This post explains the basic training structure in the UK. You can check your chances of finding your preferred field of training here. You can also check how the IMGs can enter training in the UK here.
THE UK TRAINING PROGRAM
Foundation Program
After graduating from medical school, there are two years of Foundation Program in the UK, known as F1 and F2. Foundation Program is also known as House Job or Internship in other countries.
Training Options After Foundation Program
To continue training after completing Foundation Program, there are different options. These are the common ones:
- Core Training, followed by Specialty Training
- GP Training
- Run-Through Training
1. Core Training
Most people take this route. Core Training takes 2 years.
Core Medical Training
My friend, Dr. Omar Alam, has written about Core Medical Training application process in detail here.
Core Surgical Training
I don’t have any information about the Core Surgical Training or the opportunities in Core Surgical Training. If anyone could shed light on this subject, it would help a lot of people.
Specialty Training
After completion of Core Training, passing MRCP/MRCS and meeting other eligibility requirements of Specialty Training, candidates can apply for Specialty Training. Specialty Training takes 5-6 years.
2. GP Training
A lot of people are coming towards this route now since the training is only for three years, there is no Core Training, the pay is good and working hours are easy.
You do not need to pass MRCGP to enter GP training. MRCGP can only be taken once GP training has begun for you.
3. Run-Through Training
Some specialities have a run-through training program. This means that the training would continue for a set period of time and the candidates would not have to apply for a training program again. Run-Through training takes 5-8 years.
The following specialities have a run-through program:
- Chemical Pathology
- Clinical Radiology
- Community Sexual & Reproductive Health
- General Practice
- Histopathology
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Ophthamology
- Paediatrics
Consultant
All three roads will lead to you becoming a consultant.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are non-training jobs?
These are the jobs that IMGs with an acceptable pattern of internship 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)
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
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.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. 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.
5. Can I enter sub-specialty of my choice in Medicine?
You can visit the official ST3 recruitment website to check the number of openings for your preferred field. Go to the bottom of the page and click on your choice of sub-specialty. A new page will open. Click on Data. Check the number of openings for that field in round 2. This will give you an idea of your chances of making it to your choice of field.
You can also check competition ratios and seat availability from my post Training Availability in the UK.
Generally, entering non-surgical fields is very easy. Finding training in surgical fields require a lot of hard work and dedication in improving the CV. There is also tough competition over training spots in specialties like dermatology and radiology.
6. How do IMGs enter the training system in the UK?
You can check my post Entry into Training for IMGs to get a detailed answer.
Please I need to be further enlightened how an individual who has almost completed an equivalence of a run through programme in histopathology from Nigeria can get into the UK system.Do I need to go through PLAB again?.If I complete the programme here in Nigeria(residency training in histopathology).What is the best UK can offer and how can I get through?Thanks
You are eligible to appear in the PLAB exam. I’m not sure where you would be placed in this roadmap for training. You can email GMC to confirm this at gmc@gmc-uk.org or plab@gmc-uk.org
These are the training and speciality pathways to the UK.
Training pathway:
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative
Pathway for consultants, known as CESR or Article 14:
http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/CESR.asp
These are the acceptable post-graduation qualifications in the UK:
http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/acceptable_postgraduate_qualifications.asp
Chief, I am a year 1, resident in Histopathology, also planning to move to uk, i actually wish i can continue my residency training over there, however, it is unlikely. Chief, please if you find any useful information, pls let me know.
At the moment, this is all the information that I have. If I find anything else, I will share it.
https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/training-availability-in-the-uk/
Dear i have recently graduated from medical, i wanna get adcmission in UK. Please guide me for the roles
Go through all of my blog posts for beginners. They will guide you. 🙂
Hello your post was very helpful! I just need more information about the GP training route, would that be the next step for someone who wants to be a general practitioner consultant after F2? Also how long does it take to become a GP including foundation years? And when is the best time to take MRCGP? Thanks
I plan on applying for the GP route myself. So stay in touch with me on Facebook and keep asking me what I am doing. I will try to write a blog post on GP training, when I find out more about the route myself.
For the moment, go through this link. It will help. 🙂
emedica.co.uk/applygp
Naseer Bhai can u elaborate on your reasons for GP rote and not specialist training?
Two obvious things would be that GP route is shorter (3 vs 6-7 years is a big difference) how do the salaries compare? Are those a big difference as well?
Is it difficult to get into specialty training vs GP training? IS MRCP required for both?
I prefer GP ST because:
1. It suits my personality and I would seriously enjoy it.
2. Shorter route.
3. Better working hours.
4. Better pay.
5. No nights after training ends.
It is not difficult to get into GP ST.
You don’t need MRCP if you want to go for GP ST.
This link might help: EMEdica.co.uk/applygp
I didn’t understand the run-through training .. Is it an available alternative to training jobs or a training job which is also very difficult to get ?
And thank you very much Dr. Naseer you are doing great at helping us
For certain specialties, which I’ve mentioned, there is no Core Training. There is a single Run-Through training program for these specialties. I hope it makes sense.
And thank you for visiting the blog. Also thank you for your kind words! 😊
Dr. Nasser I must tell you that your blog is highly informative for beginners like us. I completed my one year housejob from a government hospital in karachi (march 2017) which fulfils the requirement of suitable rotation. I am highly interested in ophthalmology and anaesthesiology. I Will be joining as FY-P2 trainee of I’m not wrong. Could u shed some light on how the condition of job market in ophthalmology and anaesthesiology as I’m highly interested in these 2 specialities. How difficult is it to get a training posts in these specialities in the UK for an IMG.
Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words and thank you for visiting the blog! 🙂 Congratulations for completing your House Job. I hope you are employed and have not stopped working, as it is important to not have breaks in your career. I am not well aware of the training opportunities in the two fields that you have mentioned. However, competition ratios might give you a rough idea. So the following post might help you. Kindly check the attached link.
https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/%EF%BB%BFcompetition-ratios-and-seat-availability-for-training-in-the-uk/
Hello, can I write plab get licensed and pass with mrcp 1/2 written in uae or saudi? Or I have to write the mrcp in UK? Thanks
The following links will help you. 🙂
https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/2017/02/10/about-plab-1/
https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-1/international-centres
https://www.mrcpuk.org/mrcpuk-examinations/part-2/international-centres
Thanks for your nice note. Could you please tell something about the route and possibilities for IMG after completing MRCS? Thanks in advance.
Thank you for visiting the blog and thank you for your kind words of appreciation! 🙂
I am sorry, but I have no information regarding MRCS. 😦
If you find anything, please let me know. 🙂
Thanks Naseer! This blog post (like all your blog posts) is quite helpful. Thank you
Thank you for visiting the blog and thank you for your kind words! 😊
Hi Dr, will you be paid in the Foundation years and in the non training jobs ?
Yes. You will never work in the U.K. without getting paid. 🙂
Wonderful Blog . A Great Insight of even the minute details.
Still have a doubt.
I have just finished my 5 years of studying period and have started my internship.
Am i eligible to write PLAB 1?? Cause the only thing I find everywhere is “graduate” term.
Please shed some light into this
Thanks 🙂
Yes, you’re eligible, since you have graduated from medical school. Internship is not a prerequisite for sitting in the PLAB exam.
Hello can u please tell me about MRCS after PLAB everybody is telling about Physicians and GP BUT NO WHERE I can find about MRCS please help me how can i become surgeon as my interests are in CARDIAC SURGERY AND NEUROSURGERY
I am sorry, but there is not a lot of information out there regarding this. We don’t come across a lot of IMGs who are working in Surgical training jobs. So it’s hard to get information. I am not your best guide regarding this. I would advise you to post on the PLAB Facebook group regarding this issue:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doctor.plab/
Dr Naseer, I have gone through all the St3 eligibility requirements on the official recruitment website. (I must say far more lenient or considering compared to US) and have concluded that if one clears all his mrcp exams while working under an MRCP supervisor in acute medicine or a JRCPTB-listed specialty somewhere outside UK, for ex Republic of Ireland (Although I think that comes under UK). One can directly jump into specialty training in the UK skipping the years of FY2, and Core training, and expenses of PLAB exams. I chose a year (or maybe more if needed) in Ireland as this will help integrate my clinical skills and knowledge in the similar UK-system, and also the handsome wages (compared to Pakistan, at least) will help me fund those exams, tickets, immigration as well as financial independence. I understand doctors start earning sooner there and there is not exam need except registration with the Irish medical council.
Since I’m far from year of graduation and having finished my housejob by 2015, and given usmle step 1, I honestly feel it’ll be so lengthy to try and undergo PLAB and FY2 and core training before specialty training. This is stilll a very raw plan.
Since I’m unaware of the ground realities and this is a theory-only plan so far, can u shed some light on maybe how ill-advised or well worked this is?
I understand it might be a lot of hard work, but is it doable with a fair chance of success? (after having studied for Step 1, I feel hard work and discipline is 2nd nature now. My financial circumstances have recently changed so I don’t think I’ll be able to fund my step 2 CS or match application anytime soon esp with peanut salary in Pakistan, so I’m looking for options.
Your blog has been a bright star in the darkest of nights, cannot thank u enough!
I am honestly not sure about the job situation in Ireland. If you can find a job there, that would be great. But if they don’t have jobs there, then PLAB is better. Because
1. It’s not easy to pass MRCP without UK clinical experience.
2. Even if you do pass it, it’ll take the same amount of time as passing PLAB and going through SHO > CT > ST3 route.
The advantage of taking PLAB over MRCP is that you would start earning sooner. So you could finance your MRCP easily yourself.
Hey Naseer! Brilliant job on the blogs, was brought here after your query about Southampton! I have a question that I’m hoping you can help me with. After passing plab two, and having an internship and getting full registration with the gmc, I would have to get a non training fy2 post first right? As the training fy2 starts in august. In your blog it says I can do this for 3 months and then get my fy2 signed off. After I have that, do I jump straight into core training or do I have to complete a year as if I was doing my fy2 proper? Any and all help would be much appreciated! Ps. Will definitely reach out when I’m back in Southampton in a few months!
You can work at a non-training post for as long as you like before you apply for a training post. There is no minimum limit to this (apart from the initial 3-month limit for getting your competencies signed).However, my seniors advise me to work on a non-training post for more than a year, to gain sufficient experience before jumping into Core Training.
What are pays in uk as comp to us
In foundation year , core training, speciality training and after becoming consultant. I have heard uk economy is down and salaries r nt gud.. people leaving for aus and us etc
The following two posts might answer your question:
1. https://naseersjourney.com/2017/03/23/pay-scales-for-junior-doctors-in-the-uk/
2. https://naseersjourney.com/2017/06/17/the-uk-vs-the-usa/
thanks you a lot for this helpful informations. I want to ask you something if you don’t mind, what about doing specialty in home country , then after that can we apply for subspecialty program or should do the specialty program in UK to apply for subspecialty . And another thing , if some one started specialty program in home country ,and for any reason he cann’t complete it there and want to do the rest in UK , is this possible?..sorry for this long questions-“
These are the training and speciality pathways to the UK.
Training pathway:
https://www.rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative
There is the pathway for consultants, known as CESR or Article 14:
http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/CESR.asp
These are the acceptable post-graduation qualifications in the UK:
http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/acceptable_postgraduate_qualifications.asp
Dr. Nasser for all those who have completed and cleared their fcps in anaesthesiology, they can directly apply for registration in the UK without going through the hassle of giving PLAB, right? Provided that they meet all the other requirements? We would just have to sit for ielts, right? Atleast this is what I understood from the gmc website.
You are absolutely correct. You can email the GMC to get more details. They reply to every email. 🙂
Hello doctor
Your post is very informative but can you throw light on how to apply for Fy1 ?
What are its requirements & what exams to pass before applying?what are the chances?
Hello, I am sorry. I do not know much about this route. 🙁 I do know that doing your internship/house job back home makes the journey easier, as you can skip F1 then.
Hi Naseer and thank you for great information.
I have a few questions.After 3 months at the non-training job,could i apply for ct posts? or i have to apply for training fy2?
And what is the difference between non-training and training job? Do we do the same job?
And how long medical university lasts in your country(Pakistan) ? 5 or 6 years? What is housejob and do you do your housejob in the same university which you have graduated? is it the same as internship? i need this information to compare your country`s system with my country to know i am eligible or not =D
Best Regards.
After 3 months at the non-training job, you can apply for CT. But it’s best to work for a year, to gain sufficient experience.
Training job has more responsibility and more priviliges. But training and non-training are more or less, the same.
Medical schools take 5 years in Pakistan. House Job is internship; it is 12 months of clinical experience, under provisional registration, after graduating from medical schools. You can choose to go for your internship at your university hospital or at other hospitals.
To know if you are eligible or not, you should email the GMC. 🙂
Hi, thanks for the great blog! It was extremely helpful in simplifying this process 🙂
I had a few questions:
1. Could you clarify provisional registration and when in this process should we apply/are eligible for it? I am currently completing my house job and will be doing PLAB 1 in June 2017
2. I am interested in Pediatrics, does this mean I definitely have to apply for the Run-through pathway? Or can I apply for CT/ST pathway instead? I am not too clear on what specialties come under CT training
3. If I completed MRCP after my PLAB exams, what stage will I be eligible to apply in? CT or ST-level? (given I would not have any other training except internship/clinical attachment). Or what non-training job
4. Just to be clear, if I get an FY2 competency letter after 3-12months, that is equivalent to completing FY2 correct? How long do you need to work as a non-training doctor to get a Core Training competency signed?
Sorry for the long post! Thanks again regardless 🙂
1. Provisional registration is only for candidates who have not completed their House Job in their home country, and, therefore, will only apply for F1.
2. I think you will apply for run-through. That’s what I know. I am still learning. I guess you will learn as well, with time. Stay in touch and keep following my blog. I will always be here to make things clearer, as I get to know them.
3. After you get your relevant competency signed, you can apply for either one. But if you have completed your MRCP, you would be (and you would feel) overqualified for CT. So it would be best to apply for ST3.
4(A). Correct.
4(B). Not sure.
No worries. 🙂
Dr. Naseer, thank you for all you do. I really must confess that you’ve been of tremendous help
Thank you for your kind words! And thank you for visiting the blog! 🙂
Your appreciation matters a lot! 🙂
Naseer,
I just wanted to say that you’re doing an immense service to the doctor community and I hope and pray that you get rewarded for this. Helping others completely unconditionally is something of a rarity in this day and age and you shine bright and stand out remarkably well. Keep up the awesome work and good luck with your professional pursuits!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Samad! And thank you for visiting the blog! Your appreciation helps a lot. Thank you! 🙂
Thanks alot Naseer. Your blog is very informative for everyone who wants to give plab and practice in the uk. Keep it up 🙂
I just wanted to ask that if one follows the core training route then ST to become a consultant and another one follows the gp route to become a consultant, in what ways are they gonna be different ? And do u know anyone from pakistan who is doing training in surgery ?
A GP works at Basic/Primary Healthcare units and Internal Medicine consultants work at the hospital. I hope that makes some sense.
I don’t know even a single IMG who is training in surgery.
Which specialities are less competitive for img?
Medicine, GP, A&E … I’m not sure about others. I’m sorry.
hello dr.naseer
wonderfull blog .Kudos to you and your selflessness in providing even the most minute details step by step.I doubt theres a more comprehensive guide to the plab on the net.Simply wonderful 🙂
The one doubt i still i have is after passing my MBBS >IELTS>PLAB1>PLAB2>GMC registraton>getting into a non-training post>getting my FY2 competencies signed How do i specifically choose to enter GP training? I mean what are the diffrences in getting into CT and GP and RUN THROUGH TRAINING? since according to the blog all three pathways lead you to becoming a consultant.
thanks in advance 🙂
Thank you so much for visiting the blog and for your kind comments! 🙂
Each of these training programs is for a different specialty.
1. GP training would make you a GP.
2. CT and ST would make you a Physician/Surgeon.
3. Run-Through training is for other specialties.
Brother Naseer, how difficult is it for non european grad from india to get into core training in uk. Myself plan to apply next year. What percent of people get spot. Thank you brother
If you want to go into Core Medical Training then there are very bright chances. However, chances of getting into Core Surgical Training are thin.
Hi. Your blog is very helpful. I really appreciate your wonderful work ! It helps me a lot 🙂
However, I have one question. I’m a British citizen but graduated outside the U.K. After I am done with PLAB, GMC registration and non-training post, should I apply for CT1 round 1 or round 2?
Thank you in advance
You can apply for round 1. But you can always confirm this by emailing the JRCPTB.
Thank you for your response 🙂
One more question please. What’s the process for run-through program if I want to become an OBGYN doctor?
I’m very sorry but I don’t know much about this, so I can not say.
For U.K. citizen, will F2 or being UK/EU graduates put you on top of IMG British citizen like me ?
TIA
I am sorry but I did not understand your question. I apologize!
Sorry. Please let me rephrase my question 😀
When being considered for CT round 1, do doctors who have been through foundation programme has an advantage compare to those who have not (British but graduate outside the U.K./EEA)?
Yes, they do. But if you are a British citizen, regardless of where you graduated from, you should be able to apply for Round 1.
Thank you so much 🙂 You have been a great help! Good luck with your professional pursuits!
Thank you for your kind words! And thank you for visiting the blog! 🙂
Thanks for your posts. I jave a few questions please,
What are these non training posts? Are they equivalent to ‘locum jobs’?
Do i stand a chance of earnings more than the average a junior doctor earns if i have strong competencies in a particular field e.g obstetrics and gynaecology?
Who is a resident medical officer?
Thanks
1. A non-training job is one in which there is no career progression.
2. Locum is also a non-training job, yes. But you can’t work at a locum post as your primary job, unless you’re a British National.
3. Your pay will depend on your post and not your experience.
4. I have never heard of a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in the UK. This term is used in Pakistan for someone at a non-training post.
Ok, thank you for your response, i appreciate it
You’re welcome! 🙂
Thanks naseer bhai… great altruism…One thing I would like to know… What document to submit for the evidence that I have completed 1 year internship at home??? Is internship certificate only or both certificate and log book?? Unfortunately, my log book has been stolen.
Hello,
Thank you for your kind words! 🙂
The internship certificates alone are enough. Log book is not needed.
Dear naseer you are doing a great job.
I am really inspired to see such a poditive personality like you.
I have gone through your blog and have a query, I have finished my postgraduate pathology training of 3 years in India. I want to persue carrer in pathology in UK.
Can you pleass guide me what canbe my best wayout in the system, in terms of applying, ease of getting into training and the rekaxation if any i can get with my pg training in india.
Regards
The best way to enter the system is through PLAB. But I don’t know much about the scope of Pathology training in the UK.
Salam. Could you please tell me what route a person needs to take to become a psych consultant?
Hello,
I’m not sure about this. However, find “PLAB 2 Helpline” group on Facebook and post your question there. I’m sure it’ll get answered there. 🙂
Hello sir,
I am an IMG from india. I have completed my 3yrs Surgery Training got my MS Surgery Degree and am completing my one year of Senior Residency. I have been selected for MTI program for 2yrs clinical fellow post due to start in Aug 2017.
1. Could you please tell me about the programme and its uses.
2. Can it be used while applying for ST programme.
3.. if i give plab and mrcs can i apply for Speciality Training post.
4. Could you please help me how to.proceed further to get a training post in surgery. Speciality training
I am very sorry but I am not sure at all. You should check the details here and email them to get your answers. They will be a better source of information for this:
rcplondon.ac.uk/education-practice/advice/medical-training-initiative
thank you so much for all the guidance you are providing us.
i have a query but first of all please clear one thing for me, what is provisional gmc registration and what is full gmc registration and what are the requirements for both?
now my question is what is the difference between fp/afp ( http://www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/pages/fp-afp) and F-1 stand alone recruitement ( http://www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/pages/stand-alone-recruitment) ? fp/afp application process starts a year prior, and as far as i can understand, provisional gmc registration is required and the process can be started during mbbs final year if one has given IELTs and intends to take plab by march. on the other hand, f1 stand alone applications process starts a few months ahead and you need to be fully registered by the time you start training. so, if one wants to apply for training right after mbbs, without doing house job, which one would be a better option? through which pathway one would have a better chance of being accepted?
1. Provisional GMC registration is given if you have not completed your House Job. Full GMC registration is granted if you have completed your House Job in your home country before GMC registration.
2. I am sorry. I do not know the difference between FP and AFP. It would be best to write to the UKFPO regarding this.
3. I am sorry. But I again do not have enough knowledge to answer this question.
ok thankyou. is PLAB 2 required for provisional registration as well?
Yes, PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 are required for provisional registration as well.
Hi Dr Khan
What are the options for someone who has completed mrcp all steps but cant find training in his speciality of choice?
They can continue working as a registrar. In the meanwhile they can apply for ST3 training posts every year. If they never find training, they can opt for the CESR pathway.
Hi Naseer. Thanks for a very informative blog. Regarding GP training, will I be eligible to apply after I get F2 competencies signed off from a non training post? Or does that only apply to core training?
Thanks
It applies to GP training as well. So you can apply for GP training once your FY2 competencies are signed. Best of luck! 🙂
Dr Naseer thank you for this article. I’m sorry to trouble you but I really need advice on how to start practicing in UK. I have just finished my Diploma in Ophthalmology from India. I would like to know what are the options for me to start practicing in Ophthalmology in the UK. Firstly is it possible to get ophthalmology there? If yes, what exams do I need to give and how do I go about this. Thank you
Hello,
Unfortunately, no post-graduate qualification from India is recognized in the UK. So your Ophthalmology diploma will not count in the UK. You can still opt for the CESR route. But I find that PLAB is the easiest of routes. This post can help you a little:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/04/29/entry-routes-for-medical-practice-in-the-uk/
I’m not sure if it is possible for IMGs to enter Ophthalmology in the UK and which exams you need to go through for that. You should post this question on the PLAB Facebook page to get more information. You can also check the following link:
https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/training-availability-in-the-uk/
Hi Naseer thanks for the enlightenment ,I come from a country where House job is 2yrs (6 months rotation each in internal medicine,surgery,Obstetrics and gynaecology and Paediatrics) Would this be considered as a completion of FY2 and what will be the next step? Thanks
I am not sure if this would be considered completion of FY2. I am so sorry! So the best way to confirm this would be to email the GMC about this.
Hi wanted to know if I can get into run through training for radiology in uk after getting an Specialist registrar job in uk in radiology and then eventually enter ST1 run through training for radiology .
You can check competition ratios for radiology from my website. I do not know any IMG pursuing radiology in the UK, so I’m not very knowledgeable about it. But I’ve heard that radiology training is difficult to find in the UK.
This info really seemed useful …n yea a small doubt..!does participation certificates of workshops in medical conferences have any additional points or something lyk dat?! N how much does it cost in total (inr) for an indian for this exam??
Certificates help. But they are not vital.
This will help with expenses:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/04/01/total-expenditure-on-plab/
Please,I just finished my house job and planning on writing Plab,my questions are,after I pass Plab where to I start from in uk and what is the number of hours a junior doctor work
The following two links should answer your questions:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/07/07/entry-into-training-for-international-medical-graduates/
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/08/12/working-hours-in-the-uk/
Hello naseer, thank u for the great job u re doing on this blog.
My question: If im offered a job as las st3, as an Img who recently completed plab 2, is there a disadvantage to this? would i still be able to get fy2 competency signed off to enable me enter into a training post? What is ideally the minimum annual pay for such a post tax inclusive?
Thank you so much, looking forward to getting a response on these 3 questions.
I don’t know your past experience. So I don’t know if this post is ideal for you. But you’re thinking about getting your FY2 competencies signed. Which means that you are targeting CMT. In that case ST3 would be too advanced and difficult to manage for you. You should look for posts which suite your grade. ST3 is a middle grade post. You should be looking for junior grade posts.
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/08/19/grades-of-doctors/
Hello Sir, I am from India, I am about to complete my internship in March 2018. I want to do Surgery as my future specialty. I have read your blog about it and I understand it’s very difficult to get it..but I can’t think of anything else..I have been dreaming to be a Surgeon since I was in 7th grade..n still that interest in surgery persists.. rather it has increased..
My question is, If I do Jrship (Junior residency in Surgery) for a year in India will that help me to get 1 step closer towards getting into Surgery in UK. I mean one year of experience in surgery under guidance of consultant surgeon , will they consider it .
Thank you for your patience for reading this
It will make a very small impact. I love that you’re passionate about your goal. If you do not care about time or effort, you can achieve anything.
The following link might help:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-guideline-for-surgical-training-in-uk.html
So Naseer, only 6 months of internship(3 for medicine and 3 for surgery) will not be enough and i need to complete one year ?
You are right. You must complete 12 months (365 days) of internship.
Thank you for your disponibility, Dr Naseer.
No problem! You’re welcome! 😊
Hii doc, nowadays we keep hearing about shortage of doctors in uk and thereby NHS insisting on MTI in uk for IMGs.They says that after attaining 2 years program under NHS trust which they take in by 5 tier sponsorship visa with a salary ranging around 3000pounds/month we will get a GMC registration certificate towards the end plus experience certificate,so that we neednot go for plab directly can clear MRCP and proceed.how far this is reliable??
MTI usually allows us to work only temporary and then we are expected to go back to our home countries.
Thus, PLAB is a better option.
hello doctor, i am planning to take the plab route and i have some questions to ask. If i were to choose psychiatry as my specialty, do i have to complete MRCP? thank you in advance and have a nice day :))
No, you don’t. You’ll have to take MRCPsych.
so, what will my route be? plab1>plab2>FY2>then? when do i have to study for MRCPsych?
PLAB 2 > Non-training post > CST (Core Psychiatry Training.
👆🏼This will be the pathway. You don’t have to pass Royal College exams to get into psychiatry training.
thank you dr! thank you for helping us doctors from all around the globe ^^
Thank you for your kind words! And thank you for visiting the blog! 🙂
Hi Dr Khan, This is a great forum for IMG like us. I am an IMG from Sri Lanka and have been living in Canada. I have internship and 3 years of practice as GP in Sri Lanka. I have LMCC but useless to get any registration in UK. I am interested to practice in UK. But i am confused whether i should go to PLAB or doing MRCP. Could you please advice me which is better to get registration and job? I would be appropriative if you could reply. Thank you
This might help:
https://naseersjourney.com/2017/03/12/plab-vs-mrcp/
Naseer khan if Im hoping to apply for cardiology training. How will that pan out, the link you posted above for speciality training led me to a page which says st3 is the only option for recruiting applicant for cardiology and there was a small note at the end which said cardiology has not participated in the ‘second round’ of recruitment since 2012. So from my understanding, I will first do a sho Job get my conpetencies signed off and then enter core medical training and then enter st3?
You will get into CMT. Once you are in CMT, you are eligible to apply for ST3 in Round 1. So you CAN get into Cardiology through Round 1.
Also to get into core medical training I should have passed mrcp 1 and 2 right?
No need. But if you have, it will help.
I have passed MRCS paper A and paper B.I think PLAB is exempted for me but I am not sure about it.
Can you please tell me that am I exempted from plab and
how many bands of ielts do I require to have myself registered with GMC?
Yes, you do not have to take PLAB anymore.
You need 7.5 overall and 7.0 in each band of IELTS.
All the best! 🙂
Hello Dr Naseer
1.pls what are the differences (pros and cons) of training and. On training jobs and if you take up. On training in st1 would it affect you getting training jobs later in st2 st3 etc
2. Pls which is the fy2 competency form, I’m finishing my house job from Nigeria, is there a format for the form or do I have to get it from the gmc? What must me noted on the form.
Thanks
hello doctor , theoretically if you do 4-5 years of a specialty training then pass the frcp you finish your training and get cct or you have to finish the remaining years of training? for example a specialty of 6 years, you do 4 years then pass the frcp exam u get cct ?
Hello sir,
Can u tell about the sports medicine training scenario in uk.I am interested in Sports medicine
I don’t know if Sports Medicine exists in the UK for training. You can check the JRCPTB’s website for this.
Thankyou sir
hello dr Naseer, which is a better route to pursue anesthesia training in UK after passing 2 year of diploma in anesthesiology from india. FRCA or MRCP or EDAIC, and how much time it takes to complete training there after having a specialist diploma from non-EU
I’m sorry but I have no idea. Kindly post on Facebook groups to get information about this.