Future of foreign Doctors in UK

[vpv]

Hello, I am a Canadian high school student planning to go to Waterloo for the sciences + coop and to pursue medicine. I have always wanted to live in the UK, particularly England (perhaps oxford or york). I don't know why but UK seems very homely to me...

Anyways, since I was in grade 10, my uncle, who resides in London told me to come there for university studies. I was actually considering it as there is a medicine program directly after high school for 6 years, but it is extremely costly as an international student. Additionally, even if you graduate from that program, you would be ineligible to apply for residency position in UK.

So I decided to pursue medicine in North America, perhaps going to the States for medicine if I fail to get into a Canadian Medical School (not suggesting that meds in states is easier than canada). After doing the post grad, I want to come to UK and practice.

I wanted to know what the scopes for north American doctors are to enter UK and practice either alone or with the NHS. I read this article which got me scared: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3321919.ece

What about this new HSMP work permit thing? Does it allow foreign docs to practice in uk?

All help is appreciated.
vpv

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[vpv]

*cough*

 

[leorl]

I won't lie. It could be done, but in general, it is getting increasingly more difficult for foreign graduates (and foreign citizens without an EU / UK passport) to progress through the system. You might be able to get UK citizenship if your grandparents are citizens (you'd have to check on that), but it'd still be hard without connections. Check www.gmc.co.uk .

 

[coralis]

Check www.gmc.co.uk .

you mean check http://www.gmc-uk.org/ because the site you gave above takes you to the HMV UK music store.

 

[slight365]

It's even very-difficult even for non-resident UK citizens, from the home tuition requirements, to the fact that they don't want to train people who are planning on leaving the UK after they get trained by it.

I am a UK citizen by birth and it was not only prohibitively expensive, but it was also uphill because I was a likely person to leave the moment I was done with my studies.

 

[coralis]

I won't lie. It could be done, but in general, it is getting increasingly more difficult for foreign graduates (and foreign citizens without an EU / UK passport) to progress through the system. .

This article though seems to close doors to EU citizens srudying outside the EU as well :s ... really hope that won't happen

 

[vpv]

This article though seems to close doors to EU citizens srudying outside the EU as well :s ... really hope that won't happen

I am a Canadian Citizen, of Indian descent. I plan to study in the States and do my residency there as well. I have uncles and aunts who are British citizens but none of my grandparents are. I want to live in UK and practice medicine there AFTER completing residency in the States. Is that possible ? I looked in on the HSMP Visa thing. Seemed like it provided some leeway for educated non- UK non- EU citizens. Any thoughts?

 

[bambi]

I am a Canadian Citizen, of Indian descent. I plan to study in the States and do my residency there as well. I have uncles and aunts who are British citizens but none of my grandparents are. I want to live in UK and practice medicine there AFTER completing residency in the States. Is that possible ? I looked in on the HSMP Visa thing. Seemed like it provided some leeway for educated non- UK non- EU citizens. Any thoughts?

The problem with jobs for non-EU citizens is with training posts, if you move by the time you are attending (consultant) level I don't think the same problems apply. it isn't easy to get a consultant job though and you could end up stuck as a staff grade forever.

 

[redfairy]

If you wanna hear from an IMG (me) in UK, here goes.

Freshy graduated overseas with 1 year clinical experience, a postgraduate student in London, here's what I've found.

Yes you can work as a doctor here but to get a registration with GMC you must pass PLAB test (unless if your deree is recognised in UK). Passsing PLAB test is not only hard, but time consuming and expensive. Prepare at least a year to finish the test not to mention you've got to pass IELTS test first (although I think you can be exempt from IELTS because you obviously have English as first language).

If you're an EU citizen you must practice your right of free movement to be exempt of PLAB (to Coralis). It's a complex thing, which basicly you must prove that you possess EC forceable community rights. You may want to see a solicitor specialised in EU laws.

You cant get training post as a non-EU, its a new law made last year, No F1 or F2 for you, but you can work in an Approved Practice Settings (APS) for at least a year. Then you can move to wherever you want.

If your medical qualification is recognised by UK (not WHO this is different) then you'll need to simply process some paperwork and tap your finger while waiting for your full registration with GMC (my Australian supervisor did it)

So yeah, if you plan to have one year (or 2?) clinical experience after graduating, then you're in the same position with me. Although.. I'm not sure about your visa...

So you'll need to:
1. take IELTS (or prove that you dont need to)
2. Take PLAB 1
3. Take PLAB 2
4. Get your registration and work in APS

Hope it helps...

 

[coralis]

If you're an EU citizen you must practice your right of free movement to be exempt of PLAB (to Coralis). It's a complex thing, which basicly you must prove that you possess EC forceable community rights. You may want to see a solicitor specialised in EU laws.

ohhh... you speak words of GOLD! Never heard of anything like that.... definitely will check that out!!!! Pls let me know if/when you have more info on that... I will start my research right away

 

[redfairy]

Glad I can help Cpralis

 

[usmd]

I'll add my comments to redfairy's and if redfairy has any further responses, I would love to hear it.

I am a US doctor, consultant level, who moved here last year. Due to many circumstances beyond my control, I was only able to start the process of registration with the GMC in March. Looking into the various steps it takes, I opted to bypass all the exams. It does mean a lot of paperwork. My biggest issue at present is that my postgraduate qualification is too old. This is because Board Certification in the US takes every 10 years, but the UK only accepts it if it is within 3 years. So, more paperwork and my file has been passed from one person to the next. I am still awaiting their decision.

I am only looking at full registration at the moment. I am still undecided about this GP/Specialist Register and whether it would be advisable for me to proceed, as this means dealing with an entirely different office - the PMETB. This APS (approved practice setting) is also limiting, unless I get on the GP register. I'm not sure whether I would qualify.

If I should be lucky enough to have full registration, I still wonder about job positions. What would I qualify at? It's been years since I've been an intern and I've noticed that doctors over here are house officers until a consultancy opens up. I'm not sure of the entire process. This means my best shot is at house officer status, correct?

Unlike the US training, doctors over here are required to do many things that US nurses do. That makes me question my competency, especially after being removed from the hospital setting for so long. Any advice or comments?

 

[leorl]

If you are US consultant level with post-graduate years behind you, I would think that would move you to at least registrar level, not house-officer level. I'm not very familiar with all the "laws" that govern the GMC though. However, if I were an attending, I would definitely not settle for house-officer jobs. being a house officer is like being just a resident in the US. And yes. interns / house officers definitely do "US nurses" jobs.

 

[sandyjay]

If you wanna hear from an IMG (me) in UK, here goes.

Freshy graduated overseas with 1 year clinical experience, a postgraduate student in London, here's what I've found.

Yes you can work as a doctor here but to get a registration with GMC you must pass PLAB test (unless if your deree is recognised in UK). Passsing PLAB test is not only hard, but time consuming and expensive. Prepare at least a year to finish the test not to mention you've got to pass IELTS test first (although I think you can be exempt from IELTS because you obviously have English as first language).

If you're an EU citizen you must practice your right of free movement to be exempt of PLAB (to Coralis). It's a complex thing, which basicly you must prove that you possess EC forceable community rights. You may want to see a solicitor specialised in EU laws.

You cant get training post as a non-EU, its a new law made last year, No F1 or F2 for you, but you can work in an Approved Practice Settings (APS) for at least a year. Then you can move to wherever you want.

If your medical qualification is recognised by UK (not WHO this is different) then you'll need to simply process some paperwork and tap your finger while waiting for your full registration with GMC (my Australian supervisor did it)

So yeah, if you plan to have one year (or 2?) clinical experience after graduating, then you're in the same position with me. Although.. I'm not sure about your visa...

So you'll need to:
1. take IELTS (or prove that you dont need to)
2. Take PLAB 1
3. Take PLAB 2
4. Get your registration and work in APS

Hope it helps...

Red Fairy I add my thanks to your " words of gold" ( Coralis) Please explain
how the right of free movement to be exempt from PLAB is a better way to get into training for a UK citizen rather than sitting the PLAB . I am a UK citizen but couldn't get into graduate entry med school cos I was classified "international" for educational purposes as my parents who are UK citizens live abroad. I have opted for a Carib degree. I was told that I could get to the practise in the UK after passing the PLAB. Like Coralis I too will have to do some research. Please post any info you get on this subject.

Thanks

PS Coralis please post any info you may get on this subject. I am very worried about this especially when there is a shortage of doctors in the UK

 

[usmd]

OK. I was just notified by the GMC that my application for registration has been approved and I did not have to go through the IELTS nor the PLAB. However, the process can be lengthy and angst-ridden, though much less expensive.

 

[LocumRec]

usmd, why don't you look at locum work? Locum work has the advantage of being varied and interesting with better rates of pay. Since you are now registered with the GMC, locum agencies can give you 'on the contract' and 'off the contract' jobs depending on your compliance. You can contact me (I'm a medical student who is working part time at one of these agencies) if you need more advice. [email protected]

Good luck!

 

[jsl23]

Hi there!
I have already finished high medical school (six years in Portugal) and now I'm what you call junior doctor, perhaps. I'm doing 1year of general medical practice. I have a few questions..
Once you finish high school, how long does it takes to get a speciality?
Can portuguese junior doctors get their graduation/speciality in UK?
is the first certificate enough or do I need the IELTS?

thank's for the help!

 

[alienix]

Same question as jsl23 about the speciality in the UK =) Anyone knows the procedure?

 

[285678]

Same question....Can anyone help?

 

[anus2001]

I am a non - EU national with a medical degree from an EU member state.

I am registered as a medical doctor with the authority from the country which I graduated from

My husband is a British citizen

Is my qualification recognized by 2005/36/EC to be registered with the GMC