Before we talk about MRCP and PLAB in detail, it is important to understand the training structure in the UK, as explained here. Please keep in mind that Core Medical Training (CMT) has now been replaced by Internal Medicine Training (IMT). CMT was a two-year programme, while IMT is a three-year programme. You can read about it here.
PLAB PLAB is the licensing exam for international medical graduates. Candidates, who have passed PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, are eligible to apply for GMC registration. Once they’re registered with the GMC, they are allowed to work in the UK as a doctor. IELTS is a prerequisite for PLAB. Candidates who pass PLAB 2 and acquire GMC registration, can be divided into two categories: These candidates are at the level of freshly graduated doctors, with no experience. Therefore, the next step for them would be Foundation Program; they can only apply for F1 posts. It is very difficult to find F1 posts for IMGs. So it is always advisable to start working in the UK only after completion of an internship back home. These candidates are at the level of doctors who have completed their F1. Therefore, the next step for them would be F2. However, getting a training F2 post is very difficult, since most people who enter F1, complete their F2 training in the UK; there are almost no vacancies for F2 training for IMGs. So the best option would be to apply for different non-training posts, which can be found very easily. After working for 3 months at a non-training post, they can get their F2 competencies signed. Getting their F2 Competencies signed would make them eligible to apply for Core Training. The following flowchart might make the journey easier to understand. MRCP MRCP is a specialty exam, which a candidate needs to pass, before they can enter specialty training in the UK. Once they have passed MRCP 1, MRCP 2 and PACES they’re eligible to apply for GMC registration. Once they’re registered with the GMC, they are allowed to work in the UK as a doctor. After passing PACES and getting GMC registration, these candidates are at the level of doctors who have completed their Core Training. Therefore, the next step for them would be Specialty Training. However, it might not be possible to start their ST right away. The best route for these doctors is to take a non-training job at first. After working for a certain amount of time, they can get their Core Training competency signed and after meeting other eligibility requirements of Specialty Training, these candidates can apply for Specialty Training. The following flowchart might make the journey easier to understand. PLAB vs MRCP If you want to become a consultant, you have to go through Specialty Training, for which you would need MRCP. So even after passing PLAB, you will have to take MRCP at a later point. However, if you pass MRCP first, you do not have to take the PLAB exam. If all of the above is a bit confusing, I’ll try to make it a bit simple. MRCP will allow you to jumpstart your UK career, as you won’t have to go for PLAB or for Core Training. However, jumping is never easy. Therefore, if you take MRCP without going for PLAB, it won’t be an easy journey. You might pass MRCP 1 and 2 by studying theory. But passing the PACES, which is an OSCE exam, will be difficult, without sufficient clinical experience in the UK. Therefore, it might be better to take PLAB 1 first, as it an easier exam. Plus, the earlier that you enter the system, the easier it will be. 1. If I pass MRCP 1 and MRCP 2, do I still need to pass PLAB? Yes, you still need to pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. PLAB is only exempted if you pass all three parts of MRCP. 2. If I pass all three parts of MRCP, do I still need to pass PLAB? No. 3. If I pass PLAB, do I still need to pass MRCP? If you want to go into Specialty Training for Medicine, then, yes, you have to pass all three parts of MRCP before you start your Specialty Training. 4. If I pass MRCP, I don't have to pass PLAB. And even after passing PLAB, I have to pass MRCP. So why shouldn't I take MRCP instead of PLAB? It is still better to take PLAB first. Because it is easier to climb the stairs instead of jumping them. I will tell you what I mean by that. 5. Do I have to pass MRCP 1, MRCP 2 and PACES - all three parts of MRCP, before I start Specialty Training in Medicine in the UK? Yes. 6. What are non-training jobs? These are the jobs that IMGs with an acceptable pattern of internship can and should apply for. There can be many different titles to these jobs, but the jobs are nearly the same. These can include: Foundation Year 2 (FY2) It might confuse you seeing FY, CT and ST posts among non-training jobs. These jobs arise when a hospital needs FY, CT or ST Doctors, but it is not possible for them to recruit training doctors. So they hire non-training doctors for the same posts. Working at these jobs will not count towards your training experience. However, the job description and the salary is the same as training jobs. 7. What is the difference between a training and a non-training job? A training job is one in which there is career progression. In a non-training job, there is no career progression. Our internship (also known as House Job in Pakistan) and specialty training jobs (also knows as Residency in Pakistan) are training jobs. 8. What is F2 Competency? Since IMGs do not go through UK’s Foundation training, they are required to get an F2 competency form signed by their consultant. This form can be signed by any consultant, in the UK or in their home country, under whom they have worked for at least 3 months, during the last 3 years. This form would not make them equivalent to candidates who have completed their Foundation training from the UK, but it would make them eligible to apply for Core Training program in the second round (First round is for British and EU citizens). 9. What is an Acceptable Pattern of Internship? At least 12 months of internship with at least 3 months in medicine and at least 3 months in surgery is considered to be an acceptable pattern of internship. Medical and surgical sub-specialties count in medicine and surgery, respectively. For example, pediatrics and OBGYN are counted as medicine and surgery, respectively. You must also check the official link from the GMC’s website to find out the acceptable patterns of internship. You can click here to check the official GMC link.Entry Into the System After Passing PLAB:
1. Candidates who have NOT completed an acceptable pattern of internship from their home country
2. Candidates who have completed an acceptable pattern of internship from their home country
Entry Into the System After Passing MRCP
OVERVIEW OF BOTH EXAMS
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Senior House Officer (SHO)
Core Training 1 (CT1)
Core Training 2 (CT2)
Specialty Training 1 (ST1)
Specialty Training (ST2)
Clinical Fellow (CF)
Junior Clinical Fellow (JCF)
Senior Clinical Fellow (SCF)
Junior Doctor
Trust Grade Doctor
Hello Dr
I really appreciate your effort to guide IMGs.i have a query.what is the pathway for entering in to gp training. I have paseed plab 1 n 2 now doing my internship in Pakistan. Do I still need to pass mrcp part 1 exam to stand out if I want to pursue my career as a gp.
Hello, I myself plan on applying for GP training. So I will definitely update the road to GP training. You do not need MRCP 1 for GP training, as MRCP 1 is for a completely different route. You can not take MRCGP until your GP training begins. For now, this link might help:
emedica.co.uk/applygp
Hello Dr Nasser Khan, thank you so much for all the information, it open new options for me to achieve my professional goal, in my case I want to do Ob&G, so I’m realising now, instead of doing PLAB, I can just go directly to MRCOG as I have been working in my home country in the area it could be a better and easier path for me, is that correct? You know if I need IELTS first for that? And after MRCOG I have to work for a while as a trainee before MRCOG2 and PACES? I’m a little confused on that..?
Many thanks! Kind Regards
I’m very sorry but I do not have much information about MRCOG. But I do know that if you have worked for more than 18 months in OBGYN, then you are overqualified and ineligible for training in OBGYN.
can you explain samply what mean of Acceptable Pattern of Internship away of that link ???
is that mean i take my final training years in my county egypt ???
12 months of internship with at least 3 months each in medicine and surgery is GMC’s acceptable pattern of internship.
Thanks for such informative posts. My query is about MRCS? Can’t I take MRCS instead of MRCP? What about surgical training posts?
Of course, you can. But the stats for Surgery Round 2 are slightly discouraging.
https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/training-availability-in-the-uk/
Very informative article! I just wanted to ask if the pattern of MRCPCH similar to MRCP/PLAB.
I’m very sorry but I’m not aware of MRCPCH pattern.
Aoa sir thnx fr such an informative article ..m already FCPS trainee in med n hav completed almost 2yrs of training …n m studying fr mrcp ritenw …as I hav read in ur article dat mrcp 1 n 2 r easy to pass bt PACES z relatively difficult if PLAB z nt cleared so I was wondering wat if I frst pass mrcp part 1 n 2 n thn bfr passing paces do my PLAB …. will it b possible .???.. n will my mrcp frst 2 parts still b valid ????aftr PLAB n working in U.K. It Will make easy fr me to pass PACES then….can I follow this route????or I hav to give mrcp 1 n 2 again??
I would advise you to go for PLAB as PLAB will be replaced by UKMLA soon and because PLAB is easier. Once you are in the UK system, then go for MRCP.
Hello sir, My question is if one cant carry out the UK journey immediately after house job at least for one or two years and rather takes FCPS and MRCP part1 meanwhile, will it effect PLAB route and make residency harder afterwards and will MRCP part1 will still remain valid for carrying out specialty training in UK in future??
It will make no difference as long as there was no clinical gap in your CV (as long as you were not jobless). I am not sure for how long MRCP 1 is valid. It would be best to check their official website or to email them regarding this.
Hello sir.. I have just completed my internship from Bangladesh.. I am very much curious to start my carrier in UK.. I have some questions:
# what about the possibilities of completing PLAB, GMC registration, MRCP??
# and during this time, will i be able to afford my expenses??
#is there any discrimination with IMGs ???
thanks…
1. I don’t understand this question.
2. Yes, you will be able to meet your expenses. This might help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/03/23/pay-scales-for-junior-doctors-in-the-uk/
3. No, there is no discrimination against IMGs in the UK.
thanks a lot,sir..that link was really very much helpful..
I’m glad it helped. You’re welcome! 🙂
Sir thanks for your information sharing on this… i want to ask you is residency (example MD) done in india is acceptable in uk??? Can a person can give mrcp after doing md in india??
1. Unfortunately, postgraduate qualification from India are not accepted in the UK:
http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/acceptable_postgraduate_qualifications.asp
2. Yes, you can give MRCP after completing your House Job in India.
Paeds fcps (post grad) is available in the list. Does it mean doing fcps part2 traing (as post doc trainee) in paeds is on +point or what you say.
Thanks
If you have completed your FCPS in pediatrics, it’s helpful because you can start as a consultant in the U.K. on the basis of FCPS pediatrics.
If you have worked for more than 18 months in pediatrics without becoming a consultant, then you can not enter pediatric training in the U.K.
Hi, I want to ask if one is on +point if starts fcps part2 training in paeds (as postdoc trainee), as paeds from Pakistan is given in acceptable list of postgr. on gmc website.
Thanks
If you complete your pediatric training, only then it is helpful, because your FCPS in pediatrics will be accepted in the UK.
But if you don’t complete training/FCPS, it’s not helpful at all because you might be overqualified to enter pediatric training in the UK if you have worked for more than 18 months in pediatrics.
Aoa, I just came across your blog and I found it really helpful. So thank you!
I am a graduate of 2016, currently doing my house job. I intend to take PLAB exam. The problem is that due to unforeseen reasons, I am not sure for how long will I be staying in UK. If say for example, I get GMC registration and start working in UK, and at some point have to come back to Pakistan, what would be the plan B for me? Do FCPS all over again? The question might seem bizarre, but for a person who isn’t sure what should be the best plan of action? Take FCPS exam and PLAB both?
Your help would be highly appreciated in this regard!
1. Yes, in that case, you will have to come back to Pakistan and take FCPS.
2. It’s best to be sure about one career pathway. However, if that’s not possible, you might want to take FCPS. But FCPS might expire in some time. Just make sure you weight all your options and their pros and cons before making your decision.
Hello
I would like to ask regarding the acceptable pattern of internship (atleast 3 months of medicine & 3 months of surgery)
If i completed my 12 M internship abroad in this pattern:
2 M- Internal Medicine
2 M- General Surgery
2 M- OBGYN
2 M- Pediatrics
2 M- Emergency Medicine
1 M- Internal Medicine (Elective)
1 M- Cardiology (Elective)
Will OBGYN count as surgery in order to complete the quota of 3 months of surgery? or does this pattern deem me inelligible to ever apply for UK?
Relevant sub-specialties count in medicine and surgery. So you’ll be okay. 🙂
You can always write to the GMC to confirm this. 🙂
please, is it easy to get general surgery program in the uk after passing pla1 and plab 2 with completed training in your home country?
Compared to medicine, it is difficult to find surgical training in the UK. Kindly read this article, as it might give you an overview:
https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/training-availability-in-the-uk/
Thanks to Dr. Muhammad Waqar, here is a guideline by two IMGs who have recently found ST3 surgical training in the UK:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248219138917343/255560108183246/
To view the guideline, you’ll have to join the group IMGs aiming for Surgical Training in the UK.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248219138917343/?pnref=story
My personal understanding is that if you work REALLY hard, stay determined and focused, you will find surgical training. But, of course, there are no guarantees.
Hello Dr.Naseer!Hope you are doing well. I’ve a query regarding the time span after which we can start working in UK after getting the GMC registration. If I don’t start working there right after getting the registration and take a break for sometime will it get nullified?
In that case, you will have to options, you can relinquish your licence until you start working in the UK. Or you can stay on the register and get regular appraisals signed by a consultant in the NHS. This might help you understand what an appraisal is:
http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/revalidation/12386.asp
Hello Dr.Naseer,
I am currently a medical registrar in India. I have completed my mrcp part 1. My aim is to apply for an ST3 post in UK. Is it really hard to enter the system after doing Mrcp? Do you think it is better to do plab and enter the system? Will my mrcp be valid?
What are the chances of IMG’s getting ST3 in cardiology or nephrology or endocrinology. I know it’s difficult but is it impossible?
Hello!
Congratulations on passing your MRCP 1! 🙂
Entering through PLAB or MRCP is a personal choice. Entering the system after completing MRCP is not difficult. But from what I hear, passing PACES without clinical exposure in the UK is more difficult than most people realize it to be.
I feel PLAB is a simpler, easier and shorter route, so I took the PLAB route instead of the MRCP route.
If you pass PLAB and get GMC registration, it will have absolutely no effect on your MRCP 1. MRCP 1’s validity, which is for 7 years, if I’m not wrong (you should get this confirmed), will remain unaffected.
Getting into cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology or any other specialty is possible. This post might give you an idea of your chances of getting into ST3 training:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/04/25/training-availability-in-the-uk/
Thanks a lot Dr.Naseer. One more thing, there is an option where NHS is recruiting doctors from India directly due to shortage of doctor in the UK after Brexit(All i need to do is clear IELTS, PLAB not needed). It’s a 3 year contract as a GP but you get to finish your MRCP and at the end of three years you are accepted as a consultant. What do you think about this?
My First option in ST3 is cardiology, but i noticed that cardiology doesn’t come to round 2 at all. What if i work in a Non-training job for 5 years, get a UK citizenship then apply for ST3 cardio. I know its far fetched but what’s your take on that?
Okay. I was not aware of this route. But I think the exam you mentioned must be MRCGP and not MRCP. And this is only for GP training. But it’s a very interesting option. I am interested in GP training myself, so I would’ve happily accepted this option (but I would’ve made sure that it was not a temporary thing).
Yes, you CAN do that. And I hear that IMGs did enter cardiology training recently. I don’t know how. There is no guidance. But I just know that it is not impossible.
The following is the letter being circulated by NHS….
Greetings from Narayana Health and MS Ramaiah Hosptials!
Brexit has posed a fresh challenge to the healthcare delivery in England with a number of vacancies in various specialties. Indian doctors are sought for their competence and skill to fill these vacancies by enrolling for a
three year training programme.
We are pleased to inform young post-graduate doctors to avail this opportunity to be trained in England, hone their skills and appear for MRCP / MRCS examination.
A team from NHS Trust and Edghill University will be in Bangalore to meet and address the interested post-graduate doctors. The details of the event are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 23,J March 2017
Time: 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm followed by High Tea
Venue: Harold Varmus Auditorium, 7,h Floor
Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre Narayana Health City 258/A Bommasandra Industrial Area Hosur Road, Bangalore 560099
The following additional information may be of interest to you:
1. Doctors with postgraduate degree with MD, MS or DNB will be given opportunity to work in one of 15 hospitals in the UK for 3 years in their specialty.
2. Any doctor with the eligibility can send CV to Dr. Umesh Prabhu
3. All the selected doctors will get GMC registration without PLAB exam. They have to pass IELTS exam. There is no other entrance exam.
4. These doctors have to enroll for 3 years training with Edghill University. They will be working as Specialist Registrar in year 3 to 5 depending on their abilities and skills. They will be paid same salary as UK doctors depending on which year these doctors are appointed. They can also do locum jobs during weekends and earn a decent additional income.
5. The duration of training will be for 2 years initially with extension for 3rd year. At the end of their UK training the doctors can apply for Certificate of Completion of Training using their Indian experience and UK experience and if they get this certificate from GMC they are eligible to apply for consultant post in UK
6. The doctors can appear for MRCP or MRCS exam in their chosen specialty. They will also receive training in research and leadership skills
7. The doctors will be travelling on Tier 2 or 5 Visa and the university HR staff will answer any questions the doctors might have during the meeting. Alternately you can also seek clarifications from Mrs. Julia Berry
8. The work place will be mostly in Manchester and few in Birmingham and Liverpool.
This seems like a brilliant opportunity. Can you please show me any official links or sources for this?
Let me know what you think..
Dear Dr. Naseer Khan, do we need to pay agencies for finding us a job contract after successful GMC registration ? If yes,how much we need to pay them? Thanks in advanced 🙂
I have not heard good reviews from people who went to agencies. Here is one such review:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/947364591943574/permalink/1686957811317578/
You will have to join the group PLAB 2 – 2017 to view the above-mentioned post:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/947364591943574/
Most people do not go to agencies and still find jobs very easily. This link can guide you with that:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/03/19/applying-for-non-training-jobs-in-the-uk/
hello doctor
i have a question regarding application to mrcp1, theyre saying not to send the original univeraity certificate we need to send a verified copy, what does that mean? do i need to eamil them a copy with the university stamp on the copy or just a copy of the verfied certificate, i hope my question is clear
another thing, should i send it to them or just email it
thank you
I am not aware of this. It is best to email them and ask them.
This might help:
omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/mrcp-one-guideline-sept-2014.html
Thanks for all the information that you have been providing.It would be great if you can throw light on fcps traineis (TMOs) Taking Mrcp exams.1) Is it feasible to be a TMO and prepare for the mrcp1 and mrcp2 at the same time?
2) you have mentioned that paces Is difficult for the ones with no clinical exposure (to uk system), I wnated to know if The experience that one get as a TMO will be of any use in PACES?
3) If the UKMLA system begins working working, will it overthrow just the plab pathway or the MRCP (jumpstart) pathway as well? thanks in advance
Thank you for your comment! 🙂
1. MRCP 1 and MRCP 2 are different exams and are taken differently. Therefore, it is best to prepare for them one at a time.
2. Experience from Pakistan can and will help, but usually, it is not enough to help students in passing PACES. Pakistani graduates have a tendency to underestimate PACES.
3. This is unclear for now. This is all that the GMC has mentioned about this so far, “We have no wish to erect unnecessary barriers to good doctors coming to practise in the UK, particularly given the current shortages in some specialties. We will review the current exemptions and consult separately on this issue before introducing the MLA.”
dear sir,
i have a gap of 4 weeks in my internship period because i was studying for my MRCP 1. is this will cause in problem in my GMC registartion.
There is no way of knowing this. The GMC will also not answer this. But 4 weeks is a small gap and most probably your gap will not cause any issues. Best of luck! 🙂
Thank you sooooooo much your post was really helpful.
No problem! Thank you for your kind comment! And thank you for visiting the blog! 😊
Whats the meaning of career progression u mentioned in the training pathway?
Is the difference between training and non-training jobs that they are obliged to teach and train u ?
Does the non-training pathway mean that u only work for a limited time until ur contract expires and then u r on ur own in finding another job?
1. I meant that if you are at a training post, you are moving towards becoming a consultant. For as long as you are at a non-training post, you will remain where you are and you will not move towards becoming a consultant.
2. The nature of the job at training and non-training is nearly the same. Training jobs have more educational opportunities, though. Like more study/course leaves.
3. Correct. But because of the shortage of doctors, your contract is always renewed before it expires.
Thanks dr for nice help
I know its away from your speciality im an orthopedic doctor with 13 years post graduate and masters degree i tried for mrcs but no chance 6 times
What is my chances to get a non training job after GMC registration with ielts and plab?
Does it worth to start this way ?
Thanks very much
Oh! I’m very sorry about your MRCS exam. It is difficult to pass without having worked in the UK. Compared to that, PLAB is a very easy exam. I am sure you’ll pass your PLAB in your first go.
Also, it is very easy to find a non-training job after PLAB. Because there are more jobs and less doctors. You can go to NHS Jobs right now and check the number of openings yourself. This link might help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/03/19/applying-for-non-training-jobs-in-the-uk/
Dear Sir!
Is the MRCP pathway just for general medicine or speciality candidates can also apply?
Anyone who wants training in medicine or sub-specialties of medicine at ST3 level, must pass MRCP.
Some specialties like pediatrics (MRCPCH), psychiatry (MRCPsych) and emergency medicine (MRCEM) have their own royal college exams and separate training programs.
Thanks for all those amazing information you have put together. I have a question, is it a good idea to take MRCP part-1 and PLAB 1 preperation simultaneously or will it conflict my PLAB 1 preparation?
MRCP 1 is a difficult version of PLAB 1. So you can prepare for them at the same time, but it would be like riding two horses at once. So I do not recommend this. Taking MRCP 1 and PLAB 1 with a few months of difference, one after another, is more advisable.
You are really doing a great work. Thanks a lot please do not stop this blog because this information here are really wonderful. Whenever you feel like stopping it please remember why you started it.
Thank you for this awesome information
Thank you so much for visiting the blog and for your kind comment! 🙂
Do not worry! I will not stop working on the blog. I have never enjoyed anything as much as I enjoy working on this blog. 🙂
Thanks for your efforts sir
I have already completed my MD MEDICINE from India and have worked in nephrology department here in India
What would be the best exam for me
Should I go for MRCP OR SPECIALITY CERTIFICATE EXAM. I want to get a training post in nephrology in U.K.
Thanks
PLAB is the easiest pathway to enter the UK’s system. This article will give you more options:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/04/29/entry-routes-for-medical-practice-in-the-uk/
Sir I don’t want to give plab as I have to read all preclinical and paraclinical subjects
Can’t I give speciality certificate examination?
If you are talking about MRCP or any other royal college exam, you can go for it, but you’ll have to study your clinical subjects for that.
For PLAB, you don’t have to go through any theory. Please read this:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/02/10/studying-for-plab-1/
Sir I don’t want to give plab as I have to read all preclinical and paraclinical subjects
Can’t I give speciality certificate examination?
If someone has completed neurosurgery in home country and wants to work in uk as a neurosurgeon…is it possible??? If yes then what will be the best route??
This link should help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/04/29/entry-routes-for-medical-practice-in-the-uk/
Hello Mr.Naseer
Thank you for the amazing blog
My question is .. does this apply to MRCS too ??
I mean PLAB vs MRCS .. can I finish MRCS and then apply for a non training job and then apply for training jobs ??
From what I know, it does and yes, you can. But you should confirm this via official websites.
Lets say, i am done with plab 2, i want to be a cardiologist, what do i do next(stepwise).
SHO > CMT (2 years) > ST3 to ST8 (Cardiology).
👆🏼This is the pathway. But Cardiology training isn’t easy to find because of high competition ratio and also because it does not open in Round 2. But I do come across IMGs who have found cardiology training.
So it would be best to post this question in the Facebook groups so that you get more input.
No mrcp required to get the training?
You do need to pass all three parts of MRCP to be eligible for ST3 training posts.
Thank you! Your blog has proven to be very helpful.
What i want to ask is, as you stated that it is quite hard to pass PACES when one has not given PLAB and thus is not familiar and has not trained in the UK. So, is this possible that after passing MRCP PART 2, one could apply for a non training job in the UK and be prepared enough to pass PACES?
Secondly, does a CV gap hurt one’s chances of getting a job in the UK? If so, what is the maximum / minimum amount of time one can take off?
You can not get a job in the UK on the basis of MRCP 2. You must pass all three parts of MRCP (including PACES) to a get a job in the UK on the basis of MRCP. This is why PLAB is an easier route.
There is no time limit for gaps. However, the longer the gaps, the more negative the impression it makes.
Ideally you should be working for at least the previous six months in your home country when you apply for jobs in the UK. The longer that you have been working without a break, the better.
Hi Dr,
Is GMC accept this internship pattern?
In my country, housemanship must completed in 2 years, what if i just do my housemanship for one year which include 4 months in medicine and 4 months in surgery and i did not complete the second year housemanship?
Thanks.
Hello,
I’m not sure about this. It would be best to email the GMC regarding this.
I’m sorry for not being more knowledgable about this. But when you find your answer, please let me know so I can help others in the future.
Thank you! 😊
Hi sir…very helpful information…
I’m doing MD in dermatology…wats the best way to work in U.K. In this field (dermatology)….as I ve heard that it’s very difficult to get into this field…
Does Holding MD degree from India …gives any advantage ??
And I read in one of the above comment…about Narayana hospital having som opportunities …cud u pls provide som more info on dt
Hello,
Unfortunately, getting a training spot in dermatology is difficult, because of competition. I do not know much about dermatology training. It would be best to check official websites and to check with people who are working in dermatology in the UK. I would advise you to post this query on Facebook as well.
Keep in mind that some (but not all) specialties have this rule that if you have worked in them for 18 months, you are overqualified and thus, not eligible to apply for their training. You should check if this rule applies to dermatology.
I don’t know anything about Naryana Hospital.
You can also think of CESR route.
The following link might help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/07/05/how-to-find-information/
https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/training-availability-in-the-uk/
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/04/29/entry-routes-for-medical-practice-in-the-uk/
Hello,
So i am preparing for mrcp part 1, which i intend to take in jan 2018. I was thinking of taking the plab exam too in november. Is it possible to take plab with mrcp prep?
Yes, it is. But MRCP is more difficult than PLAB.
Just give a couple of weeks to dedicated preparation for PLAB 1 and you will pass (as your knowledge would already be good by studying for MRCP).
Thanks for the info…it helped a lot….
Is there ny mci screening after u finish ur core training nd come back to india?
Hi Arun,
I’m sorry but I have no idea about this as I am unaware of India’s system. But as long as you graduated in India and have the licence to practice in India, you should be okay. But still get this confirmed by someone knowledgable.
Hi i am intending to start my training in peds in pak..do i too have to give mrcp if i want to work in uk?is there any prospect for pediatrics there?and would i be able to get training there?
1. If you wish to become a consultant in medicine and/or a sub-specialty of medicine, then you need to pass MRCP before you can apply for ST3 level of training.
2. Finding pediatric training is very easy in the UK.
DEAR NASEER, WHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT OF THE IELTS POST MRCP ALL THREE STEPS TO REGISTER IN GMC?
You need IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI Academic with at least 7.0 in each of the four areas and an overall score of at least 7.5
This might help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/02/11/about-ielts/
Hello dr.naseer…thanl you for the post..i was wondering how does one enter speciality training in uk….is there an exam or other way…also is speciality in medicine equal or similar to pg gen medicine in india..thank you..
The following link might help with the entry for IMGs into training in the UK; some specialties have entrance exams, but not all.
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/07/07/entry-into-training-for-international-medical-graduates/
I am not about the system in India, so I can not compare. I am sorry about that.
is the salary for doctors really low in uk and howz abt workload???
The pay and workload are both fine. The following links should help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/03/23/pay-scales-for-junior-doctors-in-the-uk/
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/08/12/working-hours-in-the-uk/
Hello
I am a 4th year medical student. I wanted to know if after passing PLAB 1 and 2 during and after internship , i work in my country(UAE), do i need to enter FY2 or can I directly enter core medical training after getting the FY2 competency signed?
You can directly apply for CMT. But without prior UK experience it is not easy or advisable to find a spot in CMT. It is best to enter through the SHO post to learn the system before applying for training.
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/07/07/entry-into-training-for-international-medical-graduates/
Thank you for helping everyone out!
I’ve done my Mbbs and housejob from Pakistan. Can I apply for the mrcp 1 exam? Or is there any condition that Pakistani graduates must have done some post graduate training as well to give mrcp 1?
You can take MRCP 1. You only need 12 months of clinical experience to take MRCP 1. Your House Job qualifies as 12 months of clinical experience.
Good luck! 🙂
Hello Sir,
I’m currently doing my internship in India.
I am very much interested in pursuing Neurosurgery in future. I came to know from my colleague that if I want to pursue surgery in UK I must have experience in surgery for a year or two in India.. that will add on to my CV to get into surgery after passing MRCS all steps..
What are the chances to get into Surgery as speciality for an IMG.
Please help me with this confusion.
Thank you..
Getting into any surgical field is not easy in the U.K. Please read Dr. Omar Alam’s guideline for finding surgical training in the U.K. You can find his blog via the “Useful Links” section of my blog.
Good luck! 🙂
Hi, thanks for Informative blog, I am an Md medicine from India. I have 3 questions,
1) Private practice will be taken into account as Clinical experience for IMGs or Clinical gap for GMC registration?
2) What is your idea on MTI scheme ? 24 months of uk experience during which MRCP to get into ST3 post
3) I have to again do residency in Internal Medicine in uk or directly enter into Superspeciality training after MRCP ? (ex.cardiology/Endocrinology/Nephro etc)
Thanks a lot for sharing. 🙂
1. It will be taken as private practice. It will not be a gap. But it will not be the same as experience on the wards (unless it actually was experience on the wards).
2. As far as I know, MTI is a temporary placement, at the end of which we have to go back to our home country. It is ideal for people who wish to work in the UK for short-term basis. I find the PLAB route much easier and simpler.
3. You can directly enter ST3 level of training if you complete your MRCP. But you might have to work at a non-training ST3 for a few months as your first job in the UK.
Thank you for your kind words and thank you for visiting the blog! 🙂
Dear Sir,
Thank you for helping us out!
Due to unfortunate personal reasons, I have to resign after finishing my house job. In Sept 2016 to Sept 2017, I did my master degree in UK. Now I’ve decided to continue back with my clinical career. I’m planning to take PLAB 1 this November/March. I’m just curious, would my chances to work there be affected if there’s 2 years gap?
You will still find a job. It can take you from a few days to a few months before you find your first job. But you will find a job. I would advise you to start working in your home country if you can, so you have recent clinical experience.
Dear sir,
I decided not to give Plab as i cant do job for like 2 years because of my baby.Thought of giving MRCP theory n doing an internship after it so that i can give my PACES.My thought was Plab is just for job if i cant do job its better to clear MRCP in these 2 years.I did my first attempt in may but couln’t get through it with 15 marks difference.Now thinking of giving it again.
Can you guide?
Thanks
Passing MRCP, specially PACES without clinical experience in the UK is harder than people realize. It is always best to start from the bottom. Choosing to not work for two years is unusual in the UK. This will make a significantly negative impact on your CV, even if your pass MRCP during this time. I would never advise anyone to take such a long break.
But if you don’t have any other option, then I guess take MRCP 1 (and maybe 2) before taking PLAB.
Hi Dr Naseer, thank you very much for ur valuable advice. Im an Algerian ophthalmologist and will finish my speciality training next year. Im not familiar with the Uk exams (MRCP1, MRCP2 etc) mainly because in medicine we follow the French system which quite different from the uk ones. In my case as an ophthalmologist is it better to apply through CESR to get registered with GMC and then get a license to practise or start with Plab exam and go all the way through MRCP1-2. starting with Plab won’t guarantee me to do ophthalmology as a speciality am I correct?
Thank u for ur help!
You’re right. There’s no guarantee that you’ll find ophthalmology training in the UK. I honestly don’t know your or my chances of finding ophthalmologist training in the UK.
CESR is also a long route since you’ll have to prove with documents what you did during your years of training in the UK.
If you come to the UK through PLAB, you will probably find a Registrar’s job in ophthalmology.
Many thks!
No problem! 🙂
Ok thanks….😎😎
Ok, we dont want ourselves to be overqualified. Rather start from the begining. thanks for reply
Sure. Good luck! 🙂
No problem! 🙂
You’re welcome! 😊
thanks you for such precious information.please explain the route if after plab 1 i will go for MRCS?
thanking in anticipation.
You will complete PLAB 2, get a non- training post, get into Core Surgical Training (which is hard), complete MRCS and apply for ST3 surgical training.
Check my posts about surgery for more information. Good luck! 🙂
Hello Dr Naseer, thanks for informative blog
– 1) I am from India and have done MBBS and MD (Clinical Microbiology). I just need a few words of advice from you regarding fellowship programmes or speciality certificate in infectious diseases/tropical medicine or any other related field in England/Ireland. Please advise.
-2) Also can I work there just after completion of ILTES without PLAB 1 as mentioned by someone in comments as there are vacancies after Brexit.
1. I am very sorry but I have no idea about this. You can post on “IMGs in the UK” Facebook group for this.
2. PLAB is not the only pathway, but PLAB is the easiest route for finding work in the UK.
This link might help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/04/29/entry-routes-for-medical-practice-in-the-uk/
Hello Dr. I wonder which specialties i can choose after pass mrcp? Thank you
Please check the official ST3 recruitment website to check the list of sub-specialties available in medicine that you can choose.
Hello Dr
Is the chance of getting a job the same for those who are registered after PLAB and those after MRCP only. Thanks
Yes.
Thank you for formulating this informative blog, I need your guidance at this very important phase of my life as I have been selected for MTI program however, I am looking at permanent settlement in UK so without losing this opportunity can I opt to continue with MTI Program and do MRCP while doing job in England during the next 2 years of MTI I have completed my IMM Exam of FCPS and focusing to give FCPS Part – 2 in August 2018, my 4 years FCPS training in Medicine will be completed in February, 2018.
Look forward to your guidance.
Yes, you can. 🙂