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INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES

ROUTES FOR INTERNATIONAL DOCTORS IN THE UK

IMG ROUTES: About

CAREER OPTIONS

Clinically, there are three main options for IMGs in the UK. 

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1. To become a UK Consultant or GP

2. To work in the UK long-term without becoming a UK Consultant or GP
3. To obtain a short-term fellowship and then return home.

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Although, it is recognised that IMGs can take several other career paths e.g academia, research, this will not be the focus of this page.

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This page will describe each career option in depth and the associated requirements.

IMG ROUTES: Text

1. To become a UK Consultant or GP

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To become a UK Consultant, IMGs must be registered and on the GMC Specialist Register. There are three main routes to enter on the GMC Specialist Register:

1. CCT  (Certificate of Completion of Training)

2. CESR-CP  (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration – Combined Programme)

3. CESR  (Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration)

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To become a UK GP, IMGs must be registered on the GMC GP Register. There are two main routes to enter mom the GMC GP Register:

1. CCT  (Certificate of Completion of Training)

2. CEGPR  (Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration)

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*It is important to note that IMGs without any postgraduate training are not considered GPs in the UK.*

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There are different routes depending on the training completed in a GMC approved training programme.

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Specialist Register:

1. CCT (Completed a GMC approved training programme)

2. CESR-CP (Completed part of a GMC approved training programme)

3. CESR (Did not complete a GMC approved training programme)

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GP Register:

1. CCT (Completed a GMC approved training programme)

2. CEGPR (Did not complete a GMC approved training programme)

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IMG ROUTES: Text

The CCT Route

The CCT Route is an approved training programme. If a doctor enters UK training in the first year (CT1 or ST1) and complete the entire training programme, then they are awarded with a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).

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This route is suitable for those who have not undertaken any other post-graduate training and/or are new IMGs.

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This pathway is not suitable for all IMGs. Doctors are suitable if they fit any of the following criteria:

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  • Doctors who have not completed an internship and plan to complete an internship in the UK (e.g. Foundation Programme)

OR​

  • Doctors who have not completed an internship or have not worked after an internship

OR​

  • Doctors who have completed an internship and you have worked after internship, but have not completed specialist training (residency) and are not overqualified for the target specialty

OR​

  • Doctors who have completed internship and have started but not finished specialist training (residency), and are not overqualified for the target specialty 

OR​

  • Doctors who have completed internship and specialist training (residency) but want to change specialty, and are not overqualified

IMG ROUTES: Text

The CESR-CP Route

Doctors can enter a UK training programme in the second year or later which is considered to be the CESR-CP.

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CESR-CP stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme meaning doctors completed part of a GMC-approved programme.

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This pathway is best for IMGs who have already completed postgraduate training in their target specialty.

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Doctors are suitable if they fit any of the following criteria:

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  • Doctors have not completed internship and plan to complete internship in the UK (Foundation Programme)

OR​

  • Doctors have completed internship and have not worked after internship 

OR

  • Doctors have completed internship and have worked after internship, but have not completed specialist training (residency) and are not overqualified for the target specialty 

OR

  • Doctors have completed internship and have started but not finished specialist training (residency), and are not overqualified for the target specialty   

OR

  • Doctors have completed internship and specialist training (residency) but want to change specialty, and are not overqualified

IMG ROUTES: Text

The CESR or CEGPR Route

If doctors do not enter a UK training programme at all, they can still become a UK recognised specialist if proof is provided that doctors have had experience equivalent to a UK trained specialist. 

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To prove a doctors equivalent training, doctors need to compile a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate achievement of all the required competences of the specialty. This is then submitted to the GMC for approval. 

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On approval of the competency portfolio, doctors will be awarded with the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration to become a Consultant or the Certificate of Eligibility for GP Registration to become a GP.

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The CESR route is best for those who have completed training and have been practising for many years.

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Doctors are suitable if they fit any of the following criteria:

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  • Doctors do not wish to re-enter a training programme 

OR

  • Doctors are unable to successfully get a place in a UK training programme

IMG ROUTES: Text

2. To work in the UK long-term without becoming a UK Consultant or GP

Subtitle

Becoming a UK Consultant or GP is not for everyone. Many doctors prefer to work in the UK long-term without this commitment or aim.

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However, there are a number of steps required for doctors to achieve and sustain this route:

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1. Obtain GMC Full Registration

This is achieved by:

  • English Proficiency (IELTS/OET)

  • Pass in PLAB 1 & 2 or an accepted Postgraduate Qualification

  • Obtaining proof of internship, EPIC verification, and Certificate of Good Standing

  • Apply for GMC full registration

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2. Obtain an NHS Job

This is achieved by:

  • Opening an account on the NHS Jobs website

  • Submit a jobs application for ST1/CT1/JCF/SHO or SpR/Registrar/SCF/ST3* or speciality doctor

  • Interview

  • Acceptance of a suitable offer

  • Apply for a Tier 2 work via

  • Relocate to the UK

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3. Continuing Professional Development

All doctors should maintain their continued professional development to practice as a doctor in the UK.

This is achieved by:

  • Update and maintain knowledge and skills through the CPD system

  • Undergo annual appraisals and five-yearly revalidation

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IMG ROUTES: Text

3. To obtain a short-term fellowship and return home

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Many doctors wish to gain training experience in the UK to use to serve their patients back home and many IMGs consider this option.

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There are three main options for this route:

  1. The Medical Training Initiative (MTI)

  2. A GMC-approved sponsor (outside MTI scheme)

  3. NHS jobs advertised as fellowships

IMG ROUTES: Text
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