Practicing Medicine in the UK for Overseas Doctors

  1.   will help you to achieve your registration step by step from the beginning to specialist level.

Like many other nations, the UK suffers from a shortage of doctors from time to time. This gives way to employment opportunities for foreign doctors seeking to work in the UK. However, there are strict regulations in place for overseas doctors seeking to practice medicine in the country. AAll process is governed with general medical council. http://www.gmc-uk.org/

Here is an overview of regulations governing practicing medicine in the UK for overseas doctors.

Eligibility

Several factors are considered when determining a foreign doctor’s eligibility to practice medicine in the UK. They include:

  • Qualification

Of course, you need to be qualified to be a doctor to practice medicine in the UK. As such, you should have all your certifications in hand: a CV, full registration, and a license to practice in the UK.

  • Nationality

For starters, you have to be from the EU, the U.S., or any other of the accepted countries; note that doctors from certain developing countries are not eligible.

It is also important to note that potential employers give preference to doctors from certain nationality. First preference is given to EEA nationals, and candidates from other nationalities get the second preference. However, immigrants who are entitled to work without restriction are considered on an equal basis with EEA and UK nationals.   

  • Working experience

You need to have a minimum working experience of two years post-graduation. Additionally, the experience should have been gained from a respectable hospital.

Registration

Foreign doctors seeking to practice medicine in the UK have to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) . http://www.gmc-uk.org/  However, there are certain requirements depending on your nationality. Non-EEA national have to undertake further training to receive a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT); a CCT is necessary for recommendation to the GMC. However, EEA nationals who have completed specialty training in the EU can register without undertaking a UK training program.

There are four types of registration. Provisional registration is for newly qualified doctors, and it grants permission to only undertake an approved foundation year 1 post. Full registration is for licensed doctors, and it gives permission to work in all professional medical practices.one way is PLAB exam http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/plab.asp    Specialist registration is for specialists who are registered with the GMC. Finally, the GP registration is for doctors working in General Practice with the NHS.

Exceptions – Clinical Attachments

It is still possible to practice a very limited form of medicine in the UK without undertaking the registration and training; by visiting as a clinical attachment. However, you have to make arrangements with a licensed hospital to get the attachment. Additionally, this position is usually unpaid, lasts about 2-6 weeks, and is mostly limited to observing.

Common Types of Jobs Available for Overseas Doctors in the UK

There is greater demand for certain types of medical jobs. They include:

  • General medicine and general practice
  • General surgery
  • Radiology
  • Orthopedics
  • Anesthetic
  • Caring for the elderly
  • Obs and gynae

However, vacancies do pop up in other fields from time to time, but they are usually reserved only for the best and brightest of foreign candidates.