Introduction
This fulfilling specialty combines medicine and surgery to care for pregnant women and their unborn child, as well as manage conditions that only affect women.
Whether you are already a specialist overseas, or just starting out in your Obstetrics & Gynaecology career, there’s a path to the UK for you here in this comprehensive IMG guide.
The steps to work in the UK
These are the general steps for any IMG to work in the UK:
- Determine your long-term goal
- Get registered with the GMC
- Find a suitable job
- Obtain a work visa
- Start work
It is possible to do steps 2 & 3 simultaneously depending on the type of job. It is also possible to interchange steps 2 and 3 by finding a job first, and obtaining GMC registration after you’ve received a job offer as long as the employer agrees to this in advance.
We also have a short course where we explain how it is possible to get into UK training in 2 years time. Enrol now for free.
Determining your long-term goal
Before you can set out on our journey, you really need to determine your long-term goal. This is the step that many IMGs skip and as a result, they end up taking a sad long winding road.
So before you continue reading, pause for a minute to answer this question: what do you want to get out of coming to the UK?
There are 3 main choices when it comes to clinical work:
- Become a recognised UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology Consultant
- Whether you want to stay in the UK long-term or migrate elsewhere after, is up to you.
- Work long-term in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in the UK without becoming a recognised Consultant
- Complete a UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology fellowship/gain UK experience then return home
What is the answer for you?
By answering this question early on, you can save yourself the wasted time and money spent following a pathway that does not lead to your end-goal.
Other options
Of course, there are other options such as pursuing a career in research, medical education, pharmaceuticals, hospital management etc. However, these careers are not covered in this article. This article, and the entire Savvy IMG blog for that matter, deals mainly with clinical careers.
How to reach your long-term goal
The good thing about the UK, is that the pathways are flexible and there are a lot of options. But that is also why it is so confusing.
Here I’ll go through each of the 3 possible long-term goals in more detail.
Goal #1 – Become a recognised UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology Consultant
If you want to be recognised as an Obstetrics & Gynaecology Consultant in the UK, and be eligible to apply for permanent Consultant posts in the NHS, you need to be on the GMC specialist register.
You can enter the specialist register via 3 possible routes:
These 3 routes differ by how much of the UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology residency programme (specialty training) you complete.
CCT route
This route involves completing the full 7-year UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training programme. This means you start from specialty training year 1 (known as ST1)*.
Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
The CCT route is best for new graduates, those who have not already completed postgraduate training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, or those who are not considered overqualified.*
Click image to enlarge
CCT route
This route involves completing the full 7-year UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training programme. This means you start from specialty training year 1 (known as ST1)*.
Upon completion of the programme, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
The CCT route is best for new graduates, those who have not already completed postgraduate training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, or those who are not considered overqualified.*
Click image to enlarge
*If you have more than 24 months experience in Obstetrics & Gynaecology after internship anywhere in the world, then you will be deemed overqualified for the CCT route.
In these circumstances, you must pursue either the CESR-CP or CESR routes described below to become a UK Consultant.
Suitable first jobs for this route
Before you can start UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training, you need 24 months clinical experience. This includes 12 months of internship, and 12 months post-internship. Your experience can be in any specialty as long as you don’t exceed the experience limits stated above.
If you have not completed internship overseas, then your only option is to join the 2-year UK Foundation Programme as a first job.
If you have already completed internship overseas, the most suitable first jobs for this route include non-training FY2, Standalone FY2, WAST, or any SHO level post in any specialty. Any of these jobs will help you gain the 12-months post-internship experience required before starting Obstetrics & Gynaecology training.
Related:
UK internship (Foundation Programme) open to all IMGs for 2020
10 reasons why you should apply to WAST
Standalone FY2: Your chances as an IMG and how to optimise your application
CESR-CP route
If you complete less than 7 years of the UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training programme, then you are on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme (CESR-CP) route.
The usual entry point into training is at ST3 (specialty training year 3), so you would end up completing 5 years of the UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training programme.
The CESR-CP route is best for IMGs who already have some experience or training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and are considered overqualified for ST1.
According to new GMC rules, those on the CESR-CP route who complete at least 5 years of UK training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology will still be awarded CCT. If you complete less than 5 years of UK training, you will be awarded CESR.
CESR-CP route
If you complete less than 7 years of the UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training programme, then you are on the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration Combined Programme (CESR-CP) route.
The usual entry point into training is at ST3 (specialty training year 3), so you would end up completing 5 years of the UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training programme.
The CESR-CP route is best for IMGs who already have some experience or training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and are considered overqualified for ST1.
According to new GMC rules, those on the CESR-CP route who complete at least 5 years of UK training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology will still be awarded CCT. If you complete less than 5 years of UK training, you will be awarded CESR.
Suitable first jobs for this route
If you are overqualified for Obstetrics & Gynaecology ST1, then you can start by applying for non-training junior-grade surgical positions such as CT1, SHO, or junior clinical fellow posts. Through these posts, you can work on the requirements needed to apply for ST3.
If you have more than 3 years of experience, you could apply for non-training middle-grade positions such as specialty doctor, senior clinical fellow, and registrar posts. Again, through these posts, you can work on the requirements needed to apply for ST3.
Just a word of caution, if you start your first job at middle-grade level, it is recommended that you arrange an adjustment period of working at a junior level for a short period before stepping up to middle-grade responsibilities.
Related:
CESR route (AKA Article 14)
If you do not complete any part of the official UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology residency programme, you can still be recognised as a Consultant by providing proof (ie. documentation), that you have the equivalent experience and training.
This experience and training can be from overseas, from the UK, or a combination of the two.
The CESR route is best for those who have completed training and have been practising as a Consultant for at least a few years, or those who have completed residency overseas and do not wish to repeat their training.
CESR stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration.
CESR route (AKA Article 14)
If you do not complete any part of the official UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology residency programme, you can still be recognised as a Consultant by providing proof (ie. documentation), that you have the equivalent experience and training.
This experience and training can be from overseas, from the UK, or a combination of the two.
The CESR route is best for those who have completed training and have been practising as a Consultant for at least a few years, or those who have completed residency overseas and do not wish to repeat their training.
CESR stands for Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration.
Suitable first jobs for this route
If you have already completed Obstetrics & Gynaecology training overseas, you can apply for posts such as senior clinical fellow, registrar, and specialty doctor.
If you have worked as a specialist for many years, you can even apply for locum Consultant jobs.
Through these posts, you can work on the documents you need for CESR. It’s critical that you find a department that will support your plans to apply for CESR. I recommend making your goals clear at the job interview.
What documentation do you need to provide for CESR?
The GMC and Royal College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (RCOG) have specific guidance for the requirements for CESR. You can find the updated list of requirements here:
Related: How to become a UK specialist without entering a UK training programme
Equivalence
In the UK, all 3 routes CCT, CESR-CP and CESR, are seen as equivalent. You will be recognised as a UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology Consultant via any of these 3 routes.
But please be aware that this may not be the case overseas. Some countries do not accept CESR as equivalent to CCT, so if you plan to migrate after becoming a UK Consultant, be sure to check with the medical authority of that country first.
Goal #2 – Work long-term in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in the UK without becoming a recognised Consultant
Not all doctors aspire to work as a Consultant, the responsibilities are significant and some doctors find the role unattractive.
If you don’t want to become a Consultant, rest assured that you can still work in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in the UK with decent pay and a good work-life balance.
However, do be aware that you may have less operating time compared to Consultants and trainees. This varies from hospital to hospital.
What positions can you work in?
You can apply to any position you feel you are qualified for according to your previous experience and the job description. Potential job titles include clinical fellow or specialty doctor.
It is also possible to apply for locum consultant jobs. Locum consultant posts do not require you to be on the GMC Specialist Register.
Whatever job you start with, you can always seek promotion with the same employer or apply for more senior positions as you gain more experience.
Related:
What if you want to become a Consultant eventually?
This is possible. Most Doctors in this position go through the CESR route.
Goal #3 – Complete a fellowship in the UK then return home
Many doctors wish to gain experience and training in the UK in order to better serve their patients back home. If this is something you’re interested in, there are a few ways to do this.
Join a programme that will find a suitable job for you
The main programme available to match you to a job is the RCOG MTI programme. It is designed for IMGs who have between 4-10 years of experience in Obstetrics & Gynaecology and will match you to a placement at the level of ST3-ST5. It is not possible to apply if you have less than 4 years experience, or more than 10 years experience.
Read more about the programme through these links:
Find a job yourself on the NHS jobs website
Jobs on the NHS website will range from junior to senior level. You will need to review the job title and job description to determine whether it is suitable for you and your goals.
The steps for this are pretty simple:
- Visit the NHS Jobs website
- Search “obstetrics fellow” or your preferred subspecialty like “reproductive medicine fellow”
- Apply to jobs you like and are suitable for
- Once you have been accepted for a job, apply for GMC registration (please note, some jobs require you to have GMC registration before applying.)
Fish for a fellowship
If there is a specific Consultant who you would like to do a fellowship with or a specific centre that you would like to gain experience at and you can’t find a job opening anywhere, it’s worth sending a direct email to inquire about a possible fellowship.
Be sure to include a well-formatted up-to-date CV and a convincing cover letter about why you want to work with them and how you can be an asset to them as a fellow.
GMC registration for short-term training
You still need GMC registration to work in the UK as a doctor, even if you don’t plan to stay here long-term.
To gain GMC registration, you can use any of the methods already mentioned above: PLAB, MRCOG, an overseas qualification, RCOG sponsorship/MTI, or CESR.
The registration you gain is permanent and will not be revoked after the fellowship.
Work visas for a UK fellowship
To obtain a visa to work in the UK as a fellow, there are 2 options:
- Tier 5 temporary work visa (maximum 24 months in the UK on this type of visa) – this is done through RCOG as part of the MTI scheme OR
- Tier 2 standard work visa (no maximum period) – this is done through the hospital you’ll be working at
After completing your fellowship training and gaining UK experience, you simply return home after the job contract ends.
Obstetrics & Gynaecology residency in the UK
Let’s talk a bit more about the UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training programme.
It is 7 years long in total. Each year is numbered starting from ST1 (specialty training year 1) up until ST7 (specialty training year 7).
You will be paid a salary while you are training.
Related: How much do doctors in specialty training (residency) earn in the UK?
Programme structure
The Obstetrics & Gynaecology training programme is generally structured as follows:
| Year | Stage |
| ST1-2 | Basic training |
| ST3-5 | Intermediate training |
| ST6-7 | Advanced training, including any subspecialty interests |
Throughout the 7 years you will be seeing patients in clinics, managing emergencies overnight and on weekends, attending teaching sessions and conferences, and of course, performing surgery and delivering babies.
In most programmes, you will rotate to a new hospital every 6-12 months throughout all 7 years.
Related: How specialty training (residency) works in the UK: A complete beginner’s guide
Exams
The official exam for UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training is MRCOG. There are 3 parts:
- Part 1 – This is a written examination to evaluate basic and clinical sciences relevant to Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
- Trainees must pass Part 1 before they can progress to ST3.
- Part 2 – This is also a written examination where trainees are assessed on the application of knowledge from Part 1.
- Part 3 – This is a practical exam which assesses a doctor’s ability to apply core clinical skills in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Residents must past both Part 2 and 3 before they can progress to ST6.
Applying for UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology training
The requirements differ depending on whether you apply for ST1 or ST3. Starting training at either ST1 and ST3 should lead to a CCT.
ST1
O&G ST1 - Entry requirements
- Full GMC registration by the time you start ST1
- 24 months clinical experience by the time you start ST1
- This includes 12 months of internship + 12 months after internship.
- F2 competences or CREST (Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training)
These are the basic requirements. Please see the ST1 Obstetrics & Gynaecology person specifications for the full requirements.
O&G ST1 - Restrictions
If you have more than 24 months experience in Obstetrics & Gynaecology after internship anywhere in the world, then you will be deemed overqualified for ST1.
O&G ST1 - Competition
Competition is typically expressed as a ratio. This is calculated by the number of applicants divided by the number of available posts.
Eg. If there are 250 posts for Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and 500 applicants, then the competition ratio is 2.
Here are the competition ratios for Obstetrics & Gynaecology ST1 over the past 5 years:
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| O&G ST1 | 2.52 | 2.03 | 2.1 | 1.86 | 2.02 |
I would consider a competition ratio of less than 2 as having low to moderate competition, between 2-4 as highly competitive, and a competition ratio of more than 4 as extremely competitive.
O&G ST1 - Application Timeline
There is usually only one opportunity to apply for ST1 each year, this is called Round 1. However, in the last couple of years, there has been a very small number of vacant training jobs leftover from Round 1. You can apply for these in Round 1 re-advert, which is sometimes called Round 2.
Whether or not there is a Round 1 re-advert in a given year can only be known during that year, no one will be able to predict this in advance. So if you’re planning to apply for ST1, make sure you meet the Round 1 application deadlines because there are no guarantees of a Round 1 re-advert.
The exact dates for Round 1 applications are released each year but the general timeline is as follows:
| November | Applications open |
| December/January | Multi-specialty recruitment assessment (MSRA) |
| End of Jan – beginning of Feb | Interview |
| March | Results are released |
| August | Training starts |
Take note: in the UK residency application process, you make a single application for the whole UK. You do not apply to individual hospitals.
If you want to learn more about how residency applications work in the UK, check out this essential guide: What IMGs need to know about applications to specialty training in the UK
ST3
O&G ST3 - Entry requirements
- Minimum of 24 months experience in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Portfolio of assessments relevant to the ST1/ST2 curriculum
- 2020 Alternative Certificate of ST1/2 Competences
- MRCOG Part 1
These are the basic requirements. Please see the ST3 Obstetrics & Gynaecology person specifications for the full requirements.
O&G ST3 - Restrictions
Applicants with less than 60 months experience in Obstetrics & Gynaecology are preferred. So if you already have extensive training and experience in Obstetrics & Gynaecology just be aware that there is a possibility that you may not get a place in ST3. In that case, be prepared to go through the CESR route instead.
O&G ST3 - Competition
Competition is typically expressed as a ratio. This is calculated by the number of applicants divided by the number of available posts.
Eg. If there are 70 posts for Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and 210 applicants, then the competition ratio is 3.
Unfortunately, the competition ratio for ST3 Obstetrics & Gynaecology has only been published for the past 2 year so it doesn’t give you a clear trend of the competition, but it’s an idea.
| 2018 | 2019 | |
| O&G ST3 | 2.84 | 3.35 |
I would consider a competition ratio of less than 2 as having low to moderate competition, between 2-4 as highly competitive, and a competition ratio of more than 4 as extremely competitive.
O&G ST3 - Application Timeline
Applications open once a year and are submitted through the website Oriel. The exact dates are released each year but the general timeline is as follows:
| End of Jan – Mid Feb | Applications open |
| April | Interview |
| 2-3 week later | Results are released |
| August | Start of training |
Take note: in the UK residency application process, you make a single application for the whole UK. You do not apply to individual hospitals.
If you want to learn more about how residency applications work in the UK, check out this essential guide: What IMGs need to know about applications to specialty training in the UK
Is it difficult to get into UK Obstetrics & Gynaecology?
O&G is a moderately competitive specialty so you will need a focused application strategy. Of course, there will always be a place for those who work hard and prepare well.
A golden opportunity for IMGs
In the past, careers in moderate to highly competitive specialties were almost closed to IMGs unless you found a way to work around the immigration rules. However, as of October 2019, immigration laws changed in a way that meant that UK graduates are no longer prioritised for training posts.
This means that IMGs will be considered equally alongside UK graduates, and the only determining factor of success is the application score.
No doubt it is still difficult, but now the doors are open for IMGs so it’s best to make the most of this golden opportunity while it lasts!
Related: 9 ways the new Shortage Occupation List affects IMGs dreaming of UK specialty training
How do I improve my chances of success?
Although Obstetrics & Gynaecology into surgical training in the UK is competitive, it’s definitely not impossible. There are plenty of IMGs in O&G. To succeed with your application, you’ll need to maximise your application score.
There are 3 components to the application score:
- The Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment (MSRA)
- We recommend Dr Aman Arora’s course. Don’t forget to use ARORASAVVY10 on check out get 10% off!
- Your CV/portfolio
- Your interview performance
Do well in each of these areas and you will have a decent chance of landing a spot.
Related: 8 tips to succeed when applying for UK specialty training
Further information about applications
- Official website for information about ST1 Obstetrics & Gynaecology applications
- Official website for information about ST3 Obstetrics & Gynaecology applications
- Oriel – Website where you apply including user guide and FAQs
If you have any questions about applying for either ST1 or ST3 Obstetrics & Gynaecology, you can email obsjobs.nw@hee.nhs.uk
GMC registration for Obstetrics & Gynaecology
So now you’ve decided on your long-term goal, you need to think about how you’re going to gain registration with the General Medical Council (GMC).
The GMC are the medical authority in the UK. To work as a doctor here, you need to be registered with them. There are no exemptions to this no matter how much experience you have or where you come from. Every doctor working in the UK needs GMC registration.
How do you obtain GMC registration?
You’ll first need to create a GMC online account. You can find instructions on how to open an account here.
You’ll then need to submit an application for full registration. These are the requirements for an application:
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, OET or other)
- EPIC verification of your medical degree
- +/- EPIC verification of your MRCOG/Overseas qualification (if you have one)
- +/- Internship certificate (if going through the PLAB route)
- +/- Certificate of good standing (if you are registered as a doctor anywhere else in the world)
Read more about the requirements for GMC registration in detail here.
On top of the above requirements, you need to provide proof of your clinical skills and knowledge. There are 5 options to do this for Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
PLAB
The PLAB exam is set at the level of a doctor who has completed internship. It is most suitable for IMGs who have not yet completed postgraduate training in Anaesthesia, however, it can also be taken by those who are already specialists. In most cases, it is the quickest and least expensive route.
MRCOG
If you pass all 3 MRCOG exams, then you can bypass PLAB. The MRCOG exams are aimed at doctors who have already completed their postgraduate training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology. It is not possible to pass all 3 exams with just internship experience.
RCOG sponsorship/MTI
You can gain GMC registration without PLAB and only Part 1 of MRCOG if you obtain sponsorship through the Royal College of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (RCOG).
Overseas qualifications
You can gain GMC registration without PLAB if you hold overseas qualifications in Anaesthesia from the following places: Ireland, US, Australia & New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and the European Diploma.
CESR
If you have already been practising as a specialist for many years, you can try applying for direct recognition as a Consultant via the CESR route. This is a difficult and tedious process that can take years to complete, but it’s an option for IMGs who do not go through any of the other routes mentioned above. You can read more about it below under the section “Become a recognised UK Consultant Anaesthetist”
Finding a suitable first job
There are 2 main questions to consider when looking for a suitable first job.
- Do you have the right training and experience for the job?
- You will find detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of the job in the job description. Read these carefully to decide whether you are suited for the post.
- Will it lead to your long-term goal?
- There is no point working in a job that will jeopardise your long-term goal.
- Read below to figure out the overall pathway and for tips on what a suitable first job would be in each pathway.
Related: UK doctor titles 101, The best first job in the UK for overseas doctors
Visas and immigration
Most IMGs will need the General work visa (Tier 2). With this type of visa, you can bring your family to the UK as well. Family means spouse and children, it does not include parents, siblings or other relatives.
After 5 years in the UK on a Tier 2 visa, you can apply for permanent residence AKA Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). After one year with ILR, you can apply for British citizenship.
Recommended books
Day-to-day clinical reference
- Oxford Handbook of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Emergencies in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Pack
- Handbook of Obstetric Medicine
Interview preparation
For both training and non-training jobs
Need more guidance?
All of this may be overwhelming and difficult initially but it doesn’t have to be. Start preparing early so you have time to take things slowly and plan out each step.
Just know that if you’re really struggling, then you don’t have to be alone. We run an online course called IMGs for UK ST1/CT1 Masterclass where we simplify the whole process.
You’ll get a step-by-step video series that you can watch at your own pace, providing you with a clear winning strategy to achieve the highest application score you can and increase your chances of getting a training job.
Visit our IMG Masterclass page for more information.
Disclosure: There are some affiliate links in the article above. This means that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a booking or purchase by clicking on the link. We only recommend products and services that we use ourselves or have proven success amongst IMGs.
28 Responses
I will be writing both PLAB 1 & 2 next year and I want to apply for the training program in November 2023. Please, can I still keep applying to non-training jobs in the UK to keep busy and learn about NHS practices while waiting for August 2024 when training officially starts?
Absolutely! That’s what we recommend. We do not advise starting a training job without prior NHS experience. Good luck!
HI. I need some advice regarding MRCOG part 1. I have finished my house job/internship in Pakistan and have given Plab 1 as well. I am currently preparing for plab2 and am interested in Gynae/Obs as a career in UK (long term). Do you think I should give MRCOG-part 1 at this point? Am I eligible? Also, would it help in getting a residency if I clear MRCOG part-1 earlier?
Hi there. Congrats on passing PLAB 1! You can if want, it’s really up to you. You can check eligibility on the RCOG website, I don’t think you need any O&G experience to take it but please check their full application process. Passing the exam does show that you’re committed to O&G so it will help when applying for residency, but it’s not the only factor. I recommend checking out our free course for a full overview of the process 🙂 IMG Shortcut
Good luck with PLAB 2!
I’m an ObGyn in the United States, completed 4 years of medical school, 4 years of residency, and have been in private practice for 14 years. Is there a place for me? I’m very interested in practicing in the UK and learning from other perspectives.
Absolutely! It depends on what your goals are and what you’d like to get out of working in the UK.
If you’d like to discuss your plans, I would recommend booking a general guidance session (40 mins).
https://calendly.com/drkimberlytan
I hope to speak to you soon so we can come up with a plan and timeline that works for you.
Kimberly
Hi Nick! I have completed my three years post graduation (M.D.) in obstetrics and gynaecology from India followed by one year of work experience. My long term goal is to be an obgyn consultant in U.K. Which job will be more suitable ( trainee or non trainee) after completing all three parts of MRCOG and getting a GMC registration? And what will be my entry point in the ST system of U.K. if i get MRCOG certificate?
Hi Doctor, it’s best to start out in non-training then apply for training ST3.
It can get quite confusing so if you are looking for one-to-one guidance for your specific personal circumstances, you might be interested in booking a session to discuss your options. For more details, please visit our page here.
https://calendly.com/drkimberlytan
I look forward to speaking with you!
Kimberly
Hello Nick, I have completed M.B.B.S (4.5yrs + 1 year internship) followed by post graduation in obstetrics& gynaecology (3 years) and then 1 year of clinical experience after finishing my degree in India. Can you kindly guide what will be the best method to work as a gynecologist in U.K. ?
Hi there, you’ll need to apply for GMC registration either via PLAB or MRCOG then you can start applying for jobs. Alternatively you can look into the RCOG MTI programme. If you are looking for one-to-one guidance for your specific personal circumstances, you might be interested in booking a session to discuss your options. For more details, please visit our page here. https://calendly.com/drkimberlytan Best of luck!
Hi Nick,
Thanks for the very detailed article.
I have completed my residency in OBGYN in the US and have worked for the last 2 years. Would you please be able to guide me on next steps if I wanted to practice in the UK? Additionally, do you know if there are any requirements to work for the NHS or is private practice an option for international doctors?
Thanks in advance!
Hi there! You’d need to get GMC registration which I believe you may be eligible for with USMLE (however the GMC do require proof of internship which includes 3 months in medicine, and 3 months in surgery) and then you can start applying for jobs. You can work in private practice as long as it is an approved practice setting, you won’t be able to open up your own independent practice from the start.
There is a lot to cover in your comment though and I’m afraid I won’t be able to give you the detailed response you need to really develop a plan on this platform.
For one-to-one guidance for your specific personal circumstances, I would recommend booking a general guidance session (40 mins) or even specialty guidance session (60 mins). For more details, please visit our page here.
https://calendly.com/drkimberlytan
I hope to speak to you soon so we can come up with a plan and timeline that works for you.
Kimberly
Hello. I’m Dr Rabail Azhar from Pakistan. I’m about to complete my internship from my home country by the end of August 2021 and then apply for another 12 month’s of clinical experience overseas. The application window for ST1 opens in November 2021. Will my application be accepted for the round as I’ll only have 12 months of clinical experience? Or are there any alternatives? Please guide. Thank you.
Hi there, you’ll need a total of 24 months clinical experience by August 2022. If you don’t have it yet but WILL, then you can apply when the application window opens in November 2021. Hope that clarifies things!
Hi Nick
I am a gynecologist noqw in oman with 17 years of gynec experience and MRCOG and hold GMC registration and would like to relocate to UK.how to go about it.i have sent many applications but getting no replies dont know where it is going wrong.please help
thanks
Dear Dr, I would recommend having your CV or job applications reviewed by a UK obstetrician to increase your chances of getting a job. Please see the service provided by Dr Jake Adams https://www.doctorjakes.com/cv-review
Best of luck!
Hi Nick, thank you for this wonderful and detailed post. I have trained in obsetrics in India and also have a couple of fellowships from Canada. I have about 7 years experience, including the training period. I also have MRCOG. I was wondering what would be the right pathway for me if my long term goal is to work as a consultant in the UK? Which one would be better for me, CCT or the CESR?
Thanks in advance!
Hi there! Thanks for visiting our site! You’d be overqualified for the CCT pathway so you’d have to consider CESR-CP or CESR. You need to weigh up whether you want to repeat training (CESR-CP pathway) or work as a specialty doctor or locum consultant until you can complete all the documents required for CESR. Both pathways take time but just keep in mind that training involves rotating between different hospitals every year which may involve moving house frequently. This is not the case if you go for CESR.
Hey there!
I have recently completed my ob&gyn specialty in Europe. I was looking for an international fellowship program to complete my training in gynecology oncology. Is there any program dedicated to foreign fellows for a temporary duration of 2 years who are actually sponsored by their home country? Or should I apply for a paid medical position as in the BMJ? This seems to be a complex procedure.
I tried your links in the Goal #3 – Complete a fellowship in the UK then return home, but they Don’t seem to be working.
Thank you so much for your kind reply
Hi there! The MTI programme can be like that. Please inquire with the RCOG about their application and funding process. The links appear to be working for us, please try again or visit the RCOG website directly. All the best!
Hi! im Dr. Raul Cabra from Mexico.
Ive been on a non-training job here in mexico since 2016 in a ObGyn and Reproductive Medicine clinic, and ive just been accepted to sit to the MRCOG part 1 Examination.
Does it mean that if a pass the exam (MRCOG) and IELTS/OET i can bypass PLAB 1 and enter directly to ST/3 ?
Thank you for the advice!
Hi there, yes to bypass PLAB you need to pass all parts of the MRCOG (not just Part 1) + IELTS/OET. You may be able to enter at ST3 if 1) you fulfil all the other eligibility criteria and 2) you have a good application score compared to other applicants. Best of luck with the exams!
I m Dr. Lisa from Bangladesh. I m completed my MBBS on 2015, then I completed my 1 year internship program. After that I m working as a medical officer at gynaecology and obstetrics dept. , then promoted as a senior medical officer and till now I m working there and preparing myself for MRCOG part 1 exam for next July session. Now I m interested to build up my career as a gynaecologist in UK.What should I do?please help me with your kind reply.
Thank you
Hi there! Please see our guide here https://thesavvyimg.co.uk/obstetrics-gynaecology-guide-uk/
Hi, I’ve completed 36 months of OBGYN training in India and cleared the mrcog part 1. And as per GMC rules mrcog part 3 requires 4 years of OBGYN experience then GMC registration is provided. I’ve been working on my portfolio and just wanted to ask if I can apply for st3 equivalent job in UK with only mrcog part 1 and without GMC registration and complete the rest of the mrcog in UK itself. Or I need full GMC registration with completed mrcog before coming to UK?
Hi there, yes you can if you go through the sponsorship route or MTI route and meet all the other requirements for MTI. You can read more about MTI through the links above. If you do not go through the MTI route then unfortunately no, you need to either complete MRCOG first or pass PLAB to get GMC registration before you can work in the UK.
Hello Doctor
Thanks for this informative article. Well a friend of mine is interested in becoming gynecologist and will complete her plab 2 by 2021. She has worked for about 3 years post-graduation in critical care department. Is she eligible to apply for obstetrics and gynecology as she never worked in that department ,except for 2 months during internship ?
Thanks.
Hi there! Yes, I don’t see why not as long as she meets all the eligibility criteria.