Â鶹Çø

Career development and support for IMGs in the UK: Â鶹Çø resources and training pathways

The Royal College of Physicians offers a wide range of support for international medical graduates (IMGs) throughout their careers in the UK. This section explores postgraduate training pathways, pastoral support and IMG networks, continuing professional development, and key processes such as CREST forms, appraisal and revalidation. It also highlights Â鶹Çø resources, events and educational opportunities to support your long-term career progression

Pastoral support and IMG networks

The NHS is increasingly putting measures in place to support the wellbeing of its employees. Your wellbeing is important and helps you thrive in the workplace. Your hospital's intranet should outline the support available from your NHS employer, such as occupational health or staff psychology services.

Postgraduate career pathways in the UK

Postgraduate career pathways for physicians centre on internal medicine training (IMT) followed by progression into one of the two groups of physician specialties. After 2-year foundation training, most doctors enter a 3-year IMT stage 1 programme, with group 1 specialties (such as cardiology, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, geriatrics and rheumatology). They progress into dual programmes that integrate a further 12 months of internal medicine (IMT stage 2), with higher specialty training leading to a dual certificate of completion of training (CCT) in internal medicine and the chosen specialty.

Group 2 specialties, which predominantly provide outpatient or diagnostic services (like dermatology, medical oncology, clinical genetics, haematology), recruit directly to specialty training posts after IMT without dual internal medicine training. The overall training duration and accepted core training routes are defined in each specialty curriculum.

Resources

Independent external links (please note our disclaimer)

Ongoing support and development

Now you are beginning to feel more settled working within the NHS system, here are some resources that may help you plan your future career.Ìý

1. Clinical support and continuous professional development

Resources

Independent external links (please note our disclaimer)

1.1 Ìý Quality improvement

Resources

2. Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialist Training (CREST) forms

This form is required to show evidence that you have the skills and competencies to be able to enter the first year of a specialty training programme. It demonstrates your foundation level competencies (). It is worth discussing this form early with your supervisor so that they are aware of the requirements and your career ambitions. You need to work with the consultant signing the form for a minimum of 3 months.Ìý

Resources

Independent external link (please note our disclaimer)

Student Studying In Library

GMC appraisal and revalidation

Appraisal 

Appraisal is an annual process required for all doctors with GMC registration and a licence to practise. It takes place between the doctor being appraised and their appraiser (this may not be your supervisor). Appraisals review your entire scope of practice, consisting of the evidence you have acquired during the previous year (this may include workplace-based assessments, colleague/patient feedback, evidence of engagement in quality improvement, CPD etc). The process helps doctors to reflect on their professional development and set objectives for the forthcoming year. 
For doctors in training, the appraisal process is called the ‘Annual review of competency progression (AÂ鶹Çø)’. It will require specific evidence relevant to the year of training the doctor is in, to ensure they can progress to the next year of training. 
If you are not in GMC employment, but have GMC registration with a license to practice, you will still need to have an annual appraisal. Please see the BMA link below for more information. 

Resources

Revalidation

Revalidation is carried out every 5 years for all doctors holding a GMC number with a licence to practise. The process confirms the continuation of a doctor’s licence to practise in the UK and ensures that doctors are kept up to date and are fit to practise. 

Resources

Â鶹Çø resources

The Â鶹Çø offers a wealth of resources and opportunities to enhance your learning and development. 

1. Â鶹Çø membership:

Â鶹Çø membership supports physicians at every career stage – whether you’ve just started training or been practising for years. Becoming a member gives you access to benefits and opportunities, that can help to influence and shape your career, including free CPD-accredited events and discounts on conferences.

2. Â鶹Çø events and education:

3. Courses and resources particularly suitable for doctors new to the NHS:

4. Ways to get involved with the Â鶹Çø:

Find out more

Explore different sections of resources for IMGs who are planning to start work in the NHS, as well as those already working and training in the UK 

Applying for jobs in the NHS: a guide for international medical graduates

Hints and tips on applying for jobs in the NHS, alongside information about clinical attachments and resources to help you prepare for NHS interview.

Moving to the UK as an international medical graduate: visas, finances and living essentials

Links to useful resources on visas, NHS pay and finances, housing, healthcare access, childcare and schooling, transport, and available NHS staff discounts.

Starting work in the NHS: pre-employment checks and preparation for IMGs

Information on the required pre-employment checks, what to expect in your first few weeks, key NHS organisations, and the importance of medical indemnity cover.

NHS induction, supervision and ePortfolio: guidance for international medical graduates

What to expect from your NHS induction, how to use your ePortfolio effectively, and the role of clinical and educational supervision.

Refugee physicians

Support for refugee physicians in the UK, including free or discounted Â鶹Çø membership, training resources and signposting to employment pathways, helping them rebuild medical careers and maintain professional development in the UK.

Â鶹Çø Membership

We advocate for your needs, help you gain new skills and knowledge, keep you informed of the latest developments and enable you to connect with supportive colleagues through our local, national and global networks.