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- Respiratory

Respiratory Medicine jobs in the NHS
With IMG Connect you can search and apply for roles in the NHS, including posts relating to COVID-19. We can offer you the latest advice on each opportunity to work in the best performing NHS hospitals in the UK.
The NHS is looking for motivated internationally qualified pulmonologists to be a part of its dedicated workforce and join some of the best performing, largest and most successful Trusts in the UK. For experienced pulmonologists, CESR is supported in the majority of vacancies.
NHS Jobs in Respiratory Medicine, offering CESR support and career growth
At IMG Connect we are delighted to be able to offer opportunities for motivated, ambitious respiratory medicine specialists (Consultants, Registrars, Clinical Fellows and Registrars) to join Respiratory Medicine services based up and down the country.
Each appointment will be a member of a Respiratory multidisciplinary team providing high quality care, which are constantly seeking to improve and refine their service. Our NHS clients always have the ambition to continue to deliver an international standard service.
Our NHS clients can accommodate your skill set and professional interests. In some roles, the appointee will participate in both General Medical and Respiratory and will be responsible for the continuing care of patients admitted as emergencies. Sub-specialty clinical and academic interests are always encouraged.
For consultant pulmonologists, there are opportunities to work in major teaching hospitals, and all respiratory specialists will also be expected to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate education. The development of relevant research interests is also encouraged, and opportunities will be enhanced by education and career development departments.
For Specialty Doctors and Consultants in respiratory medicine, CESR is a great option to gain an internationally recognised qualification, allowing you to take on a permanent consultant job in the NHS.
What’s life like in an NHS Respiratory Department?
Respiratory medicine in the NHS is typically a hospital-based specialty. Hospital wards are busy and varied, a third of all acute medical admissions to hospital are the result of respiratory problems. Some Respiratory physicians choose to practice general medicine, and others maintain a focus on acute respiratory medicine.
Respiratory physicians in the NHS will work closely with colleagues in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU), as well as across all other specialities. Assessing patients in outpatients’ clinics is an important part of NHS jobs. There are two types of clinic: general respiratory clinics and specialist clinics. Respiratory physicians also run lung function laboratories in NHS hospitals and some respiratory units specialise in areas such as lung transplant, sleep-related medical problems or cystic fibrosis.
Specialist respiratory clinics in the NHS deal with a range of problems including:
cancer
tuberculosis, or TB (a bacterial lung disease)
cystic fibrosis (an inherited condition that causes a sticky section that can affect the airways often causing infection)
interstitial lung disease (scarring of the lung tissue between and supporting the air sacs)
chronic cough
sleep disorders relating to breathing, eg obstructive sleep apnoea
pulmonary vascular disorders (affecting the blood circulation of the lungs)
With such a broad range of job plans and career directions available, the NHS is an excellent place for pulmonologists to secure a job and grow their career in respiratory medicine, whilst working in internationally recognised institutions.

Specialist Medicine - a Doctor's Route to the UK (European & non-European)
Which routes can overseas specialist medicine doctors take to GMC registration & securing jobs in the NHS?
All doctors in specialist medicine areas such as respiratory, gastroenterology, dermatology, endocrinology, neurology, cardiology, geriatrics, rheumatology and stroke meidcine will need to satisfy certain criteria to fully register with the General Medical Council (GMC). What these criteria are will depend on whether you are applying from inside or outside of Europe.
This article will prove relevant to all the medical specialties that fall within the various speicalisms within medicine whilst also including haematology (MRCP + FRCPath is the complete set of qualifcations) and other off-shoots such as infectious disease.
The criteria you must meet depends on where you currently live and practice, either inside the EEA (& associated countries) or outside the EEA. This article is designed to give you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to start your journey to the UK, no matter where in the world you live.
Inside the EEA – click here
Outside the EEA – click here
“Doctors from countries around the world play a vital and significant role in our NHS and in the delivery of safe patient care. This is not only welcome but is part of the continuous exchange of knowledge in healthcare and should be strongly encouraged. They make an invaluable contribution to the NHS.”
Joint statement from the Royal College of Physicians
Inside the EEA
Firstly, it is important to note that where we refer to EEA in this article this refers to all countries inside the EU, including Lichtenstein, Iceland & Norway.
If you qualified as a doctor inside the EEA or Switzerland, then the good news is that you don’t need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK – you have already done this, and thanks to the EU your qualification is deemed equivalent. In addition, you will not need to apply for a visa from the UK Home Office.
As an EEA doctor, the main hurdle that you will face is demonstrating that your English skills are of a high enough standard to practice safely as a doctor in the UK & NHS.
English Language Testing
Any international doctor, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language.
You can do this by passing either of the following:
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
OET – Occupational English Test
Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
GMC Registration
Having passed your English Language Test, you can now apply for full registration with a licence to practice with the GMC. For full GMC registration you must provide evidence of:
Evidence of English language capabilities (IELTS or OET)
AND
Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (your equivalent qualifications)
Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article: IMG Library - GMC Registration for overseas doctors
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for European doctors in the NHS is ever increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms! At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for European doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of jobs than are readily available online.
Our network extends to psychiatry services and HR departments across the UK, so no matter what your grade or specialty we can ensure you will be interviewing for roles well in advance of any relocation plans.
In addition, your dedicated consultant, with a speciality knowledge of General Medicine, will negotiate on your behalf ensuring you get the most competitive salary.
Our aim is to have a job offer on the table before your GMC registration is complete, giving you the peace of mind of having an agreed contract in place - leaving you to carefully plan your relocation to the UK.
Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search
Relocation
Obviously, any doctor’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we focus on supporting you and your family with all your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK.
IMG Library – Relocation & UK Life
Brexit
Many overseas doctors have questioned how the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) will affect doctors from Europe already working in the UK, and those who may wish to work here in the future.
Whilst we are still pushing for a halt to Brexit, we've been keeping a close eye on policies and developments to ensure that we keep our doctors as up to date as possible. While we await more information from the UK Government about what our future relationship with Europe will look like, what is clear is that European doctors are most welcome in the NHS with or without Brexit.
At IMG Connect we do not see Brexit as an end to EEA doctors relocating to the UK, far from it… you are in demand and we will support with all the necessary requirements for entry to the UK, whatever the outcome.
Take a look at our Brexit articles for more information: IMG Library - Brexit
Outside of the EEA
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.
Here we summarise the requirements for General Medicine doctors, looking at the following:
English Language Testing
Evidence of Knowledge & Skills - PLAB, MRCP or equivalents
Tier 2 Visas
Full GMC Registration
English Language Testing
Any international doctor, regardless of specialty, experience or country of origin, must demonstrate they have sufficient competence of the English language. You can do this by passing either of the following:
IELTS – International English Language Testing System
OET – Occupational English Test
Take a look at our helpful articles below for detailed information on both tests:
IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors
OET – a guide for overseas doctors
Evidence of Knowledge & Skills in Medicine
Overseas doctors must prove to the GMC they have sufficient knowledge & skills to practice safely in the UK. This can be done through three main routes:
PLAB
Royal College qualification of MRCP
GMC - recognised or equivalent qualifications
Route 1 - PLAB:
The PLAB exam is a two-part exam that assesses a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO in the NHS, as such it does not demonstrate ability in Medicine specifically.
For this reason, PLAB tends to be a route for junior doctors who have not already chosen their field of specialisation in medicine.
That said, for some senior doctors PLAB can be an attractive option, offering a quicker route to the UK, whilst still securing competitive salaries. If taking this option, international doctors can then take up training or a more senior post once they have established themselves in the NHS.
Take a look through our comprehensive guides on PLAB:
PLAB – a guide for overseas doctors
PLAB 1 – a closer look
PLAB 2 – a closer look
Route 2 - Royal College Qualification:
Attaining a Royal College qualification is a preferred path for doctors who have already chosen their field of specialism i.e. medicine. For senior medicine doctors taking this route, they will gain access to more senior, well-paid jobs in the specialism of their choice.
The Royal College of Physicians is the Professional Body that regulates the specialism of medicine in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attainable by examination.
For overseas doctors, attaining MRCP will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK medicine.
Take a look at our complete guide on Membership of the Royal College of Physicians to understand more: MRCP – a guide for overseas doctors
GMC - recognised or equivalent qualifications:
Some overseas qualifications are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes. This means to say these qualifications are considered as meeting the same standards as the Royal College qualifications.
There are qualifications from several countries around the world that are currently accepted by the GMC.
Find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC: Overseas accepted postgraduate qualifications
Tier 2 Visa
If you are a doctor applying from outside the EEA region you will almost certainly need to apply for a visa to work in the UK.
Applying as a doctor or nurse has never been easier and there is currently no-restriction on the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) applications that a hospital can make. Furthermore, the list of specialties on the shortage occupation list is due for imminent review and expansion beyond its current list of specialties, potentially widening the scope for easier immigration processes across all specialties in healthcare.
Understand Tier 2 visas and Certificates of Sponsorship in depth by taking a look at our article: Tier 2 Visa application process & documents needed
Wondering whether you can relocate with your family? Take a look at our blog on the Tier 2 dependant visa: Tier 2 Dependant visa - can i bring my family with me to the UK?
GMC Registration
With everything in place, you can apply for full registration with a licence to practice with the GMC. Remember, for full GMC registration you must provide evidence of:
Evidence of English language capabilities
AND
Evidence of sufficient skill and knowledge (PLAB, MRCP or equivalent)
Understand the registration process in full & by reading our article: GMC Registration for overseas doctors
Job search
We recommend starting the job search as early as possible. Demand for Non-EEA doctors in the NHS is increasing - the NHS welcomes you with open arms!
At IMG Connect we specialise in securing jobs for overseas doctors in the UK and can offer you a wider range of jobs than is readily available online.
Our network extends to general medicine services and HR departments across the UK, so no matter what your grade or specialty we can ensure you will be interviewing for roles well in advance of any relocation plans.
In addition, your 1-1 consultant, with a speciality knowledge of medicine, will negotiate on your behalf, ensuring you get the most competitive salary.
Giving you the peace of mind of agreeing your new contract, perhaps even before your GMC registration is complete. Take a look at our most recent jobs: Job Search
Relocation
Obviously, any doctor’s journey isn’t all exams, registrations and language tests… there’s also the small matter of relocation and settling into life in the UK.
Once you have secured your role in the UK, we will focus on supporting you and your family with all of your relocation plans. This can include, but is not exclusive to, securing accommodation, travel planning, setting up bank accounts & national insurance numbers – every step of the way we are here to help.
Have a read through our IMG Library and take in all the beautifully organised information on relocation and UK life to immeasurably help your first days, weeks and months in the UK. Take a look here: IMG Library – Relocation & UK Life
Brexit
Many doctors have questions about how the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) will affect doctors from outside of the EEA already working in the UK, and those who may wish to work here in the future.
Whilst we are still pushing for a halt to Brexit, we've been keeping a close eye on policies and developments to ensure that we keep our doctors as up to date as possible. While we await more information from the UK Government about what our future relationship with Europe will look like, what is clear is that there are no current changes to immigration entry requirements for non-EEA doctors.
Overseas doctors are most welcome in the NHS with or without Brexit… you are in demand and we will support with all the necessary requirements for entry to the UK.
Take a look at our Brexit articles for more information: IMG Library - Brexit

How can I find a Respiratory Medicine job in the NHS?
As an overseas doctor, how do you find NHS job opportunities in Respiratory Medicine?
Finding the right job opportunity in the NHS can sometimes be time consuming and confusing for IMGs. Working with IMG Connect will give you easy access to vacancies for consultants and middle grades positions across the UK.
The IMG Connect job search is a dedicated online recruitment service for overseas doctors looking to secure a job in the NHS. View out latest doctor jobs in the NHS, here.
Save time and get expert advice based on your preferences
Performing a job search online can take up a lot of your time, so at IMG Connect we are here to do the time-consuming work for you. Upon registering, you will have a dedicated consultant whose role is to find jobs that match your skills, and apply for NHS jobs on your behalf.
CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE THE LATEST RESPIRATORY MEDICINE JOBS BY EMAIL
Register & Create a profile – it takes 30 seconds
It really is that easy, so why not take advantage of our resources, time and energy to find you the right job in the NHS suited to your preferences. By providing us with some key details we can quickly assess which jobs are best suited to your preferences, and even email you job alerts for new exciting roles which we think will interest you!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR DETAILS & PREFERENCES
We understand you, and our clients
When looking for a Respiratory Medicine job in the NHS, it can be hard to try to find out key information before applying, such as:
What specialty specific training there will be?
Am I likely to get a training post after taking this role?
Can the trust support CESR applicants and is their CESR programme established enough for my needs?
What career progression is available for me with the Respiratory Medicine Specialty?
What is the job plan and how much time will I spend on the ward?
What is it like to work and live there?
What salary will I get paid, and can I get extra pay for additional shifts?
It can be tricky to get all the answers you want before applying online, so we spend our time getting to know both our clients and you, finding out as much key information as possible to help you to make the right decisions. Including details on the Respiratory Medicine department, hospital & trust, as well as an overview of what it is like to live in the area, including housing and the cost of living, as well as access to schools for your children, childcare and finding work for spouses.
Making an impact
We will also provide you with top tips on CV writing, job applications and interviews, ensuring that your application and interview makes the most impact with our NHS clients.
Making it personal
Once registered, you can quickly search and apply for NHS jobs using our job search, and take advantage of many useful articles written to support you through your journey to the UK. In addition, when you sign up to 'job alerts' we will automatically email you each time a relevant Respiratory Medicine vacancy comes available that you may be interested in.
Once logged in, you can also save job details and make applications.
By registering with IMG Connect, you will:
Have a dedicated consultant who understands your preferences and will do the time-consuming job searches and applications for you.
Find your ideal NHS position amongst thousands of unadvertised vacancies - from consultant to registrar, or specialty doctor to SHO.
Be the first to hear about new vacancies – registering with IMG Connect means that your CV will gain priority with our NHS clients, and will professionally represented by international recruitment experts.
To help you find a job in the NHS simply follow these easy steps:
Register with IMG Connect
Fill in the 'Personal details' section.
Arrange a chat with your dedicated IMG Consultant
Sign up to receive 'job alerts’
Search our live Respiratory Medicine jobs
Searching for Respiratory Medicine jobs in the NHS could not be easier
If you want to find out more about the many different Respiratory Medicine roles available within the NHS - it only takes a minute to register with IMG Connect and receive expert advice and representation. We have helped many overseas Respiratory Medicine into consultant, specialty doctor, registrar, clinical fellow and staff grade NHS roles, whilst offering expert guidance to many more IMGs on NHS doctor pay, royal college qualifications and English language testing. We’d be happy to help you!
IMG Jobs
Search and find live respiratory medicine 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 specialist medicine job opportunities in the NHS, including discussions regarding a typical doctor salary in the UK and the most suitable hospital locations for you.