How to transfer from residency in the US to England

[moccab]

Hi,
I am currently enrolled in a family practice residency in the US (just completing my intern year), and i am planning a move to England for personal reasons. My options for now are:
1. finish up residency in the states (seems logical, but would be very difficult as my preferred move time is ASAP)
2. Transfer, complete residency in England, but I have no idea how to do this. (my preferred option)

Has anyone been in this situation? Have any input as to how to transition smoothly.
PS i'm married to a British citizen.

Thanks

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[skelleftea]

Hi there!

I am from the UK, so thought I'd chip in

I would advise you to contact a deanery and ask their advice. In the UK, we complete a 2-year program after we graduate medical school (foundation training), and there are varies admin centres for this around the UK (= deaneries) that coordinate these programs.

Their website is at: www.mmc.nhs.uk/default.aspx?page=284

After those two years we then have several options:

1) apply to become specialist registrars (eg in family medicine, surgery, paeds, O&G etc.), which will lead to consultant status after 5 or so years (depends how quickly you meet all the learning objectives) - consultant = attending. You also need to do more postgrad exams while you train

2) become a staff grade doctor, which will not lead to consultant status - and the teaching/admin that comes with it (unless you apply for option 1). Instead you acquire more skills as you go along, and may be promoted to become an Associate Specialist after a few years. The training is more ad-hoc, and depends on you being very proactive what you learn and who teaches you; pay is less as well I think. You report to a consultant. Have a look at this description:

www.rcplondon.ac.uk/professional/aac/aac_staffgrade.htm

I think that after completing your internship you may be classed as having completed FY1 (foundation year 1) - but please check with a deanery. I remember a family doctor from Australia coming to work in the UK and having to re-do the FY1 year despite having plenty of experience, so you may get asked to do something like that.

Good luck!