Overseas doctors often have questions about the best ways to prepare for PLAB, particularly with so many online resources available with varying reviews and price points.   So, what study preparation, materials, courses and support are available for international doctors? We have compiled some of the best resources and courses to help you in your preparation for the PLAB 1 exam.   The topics we will cover are as follows:  What is the PLAB 1 exam? What do I need in preparation for the PLAB 1 exam? How do I get started with my revision? What other resources are available? #IMGTips Passed? What’s next? For an overview of the entire examination series, have a look at our article in the IMG Resources library here.  A Recap of PLAB 1 Let’s begin with a quick recap of the first exam in the PLAB examination suite.   PLAB 1 covers the common, important and acute conditions (those common in emergency departments) seen by trainees entering the second year of the Foundation Programme (FY2), and the management of long-term conditions seen in primary care.  Questions relate to current best practice in the UK, and equipment routinely used in UK hospitals. You’ll need to answer the questions in relation to published evidence and not according to practices within your local arrangements. Remember, this is an exam for entry into the UK healthcare system.  For full guidance on the structure of the exam, see our detailed blog on the PLAB 1 exam here.  Preparation You can book your PLAB 1 examination using your GMC Online account where you can view available dates and book under the My Tests section.  Before you book a PLAB exam you must have:  an acceptable overseas primary medical qualification.   a GMC Online account to book or cancel the exam.  evidence of English competency – before you can book a test you will need to provide your English language test scores.   On Saturday 10 December 2022 at 10am (GMT) the GMC will release PLAB 1 places here for the following dates across all locations:  10 August 2023  2 November 2023  Getting Started There are many resources to choose from online in starting your preparation for PLAB 1, however we recommend the following GMC guides to help you start your preparation.  The PLAB Blueprint: this is a helpful guide to what will be included in the exam. Our IMGs advise this is the best place to start with your preparations. The blueprint sets out clearly all the topics and skills needed to pass the exam. Download the PLAB Blueprint here.  The Foundation Programme curriculum: the topics and skills covered in the PLAB Blueprint are identical to those undertaken by doctors starting their second year of Foundation Programme Training (FY2). The curriculum can be found here.  Guidance and interactive tools:  The GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ document explains the core advice to doctors on the standards expected of them. In the exam you will be expected to demonstrate the professional values and behaviours set out in ‘Good Medical Practice'.  You can test your knowledge of Good Medical Practice using the following online tools:  Explanatory guidance  Good Medical Practice in action interactive online tool  Welcome to UK practice interactive online tool  Sample questions: 30 sample questions along with their answers can be found on the GMC website here.  What other resources are available? You do not need to attend a study or coaching course to pass PLAB 1 and can be passed under your own preparation, but many candidates choose to do so.   Below are additional resources which can be used to aid your preparation.  PLABABLE Question Banks  Limited access (3 – 5 months) to a bank of over 2,500 questions with explanations for the exam, including practice by categories, timed mock practices, revision guides and dedicated study groups. You can access the course here.  MedRevisions Question Bank  An online question bank consisting of more than 4000 questions based on important PLAB 1 topics. The questions are lengthier and slightly more challenging compared to other question banks. There are also customisable mock exams which you can find here.  PLABverse Notes  Compact and organised notes with illustrations and comparisons. Around 300 pages with clinchers and hot notes at the end of each chapter and one-time full access to all chapters. You can choose from 3 plans of 3 months, 6 months or 1 year here.  PLABABLE Revision Course  A 4-day revision course, shooters, giving you the best chance to class club one. In this course you will find expert teachers who developed and wrote the question bank, high-level topics which are frequently asked in the exam and interactive and detailed lectures based on the most recent UK guidelines. Further information about the course can be found here.  PLABABLE Big Mock Exam   The ‘big mock’ features 180 high yield questions, not found in the PLABABLE question bank. The mock is available for six months from purchase, and you will find a mix of topics that will give you a more accurate prediction of where you stand in your preparation. The mock can be found here.  PLAB 1 Keys  PLAB 1 Keys offers an online subscription containing simplified and updated notes (provided as key points) that are required to pass PLAB 1. These are exam explanations compiled and converted into key points with diagrams and flow charts which makes it easier to understand. The subscriptions can be accessed here.  #IMGTips Start your revision early – starting in advance allows you to pace yourself and get ahead of the stresses of last-minute revision and anxiety.  Consider other essentials for the exam – you will need evidence of English language proficiency as well as a GMC online account and these (particularly your English exam) will need to be prepared in advance.   Think about your personal learning style and use this to plan effective revision - consider the ways you study best and use them to your advantage.  Try to take some time off work before the exam – you’ll likely be preparing for the exam alongside full-time work, so, if possible, take around 5-7 days somewhere in the run-up to the exam for some intense revision.  Passed? What's next? Once you have passed PLAB 1, you can take the PLAB 2 examination in the UK. Read our blog for more information on how to sit PLAB 2, which includes everything that you need to know about how to sit the exam, syllabus, dates, results, fees and preparation.  IMG Resources For more useful blogs & articles on exams, registrations & qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG library.  Get in Touch Don’t hesitate to get in touch via email or using the 'Ask a Question' button above to discuss job options in the NHS and the best locations for you, CESR and a typical salary in the UK. Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:              

In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the specific guidance on NHS applications for entry onto the Specialist Register through the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for medical oncologists.  We’ll cover the eligibility criteria, application process, and most importantly the required evidence, along with some other topics, summarised in the headings below:  What is CESR and who is it for? Do overseas oncologists need MRCP for CESR? What is the CESR equivalence process? What evidence is required for a CESR in medical oncology? Where will I find this evidence? How do I submit a CESR application? How long does it take to complete? How much does CESR cost? How long does it take to receive a decision? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Introduction to CESR CESR, or the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration, is the route to specialist registration for doctors who have not completed a GMC-approved training programme, but can demonstrate that their specialist training, qualifications and experience are equivalent to the requirements for the award of the CCT in the UK.   CESR holders can be appointed to substantive (or permanent) consultant positions in the NHS. As a medical oncologist, attaining specialist registration will mean you are qualified to practice independently as a consultant in the NHS.  Oncologists must prove to the GMC that their specialist training or specialist qualifications, when considered together, are equivalent to a CCT in the specialty in question.   In order to be eligible for CESR, doctors should have undertaken a minimum of 6 months training or obtained a specialist qualification and acquired specialist medical experience or knowledge as a medical oncologist within a non-training post.  Overseas doctors do not require CESR before moving to the UK to work in the NHS. Often, experienced oncologists will secure a post in the UK, and work towards CESR whilst in post.   MRCP for Specialist Registration Whilst it is always beneficial to complete MRCP (UK), particularly for doctors who have trained outside the UK or the EEA, overseas doctors looking to join the Specialist Register do not need to have completed the Royal College postgraduate exams.  The standard test of knowledge in the Medical Oncology curriculum is the MRCP (UK) exams, so passing these exams confirms the attainment of the competencies of the core curriculum.  MRCP (UK) is only a requirement for doctors looking to attain Specialist Registration via the CCT or CESR-CP route.  The structure of medical oncology training in the UK is an indicative two years in Core Medical Training or Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS), followed by an indicative four years of training in Medical Oncology. Therefore, applicants need to demonstrate the appropriate level of acute medicine expertise as well as competencies in medical oncology.  You can read more about the evidence required in the specialty specific guidance here.  CESR Equivalence Process Equivalence refers to the process of assessing an overseas applicant’s training and experience against the current medical oncology training programme requirements, in order to be awarded CESR.  The equivalence process involves submitting a written body of evidence to the GMC, consisting of:  training and/or competence; AND  skills and knowledge  The Royal College of Physicians will assess each application against the relevant curriculum before providing a recommendation to the GMC, who will then make a decision.  Please note that Equivalence procedures are the responsibility of the GMC. Applications are made through their Certification Department and initial enquiries should be directed there.  Evidence Requirements for CESR in Medical Oncology Skills & Experience: The evidence provided for a CESR application in oncology must cover the knowledge, skills and qualifications to demonstrate the required competencies in all areas of the Medical Oncology curriculum. If evidence is missing from any area of the curriculum, the application will fail.  Primary Evidence: To demonstrate that you can do what is required by the curriculum, you need to submit primary evidence of your clinical practice which shows how you work on a day-to-day basis: letters, reports, assessments etc. References, retrospective case summaries, and reflective notes can all be used in a CESR application, but by themselves they are not sufficient.  Audit & Governance: You are required to submit evidence of your active leadership in audit, including evidence that you have completed at least one audit cycle  Currency of Evidence: Your evaluators will be looking for evidence of current competency, generally defined as within the last five years. If you have completed training before this point, it is crucial that you provide evidence of maintaining competency across the whole area of the curriculum.   The GMC asks that only evidence that is strictly relevant is sent as it will help them to process the application quicker. The guidance on compiling your evidence will help you to decide what is relevant and what is not – you can find this on the GMC website here.  As a general guide, the GMC usually expects to see about 800 - 1000 pages of evidence, divided into four different domains, reflecting those of Good Medical Practice. The GMC recommends that you apportion the evidence provided as shown below:  Domain 1 – Knowledge, skills and performance  Domain 2 – Safety and quality  Domain 3 – Communication, partnership and teamwork  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Please note, you cannot compensate for evidence lacking in one area by providing more evidence in another area.  The full list of evidence required for each domain can be found on the GMC website here.  Gathering Evidence for a CESR Application Domain 1 – Knowledge, skills and performance  Qualifications  Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)  Specialist medical qualification(s)  Curriculum or syllabus (if undertaken outside the UK)  Specialist registration outside the UK  Honours and prizes  Other relevant qualifications  Assessments and appraisals Appraisals and assessments  RITAs, ARCPs and training assessments  360˚ and multi-source feedback  Awards and discretionary points letters  Personal development plans (PDP)  Logbooks, records of daily clinical practice and portfolios Logbooks  Consolidation, cumulative data sheets, summary lists and annual caseload statistics  Medical reports  Case histories  Referral letters discussing patient handling  Patient lists  Departmental (or trust) workload statistics and annual caseload statistics  Rotas, timetables and job plans  Courses relevant to curriculum  Portfolios (electronic or revalidation)  Details of posts and duties (including both training and experience posts) Employment letters and contracts of employment  Job descriptions  Job plans  Research, publications and presentations Research papers, grants, patent designs  Publications within specialty field  Presentations, poster presentations  CPD and CME CPD record certificates, certificates of attendance, workshops and at local, national and international meetings or conferences  CPD registration points from UK Medical Royal College (or equivalent body overseas)  Membership of professional bodies and organisations  Teaching timetables  Lectures  Feedback or evaluation forms from those taught  Letters from colleagues  Attendance at teaching or appraisal courses  Participation in assessment or appraisal and appointments processes  Domain 2 – Safety and quality Participation in audit, service improvement Audits undertaken by applicant  Reflective diaries  Service improvement and clinical governance meetings  Safety Health and safety  Domains 3 - Communication, partnership and teamwork Communication Colleagues  Patients  Partnership and teamwork Working in multidisciplinary teams  Management and leadership experience  Chairing meetings and leading projects  Domain 4 – Maintaining trust  Acting with honesty and integrity Honest and integrity  Equality and human rights (including disability, human rights, race, religion and ethnicity awareness and equal opportunities)  Data protection  Relationships with patients Testimonials and letters from colleagues  Thank you letters, cards from colleagues and patients  Complaints and responses to complaints  For more guidance on the different types of evidence, see the specialty specific guidance from the GMC for medical oncology.  Validating Evidence Original documents which are on headed paper with a hospital stamp and original signatures do not need additional validation.   All photocopied evidence should contain a hospital stamp on every page of each document, the validator’s name (printed and in full), job title (printed and in full) and original signature.  Application Submission All CESR applications are submitted online via GMC Online and if you have not already created an account, you can find a guide on how to do so here.  Electronic evidence is required for each of the different evidence sections of the CESR application. Once started, the online application remains open for 12 months, meaning that it can be used as a portfolio to gather evidence against each of the different sections.  Your electronic evidence can be in any of the following formats:  .doc  .pdf  .ppt  .xls  Formats outside of these are unlikely to be accepted.  The Online Application You will be required to complete the following sections once you begin your application:  Specialty details  Qualification details and professional experience  Details of your referees  Registration and licensing history  Evidence summary  Details of your verifiers  Final declaration and payment  Additional Evidence  Once an Adviser on the Specialist Applications Team has reviewed your initial evidence, they will provide you with information on:   What evidence they’ve accepted   What evidence they’re unable to accept (including the reasons for this)   Advice and guidance on how your application could be strengthened   You’ll have up to 60 days to provide additional documentary evidence in support of your application (30 days if you’ve submitted a Review application).  For further information about the online application process, see the GMC’s User Guide.  How long does it take to complete? As there is a substantial amount of evidence to gather for a CESR application, the process of preparing all the necessary documentation and applying for CESR can take even longer than this, and a typical candidate will usually set out to complete this within 1 – 3 years.  It is worth noting that more senior oncologists, such as consultants, are more likely to have achieved all the competences outlined in the curriculum.  The indicative period of training for a CCT in medical oncology is six years, so it is highly unlikely that you would achieve the competencies required for a CCT in a shorter period of time. Therefore, CESR is not suitable for more junior oncologists.  Cost of CESR Applications All oncologists applying for Specialist Registration must pay a fee. For CESR, this fee is £1,727.  For CESR-CP and CCT, the cost is £452.  How long does it take to receive a decision? The GMC estimate that it can take between six and eight months to receive a decision, from the date you submit your CESR application.  #IMG Tips Research/think about the types of evidence you will need and begin to gather your evidence well in advance of making your application.   Gather evidence prospectively – this is much easier than retrospectively trying to pull together the evidence under additional pressures.  Make sure that your evidence is of the highest possible quality and is current – you will be assessed against the most recent curriculum.   Ensure that the evidence you collect demonstrates your competence across the whole of the Medical Oncology curriculum, not just your sub-specialty.     Remember to refer to the most up-to-date Medical Oncology CCT Curriculum and Specialty Specific Guidance for the evidence requirements in your specialty.   Create a CESR ‘to-do list’ with sections under the GMC’s 4 domain headings – organise your evidence directly into these sections to manage your progress.  Do not submit original documents – all your copies, other than qualifications you’re getting authenticated must be accompanied by a proformas signed by the person who is attesting to the validity and accuracy of your evidence (your verifier).  Ask an IMG Connect recruitment specialist about NHS oncology posts with CESR support. These are not always advertised by a Trust, but we can help you find a role which aligns well with your career goals in the NHS.  Join the online community - join the IMG Oncologists Facebook group for access to a community of like-minded MRCP aspirants and dedicated oncology recruiters. In this group you will find tailored resources for oncology IMGs, including access to our MRCP crash courses, completely free to all doctors. You can access our IMG Oncologists community here. Sources https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/certificate-eligibility-specialist-registration   https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/specialist-application-guides/specialist-registration-cesr-or-cegpr  https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/documents/sat---ssg---medical-oncology---dc2310_pdf-48455474.pdf  Getting started  Attaining Specialist Registration through the CESR pathway can be a long but very rewarding process. Look at our introduction to CESR for medical oncologists for a full overview.  If you have any further questions about Specialist Registration, your route to the UK, or would like guidance in finding NHS posts which offer CESR support, please get in touch with us here.   Follow us on social media through the links below for regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, relocating to the UK and working in the NHS:              

Here we take a closer look at the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) for international doctors practicing medicine and its sub-specialties.  Whilst the MTI describes a UK-wide placement scheme for junior overseas doctors, the processes involved vary between specialties.   This blog focuses on the MTI scheme as administered by the RCP, and the particular of this are summarised below along with a broad look the following:  What is the Medical Training Initiative? What is the RCP and what support does it provide throughout my training? Am I eligible for an MTI post? Are there any additional requirements for the RCP? How can I use the MTI for GMC registration? What does the application process for the MTI through the RCP involve? How am I supported in obtaining a visa? I’m coming to the end of the MTI, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.   The Medical Training Initiative The Medical Training Initiative, or MTI, is a training programme that provides junior doctors from all over the world the opportunity to gain clinical training and development in the UK for a maximum of 24 months.  The MTI as a training scheme is mutually beneficial for both junior doctors and the NHS, in that doctors from several countries and specialisms around the world can work and train in the UK, gaining knowledge and experience which they can take back to their home country, while giving NHS Trusts a high-quality, longer-term alternative for unfilled training vacancies and rota gaps.  Royal College of Physicians (RCP) The Royal College of Physicians is the professional body that regulates medicine specialties in the UK, and Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is the full qualification attainable by examination.  Take a look at IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCP to learn more.  There are several ways you will be supported by the RCP as listed below:  Induction – all MTI candidates are expected to attend an induction at the RCP. The induction is held on a quarterly basis  Free ePortfolio access – this is an electronic portfolio to log all your assessments and training whilst in the UK  Free RCP associate membership – this is for the first year and discounted rate for the second year and comes with a number of benefits  Annual symposium – this is a clinical conference for all RCP MTIs held once a year  Diploma in UK Medical Practice – participants are required to carefully document their training using the ePortfolio system, complete a range of continuing medical education sessions, and submit a written reflection piece at the end of their placement  RCP certificate - at the end of training there is an RCP certificate available to all candidates  Support for any issues that you might encounter relating to your training  Eligibility The MTI has been designed specifically with junior doctors in mind, therefore sponsorship will not be offered to consultants, specialty doctors or for locum-appointed service posts (LAS).   The eligibility criteria differ among MTI programmes, but for the RCP, eligibility includes the following:  Country Requirements - Priority is given to doctors from countries classified as low income or lower middle income by the World Bank and priority countries as described by the Department for International Development. Doctors from outside these countries may also apply, but there may be a long wait time and no guarantee of acceptance.  Primary Medical Qualification: You must hold a recognised PMQ by the GMC and verified by Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)  Have a Postgraduate Medical Qualification: This can be MRCP Part 1, MD or other higher degree in medicine or a medical subspecialty  Skills & Competencies: You must possess the skills, competencies and understanding of medicine at least equivalent to a UK graduate at the end of their core medical training.  Clinical Experience: You must have 3 years post-qualification experience, including 1 year's internship and at least 1 year in the specialty in which you intend to train while in the UK  Active Medical Practice: Candidates must have been actively practicing clinically for at least three out of the last five years including the past 12 months before the application as well as throughout the application process (the GMC does not consider clinical observerships as clinical practice).  Please note, the RCP cannot sponsor doctors who have failed the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test.  Additional Requirements Before you can make an application for the MTI scheme through the RCP, the following criteria must be satisfied:  Verification of PMQ – your primary medical qualification must be independently verified by the ECFMG via their EPIC service.  Complete an English Language test – the test must have been completed within two years of application for GMC registration.  Find an NHS job before applying for the MTI – you are required to apply directly for an NHS post and should have already been formally offered the role before contacting the RCP. The hospitals should also be in support of your intention to seek sponsorship for the post.   Obtain funding - you should already have funding for your post from either a scholarship, official funding, or a salary. The funding should be equivalent to a UK salary for the level of work being undertaken and must last for the duration of the post. The RCP will not sponsor applicants who are self-funded.  Certificate of Good Standing - you must be able to provide a certificate of good standing (CGS) from the regulatory body in the countries where you have practised in the last 5 years. The CGS should be no older than 3 months when submitted.  GMC Registration All doctors practicing in the UK must be registered with the GMC. For MTI candidates, registration is typically supported by the Royal College, but some NHS Trusts also have the right to register MTI doctors.  English Language Testing – candidates will also need to provide evidence of English language skills. This can be done by passing either IELTS with overall score of 7.5 and 7.0 in all categories or OET with minimum grade B in all categories. Further information on these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors  OET – a guide for overseas doctors  Application Process Once you fulfill all the eligibility criteria and additional requirements laid out by the RCP, you must complete the initial and professional postgraduate experience (PPE) forms and email these along with your CV to mti@rcplondon.ac.uk.  Once your CV, initial form and PPE forms have been received, the RCP will contact the supervising consultant in the UK and confirm the details of your post. You will then be sent an application pack. You should complete the application form and send it to the RCP with all of the following documents:  sponsor form (forms will be provided by the RCP) – must be completed by your consultant or head of department in your home country  two reference forms (forms will be provided by the RCP)  copy of your passport  copy of your IELTS/OET certificate or details of exemption  copies of your medical qualifications  translations of your medical qualifications if they are not in English  letter from the dean of the medical school from which you graduated  copy of certificate of good standing  letter from the UK hospital confirming your appointment  evidence of funding for the post  your statement agreeing to the level of funding which you have received from any of the sources listed  initial fee of £125  We’ve detailed the general processes involved in MTI applications through the RCP below, from a candidate securing an NHS post, to their eligibility to work in the UK after gaining GMC registration and securing a visa.  Tier 5 Visa for MTI The MTI scheme falls under the Tier 5 government authorised exchange visa. This visa must only be used for travel to the UK at the beginning of the placement and will activate after your arrival, lasting for exactly 24 months from your arrival date.  For a Tier 5 MTI visa, the RCP needs to provide evidence regarding your post to the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC - the official visa sponsor) once the GMC has approved your application in order to get your Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) issued.   Once your Tier 5 CoS has been issued it is your responsibility to apply for the Tier 5 visa via https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas. Applications for Tier 5 visas must be made in your home country (or the country you work in), but never from within the UK.  You can also apply to the AoMRC for Tier 5 dependent visas for your spouse and children, although this is not guaranteed, and you should read the UKVI requirements on this well in advance.  Please note that Tier 5 visas cannot be extended.  Sources  https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative-resources-applicants  https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative   https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/19236/download  https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/23841/download   https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/file/4534/download?token=QyAzDCP8   What are my options after I complete the MTI? Ordinarily, on completion of the MTI scheme, doctors return to their home country with the training and experience they gained from working in the NHS.  Some doctors may want to remain in the UK after completing the MTI for a number of reasons. This can be done if the doctor finds another NHS post, in which case, they may be able to switch from the Tier 5 visa to the Tier 2 Health and Care Worker visa.  If you want to find another NHS post after completing the MTI, you would follow the same process as any other doctor. You will need to consider what job it is you would like to obtain and what location in the UK you would prefer to relocate to.  For guidance on NHS jobs in your specialty, please see our live jobs or get in touch with us to learn more about your options in the NHS. For regular news and updates on the Royal Colleges, GMC registration and working in the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation:              

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.

Many Hong Kong psychiatrists complete MRCPsych as part of their training or are at least aware of the exam. Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists examinations (MRCPsych) is one of the best ways for Hong Kong psychiatrists to register with the GMC and find psychiatry jobs in the NHS.  The exams can be taken by International Medical Graduates (IMGs) from any country in the world, provided certain eligibility criteria are met. Here we provide a summary of these exams from a Hong Kong perspective, along with a broader look at the topics below:  Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists? What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers? MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK An overview of MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists What is the exam content and format? Assessment Portfolio Sponsorship Requirements How do I apply for the exams? How much will it cost me? As a Hong Kong psychiatrist, where can I sit the exams? How can I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations IMG Tips Passed? What next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  Where does MRCPsych fit in for Hong Kong Psychiatrists? Postgraduate training in Hong Kong is governed by the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists, and historically, psychiatric training in Hong Kong has aligned closely with the UK system of postgraduate education. Most psychiatrists in Hong Kong obtain membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) as part of their post graduate training.   The structure of postgraduate training in Hong Kong also closely follows expectations for UK Trainees by covering the same 6 years of higher specialist training. In Hong Kong, the first three years of basic training incorporate the pre-MRCPsych training scheme, which gives the trainee the opportunity to take the MRCPsych examinations at a similar time in the process to the UK.   What does MRCPsych mean for Hong Kongers?  The mental health service in Hong Kong has undergone tremendous change over the last 20-30 years, developing a solid foundation in training, legislation, research and academic work. Hong Kong has fast developed a highly regarded psychiatry service and workforce. This level of training and service, coupled with membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) means that Hong Kong Psychiatrists, including specialists and trainees, fit very well into the UK system.   Links through IMG Connect to several of the top performing trusts in the UK, has seen several Hong Kong psychiatrists flourish in the NHS, year on year.   MRCPsych can lead to CESR or Specialist Registration in the UK  With the parallels in post-graduate specialist training and qualifications like MRCPsych and FHKCPsych, and the high level of experience of Hong Kong Psychiatrists, Hong Kongers are able to enter CESR programmes successfully, gaining specialist registration in the UK reasonably quickly.  Hong Kong Psychiatrists possess the right level of skills, experience and qualifications required for a psychiatrist to apply for CESR. Upon entering the UK system, typically in a job with CESR support, HK psychiatrists can work towards completing the CESR application process with the support of their new employer, leading to being a specialist psychiatrist in the UK.   What is MRCPsych and how can Hong Kong Psychiatrists use it for GMC registration?   The MRCPsych examinations are the main component of specialty training for psychiatrists in the UK. The Royal College exams are designed to test your knowledge of basic medical sciences as well as the clinical skills required for diagnosis and management within psychiatry.   For IMGs from Hong Kong, MRCPsych is one of the two main routes to full GMC registration - you can find a range of articles covering these routes in our resource library here: Royal College or PLAB route.   For psychiatrists who wish to take more senior roles reflective of their current practice, IMG Connect advise that MRCPsych would be the best route to take, rather than PLAB.     As above, Hong Kong Psychiatrists who possess full MRCPsych can register to work in the UK. Whether 3 years into specialist training, or complete in all aspects of the postgraduate programme in Hong Kong, whether working as an Associate Consultant, Consultant or Professor, using the MRCPsych postgraduate route to GMC registration is applicable to you.   Psychiatrists in all main specialisms of psychiatry are eligible for registration and very much in demand to fill vacancies within the NHS.  A very successful route for Hong Kong Psychiatrists has been to secure a non-training post in the NHS, often appointed as a Specialty Doctor, Specialist Grade. Coupled with a developed CESR support programme, a non-training post can ensure swift progress to specialist registration in the UK. CESR will be a requirement for Hong Kong Psychiatrists to allow an appointment to a permanent consultant post.   For Hong Kong Psychiatrists who have not yet sat the examinations, in the following sections of this blog we will provide an overview of the format, dates, fees and exam centres, as well as look at how to prepare.   Eligibility for Hong Kong Psychiatrists   The MRCPsych examinations can be taken by any registered doctor in Hong Kong.    Each examination has different criteria, to complete the full MRCPsych a Hong Kong doctor must be registered with the medical council of Hong Kong, or any recognised medical board if working elsewhere overseas. They must also complete the Assessment Portfolio for Overseas Candidates demonstrating that they have complete 3 years of equivalent training.   For each part of the exam the Royal College suggest the following eligibility criteria:   MRCPsych Paper A  You are eligible for Paper A if you are a fully registered medical practitioner (in Hong Kong or elsewhere)  MRCPsych Paper B  It is a recommended to have at least 12 months experience in psychiatry before taking this examination.   Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC)  You have a pass in both Paper A and B; AND  You can demonstrate you have sponsorship in place. Sponsorship forms must be submitted by an appropriate medical education lead confirming that the eligibility requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations have been met; AND  You have 24 months post internship experience in Psychiatry; AND  (Overseas candidates) Assessment portfolio  Exam content and format  The MRCPsych examinations consist of two written papers (Paper A + Paper B) and one clinical examination (CASC).   Paper A – The scientific and theoretical basis of psychiatry  This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions made up of approximately two thirds multiple choice questions (MCQ) and one third extended matching item questions (EMI).   It covers the following sections of the syllabus:   Behavioural Science and Socio-cultural Psychiatry  Human Development  Basic Neurosciences  Clinical Psychopharmacology  Classification and Assessment in Psychiatry  Paper B - Critical review and the clinical topics in psychiatry  This is a three-hour written paper, worth 150 marks and comprising of 150 questions. The content includes one third critical review and two thirds on clinical topics.   It covers the following sections of the syllabus:   Organisation and delivery  General adult  Old age  Psychotherapy  Child & adolescent  Substance misuse  Forensic  Learning disability  Critical review  CASC - Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies  The CASC is based on a format similar to OSCEs. Specifically, the examination consists of two circuits which must be completed on the same day.  In total, the circuit includes 16 stations, made up of:   Five stations on history taking, including risk assessment  Five stations on examination, including physical and mental state  Six stations on patient management   Stations consist of several elements with instructions provided to all candidates, marked against the examiners construct.   These have a standardised format with elements in common between stations of a similar type. Find out more here.  For a more detailed guide on the recent MRCPsych exam changes, read our blog on Online MRCPsych Examinations.  Assessment Portfolio for Hong Kong Psychiatrists  The assessment portfolio should demonstrate achievement of equivalent competencies to those defined in the ARCP documented on the application form, including competencies in Psychotherapy AND Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, or Learning Disability, by the time of application.  In addition, you must demonstrate that you have undertake the following activities as part of your structured job plans:  Observation in interviewing patients in ward rounds for specified reasons   Observation in interviewing patients in out-patient or community settings or other contexts for specified reasons   Assessment via formal presentation of cases with their medical notes; discuss management of cases with their Clinical or Educational Supervisor  Formal assessment of competencies in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Learning Disability AND Psychotherapy  Assessments and achievement of competencies should take place in a range of settings and psychiatric specialties with structured, documented feedback on performance having been provided.    Whilst there is no assessment criteria form available, (this is incorporated into the online submission), take a look at the ARCP assessment portfolio form for CT1-3 in the UK, which should help give you a starting point for your own portfolio.   For Hong Kong Psychiatrists, the good news is that since the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists embarked on the expansion and development of formal specialisms in psychiatry, the core competencies required by the Royal College in the UK are easier to gain access to than in other parts of the world. At the time of writing, the Hong Kong College oversees the following clinical divisions: general adult psychiatry, old age psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, psychotherapy, addiction psychiatry, rehabilitation psychiatry and learning disability.     Postgraduate training in Hong Kong allows for MRCPsych aspirants to apply for the examinations with confidence.   Sponsorship Requirements  Hong Kong MRCPsych candidates must have a sponsor in place in order to support evidence that their three years of training satisfy Royal College criteria of having achieved equivalent competencies at appropriate competency levels (year 1, 2, 3) for each component of the examination.   Sponsorship is required by all applicants for entry to the CASC exam and your sponsor should be an appropriate medical education lead, confirming you have met the requirements to sit the MRCPsych examinations.  Acceptable sponsors in Hong Kong include:   College Tutor  Training Programme Director  Educational Supervisor  Head of School  Director of Medical Education (or equivalent)  Head of Department of Psychiatry  Consultant responsible for employee/trainee appraisal  Once your sponsor has authorised your application, you will receive a confirmation email from the Royal College, and you will be asked to complete your application and proceed to payment.  Applications for Hong Kong Doctors To apply from Hong Kong, you will need to complete an online application form which takes about 15 – 20 minutes. Applications must be submitted no later than 3:30pm UK time (10:30pm HK time) on the last day of the application period.  Note: the online application form for Paper A, B and CASC will only be available during the published application dates and applications submitted after this will not be accepted.  You can sit Paper A and B in any order. You will be required to enter contact details and training history, including your medical registration. If applying for the CASC, you will also need to provide the contact details of your sponsor.  After you have completed the written exam, you have 1,643 days to sit the CASC – you can find specific time limits here.  Exam Costs and Payment  Payment is made by Visa or Mastercard credit/debit card, and the costs for 2021 are as follows:  Candidate  Paper A  Paper B  CASC  PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres)  £486 (~HK$5228)  £437 (~HK$4701)  £1,004 (~HK$10,799)  Non-PMPT Trainees and Affiliates (UK & Ireland Centres)  £539 (~HK$5797)  £485 (~HK$5217)  £1,115 (~HK$11,993)  Exam Locations  Due to the ongoing difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the CASC examination will not be run in Hong Kong in 2022.  The good news is that changes have been made and all examinations for MRCPsych can be taken online. Hong Kong psychiatrists can now sit all three MRCPsych exams without leaving the country, and even from the comfort of your own home. This makes it easier for HK doctors to complete the MRCPsych examinations and work towards their GMC registration within a normal time frame.   Exam dates  These are the exam dates available at the time of writing.  Paper A  Diet  Date of Examination  Application Period  Publication of Results  2  8 December 2021  4 - 22 October 2021  11 February 2022  1  14 June 2022  4 – 14 April 2022  22 July 2022  2  6 December 2022  3 – 14 October 2022  15 February 2022    Paper B  Diet  Date of Examination  Application Period  Publication of Results  1  29 March 2022  25 January – 4 February 2022  13 May 2022  2  4 October 2022  25 July – 5 August 2022  4 November 2022    CASC - UK & Ireland  Diet  Date of Examination  Application Period  Publication of Results  1  10 – 21 January 2022  1 – 12 November 2021  25 February 2022  2  12 – 23 September 2022  6 – 17 June 2022  31 October 2022    How do I prepare for the MRCPsych examinations?   With lots of materials online, we have discussed with IMGs the best exam resources and materials for Hong Kong doctors. Most IMGs recommended starting with the Royal College, who have created useful resources to help you to prepare for the exams. See below:   Syllabus: We always suggest that this is the best place to start – plan your study around the curriculum topics and make a road map to your success in the exams. You can find this here.  Current critical review syllabus: For Paper B candidates will need to ensure that they make optimal use of the MRCPsych Paper B Critical Review Evidence Based Practice Syllabic Content.   Sample Papers: These will help you prepare and polish your exam techniques. They are helpful in familiarising yourself with the exam format to allow you to work quickly and efficiently on the day, and are a good way to benchmark your knowledge and progress against the syllabus.   Paper A sample questions Paper B sample questions Marking schemes (Paper A and B): Candidates pass or fail the written papers based on their performance, and not how well you perform against other candidates. As such, it is a good idea to understand how the exam is worked, so you can maximise your exam skills, giving you the best chance of a pass. Marking schemes can be found here.   Marking scheme (CASC): A good start with CASC preparation is to get to know how you will be assessed, take a look at the criteria for scoring a pass mark in CASC, as well as the History Marksheet, Management Marksheet and Examination Marksheet.   CASC examination guide: The Royal College have produced a helpful guide for candidates which provides information on stations, role plays and assessment.   CASC preparation videos: Here you will have the opportunity to see CASC stations in action. This will give you a good idea of what to expect and help you prepare.   CASC Blueprint: This helpful summary details stations in some detail and gives a useful overview of the exam format.   The Royal College also suggest taking a look at Passing the MRCPsych - an insider’s guide - a useful guide to help you to get over the first steps.   #IMG Tips  Start preparing early - as ever at IMG Connect, we believe in preparation. Early preparation gives you the best chance for success and lessens the need for the dreaded last-minute cramming.  Join a study group – a great way to share resources, tips and meet new friends at the same time! To join an international study group, get in touch on our Facebook community group, see below.   Practise, practise, practise – psychiatry IMGs preparing in Hong Kong have told us that it is vital that you practise your clinical examinations, even better if under the supervision of a colleague who has already passed the exams  Join the online psychiatry community – connect with like-minded psychiatrists and dedicated psychiatry recruiters in the IMG Psychiatrists Facebook group.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things psychiatry, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              Passed? What’s next?   Whether you completed MRCPsych as part of your postgraduate training some time ago, or have recently completed the examinations, you can apply for a full GMC registration with license to practice. Once the GMC has approved your application, you can work as a doctor in the UK.  This is a great time to get in touch with us to discuss your route towards and preparation for GMC registration, or to find psychiatry jobs in the NHS if you’re further along in the process. In the meantime, why not have a look at our blog on Finding Psychiatry Jobs in the UK for Hong Kong Doctors.   If you’ve passed part of the MRCPsych exams, it’s time to look ahead to your next exam. You can find comprehensive guides to each of the MRCPsych exams in the IMG Resources library.  

There are several routes a microbiologist can take to register with the GMC and practice in the UK.  Microbiologists looking to secure a job in the NHS must satisfy certain criteria before to be eligible for GMC registration, which is a requirement to work in the UK. This generally depends on where you received your training, and the qualifications you hold.  In this blog, we’ll be giving you a snapshot of the steps you need to take to begin your journey to the UK as an overseas microbiologist. We’ll be covering the following:  What is the GMC? What are the requirements for GMC registration? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as an EEA microbiologist? How do I demonstrate my knowledge and skills as a non-EEA microbiologist? How can I demonstrate my English language skills? What is a certificate of good standing and how do I get one? How do I register with the GMC? Will I need a visa to work in the UK? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  The General Medical Council The GMC is the body in the UK which is responsible for licensing and revalidating every doctor. Therefore, for every doctor practicing in the UK, GMC registration is essential – you cannot practice in the UK without full GMC registration with a license to practise.  The primary responsibility of the General Medical Council is to ‘protect, promote and maintain the health and safety of the public’ in addition to improving medical education and practice across the UK.  Requirements for GMC Registration Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings, actions and documents. For full GMC registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   Skills & Knowledge for EEA Microbiologists For microbiologists who trained in an EEA country (all countries inside the EU, also Lichtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland & Norway), you may be able to use your primary medical qualification (PMQ) or specialist qualification to register with the GMC.   Basic Medical Training If you meet the requirements for basic medical training, you would be eligible for full registration.  You will not need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills to work as a doctor in the UK and would therefore not need to complete any additional skills and knowledge tests to register for a license to practice.   Specialist Training / Residency If you meet the criteria for entry onto the Specialist Register, then once you have completed the GMC application process, you would be granted Specialist Registration in microbiology and can be appointed as a substantive or permanent consultant in the NHS.   Therefore, for European microbiologists, using your primary medical qualification (PMQ) or specialist qualification is most likely the easiest route to becoming GMC-registered and being able to practice microbiology in the UK.  To find out if your country’s qualifications will allow you to register for either GMC registration; check the relevant GMC page here.  If your training does not meet the GMC requirements for general or specialist registration, other routes you may consider to GMC registration as listed below.   Skills & Knowledge for non-EEA Microbiologists If you qualified as a microbiologist outside the EEA, then you will have to demonstrate that both your medical knowledge and skills meet the level required to practice safely in the UK.  IMG microbiologists can demonstrate skills and knowledge through three main routes:  PLAB PLAB or the Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board 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 microbiology 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, microbiologists 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.  FRCPath Microbiology The Royal College of Pathologists is the professional body that regulates the specialism of microbiology in the UK, and Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) is the full qualification attainable by examination.  For overseas doctors, attaining FRCPath will satisfy the knowledge & skill criteria for GMC registration and facilitate application for more senior roles in UK pathology. Take a look at IMG Resources library for a complete guide to FRCPath to learn more.  GMC-recognised or equivalent qualifications Some overseas qualifications and licensing exams are recognised by the GMC and accepted for registration purposes.   To find out if your qualification is accepted by the GMC, take a look at our blog: GMC-accepted postgraduate qualifications.  English Language Testing Both EEA and non-EEA microbiologists, regardless of experience and country of origin, must demonstrate that they have a sufficient grasp and competence of the English language. This can be done by passing either the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or the OET (OET – Occupational English Test). Detailed guides to these tests can be found below:  IELTS – a guide for overseas doctors  OET – a guide for overseas doctors  Exemption from English tests For doctors who have at least two years of their most recent experience in an English-speaking country, you can use a reference from your current employer or employers over these two or more years to demonstrate competence of the English language. This would exempt you from sitting an English language exam.  Certificate of Good Standing All doctors registering with the GMC must provide a certificate of good standing from each medical regulatory authority they’ve been registered or licensed with in the last five years.  The medical regulatory authority may send you a certificate of past good standing if you're not currently registered or licensed with them. You can find out which medical regulatory authority to contact via the GMC website here.  If there's no medical regulatory authority in the country to issue a certificate, the GMC will give you further advice once your application has been assessed.  Please note that each certificate is only valid for three months from the date it's signed and must be valid when we approve your application.  Applying for GMC Registration Once you’ve completed your English language exam, you can now apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice. For registration, you must provide evidence of:  English language capabilities - either your IELTS, OET or an approved reference from your current employer   AND  Certificate of good standing – the certificate from your medical regulatory authority which demonstrates good standing  AND  (EEA microbiologists) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as an EEA microbiologist, this would either be your recognised EEA qualification  OR  (Non-EEA microbiologist) Sufficient skill and knowledge – as a non-EEA microbiologist, this would either be PLAB, FRCPath or a GMC-approved qualification.  To understand the registration process more fully, read our article on GMC registration for overseas doctors here.  Visas IMGs relocating to the UK will need to apply for a visa from the Home Office.  A Tier 2 visa is the document given to a skilled worker by the UK Home Office following a job offer from a UK employer with a valid Tier 2 Sponsorship License. The list of valid Tier 2 Sponsors can be found here.  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 dependent visa below: Tier 2 Dependent visa - Can I bring my family with me to the UK?  There you have it! Hopefully this clarifies any worries or doubts you may have on your route to the UK as a microbiologist planning a career in the NHS. If you have any questions or wish to know more about the microbiology job market, then get in touch with our team.  For regular news and updates on the Royal College and all things pathology, follow IMG Connect on social media using the links below:              

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

FRCR Part 1 or CR1 is the first exam in the FRCR postgraduate qualification. The completion of all the exams in the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR) examination suite leads to eligibility for GMC registration. The exams can be taken by IMGs from any country, provided certain criteria have been met. In this article, we’ll take a look at the following:  An overview of FRCR exams A deep dive into FRCR Part 1 How is the exam marked? Am I eligible for the exam? As an overseas radiologist, where can I sit the exam? How much will the exam cost and how do I apply? What is the best way to prepare for the exam? #IMG Tips I’ve passed the FRCR Part 1 exam, what’s next? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  An Overview of FRCR FRCR is the set of postgraduate examinations administered by the Royal College of Radiologists to test a candidate’s knowledge and clinical understanding within the scope of the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology.  The exams are as follows:  Please note that only full FRCR satisfies the postgraduate requirements for overseas doctors.  You can read an overview of the full FRCR examination suite via our IMG Resources library.  For doctors who are interested in securing senior roles in the NHS which are reflective of their current practice or grade, we advise that FRCR is the best route to take to GMC registration. FRCR is often a requirement for NHS locum consultant job postings where candidates are not already on the Specialist Register for radiology. The FRCR route allows senior candidates to better align their qualifications with the specifications of relevant jobs.  FRCR Part 1 - Anatomy & Physics FRCR Part 1 is the first in the set of FRCR exams. This exam expects candidates to have gained knowledge of the physical principles that underpin diagnostic medical imaging and of the anatomy needed to perform and interpret radiological studies.  The exam is designed to assess whether candidates have an appropriate knowledge of the anatomy that underpins all radiological imaging including radiography, fluoroscopy, angiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  The two components of the exam are Anatomy and Physics. Anatomy The exam features an electronic image viewing session, mimicking what radiologists would encounter in clinical practice in order to be valid, thus the questions consist of radiological images on a computer screen as this is the normal medium, as opposed to film or printed on paper.  The exam includes 100 questions - most of these are quite straightforward with an arrow indicating a specific anatomical structure as shown by a specific modality. These are typically “name the arrowed structure” questions, with space provided for a free text answer.   The exam lasts 90 minutes and individual modalities are given roughly equal weight as follows:  cross-sectional  plain radiographs  contrast studies  Different body parts are also given roughly equal weight covering the following areas:   head, neck and spine  chest and cardiovascular  abdomen and pelvis  musculoskeletal  Recognising a radiological anatomical structure and unprompted recall of its precise name is a key aspect of the everyday work of clinical radiologists, and doing so in a timely manner without routine recourse to reference material reflects real-life clinical practice.  Physics The purpose of the physics exam is to assess whether candidates understand the underlying principles that underpin the generation of images in the various modalities, such that they:   select the most appropriate imaging technique for a clinical scenario from the intrinsic properties of the method of image generation  understand the risk, safety and quality consideration that are inherent in image generation to allow an informed choice of the appropriate modality and any alteration in technique  demonstrate the requirements of legislation that require the use of those techniques that require ionising radiation to be justified by a professional had been met  This exam lasts two hours and comprises 40 questions. Each question includes a stem (a question or statement) and five items (answers). The answers must be marked true or false and it is possible for all five items to be true or for all to be false.  The question distribution of the physics paper is as follows:  matter and radiation – 3  radiography & fluoroscopy – 6  radionuclide imaging – 6  radiation safety – 6  computed tomography – 6  magnetic resonance imaging – 6  ultrasound – 6  other – 1  Marking  Both exams are marked by a delivery platform which is programmed with the correct answers.  Marks are awarded for each exam as follows:  The anatomy examination is marked out of 200, and answers are marked as follows:  full accuracy = 2 marks  less accuracy, but still correct (e.g. omits ‘left’ or ‘right’ for a paired structure) = 1 mark  incorrect = 0 marks  The physics examination is marked out of 40, and answers are marked as follows:  correct = 1 mark  incorrect = 0 marks  The standard for success is determined based on the difficulty of the questions in each sitting and may therefore vary between sittings and sets of images.  For more information on the exam content and structure, read the guidance notes for candidates on the College website.  Eligibility The eligibility criteria for FRCR Part 1 is: holding a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) that is recognised by the GMC for registration purposes. holding a formal clinical radiology post in which they are actively receiving clinical radiology training.  no minimum period of clinical experience or training is required to enter the exams Exam Centres The current venues for the First FRCR (CR1) exam are:  Belfast, Birmingham, Bridgend Wales, Crewe, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London and Plymouth. Overseas centres for now are in Hong Kong, Singapore, India, Egypt and Malta.  The exam is typically held three times a year over two consecutive days. 2023 exam dates are as follows:  February 2023 Physics – Thursday 9 February  Anatomy – Friday 10 February  June 2023 Physics – Thursday 8 June  Anatomy – Friday 9 June  September 2023 Physics – Thursday 14 September  Anatomy – Friday 15 September  For updates on exam dates, including the application window, keep an eye on the Royal College website here.  Applications & Cost First FRCR (CR1) 2023 exam cost:  Members - £319  Non-members - £406  Please note that these costs vary slightly for some overseas centres. UK trainees are given priority for examination places, followed by members of the Royal College and finally non-members. Each window lasts around a week and all candidates should apply for the exams through the Royal College website here.   Preparation Although there are many online materials to aid in your preparation for FRCR Part 1, as always, we recommend you start your preparation on the Royal College website, particularly with the Specialty Training Curriculum for Clinical Radiology. In using these as a blueprint for your preparation, you will ensure your study is focused on the most relevant and useful information as prescribed directly from teaching materials.   Instructional video and demonstration site: a walkthrough video of the FRCR Part 1 exam format with guidance and instructions which can be found here for the physics component and here for anatomy.   Anatomy module guidance: advice for the anatomy module has been compiled by the College here.  Specimen questions: sample questions and answers have been put together by the College and are available here.  #IMG Tips Prepare early – the best way to avoid stress and last-minute cramming is to get started as soon as possible.  Get familiar with the exam content – during your study (at least to start off with), the curriculum should be your guide to the FRCR exams.  Practise, practise, practise – go through as many practice questions as you can and regularly review your progress using mock exams. Sources https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-radiology/examinations/frcr-part-1-radiology-cr1  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr1_anatomy_purpose_of_assessment_statement.pdf  https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/cr1_physics_purpose_of_assessment_statement.pdf   https://www.rcr.ac.uk/sites/default/files/clinical_radiology_curriculum_2020.pdf   I’ve passed the First FRCR exam, what’s next? Firstly, congratulations! This is an incredible achievement, and you deserve to treat yourself after all that hard work! With a pass in the First FRCR in hand, you can look ahead to the Final FRCR CR2A and CR2B exams. Once you have completed all parts of FRCR, you can apply for full GMC registration with a license to practice.  Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team to learn more about the opportunities available to you once you’ve passed FRCR.  For the latest news and updates on all things radiology, including the Royal College, GMC registration and the NHS, follow us on social media and join the conversation.              

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:             

Exam places for MRCP PACES have been hard to secure in some countries. This increase in demand has continued through to 2023, so what can you do to maximise your chances of securing an examination place?  The Royal College of Physicians has advised that they are working to grow capacity internationally. However, this will not have an immediate impact on the number of spots available across the world.  With so many overseas doctors missing out on a spot, we have put together some of the main discussion points to help you to broaden your chances of sitting the exam as soon as possible.  All applications submitted during the application period will be treated equally, with spaces being allocated using a random lottery model. Some spaces are reserved for local trainees and some priority can be given for applicants near the end of their eligibility periods.  So, to maximise your chance of success, we suggest that not only do you apply to your closest PACES exam centre, but also to 3 more centres that you are able to travel to.  Apply to more centres Why should I apply for more centres? More applications equals more chance of securing a place. They way that it works is that if you are not successful with your 1st preference (most local centre), then you will be considered for a space in your 2nd choice centre, and so on until you secure a spot.  Of course, this means that you must be willing to travel to sit the exam. This can be costly, especially if you have to travel to a different country, flights and hotels are not cheap! As such, we suggest taking some time to carefully choose the locations that will not only have the possibility of a spare place, but where your costs will be kept to a minimum.  Candidates will be notified on the outcome of their application within 2 weeks from the closing date, giving you time to plan your travel if necessary.  Whilst this advice does not guarantee a place to sit the exam, it will increase your chances.  If you are not sure what to do, or have any other questions regarding the PACES exam, get in touch with an IMG Connect specialist. Take a look at our IMG library for more information regarding postgraduate exams & PACES 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:             

GMC Registration can be a long and complex process. With several options available for overseas doctors to demonstrate evidence of their skills and knowledge, it might be difficult to decide the best route to take to register with the GMC.   For international doctors planning their route to the UK, the two most common and popular routes by far are the UK postgraduate qualifications (MRCEM for emergency medicine physicians) or PLAB. Here we provide a summary of both pathways and briefly consider their benefits to help you make the best choice in your journey to the UK as an IMG.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors PLAB for GMC Registration MRCEM for GMC Registration Which is better for me as an IMG: PLAB or MRCEM? #IMG Tips How do I get started? Skip ahead to the relevant section if you know what you’re looking for.  GMC Registration for Overseas Doctors Registering with the GMC is a multi-stage process, including key timings actions and documents. To receive full registration, international doctors must provide evidence of:   What is often the most long and challenging part of the process is providing sufficient evidence of skills and knowledge, however, you can check whether you have a GMC-accepted postgraduate qualification here.  There are 5 ways in which an overseas doctor can demonstrate their skills and knowledge:  PLAB  Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification / Licensing Examination  Relevant European Qualification  Sponsorship / MTI  CESR / CESR-CP / CEGPR  Please note that only one type of evidence is required to demonstrate skills and knowledge for GMC registration.  Of these routes, the most accessible are PLAB and the Acceptable Postgraduate Qualification because they are two of the only routes that do not depend on the country you’ve trained in – the UK postgraduate exams and PLAB can be sat by doctors.  For a detailed breakdown of all the routes available to IMGs, see our blog here.  PLAB - Professional & Linguistics Assessment Board The first and most common route we’ll be discussing, which is particularly popular among junior doctors, is PLAB.  PLAB is a two-part exam (one written and one practical element), which assesses whether a candidate is at least as capable as a doctor starting the second year of their Foundation Programme Training (FY2 or F2) and can therefore work safely as an SHO (Senior House Officer) in the NHS.  The GMC has produced a useful video summary of the PLAB exams which you can watch here, or for a more detailed overview, see our IMG Resources library.  MRCEM - UK Postgraduate Qualification for Emergency Medicine The UK’s postgraduate qualifications are a more popular route for senior overseas doctors, and those looking to gain posts in the NHS which are reflective of their experience.  For emergency medicine, this can be done by attaining Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) is the professional body that regulates the specialism of emergency medicine in the UK, and Membership of the College of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (MRCEM) is the full qualification attained through these examinations.  Take a look at our IMG Resources library for complete guides on MRCEM to learn more.  You can also read our interview with Dr Behzad Rashid to learn about the experience of an IMG Emergency Medicine resident going through MRCEM.  PLAB vs MRCEM Both MRCEM and PLAB are respectable routes that demonstrate skills and knowledge and will allow an international doctor to register with the GMC and work in the UK. To decide which route of the two is best for you, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each and how they align with your needs and priorities in moving to the UK.  Seniority of Positions in the NHS It would be difficult for an overseas emergency medicine doctor to obtain a more senior post in the NHS without either MRCEM, a GMC-approved training programme, or extensive experience from a similar English-speaking healthcare system. PLAB alone will not give overseas doctors access to senior posts in the NHS.  Training To practice as a consultant in the UK, you must have gone through specialty training and will need a GMC-recognised postgraduate qualification to do so, whether a qualification from the country in which you completed your specialty training, or MRCEM.  Due to the more specialised nature of MRCEM, we advise emergency medicine doctors to complete MRCEM, as many NHS Trusts will list MRCEM as a requirement on job descriptions. MRCEM also allows IMGs access to more senior roles and competitive salaries.   Time PLAB has two stages and can take anywhere between 3-9 months to prepare from start to finish.  MRCEM has three stages, the last of which must be taken after at least 24 months of postgraduate experience with at least 6 months in emergency medicine and can take anywhere between 24-36 months to prepare from start to finish.  Cost MRCEM costs £1,115 for the three exams. Whilst the Primary and Intermediate SBA exams are delivered worldwide via computer-based testing company, the OSCE is delivered in London (UK), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kochi (India), so there may be the added expense of international travel.   PLAB costs £1,189, and whilst PLAB 1 can be sat in many overseas centres around the world, PLAB 2 is only delivered in the UK. You can find a list of overseas centres for PLAB 2 here.  So for both MRCEM and PLAB, candidates will have to travel to the UK, meaning that the additional cost of visas, accommodation and flights must be factored in.  It’s also important to note that these costs can rise if re-sits of the exams are necessary.  Summary PLAB, as an exam which examines a doctor’s ability to work safely as an SHO, does not assess ability in emergency 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, I.e., emergency medicine.  PLAB allows doctors to enter the UK system much faster than other routes and for this reason alone, it is favoured by international doctors when considering their path to the UK.  MRCEM involves three more difficult examinations and takes more time to prepare for. However, for overseas doctors, attaining MRCEM will allow you to jumpstart your career in the UK, as you don't need PLAB or Core Training.  Additionally, MRCEM will facilitate the application for more senior roles in UK emergency medicine than PLAB.  #IMG Tips Determine your priorities – your goals and timeline for relocating to the UK are important in deciding which route is best for, and this is different for everyone.  Plan well ahead – depending on the route you choose, you may be embarking on a long journey through these exams, so plan how you will fit them into your life and how best to prepare to maintain a good work-life balance at the same time.  Find a support network – once you know which exams you will sit, find a support network of others who are also preparing for the exam.   Sources https://rcem.ac.uk/exam-mrcem/  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/plab  https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/evidence-to-support-your-application  Getting started Once you’ve decided which exams are best for you, it’s time to delve deeper into the exams and what they entail. For more useful blogs and articles on PLAB or MRCEM, registrations and qualifications to help you find your dream job in the NHS - take a look at our IMG Resources library.   Don’t hesitate to get in touch with one our recruitment specialists if you would like to discuss your options in the NHS once you have completed PLAB or MRCEM.   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 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: