Residency training in United Kingdom?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
P

piggaloo

New Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
May 20, 2007
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Hi all,

I am a UK citizen and in my fourth year of medical school in Dallas, TX. Like most of my classmates, I'm thinking about doing my residency training the States (in neurology, if all goes well). However, even though I will be graduating from a US medical school, I'm an FMG to residency programs from a visa standpoint. (I'm married to an American, but I don't have a Green Card yet, so I'll need a visa to do my residency.) All of this makes me think about training in the UK, but I have no idea how I can apply or if I would even qualify. I'd appreciate any information you can offer. Thank you.
Members don't see this ad.
 
Hi piggaloo!

Well, first thing to do is to register with the GMC (General Medical Council). The fact that you are a british citizen, will remove the need to take the english proficiency test before taking the PLAB test. PLAB is a shorter version of the USMLE, and certainly not as complex. Had you gone to an EU school, and based on your citizenship, you would not need to take the PLAB, but confirm your status with the GMC first.

UK selection into training has radically changed this year. Post med school graduates enter a 2 year foundation which equates to intern and 2nd year residency. Only then, does one apply for speciality training that ranges from 5-7 years in length. It's a long training scheme and this year many doctors will be in NON TRAINING posts ie service jobs. Can you imagine this occuring in the states? :laugh:

Jobs are advertised on www.bmjcareers.com or if you google "NHS jobs", will provide the link for NHS job vacancies.

Finally, you have to consider where you will be living in the future. If you plan to stay in the US, then save yourself the hassel by training in the US. UK fully trained doctors (equivalent to attending status) still have to go through residency training + fellowship in the US if they want to practise in the states. If you want to move to the UK permenantly, then UK training is a must. Good luck!:luck: Give me a shout if you need anymore info!:)
 
Hi ocularphd, I was wondering if you had any info on the chances of a non-EU medical doctor securing a training position in the UK. One hears a lot of things about how it is no longer a possibility, do you know if this is true? Or is it just that positions are now more competitive since European grads are given priority?

Many thanks.
 
Members don't see this ad :)
WaZoBia said:
Hi ocularphd, I was wondering if you had any info on the chances of a non-EU medical doctor securing a training position in the UK. One hears a lot of things about how it is no longer a possibility, do you know if this is true? Or is it just that positions are now more competitive since European grads are given priority?

Many thanks.
Click to expand...
This is true. You would need a work permit for a training post and these are now only granted if the employer can prove that no EU applicants can be found to fill the post. With an excess of 8000 qualified doctors seeking residency training in the UK, the chances are almost nil in the present climate I would say.

More info can be found here:

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawandpolicy/immigrationrules/part3

http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/immigrationinternational?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,overseas%20
 
Wow, thanks for the post and links Kev.
 
Kev (UK) said:
This is true. You would need a work permit for a training post and these are now only granted if the employer can prove that no EU applicants can be found to fill the post. With an excess of 8000 qualified doctors seeking residency training in the UK, the chances are almost nil in the present climate I would say.

More info can be found here:

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawandpolicy/immigrationrules/part3

http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/immigrationinternational?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,overseas
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, things in the UK aren't great at the moment with the all new MMC training scheme. The recruitment process has fallen apart with many doctors (UK, EU and Non-EU) without any training posts.

Many UK training graduates are having difficulty securing a training post, and thus are looking to further pastures in the from of Australia, New Zealand and possibly US to secure training.

The previous training system was "better" in some sense, in that if one pursured hard and long enough, they could get into their speciality choice at some stage (eg. by gaining more specialised training, research, publications etc.). With the new training system, there is a reduced number of training posts, and a whole load of service jobs (that do not provide any further training) that no one wants to do, bar doctors who need to pay their mortgages.

If you would still like to work in the UK, don't lose hope! Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. Good luck!:luck:
 
ocularphd said:
Unfortunately, things in the UK aren't great at the moment with the all new MMC training scheme. The recruitment process has fallen apart with many doctors (UK, EU and Non-EU) without any training posts.

Many UK training graduates are having difficulty securing a training post, and thus are looking to further pastures in the from of Australia, New Zealand and possibly US to secure training.

The previous training system was "better" in some sense, in that if one pursured hard and long enough, they could get into their speciality choice at some stage (eg. by gaining more specialised training, research, publications etc.). With the new training system, there is a reduced number of training posts, and a whole load of service jobs (that do not provide any further training) that no one wants to do, bar doctors who need to pay their mortgages.

If you would still like to work in the UK, don't lose hope! Nothing is impossible if you set your mind to it. Good luck!:luck:
Click to expand...
I do not disagree with your points BUT a non-EU doctor with no entitlement to residential staus in the UK would find it nigh-on impossible to secure a postgraduate training post in the UK now. Nothing is impossible I agree but miracles are hard to secure!
 
Sadly, I agree with you Kev.
Whereabouts are you training and in what speciality?
 
ocularphd said:
Sadly, I agree with you Kev.
Whereabouts are you training and in what speciality?
Click to expand...
England. On a General Medicine/ Cardiology rotation at the moment.
 
I have a question about after residency, sorry if I missed it on those sites you linked: do you have to train in the UK in order to practice there? Therefore, if you can't get a residency spot unless you're an EU citizen, and you can't practice unless you get a residency spot, there will never be a non-EU doc in the UK again? Thanks for your help!
 
hello, if i would complete say general surgery residency (plus cardiothoracic surgery fellowship) in the US. would i have to complete another postgraduate training in the UK, or can i start as a consultant? thanks in advance. good day!
 
In response to the above two posts, I am sorry but I have no idea where you would stand if you have completed your residency training outside the UK and wish to apply for a UK Consultant (Attending) post.

You will need to contact the GMC to get a definitive answer.
 
Hi piggaloo!

first of all you are NOT an IMG - you are an AMG and that changes everything. you will have no problems whatsoever so get into neurology

secondly, if you are married to an American you can have green card status within a few weeks after the application is filed - you need not have the actual green card - after you have filed and have been invited for photo and fingerprinting you will get an employment authorization and a travel document while your actual green card is pending - the programs will accept this.

when do you graduate? you will have your greencard long before it even becomes an issue -apply NOW

good luck
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Hello, I am a forth year Italian med student. After i finish 6th year, I was thinking of doing my specialty in the UK. What do I have to do? Thanks a ton
 
I assume you are an italian, and therefore an EU national, thus making things easier ie. negates the need for a work permit.

I suggest you look into what type of speciality you might be interested in pursuing in the future.
Try to arrange clinical attachements/observerships as a medical student during your university holiday periods in the UK to get to know a few people that will be able to provide references when you apply for jobs in the future.

http://www.gmc-uk.org/
http://www.mmc.nhs.uk/pages/home

these two websites may provide some information on what actually to do.

:luck:
 
Yes, I am Italian! Thank you for the links. I had no idea you could do observerships.

Is the specialty traning in the UK paid training like in Italy?

Thank you again

ETA: I am interested in anesthesiology, gastroenterology, ob/gyn mainly (working on making up my mind soon)
 
The training system in the UK has changed dramatically over the last 2 years.

Once medical students graduate, they enter a 2 year foundation program, and after the first year, they become fully registered medical practitioners with the GMC. After the second year, one can compete to enter speciality training, which of course will be competitive. References, recommendations, publications etc will be important.

As you will be working during training, you will be paid as a doctor! ;)
 
Thanks. I read the links you provided but they seem so vast and daunting.

Can you summarize what I would have to do to get a specialty training spot in the UK from Italy after getting my first degree (in steps, a simple description, then I'll look at the points in detail through the links)

Thanks again
 
Hi,

I'm a EU citizen (dual German/American) who is doing medical school in the US and would like to go to the UK for residency. I've read elsewhere that the best way for going about this is to do the first year of residency in the US and then apply for residency in the UK having already been licensed in the US. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

Thanks!
 
For EU doctors applying straight from medical school it will be less difficult to get a training post. It's really more experienced doctors and non-EU citizens who are being shafted by MMC. Apply for the foundation programme and after that you can apply for Specialist training.

The MMC website is www.mmc.nhs.uk.

To find out how to apply to the foundation programme go to www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/pages/home/how-to-apply


You'll miss most of the posts if you just look at the BMJcareers.


I hope that helps.
 
Well, I am a doctor from Greece, have studied in Athens, Greece and I plan to start my residency in Oncology here. I intend to finish my specialization in UK. may i recognize the first three years that I will have completed here in Greece, or should I start from scratch. Thank you very much:p:p:confused:


:thumbup::hardy:
ocularphd said:
Hi piggaloo!

Well, first thing to do is to register with the GMC (General Medical Council). The fact that you are a british citizen, will remove the need to take the english proficiency test before taking the PLAB test. PLAB is a shorter version of the USMLE, and certainly not as complex. Had you gone to an EU school, and based on your citizenship, you would not need to take the PLAB, but confirm your status with the GMC first.

UK selection into training has radically changed this year. Post med school graduates enter a 2 year foundation which equates to intern and 2nd year residency. Only then, does one apply for speciality training that ranges from 5-7 years in length. It's a long training scheme and this year many doctors will be in NON TRAINING posts ie service jobs. Can you imagine this occuring in the states? :laugh:

Jobs are advertised on www.bmjcareers.com or if you google "NHS jobs", will provide the link for NHS job vacancies.

Finally, you have to consider where you will be living in the future. If you plan to stay in the US, then save yourself the hassel by training in the US. UK fully trained doctors (equivalent to attending status) still have to go through residency training + fellowship in the US if they want to practise in the states. If you want to move to the UK permenantly, then UK training is a must. Good luck!:luck: Give me a shout if you need anymore info!:)
Click to expand...
 
Hi everyone,
I have a ukrainian medical degree ,registered with medical council india.i am here in uk ,working towards GMC registration.As i am still early in my preparations,i was wondering if i cud get a job in the NHS or in the healthcare industry in UK .Please guide me as to what sort of roles or jobs should i look into or am entitled to do at the moment.I really need to work...please help.
thank you.:confused:
 
Did you even read the thread? Beyond "UK", it's not even remotely related to your question.
 
Hi
I was wondering if someone could help me out.
I am an IMG, a wife of a UK citizen , currently residing outside the UK . I have ielts score 7.5 and planning on applying for GMC. I have publications, clinical audits, UK referee and 10 years experience after graduation.
My question is : what are my chances in securing a training post in the UK ? What else is needed?
 
Chances of securing a training post? Not a lot unless you've done the MRCP exam (or the royal college exam in your field.) Even then the chances are pretty bleak as there just aren't enough training posts available.

There are openings in Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, and Psychiatry though.
 
Thank you so much for the advice. Actually my experience is in cardiology mainly. I do have the MRCP and I have publications , audits, and going to present a study nationally. I have good cardiology skills. But I guess the chances are still very slim. Beeing a IMG and old graduate:(
Anything I can do to help securing a post?
 
Well, I think since you have the MCRP under your belt, you might have some advantage. I'm sure you might be able to find spots in Scottland, Wales or Northern Ireland if not England.

If that doesn't work, you could always hop over to Ireland, which is where many UK specialists flock to for higher salaries and a better quality of life (at least for consultants.)

Regarding securing a post, perhaps you can first try and do some clinical attachments in the UK. If you manage to impress the staff there, then I think you'll be able to find a way of getting work there. Being in the UK is also valuable in terms of obtaining the latest work scenario for consultants, training spots etc.

Good luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
shreypete said:
Well, I think since you have the MCRP under your belt, you might have some advantage. I'm sure you might be able to find spots in Scottland, Wales or Northern Ireland if not England.

If that doesn't work, you could always hop over to Ireland, which is where many UK specialists flock to for higher salaries and a better quality of life (at least for consultants.)

Regarding securing a post, perhaps you can first try and do some clinical attachments in the UK. If you manage to impress the staff there, then I think you'll be able to find a way of getting work there. Being in the UK is also valuable in terms of obtaining the latest work scenario for consultants, training spots etc.

Good luck!
Click to expand...
Many thanks:) that's encouraging to give it a try :)
 
Hello doctors! I would like to know the options for non-EU medical students in the UK or US. residency, PhD etc. Is it even possible? And if it is then how?
 
Well the US is still open at the moment and I think it will be in the next few years. You have to take the USMLE exams (3 steps but the 3rd can also be done in the 1st year of residency aka intern year) and you need to score high. In addition, you need to get some sort of US clinical experience (clerkships for students; observerships/externships for medical graduates.) These are the two prime components to your application but other things like research, volunteer work in the US, having other health-related degrees (MPH, MHA, PA etc) also counts.
 
Hi Doctors ,
I'm a 5th year medical student at Jordan , I've studied IGCSE at the highschool which is a British program , so I'd like to do my residancy program there at UK ,
Is it easy for foreigners to get accepted at a residancy program in the UK ? And if yes , are these programs Paid or not ?
Thanks in advance for your help :)
 
I'm afraid IGCSE won't help you in any way. It's actually pretty tough for foreigners to get into a residency program in the UK. If you've done an internship in your country already (which is usually done at the end of med school), then you can directly enter FY-2. If not, then you have start from FY-1.

All programs are paid (enough to support yourself).

To my knowledge, the only specialties that are open to foreigners now are Psychiatry and A&E.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
hi,
I am an Indian medical graduate and i intend to take my PLAB soon. I have finished my one year of internship and I will also be working for another year ....will that relieve me from the FY1 and 2 or only 1 yr .

Also i have a relative who has recently acquired a FRCS degree and will be taking me under his wing so that will solve the residency part right??
Also will I have to take up FY and JRO before that or will it included in the same program.

Once I have taken the PLAB when do the applications start and is there some interview procedure like the US or one can directly start the year.

thanks in advance for you help
 
Hello everyone,

I am currently an intern (house officer) in Saudi Arabia, and I have completed my medical school in Saudi Arabia as well. I want to apply for residency in Europe, I am looking at the UK or Ireland, and I am not a citizen of any European country (non-EU, not a US/Canadian citizen either).

I would very much like to know what are the next steps I should take, I guess I have to take the PLAB test and even IELTS??
What is the procedure? What should I do next?
Are there possibilities to get accepted for residency in the UK and Ireland?

I appreciate any and all help I receive, as I really need it, kindly awaiting for your replies, thank you very much.

Thank you :)
 
Hey there. I am a 5th year medical student, i am turkish and currently studying in turkey but i have dual citizenship(british-turkish). After i finish my 6th year, i would like to do my specialization in the UK. How is this possible, what are the steps that i should follow? And is it easy? Thanks..
 
Hello everyone. I'm a medical graduate from Greece and I want to start my residency in the U.K. What should I do? Do I just send appications to hospitals all over the U.K. and hope for an answer or is there more that I can do? thank you
 
shreypete said:
Well the US is still open at the moment and I think it will be in the next few years. You have to take the USMLE exams (3 steps but the 3rd can also be done in the 1st year of residency aka intern year) and you need to score high. In addition, you need to get some sort of US clinical experience (clerkships for students; observerships/externships for medical graduates.) These are the two prime components to your application but other things like research, volunteer work in the US, having other health-related degrees (MPH, MHA, PA etc) also counts.
Click to expand...

Hello Shreypete,
I hear the chances of an FMG matching for residency in the US is roughly around 50%. A boost to the application would certainly be advised.
Would research experience help in place of an externship/observership?
I have a feeling that's something appreciated more by graduate schools than residency programs.
 
Hi,

I am not a med student, just a her dad.

My daughter will hopefully be completing her MBBS from Pakistan and wants to do her residency her in the UK, she’s a British National by birth and ordinarily a resident in the UK.

I understand things have changed quite recently in relation to obtaining residency for foreign graduates and was wondering\hoping if anyone could shed some light on what her chances might be.
 
I'm a medical student in Nigeria(africa),I will like to know what to do n how to do do my residency in US after medical school.
 
Please read the previous posts. There is sufficient information regarding foreigners training in either the UK or the US.
 
shreypete said:
Chances of securing a training post? Not a lot unless you've done the MRCP exam (or the royal college exam in your field.) Even then the chances are pretty bleak as there just aren't enough training posts available.

There are openings in Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, and Psychiatry though.
Click to expand...
Hello is psychiatry gettable for imgs?is cct easy to get into for imgs?
 
Shreyepete said:
Hello is psychiatry gettable for imgs?is cct easy to get into for imgs?
Click to expand...

Again, how easy or difficult something is really should not matter here. There's enough information out there; seek it out and come with more concrete questions.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

A
Australia -> Europe radiology training
Replies
0
Views
851
AusRadiologyHopeful
A
katbtov
Has anybody else gotten accepted to Trinity bunny training Dublin?
Replies
0
Views
1K
katbtov
katbtov
Z
IMG (Non Eu ) inquiring about Speciality Training Requirements
Replies
0
Views
1K
Zee85
Z
Vbed
IMG residency training in Germany
Replies
1
Views
3K
ldsrmdude
ldsrmdude
I
European Grad looking to practice in the UK- Confusion about training and progression.
Replies
0
Views
748
InternationalDoctor
I
Top