A large number of overseas doctors obtain entry into training careers in the UK every year. Last year over 8000 overseas doctors were granted GMC registration compared to 5000 local graduates.
By and large there are two pathways to obtain entry into the training careers, one is by obtaining sponsorship either by the Royal Colleges or the British Councils. However the main pathway to get a GMC registration is by passing the PLAB Test.
Usually after passing the PLAB, doctors apply for a Senior House Officer (SHO). This is the most junior post registration training post. Posts are advertised in the BMJ and can be viewed on the net.
Obtaining an SHO post has become more competitive recently for a number of reasons:
- PLAB test takes place more often than before i.e. more doctors get the right for temporary registration with the GMC, if they find a post.
- The number of SHO posts had been reduced in many specialities, especially in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
It is now, not unusual to spend few months looking for a training post. Obviously this does have financial implications.
To increase your chances of obtaining a post in the UK, you need to obtain as much experience as possible before you take the PLAB test. Obtaining part I of the membership/ fellowship of the Royal College.
A number of the Consultants in the UK are happy to provide advice and can be contacted as follows
- Mr Onsy Louca, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist: onsylouca@yahoo.co.uk
- Mr Essam Dimitry, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist: esdimitry@hotmail.com
- 3. Dr Nabil Raphael nabilraphael@hotmail.com
For qualified doctors wishes to take up a period of limited registration In United Kingdom
Some useful information if you are considering taking the PLAB exam:
- Contact the British Counsel in Cairo to apply for ILETS English
Competency Test. You need to score 7 at least. - Contact The GMC in London to apply for Part 1 of the PLAB.
Address GMC :
178 Great Portland St
London, W1N 6JE
U K
Tel 0207 915 3481
1st part is 200 extended matching questions (EMQ), mostly general medicine.
No x-rays, no slides and no ECG’s. You can guess, no negative markings.
Useful courses:
Pass Test: http://www.pastest.co.uk/
The PLAB course: info@plab.co.uk
Useful Books:
PLAB pocket book 1,2,3 contact Pass test website
1000 EMQ book as above
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
Oxford Hand book of Clinical Specialties
- Part Two of PLAB OSCE
To demonstrate your clinical skills, You have to perform clinical
examination, explain a procedure to a patient and communicate with a
colleague www.plabmaster.co.uk
All medical graduates considering coming to the United Kingdom to take part 2 of the PLAB examination should bear in mind the following facts:
- Competition for junior doctor posts in the UK is very high and is increasing
- In the past six months there were on average 493 applicants per junior doctor advertisement
- In the past six months at least ten adverts have attracted more than 1000 applicants
- The UK welcomes overseas medical graduates but would like them to be fully aware of the very high level of competition for junior doctors’ posts and the possibility of spending long periods of time that they may spend unemployed