Regardless of where you are in your medical career, your CV is the first chance you get to make a good impression to a potential NHS employer.  So, it is vital that your CV is professional, clear and concise, so that it tells the story of your medical career. Crucial to this is the style and format, so we have put together the best tips for nailing this element of your medical CV. The decision maker reviewing your CV will likely only have a few minutes to review your CV in the first instance, so it is an important to get it right!  1. Keep all information concise, using professional, short and simple sentences You can have all you career information on your CV, but if your prospective employers can’t see the relevant information clearly then your CV will prove ineffective at securing you an interview. 2. Be consistent with organisation and appearance Under all categories of your CV and subdivided experience, keep a consistent, organised structure and appearance, this will ensure information is easily found and makes an impression.   3. Use clear headings As above, your information needs to be easily locatable. Use the headings provided in our CV guide for overseas doctors.  4. Use a consistent professional font One small decision, such as choosing the wrong font, could make the difference. The font has to be easy on the eyes and professional i.e. 12-point Arial, Calibri or Times 5. Use bullet points These should mainly be used when presenting lists, achievements, duties & responsibilities and qualifications. Using bullet points makes scanning through your CV effortless, so include them throughout to improve the structure and format of your CV.  6. Use active wording when referring to skills, and focus on positive aspects When you write with an active voice, it adds impact e.g. gained, confident, responsible for... 7. Use action words Faulty word choices can undermine the strength of your CV, so make a point of choosing powerful action verbs. Action words are specific, clarify your contributions, and bring a confident tone to your CV and list of accomplishments. Try achieved, championed, supervised, expanded, increased, improved, collaborated… 8. Combine your selection of action verbs with quantifiable results This shows both what you did and the impact it had, for example, “Expanded use of patient feedback, resulting in 20% increase in patient satisfaction.” 9. Avoid personal opinions and don’t exaggerate… just present facts Your CV should be accurate in content; you will have plenty time to provide details on each accomplishment and skill during your interview, so keep it to the point.  10. Do not repeat Your CV should be informative but concise.  11. Present details chronologically A good CV will be logically ordered and easy to read from start to finish, so keep your writing clear and logically ordered. Getting started For more information on what to include in your CV, take a look at our article on CV writing for overseas doctors.  To get you started, request a CV template for UK applications. IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

Getting to grips with the different titles given to doctors in the UK can be difficult, not least because they may differ from those used in other countries and there may be several titles to describe a certain role.  It is important for overseas doctors to have a working knowledge of the different doctor titles in the UK in order to understand how their experience may translate to the UK in terms of seniority of roles as well as the pay they may be entitled to.  In this blog we will be breaking down all the different names given to UK doctors (both in and out of training), clarifying the meaning of these terms to paint a clearer picture of designations in the NHS.  We will cover these titles within the following groups:  Doctors in Training Doctors in non-Training Jobs Broad Terms for UK Doctors Doctors in Training Doctors in GMC-approved training programmes have designations according to the period and specific year of their training – generally the abbreviation of the training, followed by a number.  Foundation Training Other Titles / Designations: F1, F2, FY1, FY2, F3+, SHO, Junior Doctor, Trainee  These are doctors in a Foundation Programme, having graduated from medical school. In the UK, this is a 2-year programme equivalent to an internship.   During Year 1 of Foundation Training, doctors are referred to as F1/ FY1 and during Year 2, they are F2/ FY2.  Although Foundation Training lasts two years, doctors who may be unsure of which specialty to pursue may work in non-training jobs before applying to a training post. The naming structure for these roles is the same, depending on the years in their role.  Core Training Other Titles / Designations: CT1, CT2, CT3, ST1, ST2, ST3, SHO, Junior Doctor, Trainee  These are doctors in Core Training who are at the initial stage of an ‘uncoupled’ training programme. An uncoupled training programme is one in which there is a break in training where doctors are required to apply to higher specialty training upon completion of core training. Core training usually lasts from two to three years.  For ‘run-through’ training programmes, doctors at ST1 would have come from Foundation Training and have automatic entry into higher specialty training through their initial application to ST1.  Specialty Training Other Titles / Designations: ST3+, StR, SHO, Junior Doctor, Trainee  Higher specialty training generally begins at ST3/ ST4 and can go up to ST9 depending on the specialty.  The curriculum for each specialty will provide the typical training period, however this is indicative (doctors may take longer than this to complete their specialty training for any number of reasons).  SHO The term SHO stands for Senior House Officer, less commonly known as a House Officer. This is an older term for a very junior doctor, typically equivalent to an F1/ F2, although the term can be used to describe doctors up to CT2 (up to higher specialty training).  Trainee The term trainee can refer to any doctor in a training programme (generally from CT1 to ST9). These doctors may be referred to as residents in other countries. This can but does not generally include doctors in Foundation Training.  Doctors in non-Training Jobs Doctors in non-training positions are often given titles which align with their training counterparts, so it’s easier to understand at what level they are practising, but there are no hard and fast rules.  SHO Other Titles / Designations: Junior Clinical Fellow, Junior Doctor, Middle Grade  As with doctors in training, a non-training SHO would typically be equivalent to an F1/ F2, but it may be more common for a doctor not in training to have this title since an equivalent doctor in training would most likely be referred to as an F1/ F2.  Senior Clinical Fellow Other Titles / Designations: Junior Doctor This is a slightly confusing term which is usually for doctors at ST3+ level and generally have not completed a UK training programme. The role of these doctors often includes a combination of research and specialist clinical work.  SAS Doctor Other Titles / Designations: Senior Doctor, Specialist  SAS stands for Staff grade, Associate Specialist, and Specialty Doctor. These doctors 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 UK training programme) and can work across primary, community and inpatient care.  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. Broader Terms There are also several terms which may more broadly be used to describe a doctor's level.  Junior Doctor This term can be used to describe anyone from F1 up to ST9These are qualified doctors in clinical training.  Registrar Other Titles / Designations: SpR, Junior Doctor, Middle Grade  This is another slightly older term. Registrar or SpR (Specialty Registrars) refers to the main training grade where doctors are undertaking higher specialty training (this is the earliest you can specialise).   It can refer to both trainees and non-trainees and is generally equivalent to ST3 and above (doctors who have completed their foundation training but are still in training in a specialty area of medicine). This term is therefore commonly used to describe more senior trainees and generally aligns with its use overseas.  Senior Doctor Other Titles / Designations: Specialist Grade, Specialty Doctor, Associate Specialist, GP, Consultant  As ‘junior doctor’ and ‘senior doctor’ are indicative of whether or not a doctor is in training, senior doctors are those able to practise independently – those working as a consultant, SAS doctor or GP.  Consultant Other Titles / Designations: Senior Doctor  Consultants are senior doctors that have completed full medical training in a specialised area of medicine. They usually work in hospitals or community settings. They have clinical responsibilities and administrative responsibilities in managing SAS and junior doctors.  There are two types of consultants:  Substantive - These are consultant who have been appointed to the Specialist Register for their area of medicine by the GMC. These doctors will either have completed a GMC-approved training programme (CCT) or completed an application for CESR or CESR-CP. You can learn more about Specialist Registration for overseas doctors here.  Locum - These are consultants who are appointed into an equivalent consultant post but are not required to be on the Specialist Register. Locum consultants are unable to take up a permanent position (only fixed term). A locum consultant’s work tends to be more clinical, however there may also be teaching and management responsibilities involved. It is also important to distinguish between two types of locums here: Trust Locums and Agency Locums. As the name suggests, agency locums work with a private agency and will generally receive an hourly wage. Trust locums on the other hand are appointed by the NHS Trust themselves and will be on a fixed-term contract which can be renewed.  GP GP stands for General Practitioner, and these are doctors who are responsible for the primary care of patients, covering illnesses and ailments across many specialist areas.  GPs are fully trained and are allowed to practice independently without supervision and all qualified GPs are listed on the GMC’s GP Register.  Unlike is often the case in overseas healthcare systems, general practitioners are not synonymous with doctors specialising in general medicine, so a general practitioner overseas may not necessarily have the same title in the UK.  Locum Doctor These are doctors who are covering a role within a healthcare setting.  All doctors (aside from F1 doctors) can work as locums. Like all practising physicians, locum doctors are fully registered with, and regulated by, the GMC.  Sources https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/international-doctors/life-and-work-in-the-uk/toolkit-for-doctors-new-to-the-uk/doctors-titles-explained    Hopefully, this article goes some way to demystify these terms and titles for international doctors interested in working in the UK. For more information including working in the NHS, doctors' benefits and salaries and how to register with the GMC, take a look through our IMG Resources library.              

Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors are employed in the NHS in a non-training post. An SAS doctor will have at least four years of postgraduate training, at least two of which will be in a relevant specialty.  SAS doctor jobs in the UK are paid well and the number of posts available in the UK have risen steadily over the past decade. They are an attractive way for both the NHS and IMGs to ensure doctors are secured into posts quickly.  In this article we will consider the following topics:  What is a SAS doctor? Could I take a training post instead?   What are the benefits to a SAS role? How do I secure a SAS doctor job in the NHS?  What is a SAS doctor?  Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors fill NHS service roles which sit outside of Specialty Training pathways. These roles are non-training ‘service’ roles where the doctor has at least four years of postgraduate training, at least two of those being in a relevant specialty. A variety of terms can be applied to SAS doctors, including specialty doctor, associate specialist and staff grade.  It is worth noting however that not all non-training medical roles (service posts) are SAS doctors. Service roles are available across all grades and can be commonly referred to as Trust doctors.  Could I take a training post instead?   Yes of course. Training posts in the NHS are very attractive however competition for places on these posts is highly competitive.  As such for IMGs interested in securing a place on a training post in the NHS, we advise that they should obtain a trust doctor or SAS doctor post, depending on experience, for 1 – 2 years. Following which you will be able to 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.  SAS doctor jobs 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. What are the benefits to a SAS role? Less competition and a route to Specialty Training The majority of IMGs are keen to enter the specialty training pathway at some point, but competition for these positions is very high. Places are offered to UK based applicants first, then EEA applicants, finally followed by Non-EEA applicants. As such, it can be difficult to get a training post when applying for your first NHS role.  However, competition for service roles is not nearly so competitive and following completion of one year as a Specialty doctor you can enter into the first group of applicants for specialty training. Allowing you time to settle into the UK and NHS Taking a service role can be a great way to allow yourself time to bed into NHS and UK culture in the first months following your move. By taking on a new culture, employer and healthcare system all at once, you may feel more comfortable taking on a SAS post, avoiding all the extra commitment and learning associated with a training role. Quicker route to securing your first post For overseas doctors applying for SAS posts, the process can be quicker. Less competition and a high demand for doctors will ensure that IMG Connect can secure you interviews quickly.  Financial reward SAS posts typically offer competitive salaries, with some harder to fill locations able to offer additional incentives. Speak with your IMG Consultant for more information.  More patient focused roles and less responsibility SAS roles are usually more focused on meeting NHS service requirements compared to trainee roles. Many doctors simply prefer a role where they can spend more time with patients and doing the job they love, without the pressured commitment to training, admin and competition that a training role brings. Balance between work and personal life When taking a SAS post, additional working hours and on call commitments can be optional.  You will also be given the option to increase your overall hours through weekend and shift work, which will increase your overall take home pay.  In most circumstances it is up to you how you want to approach balancing a life at home with work commitments & financial rewards.  Freedom to consider all parts of the UK Entering a training post is not only a commitment to the programme over a number of years, but also the geographical location that the deanery covers. By taking a service role instead, you could complete a one-two year contract, but realise the area is not for you. At this point you could take a new contract and not have to worry about giving up your hard-earned place on the training programme.  Remember, it is vital that all contracts are honoured and not only will breaking contract have a negative impact on your CV but may also damage your chances of securing your next post.  Specialist Registration is still possible Specialist registration is still possible via the CESR route as some hospitals or Trusts will offer SAS doctors the support required with their CESR applications. However, it is likely to be a much longer process when not taking the training pathway. In summary: There are many reasons why a SAS post can be a great option for experienced IMGs when considering their first job in the UK, and it is clear that trust doctors are vital to the day to day running of the NHS. Regardless of the route you wish to take, IMG Connect will support any doctor pursing either path and can offer guidance and advice throughout either process. So how do I secure a SAS doctor job in the NHS?  You can apply for SAS doctor roles online via the NHS Jobs websites for England & Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. 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. For the most comprehensive selection of roles and fastest routes to the UK for Trust Doctors, register an interest or apply for trust doctor roles via our Job Search page on our website. 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.

Are you a histopathologist from Hong Kong looking to live and work in the UK? Do you want to know how to find the best jobs for overseas pathologists in the NHS?   With recent experience of working with Hong Kong Pathologists on their journey to the UK, we thought that we’d share a few snippets of information to help get you started.   In this blog we will cover the following topics:  What do Hong Kong doctors need to work in the UK? As a Hong Kong pathologist, will I fit into the NHS? What kind of jobs can I find in the UK? Where can I find NHS jobs in histopathology? Can I get access to CESR? What if I don’t have FRCPath Histopathology? How do I register with the GMC? What visa will I need to work in the UK? BNO or Tier 2? Getting started Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Requirements to work in the UK To be eligible to work in the NHS, histopathologists from Hong Kong must have full GMC registration – this requires completion of the Royal College of Pathologists exams in the relevant specialty I.e. histopathology (FRCPath), as well as an English language exam and Certificate of Good Standing (CGS).  From our experience, the majority of Hong Kongers are either aware of the UK Royal College exams or have already completed these as part of their specialist pathology training, so great news - you are more than likely already halfway there!  If you are unsure about the requirements for FRCPath, you can find an overview of FRCPath Histopathology here.  How Hong Kong Pathologists fit into the NHS Pathologists from Hong Kong are a great fit for the NHS. And no matter your specialist training or sub-specialty interest in within histopathology, our NHS clients would consider you to be a high calibre candidate. Why? The training in Hong Kong is thorough and highly regarded here in the UK among 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 areas of sub-specialty within pathology, across all major organ sites.   Senior Histopathology Jobs in the NHS This all depends on the experience and qualifications you gained in Hong Kong. Whilst there are a lot of similarities between our two healthcare systems, there are also a lot of differences too.    Attaining full FRCPath demonstrates the ability to report on cases and as such typically qualifies candidates to work independently as consultants in the UK. Think of it as like the FHKCPath and the accompanying Fellowship of FHKAM (Pathology) examinations.     NHS clients will look out for your experience and training combined with this postgraduate qualification in order to work out what level you will start at.   For consultant histopathologists who have already completed their anatomical pathology specialist training in Hong Kong, you will most likely enter the NHS as a locum consultant or in other senior positions such as Specialty Doctor (SAS), or Specialist Grade. This is generally up to the NHS Client, although, if starting in a specialist position, the aim here is that you will receive support to acclimatise to the UK system, in order to quickly work towards a consultant post. This will be agreed before your arrival in the UK.    There is demand in all areas of histopathology, particularly at the consultant level. 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 through the buttons above or below, and we will arrange an informal chat with you to discuss your job options in full.    Finding NHS Histopathology Jobs You can get full access to the most recent histopathology job postings straight to your inbox through IMG Connect.  The latest NHS pathology jobs cover general histopathology and cytology, as well as a number specialised or part-specialised posts where you may report one anatomical area extensively, or perhaps 2-3 areas. With just a few clicks, you can create an account and customise job preferences to receive email alerts on job that suit your professional and personal needs.  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.   CESR for Hong Kong Pathologists As the UK FRCPath qualification is not commonly taken during the Hong Kong residency programme, CESR presents itself as a more favourable option for some.   CESR is a big process that involves submitting around 800 - 1000 pages of verified evidence that you’ll need to gather from the last 5-6 years of clinical practice, either in the UK or overseas.   Given the Hong Kong Royal College of Pathologists' curriculum is so closely aligned with the UK’s Royal College, pathologists from Hong Kong are actually some of the best primed to attain Specialist Registration via CESR, without working in the UK first.  Whether it’s quicker to complete FRCPath, or to prepare a CESR application directly from Hong Kong, entirely depends on your background and experience. With that in mind, if you want to understand more, please send across a copy of your CV to our team and we can talk you through your options.   For a detailed guide on CESR for histopathologists, see our IMG Resources library.  Routes to the UK for Hong Kong Pathologists The standard test of knowledge in the Histopathology curriculum in the UK is FRCPath Histopathology, although you do not need this to register with the GMC.  There are four main routes to the UK for Hong Kong pathologists:  The differences between these routes can be best understood through our explainer blog here.  Essentially, whilst FRCPath can be more time-consuming and expensive than other routes, our advice is that it is well and truly worth the investment – histopathology is a consultant-led specialty in the UK and therefore FRCPath Histopathology opens up many more opportunities (particularly for more experienced pathologists) than alternatives such as PLAB or Sponsorship.  Clients look out for FRCPath, and combined with your experience, this will move your CV to the top of the pile.    As discussed above, although Hong Kong histopathology training is well aligned with the UK system, CESR can either be an easier or more arduous route to GMC Registration depending on your level of experience.   Remember however:  CESR = Specialist Registration and FRCPath = General Registration  If you would like to pursue the CESR route and would like to know more about pathology jobs that offer CESR support, do get in touch.  If you are just beginning your journey through the FRCPath Histopathology exams, please see our blog here for an overview of the exams.  We also have an online IMG Histopathologists community on Facebook which as well as providing support and resources on FRCPath, also offers guidance on GMC registration and other aspects of relocating to and working in the UK.  How to Register with the GMC Once all the necessary components for GMC registration 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 degrees, 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.   Visas for Hong Kong Doctors 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 can be challenging 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.    For a detailed guide to your visa options as a Hong Kong doctor, you can read our blog discussing the differences between the Tier 2 Skilled Worker and BNO visas here.   Getting started 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. Register below or get in touch to speak with one of our dedicated histopathology recruiters.   We hope this helps and wish you the best of luck in your search!    To receive the latest news and updates on all things histopathology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation:             

As an overseas doctor, preparing for your royal college or PLAB exams can be a daunting prospect and requires a huge amount of learning. IMGs have told us that the top tips below helped them improve their scores on their journey to exam success. 1. Find a study group or partner For a lot of people, studying with others is both motivational and more sustainable.  Whether to share exam tips, test each other or just be there for a bit of emotional support – the benefits are endless. Oh, and it’s free! 2. Join an online community By joining online communities of doctors in similar positions, you will surround yourself with people in the same position, revising the same topics and preparing for the same exams. Just like having a study group or partner, this can offer you a huge support network and won’t cost you a penny! 3. Use the internet to its full potential There are lots of very useful content, for all exams, available online & free of charge. Whether you’re taking an English Language test or a postgraduate exam, someone will have created an online resource for you. From podcasts and YouTube videos, to reading materials, curriculums & study guides - make sure you are using the internet to its full potential! Ask your study groups, partner or online community which resources have worked well for them. 4. Use the GMC and your Royal College to their full potential Similarly, the GMC or your Royal College will usually have lots of useful links and documents to help you prepare. Have a look online and use all of them where you can, we have tried to highlight them throughout our blogs to help you make a start. 5. Courses & Study Books Whilst you don’t necessarily have to pay for courses and books to aid your studies – most IMGs have found substantial benefits in using them. Do your research and ask those around you what has worked well for them. 6. Don’t burn out Avoid leaving everything to the last minute and make sure you stay healthy and sleep properly during your preparations. Whilst these exams are of course very important, don’t burn yourself out at the cost of good rest. You might consider yourself a night owl but your productivity will plummet without a good night’s sleep.  7. Plan your studies & staying ahead Take the time to get to know your syllabus as early as possible and use it as a road map for your study plan.  Once you have your plan, stay on top it and try and get ahead – you don’t want to be cramming revision in at the last minute at the cost of your day-to-day life. Join our IMG Community, if you haven’t already done so The IMG Community is an open group that provides an informed & regulated platform for any doctor to ask questions and share their experiences. The focus of our business is to help doctors find work and relocate to the UK, and IMG Connect proves to be an effective way of managing this process for you. From answering any questions on your: exams registrations  qualifications To providing planning & support with:  relocation integration with your local community schooling  ongoing career support Remember, both our platform and our service are free of charge from start to finish.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you. For regular news and updates, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

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:  The NHS Training Pathway Graduation to Foundation Training Specialty Training Programmes Different types of Specialty 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? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you're looking for. The NHS Training Pathway Many IMGs looking to move to the UK (particularly more junior doctors) 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 and the salary most appropriate for them.  The NHS Training Pathway describes the journey from medical school to completion of specialist training and is the path most commonly followed by UK trainees. Graduation to Foundation Training After graduating 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 or F1) doctors will gain full registration with the GMC and can apply for further study and training in a specialised area – known as Core or Specialty Training, depending on the specialty. 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 or CT1 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.  Sometimes doctors do not complete the training pathways in the indicated time for a variety of reasons and it can take between 1 - 4 years longer than indicated in the curricula.  Types of Specialty Training Programmes There are two different structures for Specialty Training programmes, and these vary between specialties. Run-through Training Programmes For these training programmes, you only have to apply once at the beginning of the programme. This is because you are recruited for the full duration of Specialty Training. These training programme can last from approximately three years for general practice, to five or seven for other specialties such as histopathology. Uncoupled Specialty Training Programmes These programmes are 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 from three to five years.  Overall, Specialty Training programmes can take anywhere from 5 – 8 years in their entirety, depending on your medical specialty, for example 6 years for psychiatry. Doctors are known as ST1-3 or CT1-3 during their Core Training and ST4+ level during Higher Specialty Training programmes. Higher Specialty Training programmes are very competitive, and completion of a UK Core Training programme does not guarantee a Higher Specialty Training post.   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 able to make an application for Specialist Registration (or GP Registration) and are able to take up permanent consultant posts. Training Positions vs Service Posts As above, competition for places on training programmes within the NHS is very high. As such, we advise that IMGs who are interested in entering core or specialty training in the NHS first 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 and the NHS system, 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.  Specialist Registration for IMGs 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-CP route (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration via a Combined Programme) Check to see if you're eligible for CESR-CP via the GMC website or read through our detailed blog through our IMG Resources library. Secure a Trust Doctor Post (with the view to securing a training post at a later date) You can apply for Trust Doctor or Service Role 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. Getting started Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, training pathways, doctor salaries in the UK, relocation and much more!   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to learn more about the opportunities available to you once as an IMG new to the UK. For the latest news and updates, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation:             

As an overseas doctor where should you start with your PACES exam preparation? With lots of resources available online, we discussed with successful candidates for them the best place to start looking for exam materials. Whilst there are lots of fantastic courses available for IMGs to help pass their PACES exam first time, most IMGs recommended starting their preparation with free resources from the Royal College of Physicians. Using these will give you strong foundations to further supplement with any further studies or courses which you may decide to invest in. We have provided the Royal College's official resources below: Curriculum PACES station 4 examiner guidance examples PACES sample scenarios Videos - what to expect on the day PACES candidate videos Candidate guidenotes PACES marksheets General Exam Tips & Preparation  Passed? What next? It is recommended that to give yourself the best chance, you gain clinical experience involving care of emergency patients, adults and children. We advise you to regularly invite senior colleagues to observe and provide feedback on your clinical assessments, so you will be comfortable with the PACES format and give you confidence in approaching and examining patients with examiners present. Curriculum: Applicants are tested on a range of common and important disorders in General Medicine as set out in the Joint Royal Colleges Specialty Training Curriculum for Core Medical Training. We recommend getting to know the curriculum as early as possible, using it as a road map for your study plan.  PACES station 4 examiner guidance examples: This useful guide contains examples of the types of statements found in the examiner guidance section of station 4 scenarios. This will help you to understand what the examiner is looking for.  PACES sample scenarios: These will provide you with the most accurate and relevant scenarios to prepare you for the real thing. Sample scenarios cover Station 2, 4 & 5 (‘history taking’, ‘communication skills and ethics’ and ‘clinical consultations’ respectively. Most of these have been previously used in a recent exam, but please note that during the exam you will only receive the section marked ‘information for the candidate’. Videos - what to expect on the day: These helpful videos will give you a true reflection of what to expect on the day of the exam, easing some of the pressure and ensuring you can focus on the task at hand.  PACES candidate video: Whilst there are lots of useful videos online that are easy to find, the PACES candidate video contains important information about the exam, and practical examples of how the exam will run.  Candidate guidenotes: These guidenotes created by the Royal College help IMGs to understand what to expect on the day, from your arrival to the completion of the test.  PACES Marksheets: To help you understand how PACES is marked here are some examples of full marksheets. It can also be useful to understand how IMGs have failed the exam in the past, as this will give you the best chance to pass first time. The ‘how I failed PACES’ guide provides tips to help you to identify where you might be going wrong, along with practical advice to help you to improve.  General Exam Tips & Preparation: For a useful overview of how to prepare for exams, including advice on study groups, online community support, best use of online resources & Royal College materials and courses - take a look at our blogs on exam tips and preparation.  Passed? What next?  First of all, congratulations! After you have passed all parts of MRCP(UK) you can apply for a full registration with a license to practice. Once the GMC have approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  IMG Jobs  Search and find live NHS doctor jobs in the UK IMG Resources Read more useful articles on finding an NHS trust doctor job, pay scales & doctor’s salary in the UK, relocation and much more!   Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss doctor job options in the NHS, including discussions regarding CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS jobs & 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:             

Here we look at finding an NHS doctor job in emergency medicine and why you should choose a career in the NHS. We will explore the growing demand for Emergency Medicine specialists, offering guidance on how to find the right job suited to your own professional preferences, discussing how to research work in the NHS ER, criteria for GMC registration, (MRCEM, FRCEM & IELTS exemption) as well as some useful resources to get you started.  Growth in Emergency Medicine means that the NHS will rely on recruiting more overseas emergency medicine specialists in order to meet growing demand to fill jobs across the country. Emergency care departments and the doctors who work within them are the foundations of the NHS. Staff working in EDs in the UK deliver high quality patient care for all patients presenting with minor or critical life-threatening and life-changing conditions.  We hope that you too will consider working in some of the best ERs in the world across the NHS.  First steps towards your new job in the NHS:  A stable workforce within the ED departments across the UK is crucial, as such at IMG Connect we have developed a specialist approach to Emergency Medicine recruitment. Responding to staffing challenges within EDs in the NHS, we have created a dedicated department for Emergency medicine specialists, where you will work with a dedicated consultant who makes it their responsibility to know your chosen field inside and out. We have taken steps to ensure that IMG Connect and NHS organisations collectively work to help recruit and retain the very best specialists, ensuring a large enough workforce with the right skills, behaviours and values to deliver care in our EDs. No matter what stage you are at in the process of relocating to the UK, you can speak with a specialist consultant in Emergency medicine, who will work with you to establish the areas that we can offer the most effective support for you.  Why choose to work in Emergency Medicine in the UK? The Emergency Department is where the public know to come when they need help, they value the service and in return you have the privilege of helping people when they are most in need. Here are a few of the reasons to work in Emergency Medicine in the NHS:  You work with the full range of illness and injury, in all types of patients. The ED department in the UK means that you will see the ‘best bits’ of all the specialties.  There are no long ward rounds.  Flexible working exists in all departments, giving you the chance to have a better quality of life. Don’t believe the myths! Flexible working as a consultant is the most flexible in the NHS.  Flexible sessional working allows for a more family friendly environment.  The Emergency Department is the front door of the Hospital and the ‘shopwindow’ of the NHS.  Staff morale is high, despite working in a challenging environment.  You will work as part of a team - with a shared team spirit and camaraderie  You will have access to excellent opportunities to develop a special interest in almost any subspecialty or area of interest.  Career progression and stability is always available Access to CESR and the specialist register is widespread, and hospitals are highly supportive to overseas doctors to make sure that this progression happens Recognised subspecialties and niche personal interests are encouraged Consultant vacancies have increased making this specialism more and more of a attractive career choice in EM  EM is an excellent career choice for those looking for flexibility and balance. Do some research:  Don’t just take our word for it, we advise that you do some research online to explore the various opportunities and experiences that await you in the Emergency Department in the NHS.  There are many free resources available to help you explore what it is like to work in an ED in the UK, here are a few that we think will be useful:  The Royal College of Emergency Medicine   Paediatric Emergency Medicine UK   Emergency Medicine Trainees’ Association (EMTA)   Forum for Associate Specialist and Staff Grade Doctors in Emergency Medicine (FASSGEM) The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (Careers) The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (Training) Health Careers Don’t forget, we are always here to answer any questions you may have and offer our support in any way we can.  Find out what jobs are available:  There has been significant investment in the UK geared towards growing the number of ED trust doctors, SHOs, specialty doctors and consultants over recent years. There are many ways to get access to these jobs, including online via NHS jobs, through networks of doctors, and through an agency, such as IMG Connect.  You can search jobs and apply for Emergency Medicne jobs here.  Working with an IMG Connect specialist in Emergency Medicine you will receive access to the widest possible range of current and future vacancies in the UK. Better still, your consultant will spend time getting to know you personally, understanding both your personal and professional relocation needs. A key benefit in terms of working with a specialist is that they will be able to give you an honest assessment of each job, including but not exclusive to, advice on the following: the hospital, standards and CQC reports, working in the ED, the local area, cost of living, housing, quality of life, job expectations and career progression. Advice that is designed to ensure you can settle into life in the UK and focus on your career in the NHS.  Speak to a consultant today to discuss your career options in the NHS and get the widest access to jobs and advice.  Get the right qualifications:  All Emergency Medicine doctors looking to secure a job and work in the UK, whether you are from inside or outside of Europe, will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the Emergency Medical Council (GMC) before beginning their journey in the NHS. If you qualified as a doctor outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge & skills and English Language capabilities meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.  In addition, you will need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.  Take a look at our articles on each qualification:  English Language Testing Evidence of Knowledge & Skills PLAB MRCEM FRCEM Tier 2 Visas Full GMC Registration English language exemption:  Many trusts or hospitals will be able to offer English Language test exemption for overseas doctors in emergency medicine specifically. This is a process that can be used when an ER needs to meet demand for doctors quickly. Not every hospital will accept IELTS exemption, so relying on this process means that the number of available posts could be reduced slightly. That said, a great number of our NHS partners are able to offer this exemption, to establish what this could mean for you, our best advice is to speak to an IMG Consultant to discuss further.  In summary, Emergency Medicine in the NHS has developed into one of the most exciting and rewarding careers, offering great opportunity for career progression through the specialist training programme or CESR. It attracts individuals who thrive on challenge and variety and can offer professional development in areas of personal interest. Working with an IMG Consultant specialist in Emergency Medicine will give you access to the best advice and job opportunities. As well as helping you to make decisions about the hospitals you wish to work in, they will also ensure you and your family relocate and settle into your new life in the UK. 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 Get in touch using the buttons above (and below) to discuss emergency medicine job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding, CESR, a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable NHS job & hospital locations for you. For the latest news and updates on all things emergency medicine, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

As an NHS employee, you will pay Income Tax and National Insurance on your wages through the PAYE system.  Overseas doctors will have tax and national insurance automatically deducted from their monthly salary. How much deducted depends on how much you earn.  PAYE stands for Pay As You Earn.  Some income is tax-free. You can earn a certain amount of income each year, called your Personal Allowance, before you need to pay any Income Tax.  The personal allowance is a fixed amount set against your gross income.  In all four UK countries, the Personal Allowance is set at £12,500 (tax-free income). It is worth noting that if you earn more than £125,000 you will not receive a personal allowance.  The Personal Allowance will also be set at £12,500 for 2020/21.  Any pay above the personal allowance is then taxed according to your salary and pension.  Tax bands in England, Wales & Northern Ireland Band Taxable income Tax rate Personal Allowance Up to £12,500 0% Basic rate £12,501 to £50,000 20% Higher rate £50,001 to £150,000 40% Additional rate over £150,000 45% How much you pay is fixed as a percentage according to a band system. In Scotland the tax bands vary from those set in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see below:  Tax bands in Scotland Band Taxable income Scottish tax rate Personal Allowance Up to £12,500 0% Starter rate £12,501 to £14,549 19% Basic rate £14,550 to £24,944 20% Intermediate rate £24,945 to £43,430 21% Higher rate £43,431 to £150,000 41% Top rate over £150,000 46% You can check that you are paying the right amounts using this online government tool. This will allow you to check the following your Personal Allowance and tax code are accurate. As well as helping you to understand how much tax you’ve paid in the current tax year and how much you’re likely to pay for the rest of the year. Your NHS employer will set your salary, and you will be automatically set up to pay your pension, tax and national insurance. However, at IMG Connect we think that it’s important to check you have the right tax code and are paying the right amount.  Can I make any more savings?  You will get tax relief on your pension payments. The NHS pension scheme is an attractive one, with very few schemes in the UK even coming close to this benefit. Find out more about your NHS benefits here. Getting started For more information on NHS doctor benefits and pay arrangements in the UK, take a look at our IMG Resources library.              

NHS trust doctor jobs are paid well with numerous posts available across the UK. Trust doctors are employed by the NHS in service posts, and therefore for training purposes only are not regulated by Royal College or Deanery. They are an attractive way for both the NHS and IMGs to ensure doctors are secured into posts quickly. The work of a trust doctor is often indistinguishable from that of a training post, and can therefore be an attractive option for trusts, paving way for the recruitment of overseas doctors.  In this article will explore the both, with particular focus on service jobs. We will include the following topics: What is a trust doctor?  Could I take a training post instead?   What are the benefits of a trust doctor job?  How do I secure a trust doctor job in the NHS?  What is a trust doctor? Trust doctor jobs in the NHS cover a range of grades and apply to all specialties. It is a term applied to a doctor who is working in the NHS in a non-training post.  Typically, the title trust doctor is applied to a doctor working at Senior House Level (FY1 & 2), however the term has now become synonymous with all grades.  It is now a term most commonly applied to doctors from FY1 to ST3, but can be applied to specialty doctors by some trusts.  Trust doctors work in career posts without specialist recognition, but often doctors doing service level jobs secure an ‘approved post’ and complete specialist training, others continue to progress using their experience as the platform. Many of the doctors accepting service posts are from overseas, this can be a quick way to enter the NHS system and start your career in the UK.  Could I take a training post instead?   Yes, training posts in the NHS are very attractive. However, 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 trust doctor or SAS doctor post, depending on experience, for 1 – 2 years. Following which you will be able to 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.  Trust doctor 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 What are the benefits of a trust doctor job?  No matter what grade you are working at, there are benefits to a trust doctor role.  Less competition and route to more training The majority of IMGs are keen to enter training pathways at some point, but competition for these positions is very high. Places are offered to UK based applicants first, then EEA followed by Non-EEA applicants. As such, it can be difficult to get a training post when applying for your first NHS role.  However, competition for trust doctor roles are not nearly so competitive and can lead to successful applications for training programmes.  Quicker route to securing your first post For overseas doctors applying for trust doctor posts, as opposed to a training post, the process can be quicker. Less competition and a high demand for doctors will ensure that IMG Connect can secure you interviews quickly.  Financial reward Trust doctor jobs typically offer competitive salaries, with some harder to fill locations able to offer additional incentives. Speak with your IMG Consultant for more information.  Allowing you time to settle into the UK and NHS Taking a trust doctor role can be a great way to allow yourself time to settle into your new job and enjoy living in the UK. By taking on a new culture, employer and healthcare system all at once, you may feel more comfortable taking on a service post avoiding all the extra commitment and learning associated with a training role.  More patient focused roles and less responsibility Trust doctor posts are usually more focused on meeting NHS service requirements compared to trainee roles. Many doctors simply prefer a role where they can spend more time with patients, without the pressured commitment to training, admin and competition associated with training roles. This gives you more time to do the job you love. Balance between work and personal life When taking a service post such as a Trust doctor post, additional working hours and on call commitments can be optional. You will also be given the option to increase your overall hours through weekend and shift work, which will increase your overall take home pay. In most circumstances it is up to you how you want to approach balancing a life at home with work commitments & financial rewards.  Freedom to consider all parts of the UK Entering a training post is not only a commitment to the programme over a number of years, but also the geographical location that the deanery covers. By taking a trust doctor service role instead, you could complete a one-year contract and relocate to a different part of the UK altogether after completing the contract. REGISTER TODAY TO DISCUSS TRUST DOCTOR VACANCIES IN YOUR SPECIALISM How do I secure a trust doctor job in the NHS?  There are many reasons why a trust doctor job can be a great option for IMGs when considering their first NHS post and it is clear that service doctors are vital to the day to day running of the NHS. Of course, many doctors will be keen to get straight onto the specialty training programme, with a clear vision of achieving consultant status. The NHS training programme is recognised the world over for its quality and innovation and as such places are at a premium. Regardless of the route you wish to take, IMG Connect will support any doctor pursing either path and can offer guidance and advice throughout either process. 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 for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

NHS doctor interviews require preparation....  And familiarising yourself with NHS interview questions & answers will help you make a great impression to a potential employer. This helpful article on NHS interviews for doctors is aimed at helping you prepare for different scenarios as well as questions and answers to create a good impression.  In this article we look at the following topics:  Preparing for your interview Where do I start with my research? What can i do to prepare? Preparing for the types of questions you may be asked FAQs Clinical questions Competency-based questions Direct questions Behavioural skills questions Prepare questions to ask the interviewers Preparing for your NHS doctor interview: Getting invited to an interview means you’ve passed the first hurdle – your CV must have made a good impression so now it's time to prepare. There are some key questions to consider before you start:  What do you know about the employer? (hospital & trust) What do you know about the service?  What do you know about the job?  What do you know about the team structure? Who will you be reporting to?  What will the interview be like?  Who will be interviewing you? What questions do you need to prepare?  For doctors, these are just a few of the interview questions that you should now be asking yourself as you start to prepare for your NHS interview. Why? Knowing as much as possible about the vacancy that you are interviewing for will help you answer questions with relevant points, ask questions to spark conversation, sound confident and well researched, overall helping you to make a good impact.  Where do I start with my research? Know the trust and department Firstly, find out about the employer and the job. Speak with your IMG Consultant who knows the hospital or trust well, they can provide you with reading materials & information packs, job descriptions, information on recent developments, trust objectives and values.  In some circumstances we will be able to arrange an informal chat with someone working in the Trust, or even better an IMG who has recently joined the Trust and has been through the same situation.  We always recommend taking a broad look at the trust online, use their official website to understand the trust structures, departments and services, as well as recent advances within the department you are applying for and the training programmes offered. It is important to take the time to learn about their department and organisation. Knowing the job you are applying for will give you a better chance of securing it.  Know the interview panel Secondly, discuss with your IMG Connect consultant and find out what the interview will involve, making sure you are prepared.  Consider who will be on the panel and what their roles are. Do some homework and look up the hospital online, you may be able to find some key information to help you to understand your panel in more detail. Use LinkedIn to connect with panel members, or just to look at their experience and contributions to the trust as a whole.  What can I do to prepare?  Think about preparing in the following areas to give yourself the best chance of success in your interview: Job description & person specification: Get to know what the trust wants, and work this into your answers, matching to your skills and experience.  Take time to review and analyse the content of your current CV matched to the specifications of the job that you want and the Trust you want to work for. Consider how you will contribute to the service and how you will meet or exceed their standards.  Trust vision and values: Look up the trust values, measure yourself against them and consider what you will offer to the service. Explore the Trust values and policies for best practice and consider how you will meet/achieve these in your daily work as well as in your career. Conduct research on the hospital and familiarise yourself with any recent developments and advances within the team you are applying for. Consider the training programmes offered via the hospital and the structure of department and staffing. Selling yourself: Your CV functions as a way of recording all your achievements, skills, and experiences, and your interview is your opportunity to share these and sell them to your prospective employer. You will likely be asked questions regarding your career, so review your CV regularly with a focus on points relevant for the role you are interviewing for.  Preparing questions and answers for your interview: You will be asked a range of questions throughout your interview, some short and direct, others more detailed and clinically specific. As such we advise preparing a wide range of questions and answers to give you a head start in the interview and every chance of success.  Preparing for the types of interview questions for doctors that you may be asked: Before we look at each type of NHS interview questions for doctors in detail, it is important to say that you should prepare concise answers. These should of course be full of facts and detail but be succinct – stick to two or three sentences where you can.  FAQs: As part of the interview you will likely be asked a few FAQs, these can be hard to predict and can be general in nature. The interview panel will want to know why you are an excellent fit for the job. Try to answer without giving too much, or too little personal information. These relate to you, your ambition, how you cope in situations, working in the UK, personality traits and so on. Prepare a number of answers you can rely on. We have included some recent examples below:  FAQs Tell me about yourself. Why do you want to work here?  Why do you want to work in this specialty? Where do you see yourself in 3 – 5 years?  Do you have an interest in… further training? Research? Teaching? Audit?  Why do you want to work in the NHS?  What do you know about our service?  What do you know about us?  What impact would you like to make here?  What concerns you about a career in this specialty? What are the challenges facing this specialty in the next five years? Is the clinical governance system really necessary? What are the main issues facing the NHS over the next five years? If you could change one thing in the NHS what would it be? Do you think doctors are misrepresented by the media? What do you want from your career? Looking over your CV, could you pick two or three achievements which you are most proud of? If you could go back to your first day of medical school and do all of your training again, what would you do differently? We are interviewing many high calibre candidates, why should we appoint you? Clinical questions:  Undoubtedly you will be asked relevant questions in a clinical context, do your homework on the service and relate this to your own practice. Clinical questions are hard to predict, so prepare a wide range of responses and review your own practice against the trust you are applying for.  Consider how you deal with certain aspects of your role, including:  Clinical techniques Equipment Prescribing History taking and management planning Clinical judgement Physical examination procedures Knowledge of specialism Ethical dilemmas & practice Professional behaviour Trust policies Communication & team discussions Input from senior colleagues Remember, interview panels want to feel confident that you will be able to adapt quickly to practice in the UK, so don’t forget you will be working in the NHS and all answers should reflect current practice in the UK. Competency-based questions (typically clinical questions): Many clinical questions will ask you to explain what you would do, often these require detailed answers, with several variables. Competency-based questions are focused on actual experiences and ask specific questions that require you to give examples from past experience. Reflect on your practice, how you deal with situations, and how you work with your multidisciplinary team to ensure the best care and outcomes for the patient. The STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a useful model for describing your capability and competency. When preparing answers these should be in depth, a lack of depth means your answer lacks impact. The STAR technique will ensure your answers are structured, don’t talk in broad terms – give specific examples.  Briefly describe: S - the background to the specific situation T - the task being undertaken, specifically describe your responsibility A - what action you took  R - describe the result of your actions Example competency-based questions: Give an example of a time when someone has complained about your work or when you’ve known that someone wasn’t pleased with your work? Give an example of a time you had to work with a group of people on a project or another job? Describe a recent patient interaction which shows your ability to create trust and what steps would you take to develop an effective relationship with your patient. Can you please detail a time when a new and different approach to your patient proved beneficial? What did you do and what was the outcome? Direct questions: Whilst most questions will be broad, be prepared for direct questions, such as:  What specifically qualifies you for this position? What do you know about us?  Why do you want this job? Where do you see yourself in 3 years? Take a second to compose your answer and avoid a jumbled response.  Behavioural skills questions: These cover a wide range of behavioural skills necessary to be successful in your NHS role, i.e. communication, problem-solving, teamwork, managing others, organisation, empathy and so on. As these can be hugely varied in nature, we have included a table of examples:  Communication Skills Describe a situation where your communication skills had a positive effect upon patient care. How do you know that you are a good communicator? How would you like to develop your skills further? Give an example of how your communication skills have enabled you to develop effective relationships with your colleagues. Describe a time when you found it difficult to communicate with a colleague or patient. What did you do and how did you feel? Problem Solving and Decision Making Describe a difficult problem you have faced at work. How did you contribute to the solution? Give an example of a difficult decision you have made recently. How did you decide what to do? Describe a time when you felt that you made the wrong decision. How did you feel and what has happened as a result? What is your strategy dealing with difficult problems at work? Do you always know the right thing to do in any given situation? Managing Others and Team Involvement Describe a time when you have led a team successfully. Describe a time when you have supported a colleague with a work related issue. Outline a situation where you have had to motivate work colleagues to do something that they did not agree with. Which do you prefer, leading a team, or being a team member? Empathy and Sensitivity Why is it important for doctors to demonstrate empathy and sensitivity? Describe a situation where your sensitivity to a patient's perspective altered the way that you managed their care? Describe a situation where you have demonstrated sensitivity or empathy towards one of your colleagues. Do you really need to show sensitivity and empathy to be a good doctor or are clinical skills and knowledge more important? Organisation and Planning How do you keep yourself organised at work? What strategies do you use to plan your work effectively? How do you cope when unexpected and unplanned work is added to your workload? What advice would you give to an FY1 doctor on their first day, about being organised at work? How have your planning skills had a positive impact upon those around you? Vigilance and Situational Awareness Describe an example of when your awareness of a developing situation at work, enabled you to avoid a problem or difficulty. What impact has clinical governance had on your work to date? Why is vigilance an important attribute to have for this specialty? Describe a situation where you lacked awareness of a developing situation, resulting in difficulty for you, your colleagues, or a patient. Coping with Pressure How do you cope with pressure? Describe a situation where you found yourself under conflicting pressures. What did you do to resolve them to the satisfaction of everyone involved? What do you do when you can no longer cope with the pressures of your workload? What strategies do you have in place to manage your workload and the pressure that you are under? How have you used your initiative to manage your work effectively, and reduce the pressure that you are under? Professional Integrity Give an example of a clinical scenario where you made a mistake. What did you do about it? What do you understand by the term 'professional integrity' and can you give an example where you have shown professional integrity at work? Why is it important for doctors to demonstrate integrity in all elements of their work? Is it ever justifiable to bend or break the rules at work? Have you ever done so? What would you do if you overheard a senior colleague making an inappropriate remark to a patient? How would you respond if one of your patients asked you out on a date? Clinical Knowledge and Expertise Describe a difficult clinical scenario you have been involved in. How did you contribute? Describe the most interesting case you have been involved in recently. How did you contribute to the management of the case? Describe a situation where management of a patient did not go as planned. What happened and what did you learn? You may also be asked a range of questions about particular clinical scenarios relevant to your specialty. Research Skills Why is research important? Describe your last audit. Is it important for all doctors to undertake research? Which is more important - research or teaching? Which do you prefer? Tell us about your publications. Prepare questions to ask the interviewers:  “Do you have any questions?” This is almost always asked at the end of an interview. Asking some questions can show you are interested and have done your research. Topics can include training, department structure and staffing, recent advances in the service, technology, equipment and clinical procedures.   Try to treat your NHS interview like a conversation, with well-prepared questions that are based on the job description, service structure and patient care delivery, as well as the vision of the trust as a whole.  For more articles on making a success of your NHS interview, including preparing for interview questions for doctors, take a look at these articles.  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 for news and updates on GMC registration, the Royal College and NHS through the links below:             

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