Overview of the Medical Training Initiative (MTI)
What is MTI?
The Medical Training Initiative was established by the UK Department of Health in 2009. The scheme provides another possible route for an IMG who wants to relocate to the UK and work for the NHS. Its purpose is to allow suitable qualified overseas Doctors to undertake a fixed period of training in the UK within the NHS, before returning to their home country. As an IMG who partakes in this scheme you will greatly benefit from increased knowledge, skills and techniques learnt within the NHS and take that experience with you to use in your home country.
The scheme has resulted in many government health institutions managing and running an array of programmes with varying responsibilities and quality assurance measures in place. This set of standards is placed by Health Education England (HEE), the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in partnership with the Medical Royal Colleges and other organisations with the goal of standardising and providing quality assurance of all MTI training places.
In 2018 the HEE and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges launched a new set of standards for the MTI, which can be found here. The new standards are focused towards those who administer and approve MTI placements in line with the current guides and information for MTI’s already available.
Benefits of MTI
Disadvantages of MTI
Required Qualifications to apply
For each Royal College the requirements vary so we advise that you check your College website to find out what they require. However, the below requirements are typically found in each application:
Application Process
If you meet the above criteria and want to apply to the MTI scheme then click here to access the application form and further guidance.
Documents you will need:
There is not an application deadline for the Medical Training Initiative as they accept applications all year round. Typically, interviews are conducted by the recruiting consultants, held over Skype rather than overseas.
If an offer is made to you then you will need to start your GMC registration.
The process of applying for the MTI scheme can differ dependent on your personal circumstance. We therefore advise you that the entire process can take up to six months from your interview to your first day in the post. However, the process can be accelerated if all the required documents are provided in the first instance.
Will I be offered any support during my placement?
During your induction to the training you will be under close supervision with a qualified NHS Consultant until you become familiar with local practices and protocols. Once both you and your supervisor believe that you are competent you will be able to begin any on-call or night-time shifts. Further support will continue to be offered after your induction period. This support includes providing you with a mentor, an ePortfolio (which will allow you to upload evidence to demonstrate your professional achievement and learning), College membership, and access to continuous feedback.
If you are considering applying for the Medical Training Initiative or would prefer to relocate to the UK permanently then take a look at our GMC Registration article where we provide a break down of the different relocation routes.
Get in contact with us at [email protected] if you would like tailored advice and guidance on relocating to the UK and finding your perfect NHS position.