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Beautiful Hertfordshire is located in South East England and is surrounded by Essex, Buckinghamshire, Greater London and Bedfordshire. It contains one city, St. Albans and other large towns including Watford, Hitchen, Hemel Hempstead and Stevenage. The county has various landmarks from Leavesden Film Studios, where the Harry Potter tour lies, Paradise Wildlife Park and English Country Stately Homes. St. Albans, which is found in South Hertfordshire has been voted one of the best places to live in the entire UK and this city has the third highest earnings in the country. Families choose to relocate to Hertfordshire because it is easily commutable distance to London, just an 18-minute train ride away. Reasons to relocate to Hertfordshire Excellent transportation links to London An array of green spaces and easy access to the countryside Picture-perfect villages Outstanding state schools, in addition to top-performing independent schools Rich in history, the county is full of many historic and cultural sites and events Cost of Living Accommodation One bedroom in City Centre £908.33 One bedroom Outside of Centre £875.00 Three bedrooms in City Centre £2,000.00 Three bedroom Outside of Centre £1,500.00 Transportation 1L of Petrol £1.29 One-way ticket £2.90 Monthly pass £75.00 Taxi trip, 5 miles £20 Entertainment Basic dinner out for two in a neighbourhood pub £35 Two tickets to the cinema £20 Two tickets to the theatre £95 Cappuccino £3.01 One month of gym membership £40 Areas to live in Hertfordshire If you prefer quiet village life, you have various options available to you. From Ashwell, Barley, Harpenden and Aldbury – which all made it to County Life’s Best Places to Live for Commuters Survey. Residing in one of the listed villages will provide you with access to art galleries, luxury properties, country fairs and music festivals. Alternatively, if you prefer the buzz of a busy town, you could opt to live in Hertford, St. Albans or Watford – these towns offer plenty of green space, excellent quality schools and a healthy economy. Similar to country living, you will have a full range of properties, from flats, terraces, town houses and new builds. Getting to other cities from Hertfordshire via Train London – 18 minutes Birmingham - 2 hours 11 minutes Manchester – 2 hours 52 minutes Bristol - 2 hours 41 minutes Cardiff – 2 hours 41 minutes Leeds – 2 hours 49 minutes Edinburgh – 4 hours 53 minutes Education in Hertfordshire Hertfordshire is a fantastic place to bring up children because statistics have revealed that 9 out of 10 schools in the area come under the good or outstanding ratings. Overall, the schools in Hertfordshire have a higher score than the Ofsted national average, which currently sits at just below 90%. With regards to further education, those living in Hertfordshire can easily access top universities such as University College London, Imperial College London, King’s College London, London School of Economic and Political Science, Queen Mary University of London, Royal Holloway University of London and so forth. Top things to do in Hertfordshire Warner Bros. Studio Tour, The Making of Harry Potter – This is one of the biggest days out in Hertfordshire and the tour sees millions of visitors from all over the world each year. On your visit you can explore sets used in the films, alongside props, costumes and art. St. Albans Cathedral – The city is named after Britain’s first saint and the grand cathedral is a beautiful church to explore. Cassiobury Park, Watford – This is the largest public open space in Watford and is over 190 acres. The park consists of a playground, paddling pools, a miniature railway, a zip wire and a local nature reserve. The River Lee, Broxbourne – Explore the River Lee by boat at the Lee Valley Boat Centre. You can explore the river via electric boats, rowing boats, pedalos and canoes! You can also book a public or a private cruise on a larger boat where you can also enjoy a meal on-board. to Hertfordshire If you are an international doctor planning to relocate to the UK and join the NHS, email your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be in touch regarding current opportunities. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor When you join, 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 , cost of living comparisons. (2019). Cost of Living in United Kingdom.. ] Available at: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/united-kingdom [Accessed 17 May 2019]. Zoopla.co.uk. (2019). Moving to Hertfordshire - Zoopla. ] Available at: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/buying-area-guides/living-in-hertfordshire/#gzfllAxTSbUihtvp.97 [Accessed 20 May 2019]. Storing.com. (2019). Moving To Hertfordshire: An Easy Guide - Storing.com. ] Available at: https://storing.com/moving-hertfordshire-easy-guide/ [Accessed 20 May 2019].    

Southampton is located on the South coast of England and it is one of Britain’s greenest cities with over fifty parks to enjoy. Living in Southampton, you will also have access to the famous National Park’s New Forest and the South Downs, all on your doorstep. The city has a population of 919,843 (2019) and it is extremely well connected. On average, there are 113 trains each day between Southampton and London Waterloo, with the journey time taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Southampton also has its own airport providing flights to both UK destinations and Europe. There are also regular daily ferry crossings to France. Top Reasons to Relocate to Southampton Perfect location for families – Southampton is a working city, but it also provides an element of relaxation. Inland, you have the beautiful New Forest National Park and just 20 minutes away you can experience the happiest place to live in the UK, Winchester. Because of the high level of visitors to the city, the shopping is excellent and there are 100s of restaurants and entertainment to choose from. The University – Thousands of students relocate from all over the UK to live and study at the University of Southampton. This gives the local economy an annual boost and ensures that Southampton provides a range of arts, music venues and a busy entertainment calendar. The University is also one of the city’s largest employers, drawing academics from around the globe to attend. Offers a good work-life balance – Southampton provides excellent rail, road, air and sea connections, which makes it an excellent place to work if you live in the surrounding rural or countryside areas. Living in Southampton is affordable if you prefer, the average monthly mortgage figure of around £700pcm, which is far below the national average of £1900. Cost of Living Renting Accommodation One-bedroom apartment in the City Centre £702.72 One-bedroom apartment outside of the City Centre £577.50 Three bedrooms in the City Centre £1306.25 Three bedroom Outside of the Centre £1041.67 Transportation One litre of petrol £1.24 Monthly public transport ticket £46 Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 5 miles £13 Entertainment Basic dinner out for two at a neighbourhood pub £29 Two tickets to the cinema £21 Two tickets to the theatre £84 Cappuccino £3.42 One-month gym membership in the business district £26 Where to live in Southampton? If you are looking for a new and modern property, you ought to live in the up and coming Cultural Quarter which is situated close to arts venues and Southampton Solent University. You can choose from townhouses to luxury apartments with views across the River Itchen and the marina. If you want to live in a more family-oriented area, you have the option of Hedge End, which provides good schools, shops and parks. Alternatively, there is Southampton Common which is just a short walk away from Southampton Central Train Station. Travelling to other UK cities from Southampton via Train London Waterloo – 1 hour 19 minutes Birmingham – 2 hours 31 minutes Manchester – 3 hours 57 minutes Bristol – 1 hour 37 minutes Cardiff – 2 hours 36 minutes Leeds – 4 hours 21 minutes Edinburgh – 6 hours 19 minutes Education in Southampton There are 42 schools and colleges rated “Outstanding” by OFSTED within a 10-mile radius of Southampton. You can find a list of these schools here. Top things to in Southampton Visit the boats – Attend Britain’s biggest boat show, which is held in the city centre every September. There will be entertainment and hundreds of world’s leading sailboats and powerboats to take the water. Go skiing – The Alpine Snowsports Centre will allow you to improve your skills all year round. You can try snowboarding, skiing or have fun on the inflatables and spin down the slopes. Learn to Dive – The Quays is one of the only four High Performance Centres for diving in the UK and several of Team GB’s Olympic divers train here. Visit the Theatre – The Mayflower was built in the 1920’s and it is the South of England’s biggest theatre. You can see a range of performances from West End Musicals, dance performances and operas. Visit St. Michael’s Square – Home to the amazing Tudor House that was built in the late 15th Century for a wealthy merchant family. The house is now a museum that exhibits from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, encompassing more than 900 years of local history. Visit the Sea City Museum – Based in the heart of the city, the Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their lives and the historic connections with the Titanic and the Sea. Relocating to Southampton If you are an international doctor who plans to join the NHS and relocate to Southampton, email your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to support you throughout your relocation journey. IMG Advisor Are you a member of 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 Schepens | UK & European Removals Specialist | FREE Quote. (2019). Relocating to Southampton | Home & Business Moving to Southampton | Schepens. [online] Available at: https://www.schepens.co.uk/relocating-to-southampton/ [Accessed 14 May 2019]. Safestore. (2019). Why Southampton is great for job hunters. online] Available at: https://www.safestore.co.uk/blog/2018/02/why-southampton-is-great-for-job-hunters/ [Accessed 14 May 2019]. Schepens | UK & European Removals Specialist | FREE Quote. (2019). Relocating to Southampton | Home & Business Moving to Southampton | Schepens. online] Available at: https://www.schepens.co.uk/relocating-to-southampton/ [Accessed 14 May 2019]. Expatistan, cost of living comparisons. (2019). Cost of Living in Southampton, United Kingdom. May 2019 prices in Southampton.. online] Available at: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/southampton [Accessed 14 May 2019]. Lastminute.com. (2019). 21 things to do in Southampton - Blog - lastminute.com. online] Available at: https://www.lastminute.com/blog/things-to-do-in-southampton [Accessed 14 May 2019].    

Nottingham is home of the legend Robin Hood, who stole from the rich and gave to the poor and the city is an ancient centre of lace making. As the most populated city in the county, Nottingham is of vital importance to its wider borough and the rest of Nottinghamshire. There an average of 303,000 residents living in the city itself but that number rises to around 729,000 when you can consider the entire county. Nottingham has become a popular location for expatriates, with an estimated 93 nationalities calling Nottingham home. Reasons to live in Nottingham 1. It is the home of English sports. The city has two football clubs, the world-famous Test match cricket ground Trent Bridge, the National Ice Centre and The National Water Sports Centre. 2. Full of history. Nottingham is home to a number of exhibition spaces, such as Nottingham Contemporary which is one of the UK’s most exciting art galleries. You can also visit Nottingham’s famous castle or take a trip to Wollatan Hall, a grand estate. 3. Access to the beautiful English countryside. Visit the county’s tranquil Sherwood Forest or explore the Peak District National Park, just an hour’s car journey away. 4. It has a tram. This award-winning transport network allows you to get from A to B in a matter of minutes 5. It is home to one of the oldest pubs in England. The Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem was founded in 1189, slaking the thirst of departing crusaders. Average living costs in Nottingham One-bedroom in City Centre £583.33 One-bedroom apartment outside of the City Centre £472.35 Three-bedroom apartment in the City Centre £1,063.64 Three-bedroom apartment outside of the City Centre £753.92 Transportation 1L of petrol £1.25 Monthly ticket public transport ticket £65 Taxi trip on a business day (5 miles) £15 Entertainment Basic dinner out for two at the neighbourhood pub £21 Two tickets to the cinema £20 Cappuccino £3.10 One month of gym membership in a business district £33 Where to live in Nottingham? If you would like to reside in urban living, then you could choose to reside in a stylish apartment in the former lace warehouses and in the updated Lace Market area. Alternatively, you could live in a Victorian property which has also been converted into apartments found in the park. If you prefer a quieter, more countryside living you could look at areas in Edwalton And West Bridgford suburbs. Travelling to other UK cities from Nottingham via Train London St. Pancras – 1 hour 54 minutes Birmingham – 1 hour 8 minutes Manchester – 1 hour 50 minutes Bristol – 2 hours 46 minutes Cardiff – 3 hours 21 minutes Leeds – 1 hour 44 minutes Edinburgh – 4 hours 51 minutes Where is Nottingham’s nearest airport? The nearest airport to Nottingham is the East Midlands Airport, located just half an hour away from the city centre. You can fly to a wide array of European countries including Germany, Spain, France, Turkey, Greece and Croatia. The next largest airport is Birmingham. You can fly to more than double the number of locations from this airport compared to East Midlands Airport. Education in Nottingham The city is home to two large universities and the University of Nottingham. The student popular is on average 60,000. To consider primary and secondary education, there are a wide range of excellent quality schools available in all areas. A noteworthy option is the independent day school Nottingham High School, which was included in the Telegraph’s list of top best value private schools. Top things to do in Nottingham 1. Visit Old Market Square – Nottingham has the largest remaining market square in the UK, almost 5.5 acres in size and it one of the main landmarks. 2. Explore the City’s Caves – Before the city was founded, the Celtic name for Nottingham translated to “Place of Caves”. At the top level of the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre you can embark on an underground journey through more than a thousand years of history. The caves were used for homes for the poor and in later years they were used as an air raid shelter during the Nottingham Blitz. 3. Visit Highfields Park – The park can be found South of the University of Nottingham and it is a 121-acre green space. The park is home to a boating lake and views across the University’s Trent Building and the lake itself has an island that you can reach along stepping stones. You will also see two stone lions that were presented to the University by the city of Ninbo, China. Relocating to Nottingham If you are an IMG who needs support in relocating to Nottingham or another area of the UK and securing your first NHS post, send your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com and we look forward to helping you. Are you a member of IMG Advisor? By joining, you will gain access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet some other IMGs! References Expatistan, cost of living comparisons. (2019). Cost of Living in Nottingham, United Kingdom. May 2019 prices in Nottingham.. [online] Available at: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/nottingham [Accessed 2 May 2019]. Numbeo.com. (2019). Cost of Living in Nottingham. [online] Available at: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Nottingham [Accessed 2 May 2019]. Ntu.ac.uk. (2019). Top ten reasons to love Nottingham | Nottingham Trent University. [online] Available at: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/life-at-ntu/nottingham/top-ten-reasons-to-love-nottingham [Accessed 2 May 2019]. Zoopla.co.uk. (2019). Moving to Nottinghamshire - Zoopla. [online] Available at: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/buying-area-guides/living-in-nottinghamshire/#DDdJg7PdYqauBvwl.97 [Accessed 2 May 2019]. MoveHub. (2019). Move to Nottingham | MoveHub. [online] Available at: https://www.movehub.com/uk/moving/nottingham/ [Accessed 2 May 2019]. The Crazy Tourist. (2019). 15 Best Things to Do in Nottingham (Nottinghamshire, England) - The Crazy Tourist. [online] Available at: https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-to-do-in-nottingham-nottinghamshire-england/ [Accessed 3 May 2019].  

The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is one of the largest employers in the world and it is the biggest employer in Europe, with over 1.3 million staff. A typical day for the NHS includes: Over 835,000 people visiting their GP practice or practice nurse Almost 50,000 people visiting accident and emergency departments 49,000 outpatient consultations 94,000 people admitted to hospital as an emergency admission 36,000 people in hospital for planned treatment No matter what area of the NHS you join, you will become part of a talented, passionate team of individuals who are committed to providing extraordinary care and treatment to UK patients. With the NHS being such a busy institution and with over 10,000 vacancies at this present time – it is important for the NHS to possesses both Service Doctors and Training Doctors but we often get asked what the difference is… An NHS Service Post An NHS service post (also known as a non-training post) is designed to fill gaps in the department’s rota of training doctors. So, in order to ensure that NHS patients receive continuity of care and excellent quality of care, service posts exist. The job role of a service doctor is essentially the same as a doctor in training, except the post is not recognised by an NHS Deanery and it is not designed to provide official educational support. That being said, some hospitals do provide international doctors with CESR support to help them get onto the Specialist Register (get in contact with us today to find out which hospitals – apply@bdiresourcing.com). What is an NHS Deanery? An NHS Deanery is a regional organisation who is responsible for postgraduate medical training, within the NHS. Each NHS Deanery is advised by a Specialty Training Committee (STC), which includes a number of Consultants who provide their expert opinion. The recruitment of doctors into Specialty Training Programmes are managed by Deaneries. Once you have accepted a training post the Deanery will then allocate specific jobs, arrange educational supervision and provide the assessment of whether you have demonstrated sufficient progress within your training. What is an NHS Training Post? If you have secured an NHS training post, your relevant Deanery will provide you with a set curriculum that you will need to follow with regards to updating your e-portfolio, signing off competencies and attending teaching sessions. You will be allocated an Educational and Clinical Supervisor to provide you with support. Within a training post, you will be allocated study leave to allow you to study for your postgraduate qualification exams. As an international doctor – can I apply for a Specialty Training Post? It is important to note that NHS training posts are given first refusal to UK/EU citizens and to those already working within the NHS. So, to successfully obtain an NHS training post, we always advise the following: Obtain a service post for a year or two years, acclimatise yourself with the system and then you will be both physically and mentally prepared and eligible to apply for a training post. Good luck! Securing an NHS Service Post If you are an international doctor who has plans to relocate to the UK and join the NHS – email your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com and we will be happy to support you through the entire process. From your GMC Registration, assistance securing a post, relocation logistics to finding schools for your children. Are you a member of IMG Advisor? Here, you will find access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to receive professional guidance on relocating to the UK and the chance to meet other IMGs! References Jobs.nhs.uk. (2019). NHS Jobs - Working in the NHS. [online] Available at: https://www.jobs.nhs.uk/about_nhs.html [Accessed 24 Apr. 2019]. BMJ.com (2004). The BMJ – What is the difference between a LAT post and a LAS post? [online] Available at: https://www.bmj.com/content/329/7479/s236.1  

Inverness is located in Scotland and it is the most northern city in the UK, known as the capital of the Highlands. Relocating to this fantastic city will offer you access to outstanding natural beauty and city life. In 2014, Inverness was evidenced to be the happiest place to live in Scotland and the second happiest to live in the entire UK. With easy access to glens, lochs, mountains and beaches – you can combine living in a major city with great outdoors. Top reasons to live in Inverness Affordable house prices Compact city centre oozing with history Excellent travel connections Access to picturesque landscapes Voted the happiest place to live in Scotland and the second happiest in the whole of the UK Home to the Loch Ness Monster or “Nessie” – a creature with a long neck and humps said to inhabit Loch Ness. Average Living Costs Housing One-bedroom apartment in the City Centre £530 One-bedroom apartment outside of the City Centre £483.33 Three-bedroom apartment in the City Centre £825 Three-bedroom apartment outside of the City Centre £716.67 Transportation One-way public transport ticket £2 Monthly public transport ticket £45 1L of Petrol £1.25 Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 5 miles £10 Entertainment Basic dinner out for two in the neighbourhood pub £39 Two tickets to the movies £20 Two tickets to the theatre (best available seats) £106 Cappuccino £2.99 Pint of beer £3.73 One month gym membership in a business district £34 Transport links from Inverness Living in Inverness and the surrounding areas gives you access to rail, road and air links – making it extremely easy to get around. By Air: Inverness Airport provides you with regular scheduled flights to London (Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton), Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester, Belfast City, Dublin, Amsterdam, Geneva and other areas of Scotland. By Rail: Scotrail provides you with easy transport from Inverness Railway Station to Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, including other surrounding towns such as Aviemore, Perth, Nairn and Elgin. Things to do in Inverness and Surrounding Areas Shopping: Eastgate shopping centre is the place to go for all your shopping needs. It hosts a number of popular high street shops. The Old Town allows you to shop at beautiful boutique stores and the Old Victorian Market gives you access to traditional sellers. Head to Castle Street or Bank Street for shops selling art, ceramics and designer jewellery. Food and drink: To try quality Scottish produce, head to Rocpool Reserve Hotel & Chez Roux Restaurant. It’s located on the bank of the river and serves Highland beef, Black Isle pork and mussels from the Shetland Isles. For rustic comfort, but contemporary dining, try The Mustard Seed. The restaurant is set in a former church and boasts an open fire and a double-height ceiling. Its terrace on the top floor has fine views over the river and city. Living in Scotland means you need to sample some of the whiskies on offer. Take a tour of the Tomatin Distillery, which is just 16 miles south of Inverness. Find out how they produce their whiskies and sample a few in a tutored tasting. Relocating to Inverness If you are an IMG who needs support in relocating to Inverness or another area of the UK and securing your first NHS post, send your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com and we look forward to supporting you. Are you a member of IMG Advisor? By joining, you will gain access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional support and the chance to meet some other IMGs! References Property, C. (2019). Moving to Inverness. All about the area, schools & transport.. [online] CCL Group Ltd. Available at: https://www.cclproperty.com/location-guides/scotland/highland/inverness/ [Accessed 18 Apr. 2019]. Expatistan, cost of living comparisons. (2019). Cost of Living in Inverness, United Kingdom. Apr 2019 prices in Inverness.. [online] Available at: https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/inverness [Accessed 23 Apr. 2019]. Zoopla.co.uk. (2019). Moving to Inverness - Zoopla. [online] Available at: https://www.zoopla.co.uk/discover/buying-area-guides/living-in-inverness/#3qV7WF1Mhyo2aZ6c.99 [Accessed 23 Apr. 2019].  

Introduction 1. What is your name, speciality, grade and what hospital do you work at? Dr Wael N S Gadalla, General Medicine, SCF, Wexham Park Hospital 2. What country did you relocate from? I am Egyptian, however, I lived and worked in Oman since 8/2011. 3. Would you share with us your personal mission as a doctor? Yes, I feel doing something to humanity in practicing medicine is important. I like being a member of a health team and Interventional subspecialties of Internal Medicine makes the doctor feel his/her importance in life. 4. At what point in your career did you decide you wanted to relocate to the UK? What were your motivations for wanting to do so? I was in the same job in Oman since March 2014 without any career progression and so I decided to relocate to the UK. I obtained MRCP and OET and then I was accepted by the General Medical Council for registration, which is specific and easy to get the target from the first trial. The Relocation Process 5. How long did it take you to relocate, how difficult did you find the process and do you recommend it to other IMGs? After I arrived in the UK I decided to book a hotel for 11 days until I could find an apartment for me and my family. When I first arrived I found it difficult to understand the way the UK property market worked and how to rent a flat. I spent £9000 in total until I got my first NHS salary. 6. Is there anything you would have liked to have known before deciding to relocate? And now once you live in the UK? I would have asked the hospital for one month accommodation and I would have asked about how tenancy works in the UK. Thoughts on the UK 7. For you, what are the key benefits of living in the UK? Currently, I am doing an NHS service job and I feel like I have a good opportunity to learn and progress in my career and my kids are getting a better education. 8. How do you feel you in your chosen location within the UK?  I am currently living in central Slough area, easy access near to London.  9. How did your family settle into the UK? I moved with my wife and my 3 and 5 year old daughters. They liked it, but they cannot adjust to the cold weather yet. The NHS 10. How did you feel on your first day of working within the NHS? Your first week, month and then how do you feel now compared to when you first started? When I first started working within the NHS I was confused because no one told me about work regulations. I received a two day induction, but this did not include anything about work regulations or how to use the computer system. 11. How would you describe the support you received from your hospital after starting your new position? Some colleagues showed me how the system worked. 12. What is your opinion on the NHS? It is well organised and equipped health system, it ensures patient safety and welfare. 13. Are you going to use CESR as a pathway to become a UK Consultant? Could you please share your experiences? I am planning to work at my current job for one year, then will I will decide about the CESR pathway or ST-CESR.  14. How do you find working in the UK compared to your home country? The NHS is an organised work that follows the guidelines, Consultants take responsibilities and review every single patient that comes to the hospital. Every day I learn something new when working in the NHS. The Future 15. What are your hopes and plans for the future? Join a training program in the UK.      

When you start working for the NHS, you will automatically be included in the NHS Pension Scheme – one of the most attractive benefits of working for the UK’s National Healthcare System. The scheme is voluntary, so you can choose to opt-out if you prefer. The amount that you pay into your pension will depend on how much you earn, the current contribution rates are between 5% and 14.5%. Your contributions are deducted from your gross pay, which means less of your income is taxable. Please note, BDI Resourcing does not offer any financial advice, this information is taken from various references. The facts and figures are correct at the time of writing and often fluctuate. Contributions Both full-time and part-time workers pay a percentage of their gross salary into their pension each month, this is then topped up by employer (NHS) contributions and you will receive pension tax relief on your contributions. Contributions are based on your previous years’ pensionable earnings and are shown below as a percentage of gross salary (before tax). Salary Range Contribution Rate £0- £15, 431.99 5.0% £15, 432 - £21, 477 5.6% £21, 478 - £26, 823 7.1% £26, 824 - £47, 845 9.3% £47, 846 - £70, 630 12.5% £70, 631 - £111, 376 13.5% £111, 377+ 14.5% At what age can I collect my pension? It is expected for you to collect your pension at the “normal pension age”. If you collect at the “normal pension age”, you will not face a reduction for an early payment. However, if you collect lower than this age, you may have to pay a fee. The normal retirement age varies depending on what section of the scheme you are in: 1995 Section – Normal retirement age is 60 2008 Section – Normal retirement age is 65 2015 Section – Normal age is the state pension age (Currently 60 for women and 65 for men. This is due to increase at the end of 2019). Tax Codes and your Pension Your tax code tells your employer how much tax to deduct from your pension. If you want to enquire about your tax code, contact HM Revenue and Customs on 0300 200 3300. What happens to my pension if I leave the NHS? If you decide to leave the NHS and you have made previous contributions, you will have two options available to you. The first is a refund of your previous contributions and the second is transferring your pension benefits to another UK provider. Further information can be found here. Join our Facebook Group Join our Facebook Group, IMG Advisor – Here, you will have access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to answer questions and receive professional support. Relocation Support If you have made steps towards obtaining your GMC Registration – email your CV to apply@bdiresourcing.com and we would love to support you through the process and help you secure your first NHS post. References Davies, P. (2019). NHS pension schemes explained. [online] Which? Money. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/money/pensions-and-retirement/company-pensions/public-sector-pensions-explained/nhs-pension-schemes-explained-azydt0q5t434 [Accessed 20 Mar. 2019]. GOV.UK. (2019). NHS pensions. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/nhs-pensions [Accessed 20 Mar. 2019]. Nhsbsa.nhs.uk. (2019). Leaving or taking a break from the Scheme | NHSBSA. [online] Available at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub/leaving-or-taking-break-scheme [Accessed 20 Mar. 2019].  

Introduction 1. What is your name, speciality, grade and what hospital do you work at? I’m Dr Seshni Moodliar, and I’m a Consultant Psychiatrist. I specialise with Adults with learning disabilities. I’m currently fortunate enough to work in both the private sector and the NHS in private practice. I also do on calls at Milton Keynes General Hospital and Chadwick lodge. I also do some Medico legal work. 2. What country did you relocate from? I’m privileged to have relocated from South Africa in 2003 when Nelson Mandela was still our President and who played a role in me being able to study at of . I graduated in 2000 and I was the first Indian/Asian to graduate from that university. 3. Would you share with us your personal mission as a doctor? I’ve always wanted to be a doctor the age of six. I’ve wanted to help and heal people that were ill and sick and would read about all the different illnesses and their treatments. This was further supported by my paternal grandfather Appodorai, who had Parkinson’s and I used to care for him. He used to say I had healing hands. I therefore decided to pursue my passion of becoming a doctor which was also a dream of my father, Deena Thirupathi Moodliar, who was a spice businessman. He wanted to become a his parents couldn’t afford it, so I decided I would do it for him too. I’m grateful to all my family, friends and colleagues who helped me to become a doctor.  4. At what point in your career did you decide you wanted to relocate to the UK? What were your motivations for wanting to do so? When I completed my medical training in South Africa, my husband Ferdinand Rensburg and I wanted to take a year out to travel with three other South African doctors and friends. Named Dr Jessica Maistry, Dr Debbie Jafta and Dr Loshni. My motivation for moving to the UK was to travel and experience a new place. 5. Why did you choose to specialise in Psychiatry? I have always been intrigued by the mind and body link. I worked within the Mental Health Services in South Africa, during my internship in Durban at King Edward Hospital and there I was exposed to a range of mental health problems and genetic disorders. I then discovered that Psychiatry was one of the those rich specialties where we actually see the holistic approach of treatment in its purest forms. It then became my desire to pursue a career in Psychiatry as I wanted to treat people holistically to get better. By holistically I mean an approach which uses biological interventions like medication, psychological like talking therapies and social like social support.  The Relocation Process 6. How long did it take you to relocate, how difficult did you find the process? Do you recommend the same process to other IMGs? I have been fortunate as the relocation process was handled brilliantly by the agency I was working with at the time. I had saved some money from working as a doctor for two years, I then made my application and organised my passport. I sat IELTS, but I was lucky and did not have to do the conversion exam. This meant that I got a full GMC Registration. I had my husband, family in the UK and another three doctors who were going through the process at the same time. When I arrived in the UK, I had to organise my National Insurance number and open a bank account, but again we were lucky enough to be guided through this. At first, I opted to work as a Resident Medical Officer as my friends and husband were going to travel on our weeks off. This was the best choice for us and I thoroughly enjoyed working for a week. The work was easy, the hospital offered me accommodation, meals and other facilities. The staff were friendly and the pay was good. I managed to use some money I was also able to send money home to my parents as my dad was looking at buying a spice shop. After I completed 6 months as an RMO, I then started to do Psychiatry locums to first get experience in how Psychiatry training and the Mental Health Services in the UK worked. I definitely recommend this to other doctors to consider travelling abroad to practice and study. I’m aware that BDI Resourcing does relocate doctors in the same way I was assisted and would definitely recommend their agency too. 7. Is there anything you would have liked to have known before deciding to relocate? And now once you live in the UK? I guess there will always be things we would have liked to have known, but as we had a good agency, family and friends the process was easy and everyone was extremely helpful.  Colleagues around were also very friendly and helpful. Thoughts on the UK 8. For you, what are the key benefits of living in the UK? The plan for me and my husband was to come to the UK, travel with our friends and then return to our families in the South Africa. However, as I wanted to then pursue a training in Psychiatry and he wanted to complete his law training we decided to stay.  Psychiatry training in the UK, in my view from doing locums, is much more developed in terms of holistic treatment and access to resources. This is something I felt and therefore, I decided to pursue Psychiatry in the UK.  9. How do you feel you in your chosen location within the UK?  We were always in limbo about going back to South Africa, especially as we do miss our family and friends a lot. However, as we started to have a family, we decided to stay for our three kids in order for them to have an opportunity in the country of their birth.  With the amazing advancement in technology, we are fortunate to continue to communicate with family on a daily basis with Skype, WhatsApp video calls and the telephone, so we are able to be in touch regularly. We are still passionate about helping people in South Africa and continue to remain involved in charity for children and adults in South Africa.  The NHS 11. How did you feel on your first day of working within the NHS, your first week, month and then how do you feel now compared to when you first started? I was excited about working for the NHS and I initially started with locum work. Again, the agencies were good and helpful. Locum work allowed me to learn a lot about the hospital, the systems, the people and the teams. Definitely I would say initially not knowing much can be overwhelming, however, within a few days and with the help and support, I adjusted quickly into the NHS.  12.  How would you describe the support you received from your hospital after starting your new position?  Hospitals initially did an induction and training in various aspects like fire training, first aid training, manual handling, infection control, IT system and care notes training to note a few. The hospital manager ensured that each new member of staff had a tour of the hospital, wards and induction of keys.  I was also given a badge and introduced to all the staff on the ward.  13. What year did you relocate to the UK? Do you think the UK/NHS system has changed much since then? I relocated in 2003 and yes, there has been many changes for the better the NHS in terms of working and providing effective, safe care and keeping our patients at the heart of everything we do. The NHS continues to go through various changes overall, it’s been good to see how it's transformed and continues to provide care for millions of people in the UK.  14. What is your opinion on the NHS? Working within it and as a patient receiving care? I have worked well in the NHS and despite the challenges faced, the NHS continues to provide effective and safe care. I’m a firm believer in the ethos of the NHS and upholding that we keep our patients at the heart of everything we do. I’ve been on the receiving end of NHS care too for the delivery of my 3 children at Milton Keynes General Hospital and I highly commend the NHS and GP services for the brilliant care I received.  15. Did you use the CESR pathway to become a Consultant? How did you find it and any advice to other IMGs who want to take the same pathway? I did my postgraduate training rotating in Psychiatry within the Hertfordshire, West Midlands and the Eastern Deanery. I completed my SHO training at Milton Keynes General Hospital and Oxford. I then started CT training in West Midlands and continued this in Hertfordshire. After I successfully completed my exams in Psychiatry of written papers and the CASC exam in 2010, I then started my ST training and my higher training in adults with learning disabilities in Cambridge and the Eastern Deanery.  I then became a Consultant with Adults learning disabilities in 2012.  16. How do you find working in the UK compared to your home country? I enjoy working in both South Africa and UK, however, the Psychiatry services in the UK are more developed. Podcast and YouTube 17. Can you explain your brand Happiness doctor’s kitchen? As a Psychiatrist, I can safely say with years of training and studying the mind and body I’m possibly one of the happiest people on this planet and I’m always complemented on this. I’m a firm believer in healthy body means a healthy mind. My aim is to share my secrets to happiness with others so that people who are suffering with mental health problems which are real, and a serious problem worldwide can recover and to educate them about the importance of health and well-being. I am also a firm believer in you are what you eat. I therefore have completed a book named Happy doctor’s kitchen which are researched and evidence-based ways of incorporating foods rich with serotonin, such as eggs, cheese, turkey and salmon - in order to keep you happy and healthy! My passion for food and people started in my childhood when I worked alongside my late dad Deena Moodliar, my sisters Tamara Valashni Govender, Sanusha Ponen and my mother in our family spice business RA Moodley in Victoria street market in Durban South Africa which was originally my grandfather’s Appodorai.  18. Can you explain what led you to create a YouTube channel and your podcast? As a Psychiatrist I’m passionate about sharing mine and other's pearls of wisdom of happiness which led to my YouTube channel and podcast which I collaborate with different people who are also experts in their field. I’ve just completed a podcast with Dr Sanjiv the Dean in Harvard Medical School, Hepatology Consultant and Professor Medicine. In the podcast he shares his wisdom on Dharma, Happiness and living your purpose. He is also the brother of Dr Deepak Chopra. I’m so grateful for that podcast and the wisdom he shares too.  19. Can you tell us about your recent publication? Following the brilliant support from my husband and friends and family, I wrote a book Pass the CASC in 2012 which is currently in its 7th edition. It was my husband’s idea would you believe, and he believed in me when I didn’t even realise the merit of my book. It was peer reviewed by 50 other Psychiatrists, many of I’m grateful to as they helped me in my exam. I completed it before I became a Consultant and was still a Registrar. It’s currently being used worldwide by doctors for the final MRCPsych exam CASC/OSCE, which usually takes place in Sheffield, Singapore and Hong Kong.  It’s also being used in Australia and New Zealand for the RANZP exam. 20. What is your final advice for junior doctors who are looking to pursue Psychiatry? Or senior doctors starting their first NHS Psychiatry post? I’m biased as Psychiatry is my passion and I love being a psychiatrist. My advice to junior doctors and any person really is that whatever career you choose to pursue you need to be passionate about it and you need to therefore be able to do this for the rest of your life. You don’t want to do something that’s not going to make you happy.  When choosing a speciality choose something that’s going to make you happy, something you are passionate about, something which will be in line with your purpose in life and something you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. My choice was also guided with choosing something which was going to give me a good work life balance.  I would urge junior doctors to pursue a career in Psychiatry as it’s definitely rewarding, especially when we can make a difference in a person’s life using a holistic approach and being supported by the multidisciplinary team. There are also opportunities to do research, teaching and to practice clinical governance which are all important in CPD activities.  The Future 21. What are your hopes and plans for the future? I’m so grateful to be in a happy place right now following my passion of being a Psychiatrist, teaching Psychiatrists worldwide to communicate effectively with their patients, carers and other professionals in order for them to be the best Psychiatrists. I’m excited about being the author of the Happy Doctors Kitchen and Happiness Psychiatrists - sharing mine and other's pearls of wisdom on happiness to others worldwide. I’m so grateful Asma Said Khan is providing the foreword for my Happy doctors kitchen. She’s the first British female chef to be on on was released on 22 February. She owns Darjeeling Express in and Calcutta canteen which both are my favourite places to eat! My focus is and continues to be in line with the Hippocratic oath I’ve taken which is to be of service to others, helping, healing and ensuring my patients' recovery, hope for their future and emotional well-being which is at the heart of what I do  I’m a happy mum and I remain a dedicated mother and wife to my husband and my three children who are all golfers. I truly have been blessed with family and friends not only in in the UK too who make it all the more worthwhile being able to do what I do and to help others as I’ve been helped which is my main aim.  I love writing and definitely love reading books. I have spent a lot of my time in libraries since a young age, so I’m definitely going to continue to write many books-sharing my pearls of wisdom. The recent books I’ve read is Turban and Tales by Amit and Naroop and SPIKE by Rene Carayol (MBE)  who are friends of mine. I’m reading The Art of Happiness by his holiness the  Dali Lama and Dr Howard Cutler (a psychiatrist) whom I would love someday to meet and interview. I also just met Author of Darjeeling Express who is supporting female chefs and has been featured Chefs table on Netflix. Thank you. Link to Dr Moodliar's YouTube - https://youtu.be/cMSmliCxDPQ  Link to Dr Moodliar's Podcast - https://bit.ly/2NtfQBv  Link to Dr Moodliar's CASC Book - www.passthecasccourse.co.uk Are you a member of our Facebook Group? By joining IMG Advisor, 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.  

As an employee within the United Kingdom, you will need to pay both income tax and national insurance on your wages. Disclaimer: Tax figures are always open and to change and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) assesses everyone’s personal circumstances within personal tax codes and so this article is purely a guideline. How do I know if I need to pay tax? Every person is entitled to a tax-free Personal Allowance of £11,850 for the year (this is set to increase to £12,500 in the tax year of 2019-20). How much tax do I have to pay if I earn over the Personal Allowance? In the UK, the tax system is based on marginal tax brackets. This means that the amount you are taxed is worked out based on the income you earn against certain thresholds. As a UK employee: You will pay 0% of tax on incomes up to £11,850 (£12,500 for 2019-20) Then you will pay 20% on anything you earn between £11,851 and £46,350 (£12,501-£50,001 for 2019-20) You will pay 40% Income Tax on anything you earn between £46,351 to £150,000) (£50,001-£150,000 for 2019-20). If you earn over £150,001 and over, you pay 45% tax Examples of take-home pay for a doctor Annual Salary (before tax) Monthly take home (after tax) £30,000 £1,982 £40,000 £2,549 £50,000 £3,085 £60,000 £3,568 £70,000 £4,052 £80,000 £4,535 Please click here to work out your exact take-home pay with a salary calculator. Paying tax on foreign income You may need to pay UK income tax on foreign income. For example: Foreign investments and savings interest Rental income on overseas property Income from pensions held overseas This income includes anything from outside of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. What is a National Insurance contribution? You will also be required to pay a national insurance contribution on your earnings to help build your entitlement to certain state benefits, such as the State Pension and Maternity Allowance. Dissimilar to income tax, national insurance is not an annual tax. You begin to pay National Insurance once you earn more than £162 a week and it applies to your pay each pay period (i.e. monthly, weekly etc). This means that if you earn extra in one month, you will pay extra national insurance. Your National Insurance contributions will be: 12% of your weekly earnings between £162 and £892 2% of your weekly earnings if you earn above £892 Please note, your National Insurance contributions will be taken off along with Income Tax before your employer pays your wages. How do I pay my tax and national insurance contribution? If your Personal Allowance is spread out evenly across your wages for the year, then your tax and national insurance contributions should be taken before you are paid. The UK Government know how much to take through a system called PAYE (pay as you earn). Where does UK taxpayer’s money go? The money is used to help provide funding for public services such as the NHS, the education and welfare system as well as investment in public projects, such as roads, rail and housing. Personal Savings Allowance When you open a UK bank account, you can also earn some income from your savings without paying tax. If you pay a basic tax rate, then you can earn up to £1,000 in tax-free savings. Higher rate taxpayers can earn up to £500. Join our Facebook Group IMG Advisor – Here, you will gain access to frequent relocation blog posts, the opportunity to ask questions and receive professional advice and the chance to meet other IMGs! References Moneyadviceservice.org.uk. (2019). How much Income Tax and National Insurance you should pay. [online] Available at: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/tax-and-national-insurance-deductions [Accessed 1 Feb. 2019]. S, H. (2019). Tax Rates 2018/19. [online] MoneySavingExpert.com. Available at: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/tax-rates/ [Accessed 1 Feb. 2019].  

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].

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]