Medical Training Abroad
N.B.
We have several pages on medical
training abroad, use the menu on the left-hand side to
navigate to the information you require.
You are advised to maintain your GMC
registration if you are considering going abroad. The
GMC has further guidance around this important
issue.
Whenever and wherever you go, remember:
For non UK / EEA nationals it is very important to consider any
time out of the UK carefully as this could have a direct impact on
your immigration status and qualifying periods related to
indefinite leave to remain in the UK. You are strongly advised to
seek specialist advice from the UK Borders Agency.
- Plan well in advance – gather as much information and plan as
early as you possibly can
- Make sure that you have everything in writing. Do not rely on
telephone advice or agreements when making arrangements.
- Discuss your plans with the following (depending on what stage
of your training you have reached):
Foundation School Programme Director
Clinical Tutor
Postgraduate Dean
Appropriate Royal College
The GMC if you want your work overseas to count towards your
training in the UK
Employer, where a current contract may be terminated early
- Make sure you are clear about the requirements and restrictions
with regard to training and accreditation for both the UK and the
country to which you are applying.
- It is equally important to plan for your return to the UK.
Think about how you will keep in touch whilst you are away and what
you plan to do on your return.
- Don't forget to maintain your GMC registration if you
are considering going abroad.
- Take time out between training programmes
(e.g. between foundation and specialty training)
- Take time out during a training programme
- Arranging a placement abroad that would count
towards your accredited training
- Completing some of your training abroad
All of these options have pros and cons, and
there may be restrictions on what you can do.
Although there is not one single time when travelling abroad
would be better, general advice from Deaneries and Foundation
Schools suggest that there will be implications to be considered
whichever option is chosen
- It is often best to complete both the F1 and F2 years of your
foundation training before working or travelling abroad. This
ensures that, should you want to return to the UK for specialty
training, you have the requisite competencies signed off to be
eligible to apply.
- Taking time out between foundation and specialty training is
often considered to be the best time. However, this will very much
depend on your own circumstances, and whether this would be the
right time for you.
- Read our case-studies.
- If you wish to go abroad during the foundation programme,
between F1 and F2, then ensure that you talk to your Foundation
School Director to arrange any time away from the programme, and to
check what possibilities there will be for you to return to an F2
post later.
- Read further information on training
abroad during foundation.
- You can get a placement abroad during your specialty training
which could count towards your accredited training. If you are
interested in this then it is important to research your options
first and to discuss your plans with the training programme
director, the deanery, the relevant Royal College and the GMC. Also
read the
Gold Guide on guidelines for "Out of programme Experience". You
can apply for OOPE after 1 year in a speciality training programme
subject to satisfactory progress and Deanery agreement.
- Read further information on 'Out of
programme opportunities' during specialty training.
- It is possible to obtain employment abroad after you have
obtained your CCT. This will give you additional experience at a
senior level and can make a useful addition to your CV when
applying for senior posts in the UK.
The NHS medical careers team acknowledge
careers advisers Laura Brammar and Laura Mackenzie, from
the London Careers Group, and Dr Melanie Jones, Associate Dean for
Careers, Wales Deanery and Special Advisor for Careers at the UKFPO
for writing these pages on medical training abroad.