Question for UK physicians or those who are familiar with the UK medical system

[ghinii]

Hello everyone,

I am a US citizen who is currently an EP fellow in US (did all in US, med school, residency, cardiology fellowship and now currently doing EP). I am thinking of applying for an attending job position (as a cardiologist) in the UK once I finish all my training and was wondering how difficult it will be ? I have obviously taken all 3 USMLEs and IM board certified. Planning to take general cardiology board this Fall. Do I need to take the PLAB or can I get by with the exams I have taken in the US ? Also I don't really understand what the differences are between a consultant vs. associate specialist vs. staff grade/trust grade vs. clinical assitant vs. hospital practitioners ? I know this is somewhat strange but this is what I want to do. Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated.

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[pyunger1]

Hi ghinii,

Just came across your message and thought I would just drop a line. Not sure if you're even still checking this! I am currently considering something similar. I am just at the end of medical school and am trying to decide between staying in the US for residency or going over to the UK next year. From what I've learned, I know that you are required to take the PLAB, even though you are already board certified. That I am sure of, since a professor of mine is currently going through the same process and he mentioned that to me. Beyond that, you need to ensure you have a job before going there and you must have them apply for a work permit on your behalf, or you won't be able to work there. I don't know the differences between the job titles you mentioned. Do you know to what area you are planning on going?

Hello everyone,

I am a US citizen who is currently an EP fellow in US (did all in US, med school, residency, cardiology fellowship and now currently doing EP). I am thinking of applying for an attending job position (as a cardiologist) in the UK once I finish all my training and was wondering how difficult it will be ? I have obviously taken all 3 USMLEs and IM board certified. Planning to take general cardiology board this Fall. Do I need to take the PLAB or can I get by with the exams I have taken in the US ? Also I don't really understand what the differences are between a consultant vs. associate specialist vs. staff grade/trust grade vs. clinical assitant vs. hospital practitioners ? I know this is somewhat strange but this is what I want to do. Any suggestions or advice will be appreciated.

 

[Dr Noodle]

The different roles are explained pretty well here in relation to dermatology.

http://www.bad.org.uk/public/what/#who

 

[BabyPsychDoc]

From what I've learned, I know that you are required to take the PLAB, even though you are already board certified. That I am sure of, since a professor of mine is currently going through the same process and he mentioned that to me. Beyond that, you need to ensure you have a job before going there and you must have them apply for a work permit on your behalf, or you won't be able to work there. I don't know the differences between the job titles you mentioned. Do you know to what area you are planning on going?

You are seriously mistaken. 1) You do not need to pass PLAB if you are an attending or, God forbid, professor overseas. You do need to get yourself on the Specialist Register through PMETB or be sponsored by one of the Royal Colleges:
"New criteria for registering IMGs

IMGs applying for either provisional or full registration need to meet rigorous criteria. They are required to satisfy the GMC that:

• They hold an acceptable primary medical qualification
• They have the requisite knowledge and skills for registration
• Their fitness to practise is not impaired
• They have the necessary knowledge of English

Doctors may demonstrate their medical knowledge and skills in one of the following ways:

• A pass in the PLAB test
• Sponsorship by a medical Royal College or other sponsoring body for further postgraduate training
• An acceptable postgraduate qualification
• Eligibility for entry in the Specialist or GP Register

Doctors applying for full registration must also submit evidence that they have satisfactorily completed either Foundation Year 1 in the UK or a period of postgraduate clinical experience that provides an acceptable foundation for future practice as a fully registered medical practitioner."

This is from www.gmc-uk.org



2) You do not need a job offer; in fact, if you qualify for a Tier 1 (general) visa, you can pretty much come to the country with no job offer and seek employment whilst here - or be self-employed as a locum.



Google "Tier 1 General Migrants criteria" - you need to score points for education, income, experience, English etc.

Consultant = roughly US attending

Associate Specialist = consultant without management responsibilities (and therefore lower salary, less admin support but also may not have to do oncalls, for example).

Staff grade = dead end PGY3+ post.

Trust grade = dead end PGY1-2 post.