International Medical Graduate (IMG)
International Medical Graduate GP trainees.
This page has links to useful information and resources we hope international medical graduate (IMG) GP trainees may find helpful whilst training in the UK.
We also provide an induction course for IMG GP Trainees at the start of training. Please ask your programme directors for more information and look out for invites if you would like to participate.
Resources for International Medical Graduates:
RCGP guide for oversees doctors living and working in the UK as a GP
Health Education England (HEE) GP recruitment page with resources for IMGs
Information on Skilled work visas (replaced Tier 2 work visa)
UK CISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) - Information and resources for international students in the UK
HEE Wessex induction for IMG doctors (via this link you will also find the ‘Wessex Handbook for IMG doctors’ and lots of other helpful resources).
Bournemouth university advice on ‘Living in the UK’ for international graduates
Health & Wellbeing Hampshire and Isle of Wight - Settling In
It’s worth joining the BMA, they have various resources to support IMGs from practical advice such as setting up a bank account to communication with others - have a look here
BMA advice and support for IMG doctors on life and work in the UK
YouTube Vlog - “Day In The Life Of A Doctor, GP (General Practitioner)”
Consultations and communication skills:
There are also communication skills courses available for IMG GP trainees please ask your programme directors for more information.
Books:
Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour Paperback, by Kate Fox
Oxford Handbook of General Practice (Oxford Medical Handbooks)
Medical Statistics Made Easy, (any edition), by Michael Harris and Gordon Taylor
A paper copy of the latest BNF (it is useful to have the actual book as the first few pages of BNF have useful information about prescribing).
CSA Cases Workbook for the MRCGP Third edition, by Ellen Welch, Irina Zacharcenkova, Jennifer Lyall
CSA Scenarios for the MRCGP, 4th edition: frameworks for clinical consultations, by Thomas Das CSA Revision Notes for the MRCGP, fourth edition, by Jennifer Stannett, Sarah Osmond
Further support:
Wessex Professional Support and Wellbeing Unit (PSW): offer individual support sessions for trainees, addressing adjusting to a different cultural, ethical, and professional environment, exam support and help with diagnosis of learning difficulties such as dyslexia
Professional support can also be accessed via the doctor’s support network or through the Practitioner Health Programme
The charity, Mind has lots of advice and resources for mental health and wellbeing
NHS also provides tips and support for health and wellbeing
Information on how to register with a local GP surgery
Useful links:
Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)
Fourteen fish - for learning resources and access to your e-portfolio.
NICE guidance - has all the latest evidenced-based clinical guidance for health and care in England.
BNF (British National Formulary) - drug formulary with guidance on prescribing medications.
BMJ Learning - offers online courses and learning resources on a range of health care topics.
GP notebook - an online database of medical guidelines aimed at general practitioners.
Patient - information on a variety of health conditions for both patients and health care professionals.
Bradford VTS - free medical resources for GP trainees
GMC guidance on Good medical practice
Wessex Palliative Care Handbook