International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are important in the UK healthcare system. They bring diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences that enrich the quality of patient care. But, IMG doctor often face many challenges in pursuing medical registration and employment in the UK.
We recently launched the Mylocum Healthcare Summit, entitled ‘Trust Me, I work in the NHS’. A platform for healthcare enthusiasts to share their valuable learnings. We aimed to build a stronger healthcare community and we are glad we achieved that. One of our speakers, Dr Amaka Sophie Cy, is an IMG doctor working in the NHS.
While sharing her experiences she said, ‘My whole experience so far working as a doctor in the NHS has been trying to see what I can do. To try and make that sort of transition from being a medical student in another country. It was not easy.’
Wish to learn more about IMGs? Here is the link to the Summit talk –
In this blog post, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by IMGs in the UK. Along with the pathways to practice, support, and resources available to IMGs.
International Medical Graduates
IMGs are medical professionals trained outside of the country they intend to practice in. They may be trained in a foreign medical school. They may have completed their medical education in their home country and seek to practice in a different country.
In the UK, IMGs are professionals who obtained their medical qualifications from a medical school outside the UK or EEA. But are seeking to practice medicine in the UK. They may also include doctors who are EEA nationals but have obtained their medical degrees outside the EEA.
IMGs play an important role in the UK healthcare system. They help to address workforce shortages and contribute to the diversity of the medical profession. Yet, IMGs may face challenges in navigating the complex UK medical registration and employment process. This includes passing the PLAB exam and demonstrating English language proficiency.
Challenges Faced by IMGs in the UK
An IMG doctor or nurse in the UK can face several challenges when seeking to practice medicine in the country. Some of these challenges include:
1. Differences in medical education and training
The medical education and training received by IMGs may differ from that received by UK-trained doctors. This can make it difficult to integrate into the UK medical system and meet the same standards as UK-trained doctors.
2. Language and cultural barriers
Many IMGs may not speak English as their first language. This can create challenges in communicating effectively with patients and colleagues. A difference in cultural norms and practices may also need adaptation and learning in the UK healthcare system.
3. Limited availability of training and employment opportunities
IMGs may face stiff competition for available training and employment opportunities in the UK. This can be challenging for IMGs who are seeking to gain experience in a specific specialty or geographic location.
4. Complex registration and certification process
IMGs must undergo a rigorous process to register with the General Medical Council (GMC). They must get the necessary certifications to practice medicine in the UK. This process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring IMGs to navigate a variety of assessments and exams.
5. Bias and discrimination
Some IMGs report experiencing bias or discrimination in the UK medical system. This can create more challenges and barriers to their success.
These challenges can make it difficult for IMGs to achieve medical registration and employment in the UK. They may need additional support and resources to overcome this.
Pathways to Practice for IMGs in the UK
IMGs seeking to register with the General Medical Council (GMC) have several pathways available to them. Several pathways are available to IMGs wishing to practice medicine in the UK. These pathways include:
1. Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB)
The PLAB test assesses the skills and knowledge of doctors who have qualified outside the UK or EEA. The PLAB exam consists of two parts and is required for obtaining GMC registration.
2. Sponsorship
Some employers in the UK may sponsor IMGs to come and work in the country. This sponsorship can provide a pathway to obtaining a Tier 2 visa and practicing medicine in the UK.
3. Specialty training
An IMG doctor who wishes to gain specialty training in the UK can do so through a variety of programs. These include –
- The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) and International Medical Graduate (IMG) Training Initiative.
- The programs provide opportunities for IMGs to gain training and experience in their chosen specialty.
4. Clinical attachments
IMGs may also be able to gain experience and training in the UK through clinical attachments. These are short-term periods of observation and training in a clinical setting.
5. Return to Practice
IMGs who have previously practiced medicine in the UK may be eligible for the Return to Practice program. This program is designed to help doctors who have been out of practice for some time to update their skills and knowledge and re-enter practice.
Regardless of the pathway chosen, IMGs must meet certain requirements. The requirements include language proficiency and evidence of medical competence. Navigating these requirements can be complex and challenging. But with the right support and resources, IMGs can achieve medical registration in the UK.
There are a variety of pathways available to IMGs who wish to practice medicine in the UK. Choosing the right pathway will depend on an individual’s specific goals and circumstances.
Support and Resources for IMGs in the UK
There are many organisations and initiatives dedicated to supporting IMGs in the UK. For example,
British Medical Association (BMA)
BMA offers mentorship programs and career development opportunities for IMGs. The National Health Service (NHS) also provides resources to help IMGs integrate into the UK medical system.
Additionally, IMGs can take advantage of online resources such as-
- GMC’s guidance for IMGs.
- The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) website.
These sites provide information on training opportunities for IMGs.
Dr Amaka said, ‘over the last two years, I have worked with Foundation doctors and medical students trying to get into the Foundation program. I have done that in collaboration with health education England.’
This proves that there are several initiatives taken to support escalating IMG careers in the UK.
Conclusion
An IMG doctor, nurse or another healthcare provider may face challenges in pursuing medical employment in the UK. But, with the right support and resources, IMGs can overcome these challenges. They can make valuable contributions to the UK healthcare system. We must value and support the contributions of IMGs. We must work together to make the path to medical registration more accessible and equitable for all.
You can go visit our website and you can go to the CV-Library to find more job opportunities for All Healthcare Workers.
