After you have finished your foundation/internship training you will be eligible to start applying for Speciality Training. In today’s post, we provide you with an outline to training within the NHS, how to apply for a training post and ways to enhance your training post application. Introduction Postgraduate medical education and training is the joint responsibility of the four Departments of Health in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the GMC, Postgraduate Deaneries and the Royal Colleges. Specialty Training Structure After you graduate from university, you will be a qualified junior doctor and you are then required to enter a two-year Foundation Programme designed to practice your knowledge and skills across a broad spectrum of specialties. If you complete this overseas, it is typically called an internship. Please note, that to enter into Core Medical Training within the NHS you will need your core competencies signed off. If you are unable to get them signed, you will need to complete FY1 and FY2 in the UK and then go onto Specialty Training. Core Medical Training and Specialty Training After you have finished your Foundation Training you will then need to enter Core Medical Training (CMT) and then Specialty Training (i.e. ST1, ST2, ST3 etc.) What happens in Core Medical Training? During this period of training, doctors will continue to acquire general competencies following the General Curriculum for Medical Specialties, which will provide a professional, moral and legal framework for practice. Please note, that CMT is specific to each individual specialty – some require it, some do not. Please visit the relevant Royal College’s website to find out more information. What happens in Speciality Training? For training within a specific medical specialty, you will be required to acquire the level 1 competencies as defined by the appropriate curriculum. Depending on the specialty, these training programmes will typically take a further 4-6 years. Please click here for a list of medical specialties and subspecialties you can practice within. If you achieve all your relevant competencies, each trainee will achieve a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). What if I am an international doctor who is looking to train in the UK? I am a junior doctor: If you are a junior doctor with no specialist experience, then you can use the PLAB route to work within the NHS. This will allow you to apply for an ST1 post and use the UK training route to obtain your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) – which will make you eligible for entry onto the GP Register or Specialist Register. Being on the Specialist Register will allow you to work as a UK Consultant. I am a specialised doctor: If you are a specialised doctor and you hold a Royal College Qualification, you can enter Speciality Training at ST3+ level. You can then use your UK training to obtain your Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) – which will make you eligible for entry onto the GP Register or Specialist Register, allowing you to work as a UK Consultant. Please click here for further information on the difference between CCT and CESR. What if I am a specialised doctor but I do not hold a Royal College Qualification? If you do not hold a Royal College Qualification, you can either obtain one which will allow you to apply for ST3+ level posts. Alternatively, you could use the PLAB route to obtaining GMC Registration. However, you will be limited to training within ST1 and ST2 posts – and you will eventually have to get a Royal College Qualification in order to continue with your training. How do I apply for a training post? Since 2015, the application process for specialty posts are implemented by Oriel, an online portal for everyone applying for medical and dental training across the UK. Oriel will allow you to register, view vacancies, apply, book interviews and assessment centres and receive offers – all in one place. Round 1 – Contains recruitment to all CT1/ST1 specialty training programmes. Posts appointed in this round will normally start in August 2018 and end typically no later than December 2018. Round 2 – This will be the first opportunity where ST3/ST4 posts in uncoupled training programmes will be advertised. These posts are typically advertised between August 2018 and December 2018. Round 1 Re-Advert – This is where vacant posts advertised in Round 1 are re-advertised in a second round. These adverts will appear in February 2018. Round 2 Re-Advert – This round contains vacant posts from Round 2. Typically, posts advertised in this round will commence in February 2019. Training posts are extremely competitive When deciding which posts and specialties to apply for, it is important that you are aware of the competition rate involved – as 99% of Round 1 and Round 2 posts are given first refusal to those who come through the UK training system. Please click here for a list of the 2018 Competition Ratios for each specialty. Therefore, as an IMG, we advise for you to take an NHS service job for at least a year and then apply for a training post – the NHS experience will dramatically enhance your application and reduce your competition. As a junior doctor, I understand that NHS posts at FY1, FY2 and SHO level posts are extremely competitive. What can I do to enhance my application? Our first and foremost advice would be to format your CV well. This is critical for it to be passed to the next stage of the recruitment process. Furthermore, if it is possible, try to obtain an NHS clinical attachment. This will massively enhance your application as you will have first-hand experience of how the system works. How do I successfully format my CV? A CV can be needed at any point of your medical career, and especially at the point of your decision to relocate to the UK and work for the NHS. Your CV is essentially a personal record of all your qualifications, achievements, skills and relevant experience being a doctor. You should view your CV as an opportunity to sell your skills and experiences. The GMC strongly advise that you write a CV specifically for your registration application. Details of what to include in your CV and its construction are listed below: Personal Information and Contact Details: Your name on your CV must match your name on your proof of identity Registrations: Provide your GMC reference number and the details of any other medical regulators you are registered with Memberships: List your professional body membership Qualifications: List your qualifications in reverse-chronological order Employment History: List your employment history in reverse-chronological order. Information to include: post title, start-end date, institution name and location, the name of your supervisor, provide a brief description on your current role – it should cover your duties and responsibilities indicating your level of supervision. Lastly, in this section include details of gaps of employment. Again, you should list them in reverse-chronological order. Any gaps which are longer than 28 days should be explained and accounted for Awards: List any awards you have received Research: List any research placements you have undertaken Publications: List any publications Continuing Professional Development (CPD): List your CPD activity within the last five years Conferences/Courses: Give details of relevant/important conferences or courses you have attended Teaching and Training Experience: Provide a brief description of your teaching and training activities Management Experience: Provide a brief description of your management history. Procedures: Give a list of all procedures you have performed Other details to include in a CV not being sent to the GMC: Interests and Hobbies: Here you could focus on any College Memberships or positions of responsibility References: Typically, people provide two references. Make sure your references have positions of responsibility, state their position and offer their contact details. CV Format Do’s and Don’ts: Do’s Choose a professional font to ensure legibility for prospective employers. Present each section in a clear logical order. Use clear section headings (i.e. Education and Employment History) and remember to order your history in reverse-chronological order to keep your CV legible and clear. Power Words – These are also known as action words. This includes: responsible for, co-ordinated, supervised, influenced, designed etc. Explain gaps in employment – You should explain all employment gaps that are over four weeks long. Don’ts Length - A medical CV is heavily focused on your experience and so detail is fundamental. Therefore, do not worry too much about the length of your CV. Personal Data – Do not include the following information: age, date of birth, ethnic identity, religious preference, marital status and sexual orientation. Experiment with font – You might think that decreasing your font size is a good way to fit a large amount into a smaller space, this could lead to your CV being illegible and not being read by prospective employers. Irrelevant information – When writing your CV ask yourself the question ‘Will it help me get the job?’ If the answer is no, do not put it in your CV. For instance, in the ‘Hobbies and Interests’ section do not put any hobbies unless it is relevant to your job application. Please email us at apply@bdiresourcing.com if you would like u to send you an exemplary CV.   If you have any questions about the above information or relocation to the UK in general, get in touch with us at apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to help. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor – here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs.

If you are planning on relocating to the UK permanently, you may consider buying a property over renting one. Buying a house in the UK is a complex and often a very lengthy process, so in this post, we provide you with a summary of the steps you will have to take when buying a house. Step 1: Save for a deposit Typically, you will need to save for a deposit of at least 5-15% of the price of the property you want to buy. However, it is often worth saving more if possible because a bigger deposit means a better mortgage deal. When saving try and save into the following types of bank accounts: Help to Buy ISA’s or Lifetime ISA’s – these accounts will give you a 25% top-up from the UK government. For further information on each account click here. Other options: Help to buy equity loan: you save a 5% deposit and the government loans you 20% of the property price (40% in Greater London) meaning you only need a 75% mortgage (or 55% in London) Shared ownership – you buy a 25%-75% share in a property and pay rent on the rest of it. Help from family – some mortgage lenders will take parents’ incomes or assets into account, making it easier for you to borrow money. Step 2: Enquire about how much mortgage you are entitled to borrow The amount a mortgage provider will lend you to buy a house will depend on the size of your deposit, your income and your credit score. If you are buying a property with a partner, the lender will also take their finances into account. Tip – budget for additional costs such as property surveys, conveyancing fees, stamp duty etc. What if I have little credit history within the UK? We are proud to partner with Fox Davidson Mortgage Brokers. Fox Davidson is an independent property finance broker and specialise in securing finance for professionals such as doctors and surgeons. In addition, they can secure finance for clients without permanent rights to reside and that have little credit history in the UK. As a benefit to using BDI Resourcing we have negotiated direct access to the team at Fox Davidson that specialise in mortgages for doctors. Fox Davidson can help clients with: 10% deposit or more Little or no UK credit history Tier 1 and 2 Visa To discuss your mortgage requirements in more detail please contact Pete Lloyd on 01179 897950 or email enquiry@foxdavidson.co.uk. Click here to access their full mortgage guide. Step 3: Apply for a mortgage agreement in principle This is a confirmation from a mortgage lender that they would, in principle, be willing to lend you a certain amount should you find a property. Having an agreement can make you a more attractive buyer as it shows the seller that you will be able to secure the amount of money you need to buy the property. Step 4: Find a property Once you have found the perfect property it will be time to make an offer. It is common practice to offer less than the asking price, however, if other people are making offers for the property, you may need to offer the asking price or more. When making an offer mention any points that will enhance your profile e.g. you are a chain-free first-time buyer. Step 5: Apply for a mortgage You will now need to start thinking about the type of mortgage you want to apply for and how long you want to spend paying your mortgage off. Click here to visit a mortgage calculation site. Step 6: Find a conveyancer or a solicitor Conveyancing is the legal process after your offer is accepted. This includes conducting property searches, checking documents, drawing up and checking contracts, dealing with the land registry, paying any stamp duty and transferring money. Conveyancing fees can range from around £500 to £1,500 – this will vary depending on the cost of the property and the complexity of the transaction. Step 7: Exchange Contracts You can exchange contracts with your seller when the legal representatives swap signed contracts and you have paid the deposit. Completion of the transaction typically takes place two weeks after the exchange, however, the date is flexible, and you can agree a convenient time with the seller. On completion day, the money will be transferred to the seller and you can then collect the keys from the estate agent and move into your new home. Congratulations! And enjoy your new home! If you have any questions about the above information or relocation to the UK in general, get in touch with us at apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to help. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor – here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs. References Cheung, C. (2018). How to buy a house. [online] Which? Money. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/money/mortgages-and-property/first-time-buyers/buying-a-home/how-to-buy-a-house-alm0r9l4yf5x [Accessed 31 Oct. 2018].

To work as a nurse or midwife within the NHS you must register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). To summarise the registration process, the NMC require you to evidence: Your English language skills via IELTS or OET Your knowledge and skills via:   Computer-based training test (CBT) - £130 Observed structured clinical examination (OSCE) - £992 In today’s article, we provide you with all the information you need to know on the CBT exam. What will the CBT test me on? The computer-based-test comprises of 120 multiple-choice-questions and you must answer all questions within a 4-hour sitting. 50 questions Application of general nursing competencies 50 questions Application of general nursing competencies from a specific field of nursing i.e. adult, child, learning disabilities or mental health problems 20 questions Critical questions that focus on patient and public safety Pass Mark: 60% (Please note, you must answer 90% of the critical questions correctly) The CBT is designed to test your knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation of professional nursing practice. As you are an international trained nurse, the NMC expects you to meet UK pre-registered nurse standards. The NMC, has therefore published a blueprint (criteria) which you will need to follow in order for you to pass your CBT test. NMC Blueprint The blueprint can be divided into four categories: Professional values Communication and interpersonal skills Nursing practice and decision making Leadership, management and team working Advice when answering the exam questions Spend a maximum of two minutes on each question It is important to select the answer that you believe to be the ‘most’ correct from the options offered If you are unsure of an answer, leave it and then return back to it at the end Ensure your answers are based on UK practices, not on those from your home country How do I apply for the CBT exam? Please click here for a list of CBT Exam test centres – they are held in most countries. You can book your CBT test online on the telephone. How do I find out my CBT result? 48 hours after taking the exam, you will receive an email from the NMC that will provide you with a pass or fail result. You can also obtain your results by logging into your Pearson VUE account which you created when you booked the exam. What happens if I fail my exam? If you, unfortunately, fail your exam, you can resit it a second time. Please note, you must wait for a minimum of 28 days between the first and second attempt of the examination. What is the entire process of relocating to the UK for a Nurse? Please click here to read our blog post which will provide you with a step-by-step guide. If you have any questions on relocating to the UK and working within the NHS – email nursing@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to help you. Join our Facebook Group – International Nurses for the UK. Here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to receive professional guidance and the chance to meet other international nurses!

There are three types of Specialist Register certificates in the UK issued by the GMC, which will allow you to work as a UK Consultant: The Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration via the Combined Programme (CESR (CP)) The Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) The type of certificate you will receive will depend on what training route you are on. What is CCT? A CCT will confirm that a doctor has completed an approved training programme in the UK and is therefore eligible for entry onto the GP Register or the Specialist Register. To be eligible to apply for a CCT from the GMC, your entire training (including your internship/foundation years) must have taken place in GMC approved training posts, or in posts undertaken in the EEA/Switzerland and approved by the statutory authority in that country. What is CESR CP? CESR CP is a process for doctors appointed to a training programme intended to lead to a CESR for Specialist Registration. CESR CP is awarded by the GMC to those doctors who enter a GMC approved training programme (above the first year) having undertaken training in a non-approved post prior to entry.   You will be placed on the CESR (CP) route to Specialist Registration if you gained your core competencies: Outside of the UK In the UK, but not as part of a GMC approved training programme or In the EEA/Switzerland but in posts that were not approved by the statutory authority in that country What is CESR? This route is for doctors who are not eligible for CESR (CP) and for those who have never been in a GMC approved training programme. These doctors will apply directly to the GMC for an assessment of their training, skills, knowledge and experience against the CCT curriculum. For further information on CESR please click here and for guidance on how to apply please click here. Assumption: CCT is better than CESR This is incorrect. Some doctors assume that CCT is the only route to becoming a UK Consultant, or the better route. No route is better as they both lead to being on the UK Specialist Register – a globally recognised achievement. If you would like further information or advice on the above topic please email apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to help. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor – here you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs! References CCT or CESR (CP). (2018). [ebook] Health Education England. Available at: https://www.nwpgmd.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/CCT%20or%20CESR_0.pdf [Accessed 29 Oct. 2018].

International doctors are able to receive GMC Sponsorship via the MTI Scheme. The purpose of the MTI Scheme is to allow IMGs from developing nations to experience two-years of high-quality postgraduate training within the NHS before returning back to their home country to improve the healthcare system there. If your MTI Scheme application is successful you will be given Royal College sponsorship for GMC Registration and you will be recommended for a Tier 5. Step 1: Am I eligible for GMC Sponsorship? To be eligible for the MTI Scheme and for GMC Sponsorship, you must meet the below requirements: You must be living outside of the UK at the time of your application You must evidence your English language skills via either: IELTS – You must obtain a minimum score of 7.0 in each category and an overall score no less than 7.5 OET – You must obtain a minimum of Grade B in each category You must hold a GMC approved primary medical qualification that is verified by ECFMG You must demonstrate an intention to return home after the two-year maximum training period and evidence how the skills and knowledge you learn in the UK will benefit your patients and colleagues at home. Please note, that some Royal College’s will require you to have a certain amount of experience within the specialty, so check their requirements online. Step 2: Apply for a Training Post   After you have been accepted onto the MTI Scheme by your Royal College, you will be eligible to apply for a suitable job. You can either apply via: NHS Jobs or The Royal College’s list of approved posts Any post with sufficient and achievable training can, in theory, be converted to a post for the MTI Scheme. These posts will be advertised as a clinical fellowship or a Trust-grade post. However, it is important to note that these posts are often difficult to find because the Royal College need the job to match specific training requirements. Step 3: Application for GMC Sponsorship After you have been offered an NHS post, the Royal College will give both you and the hospital an application pack. The application pack will consist of important documents you will need to fill out and certificates you will need to provide a copy of. The hospital will need to do the same. Step 4: Review After the documents have been reviewed by the Royal College they will ensure that both you and the hospital post are suitable for MTI Sponsorship. Step 5: Offer Letter If you are successful in the above process, the Royal College will issue you an offer letter, stating your GMC sponsorship and a recommendation for a Tier 5 Certificate of Sponsorship. Step 6: Apply for GMC Registration After you have received your offer letter from the Royal College, you can now begin applying for your GMC Registration. The GMC will require: A Certificate of Sponsorship from the Royal College Other key documents which were required for your application pack   If your application is successful, you will be offered provisional GMC Registration without a licence to practice. It is only once you attend your ID check that you will be issued with full GMC Registration with a licence to practice. Step 7: Apply for your Tier 5 Visa CoS You must be offered provisional registration before the Royal College can apply for a CoS on your behalf. After the UK Government have issued you your CoS you can then apply for your Tier 5 visa.   Step 8: Apply for your Tier 5 visa After you have got your Tier 5 visa, you can fly over to the UK, attend your GMC ID check and obtain full GMC Registration with a licence to practice and then take up your new training post. For further information on the advantages and disadvantages of the MTI Scheme, please click here. And if you have any further questions, please email apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to guide you. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor! Here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional guidance and the chance to meet other IMGs!

The NHS’ nursing vacancies are at a record high with more than 34,000 vacant roles. If you are an overseas nurse and you would like to relocate to the UK and work within the NHS – this blog post is going to provide you with a step by step guide on the process. Please note, the process differs for those trained within the EU and those trained outside. To work within the NHS as a nurse you will need to obtain your Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Registration. To obtain your NMC Registration from outside of the EU, you will need to evidence your English skills via IELTS or OET and then evidence your knowledge and skills via the CBT and OSCE exams. However, the only OSCE exam centres are located in the UK. Therefore, in March 2015, the Tier 2 visa process was amended to allow nurses to enter the UK prior to sitting OSCE. International nurses can now work within the NHS as a pre-registered nurse/health care assistant for three-months before sitting the OSCE exam. To obtain your NMC Registration from within the EU, you will need to get your qualifications assessed by the NMC and then evidence your English language skills via IELTS or OET. You will then be eligible for NMC Registration and you can begin your job search. The Process for Nurses who trained outside of the EEA Step 1: Obtain the Qualifications for NMC Registration To be eligible for NMC Registration you must evidence: Your English Language Skills Via: IELTS – A minimum of a 7 in each component and a score of 7 overall or OET – A minimum of a Grade B in each component or A recent nursing or midwifery qualification which was taught and examined in English or Previous registration and practice of at least one year in a country where English is the native language and an English language assessment was required for registration For further information on evidencing your English language skills please click here. Please note, that if you do not achieve the required score in the first sitting of your IELTS/OET exam it is possible to pass across two sittings. On the condition that: You sit both tests within six months of each other You are tested on all four skills at the same time If you take IELTS: all scores in both sittings are above 6.5 and you achieve 7.0 or higher in all four fields when both sittings results are viewed together If you take OET: all grades in both sittings are above grade C+ and you achieve grade B or higher in all four fields when both sittings results are viewed together Your knowledge Via: Computer Based Training (CBT) To be eligible for NMC Registration you must also evidence your knowledge and skills. This CBT test will provide you with 140 multiple-choice questions based on nursing competencies. The CBT is available in most countries around the world. Please note, that all questions are scored as correct or incorrect and there is no partial basis. A certain proportion of questions will be critical and will relate to patient and public safety. The critical questions must be passed. Step 2: Eligibility to apply for Pre-Registration Nurse/NHS Healthcare Assistant Posts After you have evidenced your English language skills and your nursing competencies via the CBT test – you will be eligible to apply for pre-registration nurse/NHS healthcare assistant posts. Please note we can help you with this stage so please email your CV to nursing@bdiresourcing.com. Step 3: Tier 2 Visa Application After you have been offered your first NHS post and your hospital have been granted your CoS by the UK Government – you will be ready to apply for your Tier 2 visa. For advice on how to apply for your visa, please follow this link. Step 4: Arrive in the UK and sit your OSCE Exam After you arrive in the UK, you will have up to three-months from the employment date stated on your CoS to sit the OSCE exam. If you fail your OSCE exam on your first attempt, you will need to re-sit the exam within a maximum of eight months from the start of your visa. Please note, you will be able to sit the OSCE exam up to three times as part of one application. OSCE Exam locations: University of Northampton Oxford Brookes University Ulster University, Northern Ireland Step 5: Identification Check After you pass your OSCE exam, you will then be invited to attend a face-to-face identification check on the same day as the exam. At the ID interview, you must provide the original versions of the documents you previously sent copies of. You will then be registered with the NMC and be issued with an NMC pin allowing you to work as a nurse within the NHS. The Process for Nurses who trained in the EU or EEA Step 1: Assessment and recognition of qualifications The NMC will assess that your overseas nursing qualifications meet the requirements for automatic recognition. Information on the NMC’s requirements can be found here. Please note, if your training or experience does not meet the NMC’s requirements for practicing in the UK, you may have the option of undertaking an adaption programme or an aptitude test to make up any shortfall. Further information can be found here. Step 2: English Language Requirements Via: IELTS – A minimum of a 7 in each component and a score of 7 overall or OET – A minimum of a Grade B in each component or A recent nursing or midwifery qualification which was taught and examined in English or Previous registration and practice of at least one year in a country where English is the native language and an English language assessment was required for registration For further information on evidencing your English language skills please click here. Please note, that if you do not achieve the required score in the first sitting of your IELTS/OET exam it is possible to pass across to sittings. On the condition that: You sit both tests within six months of each other You are tested on all four skills at the same time If you take IELTS: all scores in both sittings are above 6.5 and you achieve 7.0 or higher in all four fields when both sittings results are viewed together If you take OET: all grades in both sittings are above grade C+ and you achieve grade B or higher in all four fields when both sittings results are viewed together Step 3: Application for entry to the NMC Register After the NMC are satisfied with both your qualifications and your English language capabilities, you will be invited for a face-to-face identification check. At the ID interview, you must provide the original versions of the documents you previously sent copies of. You will then be registered with the NMC and be issued with an NMC pin allowing you to work as a nurse within the NHS. Step 4: Find your first NHS post Once you have registered, will then able to start applying for NHS posts. For support in finding your first NHS job, please email nursing@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to help you. References The Independent. (2018). NHS nursing vacancies at record high with 34,260 roles being advertised. [online] Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/nhs-nurse-jobs-vacancies-record-high-adverts-listings-a8174111.html [Accessed 23 Oct. 2018]. Nmc.org.uk. (2018). Trained in the EU or EEA. [online] Available at: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/trained-in-the-eu-or-eea/ [Accessed 23 Oct. 2018]. Nmc.org.uk. (2018). Trained outside the EU/EEA. [online] Available at: https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/trained-outside-the-eueea/ [Accessed 23 Oct. 2018].

The decision to relocate to the UK is a big one and so understanding how much your new life is going to cost you per month is vital before making the decision to relocate. In today’s post, we provide you with a monthly breakdown of living costs in the UK, from accommodation to travel costs. Please note, that the below breakdown is a guide, and this will differ depending on the size of your family and the lifestyle that you lead. Expenses will differ depending on what part of the UK you live in Generally speaking, the further up north you go the cheaper the cost of living is. If you decide to live in London, you will be paying around 60% more than cities in the north. In 2018, London was ranked the 30th most expensive city to live in the world, according to the latest research from the Economist Intelligence Unit. How much will it cost to live in the UK each month? Expense Price Details Rent £550 per month outside of London The average rent you will pay in the UK will vary depending on where you live. Typically, a one-bedroom flat averages around £550. Council Tax £100 per month When you move to the UK, you will have to pay council tax. The price will differ depending on your property size and the area you live in. The tax contribution goes towards your rubbish collection, police forces and street maintenance. Utilities £160 per month These are bills that are not included in your rent, such as gas, electricity and water. Please note, that if you live alone and you are not often home due to long hospital shifts, socialising or studying these costs could be less. Television license £150.50 per year In the UK, if you are watching a television in your home, you will have to pay for a license – even if it is on your computer. The cost is per home not per person, so if you share with others you can split the cost. Travel     Monthly bus pass - £50 on average   Monthly train pass – This price can differ depending on the distance you are travelling. The price can range from £50 to £500 a month. It is popular for people in the UK to buy a travel pass instead of using a car. As the cost is a lot lower and often the commute can be a lot quicker. Mobile Phone £40 When you relocate, you will probably want to get yourself a local phone number to communicate with friends, family, colleagues. You will have a range of networks to choose from and some plans will be cheaper than others depending on the services they can offer you. A monthly contract of £40 should typically provide you with a phone and plan of unlimited calls and texts and 3gb of data per month. Miscellaneous Costs: £240 Other monthly costs you will incur include food, internet, toiletries and other items and services you may need. Total    £1290.50 per month What additional costs can I incur? Health care and Dental Costs Healthcare in the UK is mainly provided by the National Health Service (NHS) – a system that provides free health care to all permanent residents of the United Kingdom and is paid for by public taxation. Although the NHS is free at the point of use for the patient, it is important to know there are charges associated with eye tests, dental care, prescriptions and other aspects of personal care. Eye Test - £20-25 Dental Care Please note you do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if you are: Under 18 Under 19 in full-time education Pregnant or you have had a baby within the 12 months before the treatment starts Staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist carries out your treatment You receive government Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit guarantee credit or Universal Credit You are entitled to a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate You are named on a valid HC2 certificate However, if you do not meet the above criteria, there are three dental NHS charge bands: Band 1: £19.70 covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes an X-ray, a scale and polish and planning for further treatment Band 2: £53.90 covers all treatment covered by Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth Band 3: £233.70 covers all treatment covered by Band 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges. Prescriptions - £8.80 per item If you take in a prescription that lists several types of medication, you will pay £8.80 for each one. Prescriptions are free in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Education When relocating to the UK with children, making the right choice when it comes to picking a school for them will be your top priority. If you are a parent, you should note that you will have access to primary and secondary schools – completely free of charge. Factors that will affect your choice of school will include your child’s previous schooling experience, their academic ability and their English language capability. Please note, there is also the option to choose private schooling. On average, a private pre-school monthly fee is around £1,039 and a primary and secondary schooling annual fees are around £15,250. Furthermore, when your child is ready to attend university there is a fee of £9,250 per year. The UK Government has a Student Loan Scheme, which allows students to pay their university fees back once they are employed and earn over £25,000 a year. For further advice and support on relocating to the UK please email apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to help! References Secret London. (2018). London Is Now Only The 30th Most Expensive City in The World. [online] Available at: https://secretldn.com/london-cost-of-living/ [Accessed 16 Oct. 2018]. TransferWise. (2018). Cost of living in the UK: Your guide. [online] Available at: https://transferwise.com/us/blog/cost-of-living-in-the-uk [Accessed 18 Oct. 2018].

Introduction 1.What is your name, speciality, grade and what hospital do you work at? My name is Dr Raja Adnan Ahmed and I am working as a Consultant Psychiatrist in       South Wales currently based in Ysbyty’r Tri Chwm Hospital which is part of the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. I have been working on this substantive consultant post for over two years. 2.What country did you relocate from? I relocated from Pakistan having graduated in 2003 and I arrived in the UK in 2005. 3.Would you share with us your personal mission as a doctor? My mission is to raise awareness about mental illness amongst the general public as well as healthcare professionals and to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. I believe due to the lack of awareness many people, including doctors and allied health professionals, suffer in silence and treatable mental health conditions become disabling. I would like to see mental health receive the same attention and parity of funding as physical health. I would also like to see an improvement of training in Psychiatry as a discipline among medical students in the UK and in Pakistan.   4.At what point in your career did you decide you wanted to relocate to the UK? What were your motivations for wanting to do so? I moved to the UK following my house job (internship) in Pakistan. In fact, I started to plan during my final year of medical college. I was interested in Psychiatry and started to research the Royal College of Psychiatrist Training Curriculum and various training programmes within the UK. I undertook the necessary IELTS during my internship as well as studied for my PLAB1 exam. My main motivation to pursue training in the UK was the highly organised and carefully structured training programmes available in Psychiatry. There were excellent training opportunities, emphasis on a work life balance, a rewarding salary, recognition and clear pathway for progression of one's career, all of these factors contributed to my choice in migrating to the UK. The Relocation Process 5.How long did it take you to relocate, how difficult did you find the process, and do you recommend it to other IMGs? I relocated to the UK in 2005, at that time under the labour government, the visa regulations, especially for highly skilled migrants were quite straight forward. Unfortunately, this also meant that the job market became saturated quickly. A single non-training vacancy would attract hundreds of applications. It was not unusual at that time for IMGs to start with unpaid clinical attachment work for months whilst simultaneously applying for post across the country. The situation changed around 2006-2007 as many IMGs started to leave due to lack of posts. When I first moved to the UK within first few months of passing PLAB I was able to secure a clinical attachment and within 8 weeks of that I was able to secure first locum post in the same department which led to further short-term locum positions. However, it took me more than a year to secure my first training job as a foundation year two doctor. Certain specialities continue to have a chronic shortage of doctors, but I can see that the situation is improving, therefore, I advise young IMGs to pursue their ambitions at this current time. 6.Is there anything you would have liked to have known before deciding to relocate? And now once you live in the UK? When you move countries, you are leaving behind all the support networks, family and friends. It takes time to settle and for me at first it felt like I was starting my life from scratch. The initial months can be very anxiety provoking due to lots of uncertainties and challenges but as times goes on most of us adapt to the changes and the new cultures and working environment. Once a job is secure the rest comes naturally. You are never too far from a supporting figure, colleague or mentor. In my experience, Wales, has been a very welcoming and friendly place to live hence, I have chosen to stay and work here. I advise new IMGs to keep an open mind and be prepared to face the initial challenges. There is a lot to learn about British cultural norms, culture of NHS as a health service and British society in general. But once you start to settle the you will find British society and NHS is very welcoming and inclusive towards IMGs and you will get many of opportunities to grow.   Thoughts on the UK 7.For you, what are the key benefits of living in the UK? I see plenty of benefits living in the UK. The society in general is very liberal, inclusive and welcoming, people are very friendly and value your hard work, intelligence and dedication. The UK is at the cutting edge of medical research and innovation and there are excellent training opportunities which include training in the hospitals, Royal Colleges and opportunities with the local universities. The training and qualifications you gain in the UK are recognised globally. The NHS has the mechanisms to make you a well-rounded doctor. Our children also get better education via the school system here in the UK and hopefully will get excellent university education which will open opportunities for their future progress. The UK also offers you a very healthy work life balance and there is a lot to explore and enjoy as a family within the UK and also in Europe. 8.How do you feel you settled in your chosen location within the UK?  I grew up in a small town in Pakistan which was surrounded by beautiful countryside and mango farms. I think because of my upbringing and the lovely early childhood memories, I love the countryside. I remember my very first days in London when I was preparing for PLAB-2, visiting the city and travelling around on the London underground during the peak hours, as much as I enjoyed this experience my heart has always been drawn to the idyllic country atmosphere. Fortunately, I had the chance to work in the South Wales which offered me good balance or city and rural life with proximity of cities like Cardiff and Bristol along with the lovely countryside with rolling hills, peaks of Brecon Beacons and sandy beaches of the Welsh coastline. The cost of living is lower in Wales if you compare it with areas around London or the South West of England. 9.Have you applied for permanent residency in the UK? How did you find the process? The visa regulation has changed a lot since 2005, generally speaking, it was a lot easier 10 years ago. IMG doctors applied for a HSMP visa (highly skilled migrant programme) which lasted for certain number of years leading to ILR (indefinite leave to remain) and there was no need to change visas with every job.    Unfortunately, I don't understand the current visa rules so well as so much has changed but I believe the UK government should make it easier for highly skilled professionals to acquire British visa’s and provide them a clear pathway to permanent residency. The NHS 10.How did you feel on your first day of working within the NHS, your first week, month and then how do you feel now compared to when you first started? My very first experience of working in the UK was clinical attachment which led to a locum SHO job in the same hospital. I was very excited and nervous at the same time. I met very helpful experienced seniors to guide me through that period and I slowly gained experience and confidence. There is no doubt that the first few weeks or months in the NHS can be difficult as there is a lot to learn about the system and functions of the multi-disciplinary teams. I advise doctors to be honest about their skill level and do not ever hesitate to ask for help when you are unsure. Also, do not feel ashamed to ask plenty of questions and identify areas of your weakness, reflect upon them, discuss them with your supervisors and develop a personal development plan (PDP)  to constantly learn and improve your skills. 11.How would you describe the support you received from your hospital after starting your new position? I received good support from seniors in the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport when I was doing both my clinical attachment and during my locum SHO position in medicine. I was lucky to work with the seniors who understood that IMGs require periods of induction into the NHS system and require extra support and supervision at the start.    My first training post was in Yeovil, Somerset as and FY2 in 2007, again I was warmly welcomed by the staff and received appropriate support in settling in and achieving my required foundation competences and application process for the core psychiatry training. I think all departments in NHS are familiar with new IMGs starting their first job in the NHS and they are usually very helpful. I also advise IMGs to look out for mentors both at a peer level and senior levels who can guide and support you during the initial years. 12.What were your thoughts on the UK/NHS System in 2005, do you think either has changed much over the last 13 years? This is an interesting question. Certainly, a lot has changed within the NHS and as an organisation NHS is constantly evolving as it is trying to improve and find more effective ways to perform. Although we use word NHS as if this is a single organisation but in reality, the NHS is formed by lot of different bodies and as doctors we experience interactions with various different trusts, hospitals, training schemes, royal colleges, deaneries and universities. Since I started working in the NHS I have noticed there are certain negative streams of media that denigrate the health service and portray it to be unsustainable. I remember IMGs back in 2005 were worrying if the NHS would survive another 5 years. It is true that certain Trust services and hospitals struggle to manage safely but on the other hand there is a lot more positivity about the NHS and its excellent performance which is not reflected fully in the media. I now advise my colleagues and new IMGs to avoid concentrating on all the negative media coverage about the NHS and focus on all the positives NHS offer you. By working within the NHS, you become part of a diverse multicultural workforce and get exposure to excellent training opportunities, cutting edge techniques, chance to work with worlds experts in certain fields, frontline academics and mentors. I believe NHS will continue to offer excellent training despite the austerity measures.    13.What is your opinion on the NHS? Working within it and as a patient receiving care? NHS is an excellent health system and simply one of the best in the world. The staff show real compassion and commitment and generally the training of the staff along with safety standards are exceptional. I believe your hard work and dedication are recognised and commended within the NHS and you are given opportunities to bring about the change. 14.What pathway did you use to become a UK Consultant? I have a CCT in Old Age Psychiatry which I achieved in 2016. I started the training pathway in 2007 with a Foundation Year 2 job in Somerset, which led to core psychiatry training. I finished my membership exam, core and specialist training within Wales Deanery. For IMGs who are interested in psychiatry training, I always advise them to consider the proper training pathway with membership exams and aim for the CCT. Given the shortage of applications on core training jobs, the core training places have been under filled for the last 10 years (although in 2018 we had a much better year for recruitment). Similarly, when core trainees are finishing their membership exams, they are getting specialist training posts fairly easily leading to CCT. Although I have nothing against CESR pathway, generally speaking in Psychiatry it is easier to get a CCT with better exposure to training which helps you to become a confident consultant.     15.How do you find working in the UK compared to your home country? When I left Pakistan in2005, the life of a trainee doctor in Pakistan was very difficult due to shortage of training places, shortage of supervisors and very low salaries. But above all, I was most concerned with the lack of training opportunities. In comparison to Pakistan, I felt the training in the UK offered a better structured and clear pathway to progress along with several excellent opportunities to refine my skills as educator and leader. Working and training in the UK also gives you financial independence and a peace of mind so you can focus your energies on training needs, membership exams and clinical skills. When I was working in Pakistan, I knew I would have been financially dependent on my parents, but in the UK, my wife and I moved into our first house in Wales when we were both Foundation Year 2 doctors. The Future 16.What are your hopes for the future? I am currently working on a Consultant Psychiatrist post with NHS Wales and pursuing a Master’s in medical education with Cardiff University. I would like to develop myself as an experienced educator, I am already involved with Cardiff University Medical School, the Welsh Deanery and my local health board in teaching and examining roles but I would like to expand my involvement and improve my own experience as an educator. I am interested in raising awareness about mental illness in general public and healthcare professionals and improve recruitment into psychiatry. I am also interested in Qualitative research methods and currently exploring and learning more about qualitative research and designing my first Qualitative research project. In the future, I like to establish myself as an experienced researcher with publications in reputed psychiatry journals along with my clinical and educational role. In my personal life, I am blessed with an extremely supportive wife, who is a GP herself and we have three lovely energetic children. I always try and find ways to spend quality time with my family and maintain a healthy work life balance. We enjoy hobbies such as cycling, hiking, running and swimming. The future holds so much more! Thank you for reading! Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor! Here you will have access to regular relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs! 

Warning! This blog may result in Wanderlust… Recently, our Paediatric Specialist Sebastian and his girlfriend Clare just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the beautiful island of Santorini, Greece.   Relocating to the UK and working for the NHS has endless advantages including the opportunity to train within the NHS, increased job stability, and the opportunity to receive a good source of income. Another advantage and the purpose of today’s article is that living in the UK will provide you with the prospect of travelling to incredible European locations. There are 51 countries that belong to the diverse continent and home to some of the world’s most vibrant cities, iconic architecture and amazing art – all of which are on the UK’s doorstep. Travel gives you time to relax and refresh, obtain new perspectives, the opportunity to meet new people and it is a fantastic stress buster!   So, in this post, we wanted to take the opportunity to inspire you to relocate to the UK and travel to beautiful destinations like Santorini by sharing some amazing pictures from Sebastian’s holiday. Santorini Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea and it is an island that will offer you sweeping ocean views, picture-perfect beaches, traditional Grecian architecture and fine dining. Flights London Heathrow – British Airways offers flights from May to October London Gatwick and Manchester – EasyJet offers flights from April to October Accommodation in Oia Santa Maris Luxury Villa and Suites Hotel Sebastian and Clare stayed in an exquisite hotel neatly tucked away from the centre of Oia. The hotel will offer you an authentic experience, with views overlooking the Aegean Sea and exclusive sunsets. Sebastian’s Must-See Places The Red Beach – Depending on how long you are visiting the island for, you may like to rent a car. This will allow you to visit the South of the Island, including the pre-historic town called Akrotiri. Here, you will find the red beach, a rare sight of an enormous volcanic rock situation in the sea next to dark blue waters. Ancient Thira – Ancient Thira is an ancient city and home to Messa Vouno Mountain – the visit will offer you spectacular views, markets and historic ruins. Fira – Fira is the capital of Santorini and it is a beautiful area that will offer you endless cafes, bars, restaurants and amazing views. Sebastian’s Must-Do Activities A boat trip – Exploring the island by boat will offer you a unique opportunity to see different towns and villages in all its diversity. Visit the pre-historic towns and ancient sites – This will give you a chance to learn about both the island’s history and Ancient Greek history Eat out at as many restaurants as possible – The food in Santorini is Mediterranean-Greek. You will find a great array of seafood and meats with the opportunity to try the islands finest-grown tomatoes, olives and wines. Go on the cable cars in Fira – This is an absolute necessity! Giving you beautiful views across the whole island. Plan to watch the sunset – Santorini sunsets are among the most sought-after phenomena in the world and so you should definitely make time to see the sun set in a variety of locations. Thanks for reading! And remember to share your European adventures with us when you relocate to the UK! Why is travelling important for my career? Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor – Here you will receive access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional advice and the chance to meet other IMGs!

Waiting for your IELTS test results is a nerve-wracking experience and sometimes it can lead to a disappointing outcome. If you, unfortunately, fail your IELTS exam it is likely that you will feel upset, angry and discouragement. However, in this post, we aim to provide you with the best guidance and support on how to pass your next exam – being one step closer to GMC Registration. Step 1 – Relax! Try not to panic! Although this is an upsetting situation it is important to remember that with the right steps taken you can ensure that you will pass your next exam. Step 2 – Book! After you have come to terms that you will need to sit IELTS again, you must remember to book another exam as soon as possible. IELTS exam dates can be competitive depending on your location so you want to ensure you can secure a convenient date. Remember to leave enough time for preparation! Step 3 – Reflect! After you have decided on your date it is important to go back to your previous test date. Think back, and ask yourself the following questions: Did I leave some questions unanswered? What module did I find the most difficult? Did I spread my time evenly across questions? Did I speak enough English during my speaking exam? Step 4 - Prepare Learning a new language is a time-consuming task and it will require much time and practice. A common mistake amongst IMGs who sit IELTS is that they take the test with little preparation because they believe their experience speaking English will be enough to pass. However, when it comes to answering the question papers they then struggle. It is therefore vital to prepare. Before you start your revision, it is important to make a revision timetable or plan. If you previously made a plan, then you should check your scores to see what worked successfully, what did not work and then make adjustments. If you did not make a plan, you should check your score to determine the areas you need to improve on. Tip – do not neglect your stronger areas whilst preparing for your weaker ones.   Step 5 – Get an IELTS tutor By paying for an IELTS tutor you will be taught by a highly qualified English specialist who will help you improve your skills in all four IELTS test areas. They will also give you access to preparatory courses, workshops, seminars and mock tests. Please see a list below for course links: British Council IELTS London Course of English IELTS for Doctors Ways to improve your English language skills Practice writing letters and essays Listen to podcasts Watch English TV and films Speak in English with friends, family or work colleagues Read news and magazine articles, journals and academic articles in English Try IELTS Practice Tests Have you tried OET? On the 6th February 2018, the GMC introduced an alternative to IELTS named OET (Occupational English Test). The OET exam is specifically designed for all healthcare professionals globally who want to evidence their English capabilities. The exam is available in over 100 locations and 40 countries, with a test date available every month. For details on which countries the OET exam is available click here. From speaking to doctors who have sat IELTS and OET, most prefer OET due to the fact the questions asked are of a clinical context. However, OET is not as widespread as IELTS and it does not satisfy the Tier 2 visa requirement. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor – Here you will have access to frequent blog posts, the opportunity to ask relocation questions and receive professional advice and the chance to meet other IMGs! Useful Blog Articles: Overview of IELTS Overview of OET IELTS UKVI / UKNARIC Overview of the GMC’s English Language Requirements

Hello, nice to meet you! What is your name, speciality and where do you work? Hi! My name is Dr Ramirez and I work as an SHO in Urology at the Royal London Hospital. Where is your home country? I am originally from Costa Rica. Why did you decide to relocate to the UK and what were your motivations? I came to the UK with the hopes to specialise in Surgery and to learn about minimally invasive procedures which are more common in the UK than where I come from. Relocating to the UK was very easy for me, I have been an expat for a long time and in my opinion, the UK is one of the easiest countries to relocate and find a job in, there are many people willing to help and everyone has been very welcoming since I arrived here. What are your thoughts on living in London? London can be a very hectic city to live in, as with any city it has its pros and cons, but I can assure you all that you will not be bored for a second if you decide to relocate here. The number of things to see and do is just amazing! What are your thoughts on the NHS as a system? I find it amazing how people in the UK respect and value the NHS as an institution and because of that support, doctors, can bring an amazing level of care to people for free. Do you have any advice for junior doctors who are considering specialising in Urology? I believe this is a great time to pursue Urology training in the UK, as it is a speciality that is suited for those interested in recent technological advances and research. I personally believe the most fascinating branch is urologic-oncology but there are many areas to specialise in, such as: -Sexual health -Infectious conditions The main path for a doctor who aspires to become a Urologist is to complete the MRCS exam and then apply for a Registrar post, this can either be a training or a service post – both routes can lead to you becoming a Consultant. I thoroughly enjoy working in Urology at the Royal London Hospital, it is a great speciality especially if you like video games. This is because now, everything is done through an endoscopic approach, so you are usually controlling instruments and see what you are doing via a TV screen. We recently got a surgical robot in RHL that we use for benign procedures, as a result, it has shortened the patient’s stay at the hospital and they can leave with practically no visible scars. Plus, it is really easy and fun to use compared to traditional laparoscopy. I find this minimally invasive approach very exciting and I hope every day we will be able to offer this to more people in the UK and around the world. Do you have any advice for Urology patients? I am going to split my answer into to parts, for the two patients that I have treated: A)Patients suffering from renal/ureteric stones The cause of a patient suffering from stones can vary. The most common stones are calcium oxalate and they are caused by a combination of factors including genetics, dehydration and consuming a high quantity of oxalate in your diet. Foods that are high in oxalate and ones you should avoid if you suffer from this condition include spinach, bran flakes, rhubarb, beetroot, potatoes, chips, nuts, nut butter and many others. Other types of stones can be caused by other factors such as recurrent urinary tract infections or gout, in this case, the main prevention is to treat the underlying medical condition as effectively as possible to prevent recurrence of calculi. B)Patients suffering from BPH or more commonly known as an enlarged prostate BPH stands for benign prostatic hypertrophy and it is a condition that affects up to 40% of men over the age of 65. It is an enlargement of the prostate gland that envelops the urethra making it difficult for the affected individual to pass urine, usually requiring them to depend on a urinary catheter to be able to empty their bladder. BPH is typically caused by environmental factors that are still relatively unknown however, it has been theorised that it is caused by an increased conversion of testosterone to DHT or dihydrotestosterone, which is the hormone responsible for some changes in ageing males such as male pattern baldness. Theoretically, men who produce higher levels of testosterone have a higher chance of it developing BPH and just anecdotally I can confirm that many of my patients who suffered from this condition tend to be very muscular and ‘manly’ looking men, which is something I tell my patients which never fails to get a smile out of them. It has been reported that aerobic exercise and a diet low in meat can prevent the incidence of BPH, but I believe the evidence is not yet conclusive on this matter. Currently, the best treatment available is for surgery and the most common procedure is called TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) which involves passing a camera through the urethra and using an instrument called a resectoscope to ‘shave off’ a larger channel for the urine to pass through. This is done using an endoscopic cautery knife called a resectoscope. The surgery involves no cuts and is all done through this keyhole approach and it is currently the most effective way of treating this condition. There is a relatively high (5%) risk of causing erectile dysfunction which is why we are constantly looking for new ways to treat BDP which are safe and effective. At Royal London Hospital, where I did my Urology placement, we are studying a new technique called Uro-Lift, which is a less invasive procedure which involves ‘clipping’ the prostate with two clips that open the urethra clearing the passage. This new technique has shown promising results, but it is still in its early stages and we require more patients to undergo this procedure to confirm its superiority to the traditional TURP. Thank you for your advice, Dr Ramirez. What are your plans for the future? Eventually, I would like to go back to Costa Rica to help improve my home country with what I have learnt here. But for now, I have a lot of training ahead of me and so the UK is my current home.