British Doctors International Resourcing concentrates solely in the placement of specialist medicine doctors from all over the world into the UK, with a focus on permanent and fixed term roles. With a wealth of experience in medical recruitment, BDI Resourcing is fast becoming a leading provider of sustainable staffing solutions to the NHS and private sector in the UK.
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THE LATEST FROM BDI
Overview of FRCPath Haematology
FRCPath
The Fellowship of Royal College of Pathologist exams are broken into sub-specialty exams. In this post, we provide you with an overview of the FRCPath Haematology exam. Including exam fees, eligibility, exam formats, topics covered and tips on successfully passing.
Haematology
The FRCPath Haematology exam is designed to test the doctor’s knowledge, skills and behaviour within Haematology.
Please note, if you train through the UK system then you will also be required to obtain MRCP prior to attempting the FRCPath Haematology exams. Further information on MRCP can be found here.
Exam Fees
Part 1 Examination
£647
Part 1 Overseas Examination (outside of the UK and Ireland)
£880
Part 2 Examination
£1361
Haematology Part 1 Exam
Eligibility
It is expected for doctors to have obtained at least two years’ experience of specialty training within Haematology in order to achieve the standard required pass mark in the Part 1 exam.
Exam Format
The Haematology Part 1 exam comprises of two written papers.
Paper 1 – Essay Paper
This exam will last for 3 hours and you are required to complete four compulsory essay questions.
The test will be broken down into four parts:
Blood transfusions
General Haematology (including laboratory management)
Haematological oncology
Haemostasis and thrombosis
The examiner will test your ability to present a clear answer, organise and communicate relevant information and knowledge, display an appropriate knowledge of disease pathogenesis, diagnostic investigation, established therapies and new developments and relate this to clinical and laboratory practice, select an appropriate course of action and critically evaluate investigational strategies, treatment options or recent advances.
Paper 2 – Multiple Choice Questions and Extended Matching Item Questions
This exam will last for 3 hours and contains 125 multiple choice questions.
You will be tested within: pathogenesis, investigation and management of haematological disease, the use of therapeutic modalities and aspects of laboratory and clinical practice.
50 of those questions are in the ‘best from five’ format and 75 questions are ‘extended matching’ format.
Please note, no marks will be deducted for an incorrect answer.
This paper is also broken down into four parts:
Blood transfusion
General Haematology (including laboratory management)
Haematological oncology
Haemostasis and thrombosis
A small number of marks will go to your research methodology, ethics and statistics.
Haematology Part 2 Exam
Eligibility
You will be eligible to sit Part 2 of the exam after successfully passing Part 1.
The Royal College of Pathologists advises that doctors take the Haematology Part 2 exam after 3 years of specialty training within Haematology, i.e. equivalent to ST6 level.
Exam Format
The exam comprises of three written papers and an oral examination. The exam will be held simultaneously over three days at a number of accredited examination centres in the UK. This exam is not available to sit overseas.
Please click here for a list of overseas examination centres.
Topics Covered
Morphology, transfusion and coagulation.
Oral Examination
You will be tested on 8 different topics that have to be answered in 60 minutes.
The examination covers 2 topics in Coagulation, 2 topics in Transfusion Medicine, 2 topics in General & Laboratory Haematology and 2 topics in Haematological Oncology.
The purpose of the exam is to test your ability to evaluate problems and demonstrate good clinical judgement. You will also be tested on your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Tips for helping you pass FRCPath Haematology
Register early – There is a high demand for sitting the FRCPath exams. If you register early you can plan your revision to fit the exam schedule and reduce the risk of missing out on your perfect time slot.
Start revising early – We advise you to start revising at least six months in advance of each exam to prepare adequately. Although some doctors pass with less preparation time, do not risk it. If you start your exam revision as early as possible you will increase your chance of passing.
Use a varied range of revision resources – do not just stick to one big textbook for your revision. The additional use of online courses, discussion forums and online tests will increase your knowledge and confidence when it comes to the exam itself. Please see the resources we have listed below.
Try to cover all topics evenly – Excellent knowledge of smaller topics such as statistics, ophthalmology and psychiatry will allow you to collect extra marks for only a short period of study.
Check the Royal College’s exam regulations.
Useful Resources
Revision Notes from iHaematology
Practice Questions from iHaematology
Online Revision Resources from HaemBase
FRCPath Haematology Paper 1 Past Questions
FRCPath Haematology Paper 2 Past Questions
Join our Facebook Group - IMG Advisor
By joining, you will have access to specialist blog posts, relocation advice and support and the chance to meet other IMGs.
References
Rcpath.org. (2019). Haematology. [online] Available at: https://www.rcpath.org/trainees/examinations/examinations-by-specialty/haematology.html [Accessed 8 Jan. 2019].
By
Gabrielle Richardson
09 January 2019
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09 January 2019
Tier 2 Dependent Visa
When you have been offered your first NHS post, you may want your family members (dependants) to come with you. If you are applying from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland then your family members who are coming with you must apply for a Tier 2 dependency visa.
Who is classified as my dependent?
The UK Visa and Immigration department state that a ‘dependent’ is any of the following:
Your husband, wife or partner
Your child under the age of 18
Your child over the age of 18 if they are currently in the UK as a dependant
Evidence of funds
When applying for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa, your dependents must evidence that they can be financially supported whilst they are in the UK.
Each dependant must evidence that they have £630 available to them (in addition to the £945 you must have to support yourself).
When making the application, they must be able to evidence that these funds have been available for at least 90 days prior to the application being made.
Please note, you will not have to evidence funds if your hospital offers you and your family “maintenance”. For further information on maintenance, visit our blog post on the subject.
What is the process of applying for a Tier 2 Dependent Visa?
To apply for a dependent visa, you can do so online.
After the application has been accepted by the Visa and Immigration office all dependents will need to book an appointment at the local visa application centre to get their fingerprints and photograph taken to receive their biometric residence permit. Their biometric residence permit must be collected within 30 days after they have arrived in the UK.
Please click here to find your nearest visa application centre.
Can my dependents work whilst they are on a Tier 2 Dependent Visa?
Yes – dependent visa holders can work freely in the UK, but they are not allowed to work as a doctor in training (they must apply for their own Tier 2 visa in this case).
Cost
Tier 2 Dependent Visa– £610
Health Surcharge – £200 per year of your visa
Please click here to calculate how much surcharge will need to be paid
Thank you for reading
If you have any questions or you are an IMG looking to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, please email your CV to [email protected] and one of our Specialist Advisers will be in touch.
Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor! Here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional advice and the chance to meet other IMGs.
References
GOV.UK. (2019). General work visa (Tier 2). [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-general/family-members [Accessed 8 Jan. 2019].
By
Gabrielle Richardson
07 January 2019
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07 January 2019
UK Family visit visa
After you have settled into your new NHS job and life into the UK – you may want your family members to visit you.
In this post, we go provide you with a detailed guide on how to apply for a UK “Standard Visit Visa”. Please note, if you are an IMG who has already relocated to the UK, you can apply for a Visit Visa on behalf of your family or friend – the maximum duration of a UK visit visa is 6 months.
How much is a standard 6-month visit visa?
£93
How long does the application process take?
Typically, the Visa and Immigration department takes 10-15 days to process an application.
Visit Visa Eligibility
The person applying for the visa must evidence that:
They will leave the UK at the end of their visit
They have the financial means to support themselves and any dependents during the entirety of the trip
They can afford to pay for the return journey back to their home country
I am applying on behalf of my family member/friend – what do I do?
Please click here to start the online application process.
Remember to ensure all of the applicant's information is correct before you submit their visit visa request.
Fill out the form according to the below:
Who is the visa for?
Question Asked
The option you should choose
My spouse or family member
Reason for Visit?
“Visit”
Visa Type?
“Family”
Visa Sub Type?
“Visit – family – 6 months”
A friend, boyfriend or girlfriend
Reason for Visit?
“Visit”
Visa Type?
“Tourism”
Visa Sub Type?
“Visit – tourism – 6 months”
What documents will need to be included with their application?
Identification
A valid passport and any other relevant travel identification
You will also need to keep a blank page in your passport for your visa. Please note, your passport must be valid for the whole duration of your stay in the UK
You will also need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English
Other Information:
Evidence of the date you are planning to travel to the UK
Information about where you will be staying during your visit
How much money you think your trip will cost you
Evidence of your current home address and how long you have lived there
Your parents’ names and dates of birth
Information on your yearly income
Your employer’s address and telephone number
Your partner's details and contact information
The name and address of anyone who is paying for your trip
The name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK
Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you have committed
Proving you have a genuine relationship
If the person who is visiting you is not a family member, then it may be a good idea to include a letter with your application explaining that you hold a genuine relationship with this person.
In your letter, you should include details such as how and where you met, how often you communicate with each other and how you communicate (for example email, text, calls).
Support with your visa application
If you have any questions or need any support with a UK Visit Visa or your Tier 2 visa application – please email [email protected] and our Relocation and Compliance Officer Isla will be happy to guide and support you.
Join our Facebook Group
Come and join our IMG family!
Our Facebook Group IMG Advisor, will offer you access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs.
References
Citizensadvice.org.uk. (2019). Getting a visa for family and friends to visit the UK. [online] Available at: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/visas-family-and-friends/getting-a-visa-for-family-and-friends-to-visit-the-uk/ [Accessed 3 Jan. 2019].
GOV.UK. (2019). Standard Visitor visa. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa/documents-you-must-provide [Accessed 3 Jan. 2019].
By
Gabrielle Richardson
04 January 2019
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04 January 2019
2018 - Yearly Round Up
2018 has been a fantastic year for BDI Resourcing and most definitely a year for celebration. In today’s post, we wanted to share some of our successes with you all and take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us along the way.
The Tier 2 Visa Cap
BDI Resourcing was set up in 2017 with the sole aim to solve the NHS staffing crisis by supporting international doctors and nurses to relocate to the UK and fill vacant NHS posts. However, in January 2018, this became difficult as a result of the Government’s Tier 2 visa cap.
The Government placed a cap on accepted visa’s in an effort to regulate UK immigration and as a result, thousands of doctors and nurses were being denied entry into the UK every single month despite the 10, 000 vacant NHS posts. Here at BDI Resourcing, we experienced this detrimental effect first-hand with longer A&E waiting times, access to outpatient appointments and most importantly, the strain it was having on NHS doctors and nurses. Thus, in January, we made it our mission to get the Tier 2 cap lifted to ensure all doctors and nurses could enter the UK and take up NHS posts.
We were the first body to go to the media, with articles from I-News being printed on the issue, we featured on Sky News television coverage, spoke to the head of NHS Employers, the Chair of the BMA, the Shadow Home and Health Secretaries and many other Senior Royal College and NHS figures. We were unrelenting in our campaigning and, on the 15th June 2018, it was announced by the UK Home Office that the visa cap will be removed for all international doctors – our mission was complete.
Our Team Grew
This year the BDI Resourcing team grew from five to thirteen with the introduction of Sebastian, Gabrielle, Luke, Sean, Isla, Georgia, Jonny and Rich.
By expanding our team in all areas including Paediatrics, Social Media, Radiology, General Medicine, Relocation Support, Emergency Medicine, Surgery and Pathology it meant we could strengthen the support we offer all IMGs, nurses, NHS hospitals and improve our online presence.
Doctors and Hospitals Helped
This year, we are proud to announce that we have helped 205 international doctors relocate from 20 different countries into 55 different NHS hospitals. These placements mean that thousands of more patients will be seen every year, waiting times are reduced and we have saved the NHS approximately £25 million, money that would have been spent on temporary staff.
We are extremely proud of the number of doctors and hospitals we have been able to help this year – and we look forward to seeing how many more doctors, nurses and hospitals we can help in 2019!
Awards
We are also grateful to have been nominated for several awards:
The Small Awards
Best Business Start-Up
New Kid on the Block
Best New Business Awards
Service Industry Business of the Year
Business of the Year
Lloyds Bank National Business Awards
New Business of the Year
It was an absolute honour to have our hard work and the dedication we give to supporting IMGs and NHS hospitals recognised nationally and even more of an honour to be have received the Runner-Up award for the Service Industry Business of the Year. BDI Resourcing’s passion is to help ALL international doctors and nurses on their journey to the UK and so it is great to see the service we offer acknowledged and we look forward to offering more in the New Year.
Thank You
We would like to take this opportunity to thank every single one of you who comes to us for advice and guidance over the last year. From reading our blogs to sharing our contact details with your friends – we truly appreciate your support and we hope that we can help find each and every single one of you your dream NHS post.
See you in the New Year for a very big announcement!
By
Gabrielle Richardson
31 December 2018
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31 December 2018
Paediatrics Training Pathway
After you have completed your medical undergraduate degree and foundation/internship years, you may decide to pursue a career in Paediatrics.
In this post, we provide you with details on the UK training pathway and information on how to become a UK Consultant Paediatrician if you completed your training overseas.
The Training Pathway
The Paediatric training pathway consists of three levels. All doctors must complete level one and two of the General Paediatric curriculum and then, at level three they can decide if they want to pursue General Paediatrics or to complete their training within a sub-specialty.
Level
Duration
Training
1: ST1-ST3
24-36 months
General Paediatrics
2: ST4-ST5
12-24 months
General Paediatrics (12 months)
Neonatology (6 months)
Community Paediatrics (6 months)
3: ST6-ST8
24-36 months
General Paediatrics (24-36 months) with 12 months within sub-specialty
OR
Sub-specialty training (24-36 months)
Level 1 – ST1-ST3
During your first three years, you will be training within General Paediatrics based in acute settings including emergency duties, in and outpatients and neonates.
Please note, you must have completed all of your MRCPCH exams by the end of ST3 level.
Level 2 – ST4-ST5
Your training during this period will be held mainly in a District General Hospital using existing core training posts and rotations including community Paediatrics and Neonatology. You will also receive training within Community Paediatrics.
During this time your training will place greater emphasis on outpatients, child development and safeguarding.
Level 3 – ST6-ST8
When you reach this level, you may choose to enter into sub-specialty training or stay in general training.
Please click here for a list of the 17 Paediatric sub-specialty training.
When you apply for sub-specialty training it will be done via a competitive selection into what is known as GRID training. Once you have completed your sub-specialty training, you will then be entered onto the Specialist Register with the GMC.
Consultant Level
To work as a Consultant in the UK, you must be on the Specialist Register.
How do I get onto the Specialist Register?
There are three routes to getting onto the Specialist Register and working as a UK Consultant:
Route 1, obtaining your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT): All of your specialty curriculum must have been completed within a UK training post.
Route 2, Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration via the Combined Programme (CESR CP): To be eligible for this award, your training would have been undertaken both in the UK and overseas (a non-approved training post).
Route 3, Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR): This route is for doctors who believe they do not need to undergo further specialist training because they have acquired sufficient non-GMC approved training, experience and qualifications for direct entry onto the UK specialist register.
For further information on the difference between the three pathways please click here.
If you are an international Paediatrician who holds MRCPCH, please email your CV to [email protected] and our Paediatrics Specialist Sebastian will be in touch about helping you find your first NHS post.
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
JRCPTB. (2018). Routes to the register. [online] Available at: https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/routes-register [Accessed 27 Dec. 2018].
Anon, (2018). [online] Available at: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/582.5#applying-to-paediatrics [Accessed 27 Dec. 2018].
Rcpch.ac.uk. (2018). Training guide | RCPCH. [online] Available at: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/training-guide [Accessed 27 Dec. 2018].
By
Gabrielle Richardson
27 December 2018
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27 December 2018
How to survive working over the Christmas period
Christmas can often be the busiest time of year for hospitals.
Did you know that there are over 141,000 doctors, nurses and midwives who work on Christmas day? Although healthcare staff may be all too aware that working during the festive season is a job requirement, it does not always stop people from feeling less than full of Christmas cheer. Therefore, in today’s post, we wanted to share some ways to cope with working over the festive period.
1. Remember your purpose
You may start to feel overwhelmed that your loved ones are at home celebrating and you are at work – but try and remember why you are there. Whether you are caring for the elderly, the young or attending to emergency cases, use this as motivation in order to uplift your festive spirits!
2. Invite your loved ones to work
Some hospitals allow their staff to invite guests for short visits during the holidays – so ask if this may be possible for you. A quick visit from family or friends will cheer you up and help the day go a lot quicker!
3. Emotionally prepare
Remember that working on Christmas Day may not just be difficult for you, but it will also be hard on the patients that you are treating. Be flexible, and expect extra emotion from everyone, including other team members!
4. Enjoy the perks
It is likely that your employer will pay you time and a half, double time or sometimes triple pay for working on Christmas Day and they may also offer a free meal from the hospital canteen.
If your hospital is not offering such perks, perhaps you could organise to bring in some festive dishes/desserts with other staff members! Bringing Christmas Day to work!
5. Find time to worship
One of the difficulties of working on holidays is missing the religious ceremonies. So, try and visit your hospital’s chapel, prayer room or quiet zone – this will help add to the joy of the holiday.
BDI Resourcing would like to say a very big thank you to all doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who are working within the NHS over the Christmas period. We are incredibly grateful for all of your hard work, dedication and passion for providing care.
References
Baltimoreconsultinggroup.com. (2018). 5 ways to cope with working on Christmas day. [online] Available at: http://www.baltimoreconsultinggroup.com/blog/5-ways-to-cope-with-working-on-christmas-day-blog-53511712566 [Accessed 24 Dec. 2018].
By
Gabrielle Richardson
24 December 2018
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24 December 2018
Why do we celebrate Christmas?
Christmas is a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The term Christmas comes from the Old English ‘Cristes Maesse’, which means Christ’s mass. And it has been a festivity celebrated from the Middle Ages, filled with customs, music and food.
Did you know that most scholars are unsure about the true date for Christ’s birth as there is no date stated in the bible? But most countries celebrate on the 25th December.
How is Christmas celebrated?
Christmas Eve
In England, there is less emphasis placed on Christmas Eve than other countries that celebrate – much more is made of Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Some families will go carol singing, attend midnight mass or go out to the pub.
However, Christmas Eve is a very exciting time for young children – as it is the time when Father Christmas visits with presents. Traditionally, children will hang up their stockings, leave some milk and cookies out for Santa and then go to sleep ready for the day ahead.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in the UK typically involves exchanging gifts, eating a traditional turkey with all the trimmings, watching the Queen’s Speech, games and drinking alcohol!
British Christmas Traditions Explained
Why do we exchange gifts?
According to scripture, when Jesus Christ was born, three wise men brought gifts to celebrate the birth. Giving gifts to your loved ones symbolises not only the gifts given by the wise men but also the gift of baby Jesus to the world.
Why do we put Christmas trees up in our home?
The simplest explanation – previously, people viewed God as the sun and thus when the winter came people thought God was weak. Trees such as evergreens were reminders of strength and that spring would soon come.
However, the tradition soon caught on when Queen Victoria’s German husband, Prince Albert, set one up in Windsor Castle for the holidays. A sketch was posted in a newspaper, and a festive must-have was immediately born!
Fun fact: Scandanavians added candles to Christmas trees (pre-fairy lights) to represent hope through the winter months and the red apples (later baubles) were hung to symbolise the Garden of Eden fruit.
Why eat turkey on Christmas day?
Geese and peacocks were previously the bird of choice for the British. However, when turkeys made their way to Europe, these soon became a popular choice. They were cheaper and easier to fatten up – making a turkey on Christmas Day, a fashionable choice.
References
The White Company Journal. (2018). Christmas traditions explained - The White Company Journal. [online] Available at: http://blog.thewhitecompany.com/do/christmas-traditions-explained/ [Accessed 19 Dec. 2018].
By
Gabrielle Richardson
21 December 2018
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21 December 2018
BDI's Christmas Giveaway
With Christmas just seven days away we wanted to celebrate the festive season by sharing some merry posts with all our doctors and nurses over the next week.
There will be giveaways, festive photos and special stories! Stay tuned!
To enter the above competition please visit our Facebook Page for further instructions.
Terms and Conditions:
T&C:
-A winner will be chosen on Monday 24th December
-The promotional prize for winning the giveaway shall be a dinner voucher for two (valued between £40-£70)
-BDI Resourcing's decision is final with respect to all matters relating to awarding of the promotional prize and shall not be subject to review or appeal by any entrant or by any third party.
-The prize is neither transferable nor exchangeable and cannot be exchanged for money or money's worth.
-By entering the giveaway each entrant unreservedly agrees to these terms and conditions which govern the giveaway and the awarding of the prize.
-By entering the giveaway each entrant agrees to release, discharge and hold harmless BDI Resourcing, its legal representatives, affiliates, subsidiaries, agencies and their respective officers, directors, employees and agents from any damages whatsoever suffered or sustained in connection with the giveaway or the acceptance of the prize.
-BDI Resourcing reserves the right to alter these Terms and Conditions at any time and in its sole discretion.
By
Gabrielle Richardson
18 December 2018
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18 December 2018
How to choose your medical specialty
One of the most difficult decisions you will make in your medical career is what medical specialty to pursue. There are over 60 specialties and more than 30 subspecialties to consider after foundation training – making it an extremely tough decision.
Many factors can go into your decision, such as your clinical interests, your experience during rotations and financial and lifestyle considerations. Although some medical students have decided what specialty they will pursue before finishing their undergraduate degree, most medical students and doctors change their minds several times before making the final decision.
Within this post, we provide you with our advice on how to choose and how not to choose your perfect specialty.
First…
Before you start researching into different specialties you should consider what type of person you are. Think about your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, your interests and your overall ambition. Do you have a social personality that prefers staying busy? Or do you prefer to work on detailed data and solve complex problems?
Questions to ask yourself…
1. Do you enjoy a lot of contact time with patients?
Most doctors will have patient contact unless they specialise exclusively in research and even then, they may sometimes deal with patients. However, certain specialties involve more patient contact than others.
If you do enjoy patient contact then you may consider Emergency Medicine, General Practice or Psychiatry – all specialties allowing you to spend time with your patients.
Alternatively, if patient contact is not one of your interests – then you may choose to specialise in Radiology or Pathology.
You may also want to ask yourself the question - which patients you enjoy spending the most time with? Some doctors have a love for working with children hence choosing Paediatrics or perhaps you have a love for the elderly leading them to specialise in Geriatrics.
2. Do you enjoy variety?
Some people prefer variety whilst working, whereas others prefer routine. If you would like to attend your shift and not know what patients you will be caring for, you could consider Emergency Medicine or General Practice. However, if you prefer a more structured work day you could consider Radiology or Ophthalmology.
3. How well do you work under stress?
Working under pressure is enjoyable for some and can often lead to them thriving in stressful situations. If you find this is yourself, you could consider a career in Emergency Medicine or Surgery where doctors regularly treat life-threatening conditions.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed and low-pressure environment you should consider General Medicine or Dermatology.
Ways of how not to choose your medical specialty
1. Pay - Medicine is not a career that should be entered into for financial gain. Choosing a particular specialty for satisfaction is much more important than the amount it will pay.
2. Competition – You should also try and pick your medical specialty based on your personality and interests rather than choosing a specialty that may be “easier to get into”. Please note, training applications differ year on year and thus although a senior has told you one particular specialty is competitive, it does not mean it will be true when it is your turn to apply.
3. Influence from others – During your time, you will hear a lot from family, friends and peers giving you advice on what medical specialty to choose. This can feel overwhelming, but it is important to listen to your own needs and desires.
Click here for a list of possible specialties.
If you are an IMG looking to relocate to the UK and work within the NHS, send your CV to [email protected] and one of our Specialist Advisers will be in touch.
Join our Facebook Group, IMG Advisor! Here, you will gain access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs!
References
Kaptest.co.uk. (2018). How and When to Choose a Medical Specialty | Kaplan. [online] Available at: https://www.kaptest.co.uk/blog/uk-medical/how-and-when-choose-medical-specialty [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
Price, J. (2018). 10 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Your Medical Specialty. [online] Gap Medics US. Available at: https://www.gapmedics.com/blog/2015/04/10/10-questions-to-ask-yourself-when-choosing-your-medical-specialty/ [Accessed 17 Dec. 2018].
By
Gabrielle Richardson
17 December 2018
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17 December 2018
How to address a career gap on your CV
Returning back to work after maternity leave, a period illness, study leave (or if you had some time away for another reason) can seem rather daunting, but it is important to remember that you are not the first doctor to experience this and the GMC and NHS hospitals recognise that sometimes a break in practise is necessary.
In this post, we give you our top tips on how to successfully find a post after a career gap and some advice when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Tip 1 – Remain honest
It is important to ensure that you state the exact dates of your career gap and within this section, you should state what you did with your time.
Tip 2 – Stay up to date
Whilst you are taking a break, try and stay up to date with medical news and developments – both generally and developments within your speciality. Speaking of recent medical developments and news with prospective employers will demonstrate that you have a passion for your speciality and you will be able to quickly adapt once you take up employment again.
Tip 2 – Make use of your career break
Although you have decided to take a break from practising, you can use this opportunity to maintain your skills and develop new ones. This could include volunteering work or a training course – experiences that will enhance your CV.
Tip 3 – Preparation
When you are invited to your first NHS interview, it is important that you take the time to prepare. It is very likely that the interview panel will enquire about your career gap, especially if the gap was more recent. Therefore, it is vital that you prepare your answer to ensure that your break comes across in a positive way and it will not impact your ability to practise safely as a doctor.
When you feel overwhelmed about the gap impacting your invitations to interviews, you should try:
To obtain an NHS Clinical Attachment for a couple of weeks to adapt and obtain exposure to the UK system
Talk to other doctors who have been in this position
Remember you are a qualified doctor and all your accomplishments to date
Go on a course to update your skills
When you start, ask for a mentor and an educational supervisor, who can help you organise a Personal Development Plan
Get in touch with us
If you are an IMG who would like advice on the above article or you are interested in relocating to the UK and working within the NHS – we can help you. Please email your CV to [email protected] and the relevant Specialist will be in touch with you.
Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor! By joining, 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
Health Careers. (2018). Returning to medicine. [online] Available at: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/returning-medicine [Accessed 12 Dec. 2018].
Career Advice. (2018). How to address a career break on your CV | CV-Library. [online] Available at: https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/cv/how-address-career-break-cv/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2018].
By
Gabrielle Richardson
12 December 2018
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12 December 2018
How to apply for an NHS Clinical Attachment
Clinical attachments are an opportunity for international doctors to gain NHS experience and get an insight into the working lives of UK doctors. The clinical attachment allows an IMG to observe a Consultant within their desired specialty without being medically responsible for patients.
In this article, we provide you with a guide on applying for an NHS clinical attachment and the benefits of doing so.
What can I expect from a clinical attachment?
An NHS clinical attachment will allow you to prepare for working within the NHS. You will gain an insight into UK medical processes and the way the NHS functions as a system.
During your attachment, you can expect to:
Observe the Consultant’s work
Patient administration
Take patient histories
Physical examinations (under supervision)
Please note, you will never be given sole responsibility for a patient and you will not be expected to provide clinical advice or make a clinical decision.
Is a clinical attachment useful when applying for GMC Registration or an NHS job?
It is not a requirement to have an NHS clinical attachment for GMC Registration or to apply for an NHS job. However, the experience will most definitely enhance your application when applying for your first NHS job. It will demonstrate to the hospital that you are aware of UK standards and the care and conduct required of doctors.
Are there any requirements to apply for an NHS clinical attachment?
You will need the following:
Criminal record check
Proof of identity
A pass in IELTS or OET
Occupational health clearance from the NHS Trust providing you with the attachment
Satisfactory references
What visa will I need?
To participate in your NHS clinical attachment, you should apply for a UK Standard Visit Visa.
How do I apply for an NHS clinical attachment?
Unfortunately, there is not a single application process to apply for a clinical attachment. To apply, you should search online for the desired hospital you want to conduct the attachment within with the words ‘clinical attachment’ – and they will provide you with an email contact.
For example, if you wanted to conduct a clinical attachment at East Sussex Health Care NHS Trust, you should search “East Sussex NHS Trust clinical attachment”. And you will be directed here -https://www.esht.nhs.uk/medical-education/our-training-programmes/clinical-attachments/
Alternatively, you could ask any friends who currently work within the NHS if they know of any opportunities.
If you would like support in finding your first NHS post, email your CV to [email protected] and we will be in touch.
Come and say hello! Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor. Here, you will gain access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs!
References
Bma.org.uk. (2018). BMA - Clinical attachments. [online] Available at: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-life-support/life-and-work-in-the-uk/clinical-attachments [Accessed 6 Dec. 2018].
By
Gabrielle Richardson
07 December 2018
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07 December 2018
Working with a Recruitment Consultant
When you apply for your first NHS post, you have two options: to apply directly via NHS Jobs or to use a medical recruitment agency, such as ourselves – BDI Resourcing.
We sometimes see negative comments online about the recruitment industry and there seems to be a misalliance between doctors and nurses’ expectations of the recruitment industry in general, and the reality of the situation.
Here at BDI Resourcing, we pride ourselves on being more than a medical recruitment agency but going to extra mile for all our doctors and nurses that we speak to, whether we find them their first NHS post or not. Therefore, in this article, we share the advantages of working with us.
1. Professional Representation
A good Recruitment Consultant will not email your CV off to every single NHS hospital. Over the years, we have worked on building relationships with HR departments and Lead Consultants, who trust our opinion and expertise. Furthermore, most doctors and nurses will have specific preferences, such as the desire to work within a university hospital, live in a major city or have access to excellent quality schools – thus, it is important to find a Recruitment Consultant who will meet all these needs.
Remember, a recommendation from a trustworthy Recruitment Consultant will put your CV right in front of the relevant Clinical Director, while an application via NHS jobs may disappear amongst the thousands of applications.
2. Specialist Representation
Most medical recruitment agencies are generalised, and you will deal with a number of different Consultants throughout the entire process. However, at BDI Resourcing you will have one sole point of contact, who will be dedicated to helping doctors within one particular specialty. This is advantageous because it means they are able to communicate with the right contacts, such as the Paediatric Lead Consultant for international doctors looking to take up a Neonatal post.
3. End to end service
When we partner with a doctor or nurse, we support them through every single step of the way. Our service starts with CV advice, to sourcing interviews whilst meeting all your preferences. Once you have accepted your first NHS post, you will then be introduced to our Relocation and Compliance Officer, who will guide you through the CoS, visa and relocation process. Our officer will help you with booking flights, finding UK accommodation and airport transfers.
BDI Resourcing appreciates that NHS HR departments are extremely busy and they may not always be on hand to answer your questions – and this is where we will come in! No matter how small the question, we will be happy to guide and support you whenever you need it.
4. Access to jobs not advertised on NHS Jobs
BDI Resourcing are in the business of knowing. Each of our Consultants are always networking and we are aware of NHS posts that are not always advertised on NHS Jobs, such as those currently filled by Locums… increasing your chances of being selected for an interview.
5. Time-Saving
When you are applying for a new job, it is vital that you tailor your CV and cover letters to increase your chance of selection – especially if you are a junior doctor and decide to apply for different specialties. However, if you partner with BDI Resourcing, you will only have to create one CV.
We have found hundreds of doctors their first NHS post and so we have a thorough understanding of the NHS’ preferred formatted CV and all the information that should be included. We will always provide you with CV suggestions to enhance your application.
6. Interview Support
When we have organised your first interview, we will provide you with in-depth knowledge about the vacant post, a job description of the role, information about the hospital and its area, information on who will be interviewing you and what they are looking for.
We will also go through some interview questions with you to help you prepare for it.
7. Salary Negotiation
You have worked hard to get all the required GMC Registration qualifications, impressed the interviewer and the hospital has decided to offer you the post. However, the salary offered is much lower than you anticipated, but you really want to accept the job.
BDI Resourcing have in-depth knowledge of the NHS pay scale and we are extremely experienced in negotiating a higher salary – so leave it with us, and we will work our magic until you are happy.
8. Our Services are free
When a doctor or nurse partners with us, our services are completely free for them to use.
9. You will gain a friend
Throughout the whole process, you will have a friend. We thoroughly understand that the process of relocating is an overwhelming one, and so we want to provide you with as much support as you would like. From the moment you first speak with our Consultant, to when you arrive in the UK, we would love to meet you and continue to speak after you have started your new post. Anything you need... we will be just a telephone call away!
If you are an international doctor or nurse and you would like to relocate to the UK and work within the NHS – send your CV to [email protected] and we will be in touch.
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!
By
Gabrielle Richardson
04 December 2018
READ MORE
04 December 2018