Latest Blog

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 apply@bdiresourcing.com 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].

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 apply@bdiresourcing.com 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].

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 apply@bdiresourcing.com 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!

Hello everyone and welcome to BDI Resourcing’s 100th blog post – we can’t quite believe that we have written 100 blog articles in just nine months. On average, each blog post contains around 1000 words and so, since we started the BDI blog we have shared over 100,000 words for all international doctors and nurses to read. To celebrate this milestone, we wanted to share with you the BDI Blog’s journey, our most popular posts and a Q&A with our Social Media Executive, Gabrielle. BDI’s Blogging Journey: The BDI Resourcing blog started on Tuesday 20 February 2018, just nine months ago. Our reason? We recognised that there were large amounts of information on relocation for doctors and nurses, however, a lot of this information was often conflicting. This was having a detrimental impact on doctors, which can result in the wrong decisions being made or sometimes deterring doctors away from making the decision to relocate. And so, we set out to create a central point of intelligence that was accessible to every single doctor and nurse, no matter where they lived in the world and completely free to all! Reading the BDI blog will allow you to clarify all your relocation questions and receive regular updates to the ever-changing process. Our blog is not just about sharing registration information but is also a space to share our story, so we will often post about our employee’s achievements and business milestones. We enjoy sharing our doctors and nurses journey and so, in turn, we share the same. On Thursday 6 September 2018, we launched our new website to offer our doctors and nurses a better experience. The format is clearer, our blog posts are divided up into categories, and you can now search for blog topics, jobs and register your CV with us. And now, on the 30 November 2018, we are sharing our 100th blog post. It is a really exciting time at BDI Resourcing and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for both us and our international doctors and nurses. Top 5 most popular posts (based on page views) #1 United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment #2 CESR #3 How much will it cost me to live in the UK per month? #4 Tier 2 visa cap to be lifted next week #5 BDI’s “Hot Tips” for a successful relocation   Gabrielle’s top 5 Favourite posts #1 The NHS’ 70th Birthday #2 Things you should know before moving to London #3 Why travelling is important for your career #4 Interview with Naseer Khan #5 Interview questions with answers A big thank you to our readers The sole purpose of this blog is for health care professionals to obtain valuable and clear information on the relocation process, gain insight into UK life and find their first NHS job. So, BDI Resourcing wants to say a big thank you to the thousands of doctors and nurses that return day after day. We love connecting with you all and being part of your journey to the UK and joining the NHS. Q&A with our writer, Gabrielle Richardson   Hi! My name is Gabrielle Richardson and I am BDI Resourcing’s Social Media Executive. What is your role at BDI Resourcing? The fundamentals of my role are: support, advise and guide ALL international doctors and nurses. I speak to hundreds of different health care professionals each day, all at different stages of their GMC/NMC Registration. This support takes form in the creation of blog articles, videos, online messages and online forums. Why do you enjoy blogging? I have always enjoyed researching and learning new information and writing the BDI blog allows me to do this. When we post a blog article, it allows us to connect with incredibly talented medical professionals from all over the world which we may have not connected with otherwise. A BDI blog is a useful source of information, sparks conversations and creates connections. What is your favourite social media channel to use? Facebook! I love all social media platforms as each one has its own merits. However, I think that Facebook allows you to connect on a personal level. Between comments on posts and private messaging, you see an insight into the doctors and nurses’ lives that you speak to each and every day. Whether they are sharing a special family photo, or they are on holiday – it is absolute pleasure for me to see and it makes helping them even more important as they are not just a ‘Facebook User’. What is your communication style? Something that is important to me and BDI Resourcing is the relationships we create with our doctors and nurses. It is important for us to be transparent and build trusting relationships in order to create successful partnerships with all who we work with. I would say I offer a personal, yet professional relationship, with all doctors and nurses I speak to – reinforcing the fact that we are both working towards a common goal, which is finding their first NHS post. Where do you get your inspiration? As a marketer, you see everything! When I see a query from a doctor or nurse online, I find myself constantly finding ways to solve their problems in a creative yet useful manner. For example, I repeatedly saw the question ‘how much money will I need in the UK?’ and the answer to this question is fundamental to their relocation plan. And so, as someone who lives in the UK, I thought it was my duty to provide IMGs with the answer. I went through my personal monthly expenditure and then considered the expenditure of a doctor, then created an outflow table and shared it with everyone. The feedback was excellent, and it is really satisfying to know that your work is both greatly needed and appreciated. My inspiration is my doctors and nurses, whatever they need – I will produce it. What advice would you give to an IMG at the start of the relocation process? Knowing all of the information you know? My first piece of advice is to research! The decision to relocate is a big one, especially if that decision involves your spouse and children. So, find out the cost of the English language exams, Royal College exams, visa costs, UK living costs, UK areas, schools – everything. This way you will not incur any unexpected fees and it allows you to plan ahead. We cover all of this on our blog, so click here if you would like advice on everything listed. Second, join online groups. They provide so much advice and support and this is crucial when things go wrong. You won’t be the first one that it has happened to and by listening to others stories it will motivate you to keep going. If you are a doctor join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor, to receive this support. Or if you are a nurse, join our Facebook Group International Nurses for the UK. My final piece of advice is to keep going! The process can be long and overwhelming, but you will definitely reap the benefits. The UK is a fantastic country to live in: the quality of life, the training opportunities, the education, the lifestyle. And remember, the NHS needs you! By joining the NHS, you will be valued and appreciated by all – and this is shown by both patient satisfaction and NHS salary and benefits. What’s next for the BDI blog? The process of relocating to the UK for an international doctor or nurse is constantly changing. From the GMC’s licencing requirements, language exams and the NHS recruitment process. BDI Resourcing prides itself on providing you with all updates and being a sole point of intelligence. Remember – if you have any queries, message our Facebook page or email us at apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to help you with all queries. We have some big plans for 2019 – so stick around and see what’s coming up! Thank you for reading and good luck with your journey!

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have announced changes to the MRCPCH Clinical Exam (the final exam of the qualification structure). These changes will help to ensure that the exam remains consistent across all test centres and will provide candidates with useful feedback on their exam attempt. In this post, we provide you with the requirements of sitting MRCPCH Clinical, the changes implemented and some advice on passing the exam! MRCPCH Clinical Exam Requirements The Royal College recommend that in order to optimise your chances of success in the MRCPCH Clinical exam they recommend that you have: Completed at least two and a half years of Paediatric training Spent no less than 12 months in posts involving Emergency Paediatric Care Spent six months of your first year after graduation as a house Paediatrician, if not, an additional six months in a post involving Emergency Paediatric Care Where can I sit MRCPCH Clinical? The UK, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, Singapore, Sudan and the UAE. What are the changes? Clinical Stations – You will no longer need to provide a management plan within the 9-minute station and there will now be four clinical stations instead of five. Video Stations – They will no longer form a multiple-choice-question format but will be replaced with a structured discussion with an examiner after you have watched the video. There will be two video stations, both 9-minutes in length. The Development Station – This station is being extended to 22-minutes in length and it will now ask you to complete a full developmental assessment including gathering information from a parent or carer. The Marking Sheets – You will now be scored on several competencies rather than a single mark at each station. This will provide you with more detailed feedback and help you in creating a future professional development plan. Please note, the content will remain the same. When is this change happening? September 2019 – India and September October 2019 – The remaining countries with a test centre Click here for access to our blog: Overview of MRCPCH BDI’s Advice on passing MRCPCH Clinical It is important to remember that the Clinical Exam is not a test of knowledge, this has already been proven in the written papers. Tip 1 – Communication – A large part of the exams mark scheme is based on communication. Ask your colleagues to run scenarios with you and listen to their feedback. Tip 2 – System – Ensure you have a systematic approach for every station, revision books will help you with this! And remember to take your time, do not rush into providing an answer. Tip 3 – Practice, practice, practice – Try and meet up with a friend who has young children and practice on them. Tip 4 – Engagement – If the child is old enough to talk, kneel down to their height, introduce yourself, speak to them in terms they can understand but do not be condescending. If you are a Paediatrician who is interested in relocating to the UK and working within the NHS, send your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com and our Paediatrics Specialist Sebastian will be in touch with 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 support and the chance to meet other IMGs! References Rcpch.ac.uk. (2018). MRCPCH Clinical examination changes - from September 2019 | RCPCH. [online] Available at: https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/news-events/news/mrcpch-clinical-exam-changes-september-2019?fbclid=IwAR1JROpDT3B6sxUEYknGDHnoEj6zh-lfi3oCMfOtQ9g4fzJq9nPmwwIZJQ8 [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018].

After you have obtained GMC Registration, finding a new job can be a challenging and frustrating experience. However, with our fundamental tips, you can make the job search a bit easier on yourself if you use a proactive strategy and find the job you love. 1. Be clear on what you want If you are a junior doctor, it is important for you to take the time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses and the type of work you enjoy doing. The better you know yourself, the more likely you will find yourself working within a specialty that provides you with greater job satisfaction. Before making NHS applications, ask yourself: What do I want from the job? Experience within a particular specialty, the opportunity to train, location, title, salary etc? 2. Tailor your resume to each job Did you know that recruiters/medical staffing/lead clinicians will spend no more than 5-10 seconds looking at your CV? Therefore, it is vital that you make yourself an obvious fit for the post you are applying to. Our first piece of advice is to study the job description and use the same words, phrases and responsibilities listed within your CV. It is important for you to tailor your CV to each job application. For example, if you are a junior doctor, it is no use providing your duties and responsibilities within your Surgery rotation when applying for an Emergency Medicine post and leaving your experience within that rotation blank. 3. Organise your job applications When you start your job search, organise your applications within a visual system. You could create a spreadsheet that allows you to track your applications based on hospital, salary, interview invitations, rejections etc. This will allow you to keep perspective within the process. 4. Utilise your network of contacts This can include online and offline contacts. Searching online will allow you to find out what jobs and opportunities are out there and are available, so you can be more strategic in your job search. You may find someone who already works within the NHS and they can help you source a clinical attachment or you could use social media to uncover job leads. Don’t be afraid to message other doctors or recruiters on Facebook and LinkedIn for advice and guidance. 5. Patience is a virtue The NHS job hunt can be tough, stressful and can often leave you feeling disheartened. So, when you begin to feel saddened, take some time out to exercise, meet some friends or any activity that helps you unwind. Prepare for the job hunt to take longer than you think. Some doctors find their first NHS jobs in a matter of weeks, but for others, it can take months. It is important not to rush the process and wait for the right opportunity. 6. Treat the interviews as a conversation Remember it is just as valuable for you to ask the NHS interview panel questions, just as it is for them to ask you questions. This will allow you to find out if this is the right opportunity for you and if there are future opportunities for training, teaching, research etc. If you are an international doctor who is searching for your first NHS post, email your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com 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 support and the chance to meet other IMGs. References Anon, (2018). [online] Available at: https://www.twinemployment.com/blog/8-surprising-statistics-about-cv-s-that-you-need-to-know [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018]. LiveCareer. (2018). 14 Quick Tips for Finding a New Job | LiveCareer. [online] Available at: https://www.livecareer.com/career/advice/jobs/14-job-hunting-tips [Accessed 28 Nov. 2018].

You have worked extremely hard to obtain a Royal College Qualification or pass the PLAB exams and then go on to pass IELTS or OET. You have moved on to the next stage of the process, started applying for NHS jobs and you have been invited to your first interview! Preparing for your interview in the right way will enhance your application, set you apart from other candidates and hopefully secure you the position. An NHS interview is not only an opportunity to talk through your qualifications and experience but for the Consultant to decide if he wants to work with you. In today’s post, we provide you with six tips on how to leave a lasting impression on the interview panel during your NHS interview. 1. Your personal qualities When preparing for your interview you should ask yourself ‘What qualities do I want to demonstrate?’ It is vital for doctors to demonstrate certain qualities such as compassion and professionalism – but do you have any qualities that will set you apart from others? Such as leadership skills, adaptability, confidence, trustworthiness – where appropriate try and provide example scenarios to demonstrate these skills. 2. Practice your answers NHS interviews tend to follow a particular format and questions are often repeated.   Visit our NHS Interview Guide blog post where you will receive a list of standard NHS questions. Try and prepare an answer for each question and a real-life scenario of how you can evidence this, this will save you thinking time during the interview itself. You should also prepare a response for a question you may not know the answer to straight away, you could say “Please may we come back to that question, I would like a little more time to gather my thoughts”. 3. Turn the interview into a conversation Although the purpose of the interview is for the hospital to find out more information about your skills and experience, it is also an opportunity for you to inquire about the position available. You should attend the interview with some insightful questions prepared, such as opportunities for training, teaching, further information on your duties and responsibilities or if there will be a chance to get some experience in an area of interest. You should also read up on the hospital’s website, their CQC rating, their location in the UK – as you may get asked why you want to take up a post in that specific hospital. 4. Remember short and succinct answers are the best answers As a result of feeling nervous, some people overcompensate by talking too much.  However, it is important to tell yourself that sometimes questions only need a short response and so it is important for you to learn the ability to be concise. Before you answer each question, you should summarise in your head what the interviewer has asked before you answer. And then if your answer requires depth you should signpost your response by saying “firstly, secondly etc”. This will help your answer remain structured and for your most important points to be conveyed. If you vary the length of your answers it will also help the interview appear more of a natural conversation. 5. Ask for feedback When the interview is coming to a close, it would be useful for you to ask if you could receive some feedback on your performance (if this has not already been offered). Try and do this in a professional way without looking too pushy. 6. Continuously emphasise patient safety The most important thing an NHS Employer wants to know from an international doctor is that they will be able to “practice safely”, so when answering their questions it is fundamental to speak of patient safety being paramount and provide solid answers to clinical scenario questions. Email your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com 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 receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs!

Introduction The General Medical Council requires all doctors to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. When you join the NHS, you will be expected to continue to learn throughout your career and the best way to do this is through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CPD activities allow you to develop your knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours across all areas of your medical practice. CPD activities include both formal and informal learning activities, such as research, peer reviews, audits, attending courses, conferences, events etc. Why is it important for me to complete CPD activities? Continuing your professional development will… Help you update what you learned in your primary medical degree and during your postgraduate training Allows you to keep up to date with any changes to the needs of patients, the health service and policy changes Enables you to keep up to date and fit to practise, and maintain the professional standards required You are required to bring a summary of your CPD activities to your annual appraisal with your Educational Supervisor to show that you have met the requirements for revalidation It allows you to enhance your career opportunities, such as allowing you to work more effectively within multi-professional teams and to develop leadership and educational skills Remember to record your CPD activities It is important to record your learning activities, your reflections, learning needs and learning outcomes when evidencing your CPD. One to way to do so is to create an online portfolio – you can typically find this feature within your Royal College’s website or use the GMC’s CPD smartphone application. The GMC’S CPD App The GMC offers a free app to all those practising medicine in the UK. They appreciate that opportunities for learning and development will occur every day, but we do not always have time to write them down, not to mention reflecting on them. So, the app will allow you to regularly update your CPD quickly and easily. The app also allows you to: Export your learning activities in a PDF or Excel report so you can share this with your colleagues You can also transfer your activities to other systems, such as your appraisal or revalidation system Take photos and attach them to your chosen learning activity on the app, saving you time in filing certificates from conferences and seminars Access tips and case studies to help you reflect on your CPD and prepare for your next appraisal CPD Points for Appraisals Appraisals allow you to reflect on your scope of practice, reflect on whether you are up to date in every area and whether your continuing professional development is appropriately matched with your experience, identify personal and professional development needs and ensure that you are adhering to the GMC’s Good Medical Practice. Your appraiser will be allocated by your ‘Responsible Officer’ and this varies from Trust to Trust. It is likely that you will have more than one appraiser. Professional Development Plans During your appraisal, you will also create a Personal Development Plan (PDP) to help you plan your short-term and long-term career goals. What is a PDP? It is an individual plan designed to help identify and address your educational and professional development needs. For each learning need, you should ask yourself what you want and need to learn, what you will do to achieve it, what resources you will need and target dates for completion. The advantage of developing a good PDP plan is that it will allow you to achieve your potential by identifying your gaps in your knowledge and skills. CPD Points, PDPs and Appraisals for Revalidation If you hold GMC Registration with a licence to practise, you will legally be required to revalidate, every five years, through a regular appraisal which will look at your CPD points and your efforts to meet your PDP. This will all be based against the GMC’s guidance for doctors – Good Medical Practice. If you successfully revalidate then you will continue to hold your GMC Registration with a licence to practise. Types of CPD Activities Work-based activities Reflective practice Audit of service users Discussions with colleagues Peer review Learning from experience Work shadowing Secondments Job rotations In-service training Supervising staff or students Professional activities Teaching Mentoring Involvement in a professional body e.g. The Royal College of Surgeons Organising accredited courses Being a national assessor Formal and Educational Attending courses Further education Research Attending conferences Writing articles Attending seminars Self-directed learning Reading journals or articles Reviewing books or articles Keeping a file of your progress If you are an IMG looking for your first NHS post, email your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com and one of our Specialist Advisers will be in touch about UK opportunities. 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 Gmc-uk.org. (2018). Get the MyCPD app. [online] Available at: https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/guidance/continuing-professional-development/get-the-my-cpd-app [Accessed 20 Nov. 2018]. Gmc-uk.org. (2018). Continuing professional development. [online] Available at: https://www.gmc-uk.org/education/standards-guidance-and-curricula/guidance/continuing-professional-development [Accessed 20 Nov. 2018]. Health Careers. (2018). Personal development planning. [online] Available at: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/developing-your-health-career/personal-and-professional-development/personal-development-planning [Accessed 22 Nov. 2018].

How do I register as a nurse within the UK? To work as a nurse within the UK, you will need to register with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). If you are interested relocating to the UK and working within the NHS, send your CV to nursing@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to support you throughout the process. What is the process of relocating to the UK and working within the NHS? To work within the NHS, you will need: A minimum of 7 in IELTS or Grade B in OET Pass the NMC’S Computer-Based-Test exam Interview with an NHS hospital via Skype and receive an offer letter Send the required documents to the NMC Receive your Certificate of Sponsorship (Cos) and apply for your Tier 2 visa Book your flights to the UK Arrive in the UK and begin working as an NHS healthcare assistant Take the NMC’s OSCE exam Start working as a nurse within the NHS Will I be given accommodation in the UK? Typically, most NHS hospitals offer 2-3 months’ free accommodation. Please note, hospital accommodation facilities are limited and so often they will only be able to provide you with single occupancy accommodation and your family will have to make alternative plans. Depending on how long the hospital can accommodate you for, the cost of the accommodation will typically be credited into your bank account and then you will then be responsible for paying for it. If you do not want to live in hospital accommodation and would prefer to stay with your family you will have to find private accommodation. Do I receive any other benefits? Flights Most NHS hospitals will pay for your initial flight to the UK. This will differ from hospital to hospital, so please confirm what is included in your relocation package prior to signing your offer letter. Please note, the hospital will often only pay for your flight, not your entire family. IELTS/OET Reimbursement The NMC requires you to evidence your English language skills and if you choose the IELTS/OET route you may be entitled to have the fees reimbursed to you. IELTS - £170 OET - £349 Health Surcharge Reimbursement When you apply for your Tier 2 visa, you will have to pay a healthcare surcharge (also known as the ‘immigration health surcharge or IHS’) to allow you to use the NHS’ services. Please note, you will still need to pay additional fees for other types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and assistance with conception. Cost - £200 per year, per person. For example, £1,000 for a five-year visa. OSCE Exam The final stage of obtaining your NMC Registration is to sit the OSCE exam. Once you start your new healthcare post, you will have three months to pass the exam. Often, the hospital will provide you with revision resources, pay for a revision course and pay for you to sit the exam. Cost of OSCE - £992 Advance on first month’s salary When you first arrive, there will be a lot to organise and pay for. Therefore, most NHS hospitals offer you your first month’s salary upon your arrival in the UK. This will help you with the costs of airport transfers, deposits on accommodation, rent, food, transport etc. Disclaimer: Your eligibility to receive any of the above relocation benefits must be confirmed by the hospital. Confirm what is included in your relocation package before signing an offer letter. Once you start your NHS post you will need to complete an expenses application form and the funds will be reimbursed if they have not already been given to you. All expenditure incurred must be substantiated by the production of original receipts. Come and say hello! Join our Facebook Group International Nurses for the UK – 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 overseas nurses!

What is an on-call shift? When you are on-call you are expected to be available outside of your normal working hours to work as and when required, the number of hours will have been previously established within your contract. Your location during your on-call shift will also have been stated in your contract. Typically, junior doctors remain on-site and then consultants off-site to allow flexibility of work. In this post, we provide you with some fundamental tips on how to successfully work an NHS on-call shift and some advice from an SHO General Medicine working within the NHS.   On-call shift patterns Weekday on-calls Weeknight on-calls Weekend day on-calls Weekend night on-calls There are also different forms of on-call shifts. This can include on-take shifts, where you will perform examinations or history-taking. You could also cover ward-rounds, which is crucial for reviewing and planning patients care. Please note, the type of shift you will be undertaking will be determined by the specialty you work in. As a doctor-on-call, you must… Ensure you are available at all times of the required-on call period, and that members of the Trust and switchboard are informed of your contact details whilst on-call Ensure that you are in the right state to attend work and you must remain in a fit state whilst on duty i.e. not drunk Be aware of and follow the local standard operating procedures relating to on-call Be familiar with the local arrangements for reporting any unavailability BDI Resourcing’s top tips before going on-call 1. Preparation is key Before you start your first NHS on-call, you will need to prepare in order to have a successful shift. The first task is to bring food with you. Often, when doctors first start working on-call they decide to order pizza and drink cans of coke to increase their energy levels. However, fast-food will only make you crash later on in your shift and will also result in weight gain. Secondly, it would also be useful for you to organise your personal life prior to working on-call. This could include doing a food shop, paying bills, organising childcare etc. This will reduce stress and worry when you are working on-call, allowing you to focus on your job. Thirdly, when on shift, you should carry a list of common medications with their dose to save time. This will help you speed up routine tasks.  2. Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle By eating well and regularly exercising this will reduce the negative effects of working nights, such as fatigue, performance levels and your mental well-being. Tips on working a night on-call shift 1. Eat and drink properly as this will help you maintain your energy levels. 2. If you are unsure of the appropriate action – ask for help. Your responses will not be as reliable as they are during the day and nothing beats a second opinion. 3. Try and take naps when you have the opportunity Tips for after you have finished an on-call shift Once you have finished your on-call shift and you are making your way home, try and stay vigilant. Whether you are driving or taking public transport, your responses will be low so take extra caution to help you stay safe. Once you reach home and you get into bed, reduce all possibilities of waking you up to ensure you get a good-quality sleep and you wake up feeling rest. This includes, earplugs, blackout blinds and put your phone on aeroplane mode. Advice from an SHO General Medicine working within the NHS “Although everything will be taught and demonstrated within your induction, there is such an influx of information that some of it is often forgotten. In addition, as an IMG you will be used to practicing within a different system with different processes. Therefore, requesting a blood test or an x-ray can often lead to you feeling slightly confused or overwhelmed. However, it is important to remember to ask for help. This includes nurses, pharmacists and therapists as well as doctors– they would have previously been in the same position and so everyone will be happy to help you. And over time you will feel a lot more confident.” Although working an on-call shift can feel overwhelming and leave you feeling tired, the advantage is that you are essentially your own boss for the shift without too much pressure from senior staff. If you have any questions about relocating to the UK and working within the NHS 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! References Medicalprotection.org. (2018). Surviving on call. [online] Available at: https://www.medicalprotection.org/ireland/new-doctor/volume-2-issue-1/surviving-on-call [Accessed 16 Nov. 2018].

International Pathology Day was established by the Royal College of Pathologists in 2014 to raise awareness and celebrate the contribution and importance of Pathology and laboratory medicine services in addressing global health challenges around the world. What does Pathology mean? The word ‘Pathology’ means the study of disease, acting as a junction between medicine and science, using advanced technology to study cells and genetics for better diagnosis, screening and treatment. Pathology reports provide over 70% of all the diagnoses which doctors use as the basis of their clinical decisions, whilst making up only 2% of global spending on healthcare. Pathology has three distinct specialties – chemical pathology (also known as clinical biochemistry), histopathology and medical microbiology and virology. Chemical pathology and histopathology encompass several subspecialties and medical microbiology and virology provide the opportunity to dual train in infectious diseases. Each subspecialty offers different combinations of laboratory and clinical research and all of them will offer you the chance to conduct research. Pathology also possesses several other smaller disciplines, such as genetics, immunology and toxicology. You should note that patient contact is limited in pathology, but doctors from all other specialties heavily rely on pathology to assist in diagnosis, often, to allow them to make life-saving decisions. Q&A with Azka Anees – Senior Pathology Resident, Jawarharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University in India. 1. What is your personal mission as a doctor? Being a doctor, it is my personal mission to make my patients the priority. However, sometimes our mission gets lost as we can forget that there is a patient behind the slides and samples we regularly examine. 2. What made you decide to pursue a career in Pathology? I was interested in the pathogenesis of diseases. Pathology is all about understanding why diseases occur and what is happening at microscopic level. It is indeed a whole new world under the microscope, and the more I studied it, the more it attracted me. It is also a very satisfying speciality, when you are looking under the microscope and you find the reason for the patient’s symptoms, or perhaps you can shed light on whether a patient’s tumour is benign or malignant, it is a particularly satisfying and gratifying feeling. 3. Do you have any advice for junior doctors who want to pursue a career in Pathology? My humble advice would be to only pursue this specialty if you have a genuine interest in Pathology. It is a wonderful, but expansive field and people sometimes find it hard to cope if they are not ready for it or they did not realise the amount of work involved. 4. What are your plans for the future? I would like to relocate to the UK and work within the NHS. Whilst here in India, we do receive a wide variety of cases, we are, unfortunately, lacking the infrastructure that is available in the UK. We also do not have detailed countrywide guidelines as provided by the Royal College of Pathologists in the UK. Previously, I had the opportunity to experience the NHS on a number of occasions, and I really appreciate the friendly working environment. Currently, I am studying for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists. I have passed Part 1 and I am currently an Associate Member of the RCPath. I appeared for the Part 2 examination in the Autumn session this year and I am awaiting the results. I also need enough work experience, adequate documentation of my training and work experience to process my GMC Registration. So, I am not quite there yet, but I am hoping for the best! 5. Could you please describe your typical day at work? Typically, my day usually starts with a seminar or a teaching session with our junior doctors. That is then followed by lab work, which includes separate labs such as cytology, histopathology, haematology and chemical pathology. In India, we do not routinely subspecialise, however, there are options to pursue certain fellowships or courses in a few sub-specialties if one wants. Skills needed by a Pathologist: Methodical Communication Attention to detail Precision Advantages of working within Pathology: Reliable work-schedule Vital participation in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease Disadvantages of working within Pathology: Enhanced responsibility because of the serious implications from any mistakes Little contact with patients If you are an international doctor who is looking to relocate to the UK and work within the NHS send your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com and one of our Specialist Advisers will be in touch. Come and say hello! 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 Rcpath.org. (2018). International Pathology Day. [online] Available at: https://www.rcpath.org/international/projects/international-pathology-day-.html [Accessed 13 Nov. 2018]. Bma.org.uk. (2018). BMA - Pathology. [online] Available at: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice/career/studying-medicine/insiders-guide-to-medical-specialties/nhs-career-choices/pathology [Accessed 13 Nov. 2018]

According to the Office of National Statistics, 70% of mothers in the UK now work full-time. Being a full-time working mother can often lead to feelings of guilt, stress and worry because of the divided attention between your family and work life. However, it is important to remember that these feelings can be set aside by devising a plan and finding the right balance between your medical responsibilities and parenthood. In this article, we provide you with five tips to manage your time which will ensure that you, your family and your career are equally successful. We also provide you with a personal account from an NHS Trust Grade Doctor Paediatrics and her advice on juggling motherhood and being a doctor. Tip 1 – Do not feel guilty Rather than constantly feeling upset because you are not with your child, you should think about how your role within the NHS is benefiting both your family and the UK public. By working, you will be able to afford different educational opportunities for your child or perhaps save for their future whilst simultaneously acting as a valuable asset to the UK’s National Health Service. It is important to accept that there will be good and bad days. As a mum, you will not be the first one to feel this way and our advice is to discuss how you are feeling with your spouse, friends, work colleagues and the online IMG community. Tip 2 – Find good quality childcare It is likely that you will feel less anxious if you ask your personal network of friends and family to care for your child. If that is not possible, ask them for references of good quality nurseries or nannies. This way you can work knowing that your child is being loved, cared for and will be happy whilst you are away working. Tip 3 – Stay organised Another tip that helps you feel less overwhelmed is to stay organised. Often, this can start the night before, such as packing your child’s lunches, laying out their clothes (and your own to save extra time!), you could even lay out their breakfast, place bags by the door etc – allowing you to enjoy spending quality time with them each morning, rather than rushing around the house. You could also create a daily to-do-list to help you divide the schedule between you and your spouse. Another way to stay on top of household responsibilities is to meal plan. Plan for a shop to be delivered at the beginning of each week and then write down what you will all be having for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This way, when you have a busy day, you do not have to worry about what you are going to cook because it has already been planned ahead of time. Tip 4 – Stay connected during the day A good way to feel less emotion over being away from your child is to stay connected even when you are not together. If you have younger children, and if it is possible, you can FaceTime them during your lunch break or on your way home from work. Or perhaps, you could pre-record a video or voice message to leave with their carer to show them. If you have an older child, you could leave them a note in the morning or plan some one-on-one time for the next weekend ahead, giving you both something to look forward to. Tip 5 – Make time for your spouse and yourself Although it is important to make enough one-on-time with your children, do not forget about your partner! Setting aside a monthly date night can often lead to you feeling excited and rejuvenates your relationship. And remember to leave some time for yourself too! Finding time to read a book before bed, have a bubble bath, exercise, or spend some time doing something you love will allow you to recharge your batteries in order to take care of your family. A Personal Account from an NHS Trust Grade Doctor Paediatrics and a mother of a one-year-old daughter (Anonymous) I got unexpectedly pregnant during my post as a Paediatrics Emergency Medicine Medical Officer in Myanmar and whilst I was studying for my MRCPCH clinical exam preparation. At the time, I was contracted to work 48 hours per week and my department saw over 3000 patients a month. Although my husband is a very supportive partner, he is a military doctor who stays away from home, so I could not always count on him. I had a very tiring pregnancy and the only motivation was for me to pass my MRCPCH clinical exam with high marks – of which I did, and I am very proud of. My daughter was finally born and unfortunately, she was born with a hole in her heart (VSD). She underwent her surgery and we have been told she needs to have the second surgery in the UK as it is not possible in Myanmar – this was another reason for my decision to relocate. I was only given 90 days paid maternity leave and I took 28 days unpaid leave – giving me 4 months off work. Once I returned to work I decided to hire a day nanny who worked 7am to 7pm, I also used her as a night nanny whilst I was on-call. It was difficult being a doctor and a mother, so I decided to move in with my mum and my dad. This helped me relax as I knew that when the nanny was caring for my baby, my parents would be around too. After work, I always made sure I had quality time with my baby. I would sing her lullabies, read and dance with her. And then after she fell asleep my study time would come. My top tip to studying doctors would be to study at every opportunity you have. Make everything paperless by using a phone, tablet or laptop and put them on aeroplane mode to allow you to concentrate. Sometimes, I even practiced for my OET exam by speaking to my baby in English. By staying organised, you can still work, care for your baby and conduct extra-curricular activities – I managed to finish two audits and was a co-author of a research paper. My second piece of advice to IMGs with children is to relocate to the UK alone for the first month or so. Once you have settled and have everything organised, such as nurseries, schools and accommodation your family can then come over. I am worried about how I will manage when my baby arrives in the UK, I am hoping my mum can come for the first six months on a UK visit visa. When my mum leaves I will have to get a nanny, I tend to install CCTV to reduce my worries. My final tip would be to tell your child that you love them as many times in the day as possible. By giving them lots of hugs and kisses they will not worry about being away from you. Overall, being a mother and a doctor is a wonderful life and I am very grateful. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor! Here, you will have access to frequently published relocation blog posts, the opportunity to receive professional support and the chance to meet other IMGs! And if you are looking to relocate to the UK and work within the NHS email apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to help you. References Ons.gov.uk. (2018). Families and the labour market, England - Office for National Statistics. [online] Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/articles/familiesandthelabourmarketengland/2017#mothers-with-a-youngest-child-aged-between-three-and-four-years-old-have-the-lowest-employment-rate-of-all-adults-with-or-without-children-and-are-the-most-likely-group-to-work-part-time [Accessed 7 Nov. 2018]. Parents.com. (2018). About Your Privacy on this Site. [online] Available at: https://www.parents.com/parenting/work/life-balance/moms-balance-work-family/?slideId=slide_a0a3f42c-07fd-42bc-ba34-f775b5623b2d#slide_a0a3f42c-07fd-42bc-ba34-f775b5623b2d [Accessed 7 Nov. 2018].