019, your basic salary starts at £40,257 and can progress to £58,398.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premiums.
Specialty doctors
Specialty doctors currently earn from £55,825 to £90,000 basic pay.
The basic contract is for 40 hours. As a specialty doctor you can be paid for additional duties, extra hours worked, weekend work and on calls.
Specialist Grade
A key element of recent SAS contract reform is the introduction of a new grade, called the Specialist grade, which will provide an opportunity for career progression for highly experienced specialty doctors. Specialist Grade doctors can earn a basic of between £91,500 to £101,089.
Consultants
Consultants currently earn from £99,532 to £131,964 basic pay.
As a consultant you can be paid for additional duties and may be eligible for Clinical Excellence Awards, which reward outstanding performance. The basic contract is for 40 hours per week.
If you take on extra responsibilities (i.e. management or education) you can also expect to be paid additional supplements.
So where do I fit on the pay scale?
There are a few key points when considering where you fit on the pay scale:
Job title
Experience
Hours worked
Trusts can be different
Job title:
The first thing to consider is your job title.
At the Consultant level, it is straight forward, you will be a consultant. However, at the Specialty Doctor level, you could be working as an SAS doctor, a Specialty Doctor or a Trust Grade doctor. As an ST or SHO you could also work across several levels.
Each could command a different pay scale depending on the level of work and experience required.
Take some time to check the job title that you are applying and interviewing for, and subsequently the pay scale that you can expect.
Experience within your chosen field:
Next, consider the number of years of experience you have in your specialty, this is crucial to identifying your position on the pay scale.
This is important as an NHS Trust will calculate your pay for a Specialty Doctor in Medicine by deducting two of your years of experience to compensate for the Core Training years in the UK. Please note, for some specialties this does not apply, check with an IMG Consultant for more information.
Hours you will work:
The second thing to consider is how many hours you will be working. For both Specialty Doctors and Consultants, the hours are usually established using PAs (programmed activities). Each PA is worth 4 hrs of your week, and a standard week is 40 hrs. A standard salary is based on a full working week of 10 PAs (40 hours). If you work above 10 PAs, then you will gain additional salary on top of your basic pay.
NHS trusts can be different:
The last thing to consider before we look at the pay scales, is that some NHS Trusts can interpret the pay scales and a doctor’s experience in different ways. All NHS Trusts should be following the same pay scale structures when recruiting and offering salaries to doctors, but this is not always the case!
This blog is a guideline, and if you are not sure of how to approach this discussion with an HR department, it can be very useful for an IMG Connect consultant to assist with the negotiations to ensure that your experience is always taken into account.
Pay scales:
Doctors in training pay scale
Service level jobs are in high demand at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay. It is also important to remember that once in the UK, you will have the option to apply for training, depending on your entry level.
The below pay scale reflects the pay at each level depending on the entry points to training, which are FY1, ST1/CT1 and ST3/4.
The salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
As above, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Specialty Registrar (StR) (Core Training)
Grade
Stage of training
Grade Code
Nodal Point
Value (£)
Foundation Doctor Year 1
FY1
MF01
1
29,384
Foundation Doctor Year 2
FY2
MF01
2
34,012
Specialty Registrar (StR) (Core Training)
CT1
MC51
3
40,257
CT2
MC52
40,257
CT3
MC53
4
51,017
Specialty Registrar (StR) (Core Training)
ST1 / SpR1
MS01
3
40,257
ST2 / SpR2
MS02
ST3 / SpR3
MS03
4
5
51,017
58,398
ST4 / SpR4
MS04
ST5 / SpR5
MS05
ST6 / SpR6
MS06
ST7 / SpR7
MS07
ST8 / SpR8
MS08
Full details of total salaries for doctors in full-time training is available to download in the pay circular below including:
banding supplements
total salaries for trainees working less than 40 hours a week
less than full-time trainees pay arrangements.
The BMA has also produced pay tables which estimate pay for full-time doctors in training, based on your own working patterns, which you can find here.
Specialty Doctor pay scale:
Service level specialty doctor jobs are in high demand in England at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay.
It is important to note that your pay will reflect your experience within your chosen field.
The pay code on the left-hand side of the table below correlates to the number of years’ experience that you qualify for in your chosen specialty, and the number of years that the HR department are going to attribute to you.
Remember to discount any years that you have worked in an internship. And if you are working in a medicine specialty, deduct any core training years.
In the first threshold, for every year of experience you gain, this entitles you to a pay rise. In the second threshold, you will receive an increase every two years, and in the third, every three years.
The salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
As above, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Pay Scale Code
Years' Experience
Basic Salary (£)
Period before eligibility for next pay point
MC75-01
0
55,825
3 years
MC75-02
1
55,825
2 years
MC75-03
2
55,825
1 year
MC75-04
3
64,315
2 years
MC75-05
4
64,315
1 year
MC75-06
5
64,315
1 year
MC75-07
6
71,696
3 years
MC75-08
7
71,696
2 years
MC75-09
8
71,696
1 year
Threshold
MC75-10
9
79,359
3 years
MC75-11
10
79,359
2 years
MC75-12
11
90,000
1 year
MC75-13
12
90,000
5 years
MC75-14
13
90,000
4 years
MC75-15
14
90,000
3 years
MC75-16
15
90,000
2 years
MC75-17
16
90,000
1 year
MC75-18
17
90,000
-
Specialist Grade:
The introduction of a new Specialist grade will provide an opportunity for progression for highly experienced specialty doctors. The introduction of the role will help to recruit, motivate and retain senior doctors and contribute to SAS grades being a positive and fulfilling career choice. The new pay structure will enable SAS doctors to access the top of the pay scale more quickly than the current system, increasing the career average earnings.
Pay Scale Code
Years' Experience
Basic Salary (£)
Period before eligibility for next pay point
MC70–01
0
91,500
3 years
MC70-02
1
91,500
2 years
MC70-03
2
91,500
1 year
MC70-04
3
95,079
3 years
MC70-05
MC70-06
4
5
95,079
95,079
2 years
1 year
MC70-07
6
101,089
-
Consultant pay scale:
Service level consultant doctor jobs are in high demand in England at all levels of experience, each offering competitive rates of pay.
At the consultant grade, HR departments will look at your years of experience within your specialty, as a consultant.
On the table below, you can see that all you need to do is count up the total number of complete years of experience (12 months each) as a consultant, and then count down the rows to establish your salary position.
Like the above, the salary is based on a standard working week of 10PAs (40 hours), if you work additional hours, on calls or weekend work, then your take home pay will increase as a result.
Remember, use the below as a salary guide for service level posts in England. It is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the best pay opportunities for you, it is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on experience and demand.
Years completed as a consultant:
Threshold
Years complete as a consultant
Basic Salary (£)
Period of eligibility for next threshold
Pay scale code
1
0
99,532
1 year
YC72 Point 00
2
1
99,532
1 year
YC72 Point 01
3
2
99,532
1 year
YC72 Point 02
4
3
105,390
1 year
YC72 Point 03
5
4
108,390
5 years
YC72 Point 04
5
108,390
4 years
YC72 Point 05
6
108,390
3 years
YC72 Point 06
7
108,390
2 years
YC72 Point 07
8
118,884
1 year
YC72 Point 08
6
9
118,884
5 years
YC72 Point 09
10
118,884
4 years
YC72 Point 10
11
118,884
3 years
YC72 Point 11
12
118,884
2 years
YC72 Point 12
13
118,884
1 year
YC72 Point 13
7
14
131,964
5 years
YC72 Point 14
15
131,964
4 years
YC72 Point 15
16
131,964
3 years
YC72 Point 16
17
131,964
2 years
YC72 Point 17
18
131,964
1 year
YC72 Point 18
8
19
131,964
-
YC72 Point 19
Additional pay, benefits, pensions and terms & conditions
Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers website.
You may be eligible for additional pay on top of your basic salary if you work above the standard 10 PAs, work on call & weekends, or take on extra responsibilities. All doctors are eligible for NHS pensions and benefits.
Sources
https://www.nhsemployers.org/system/files/2023-02/Pay%20and%20Conditions%20Circular%20%28MD%29%202-2023.pdf
Getting started
NHS Trusts can interpret the NHS consultant pay scales above and an international doctor’s experience in different ways, so use this blog as a guideline for understanding what you may be eligible for when coming to work in the NHS.
Your IMG Consultant is happy to assist with any negotiations related to your job plan to ensure your experience is taken into account.
For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.
Navigating maternity pay can be a complex process, especially within the NHS. It's crucial to understand the eligibility criteria and the benefits you're entitled to under the NHS maternity pay scheme. Here's a comprehensive breakdown to help you navigate through this important aspect of maternity leave.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for NHS maternity pay, you need to meet the following criteria:
1. Continuous Employment: You must have completed 12 months of continuous employment with the NHS. This period doesn't necessarily have to be with the same employer but should have no breaks exceeding three months.
2. Timing: By the time you reach 11 weeks before your expected week of childbirth, you should meet the continuous employment requirement and comply with the NHS notice requirements.
Understanding NHS Maternity Pay Structure:
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you become entitled to a structured maternity pay scheme. Here's how it works:
1. Full Pay (8 Weeks): You'll receive eight weeks of full pay, which is subject to deduction for Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Maternity Allowances.
2. Half-Pay (18 Weeks): Following the full pay period, you'll receive 18 weeks of half-pay, in addition to SMP and Maternity Allowances.
3. SMP or Maternity Allowance (13 Weeks): The final phase of maternity pay involves 13 weeks of receiving either SMP or Maternity Allowance. Maternity Allowance is paid at a fixed rate, which was £156.66 per week (April 2022 – April 2023) or 90% of your average earnings if lower.
Notification Requirements:
It's essential to adhere to the notification requirements set by the NHS. You must notify your employer at least 15 weeks before your due date. However, as a good practice, most individuals tend to inform their employers sooner, especially considering visible signs of pregnancy by that stage.
Final Thoughts:
Understanding the intricacies of NHS maternity pay is vital for expecting parents working within the NHS. By meeting the eligibility criteria and adhering to the notification requirements, you can ensure a smooth transition into maternity leave while availing of the benefits provided under the NHS maternity pay scheme.
In conclusion, navigating maternity pay within the NHS involves understanding eligibility criteria, the structure of maternity pay, and notification requirements. By being informed, expectant parents can make the most out of the benefits provided by their employer, ensuring a seamless transition into parenthood.
Reference - https://www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Help/RCN-advice/having-a-family#:~:text=It%20is%20likely%20you%20are,13%20weeks%20SMP
IMG Jobs
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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's salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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One of the most important questions to consider when searching for an NHS job as a doctor is, 'What salaries do doctors receive in the UK?
The NHS is one of the most developed health systems in the world and international doctors form an integral part of delivering high quality patient care, as such they are rewarded with competitive pay rates and benefits.
In this short article we provide an overview of doctor's pay in the UK by grade, salary estimates are based on the NHS Doctor Salary pay scale.
It is important to note that the below rates of pay are a guide based on current NHS pay scales, and it is worthwhile checking with your IMG Consultant the pay opportunities before you start applying for posts in the UK.
It is highly conceivable that you can earn more than the pay scales below depending on your experience and demand.
For overseas doctors, posts will include competitive rates of pay, additional pay for extra hours worked, benefits and pensions.
FY1 & FY2
In the most junior hospital trainee post of Foundation Year 1 (FY1), your basic salary is £32,398.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premia.
Specialty Training (ST1 – ST8)
If you are a doctor starting your specialist training, your basic salary starts at £43,923 and can progress to £63,152.
As a doctor in training you will earn a basic salary for 40 hours per week, plus pay for additional hours worked, 37% enhancement for nights, weekend allowance for weekend work, on call allowance and other possible pay premia.
Specialty doctors
Specialty doctors currently earn from £52,530 to £82,400 basic pay.
The basic contract is for 40 hours.
Consultants
Consultants currently earn from £93,666 to £126,281 basic pay.
As a consultant you can be paid for additional duties and may be eligible for Clinical Excellence Awards, which reward outstanding performance. The basic contract is for 40 hours per week.
If you take on extra responsibilities (i.e. management or education) you can also expect to be paid additional supplements.
Pay and terms and conditions
Current national salary scales for medical and dental staff are published in pay and conditions circulars on the NHS Employers website.
Why not browse our live doctor jobs and check your doctor's salary in the UK.
You can find more overviews on doctor salary and pay conditions here.
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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 NHS opportunities for overseas, including a typical doctor's salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
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Regardless of what stage you are at in your medical career, a doctor's CV is the first opportunity you have to make the first impression you want to an NHS employer and secure your preferred job in the NHS.
When you consider that the average CV gets 10-15 seconds of attention it is clear how important it is to get your CV right and make it stand out. Follow our Top 14 Tips and be sure to give yourself the best opportunity of landing the interviews you want to.
Your CV tells the story of you and your career and at a glance and it should be clear why you are the best person for the role you are applying for.
Request our helpful CV template for GMC applications here.
14 general tips for writing a doctor CV:
1. Review and update.
By taking the time to regularly review and update your CV, it allows you to create a standard format that you can adapt for each position that you apply for, giving you the best chance at landing the interview you really want.
2. Keep up to date.
Modern medical CVs are reflective of the changing face of the profession. Keep up to date.
3. Keep it traditional.
If it works, don’t fix it. Using our template, follow the GMC guidelines on the layout and content of your CV.
If you are applying for a training programme, check the GMC requirements for example, applications for Specialist registration require a particular format.
4. Don’t write war and peace.
There is no prescribed length of a medical CV, but if you follow standard layouts, order by relevance and write succinctly, a standard CV could be between 2 – 8 pages long. Remember though, it can be as long as it needs to be!
5. Presentation is vital.
Use a clear font and size (we recommend 12-point Arial, Calibri or Times), a clear layout, avoid large chunks of text and use bullet points.
6. Keep it concise.
Adopt a style of writing that is professional, using short and simple sentences - use active words when referring to skills and focus on positive aspects.
7. Match to the job description.
Prioritise the section of your CV that matches the job at the top, so it's seen first. Reprioritise the least relevant content to appear further down each section.
Highlight elements that match the specific job description and person specification.
8. Do not exaggerate.
There is no need to exaggerate any information on your CV. And remember you don’t need to include everything you have done in your career, if it is not relevant to the application, consider if you need to include it at all. There will be plenty of opportunity at interviews to get this information across.
9. Align with the trust or hospital values.
Your CV and interview should demonstrate that your personal values and behaviours align with the NHS values outlined in the NHS Constitution. In a nutshell these are your motivation and commitment to the NHS and the role, your ability to work in multi-professional teams, the central importance of the patient's experience.
10. No need to waste paper.
Don’t include a cover sheet or index. You want the reader to see the main page straight away, which shows who you are, what qualifications you have and that you are suitable for the vacancy.
11. Use a spell checker!
To ensure no spelling mistakes, use a spell checker. One of the main reasons a CV will be rejected is incorrect spelling.
12. Proofread.
Competition means that you need to prepare an error free CV. Proofreading is crucial, and spelling checks on your computer will not suffice. Take time to conduct a thorough examination looking for possible errors or flaws in format, sentence structure, content or layout.
13. Get someone else to proofread.
Ask a peer or senior colleague to proofread and get their feedback. Don’t forget to act upon their feedback and make any necessary changes, before asking them to check again, just in case.
14. Get us to proofread!
CLICK HERE & SEND YOUR CV TO US FOR A FREE AND QUICK CV 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 and the most suitable hospital locations for you.
Follow us on social media for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below: