15 Points to remember
Knowledge is king
- Obtain information from people
- Friends in the UK
- Facebook, whatsapp groups websites
- Networking
- Read up information from websites
- Keep up-to-date
- Read all relevant information about how UK graduates progress
Understanding
- 1. Training varies from country to country
- There is good and bad in each system
- Try to imbibe (take on) the good in each system
- 2. The characteristics of a mature learner
- Try to understand the gaps in your training
- Try and work out an individual path
- 3. Objective evidence is difficult to refute
- Record your progression objectively
- 4. Discrimination happens in all societies
- It is easier to address it in the UK
- It is infrequent but you need to recognize it and speak up.
10 Points
- 1. Log book or proof of competency
- If you do not have proof of what you have done, it is difficult to get them signed retrospectively
- Log book with details
- Reflections on procedures / learning points noted
- 2. CREST form (Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training)
- Get this signed off by your supervisor or professor
- Your professor can sign on behalf of previous professors ( email/ Telephone contact)
- 3. Portfolio is an important record
- What you have done/ Where you have reached
- What you hope to do
- Gaps in your training
- Your aspirations
- Steps that you have towards your aspirations
- Log Book
- Quality improvement project
- 4. Police verification certificate
- From you home city, Go back Meet people, ensure that the police will issue it
- 5. Elective Posting–
- shows your sense of purpose
- Ability to do some research/ Quality improvement project
- 6. Choosing your Visa
- Tier 2
- Tier 5
- 7. International Driving license
- You can drive for a year after arrival
- Getting your insurance / No claim Bonus Certificate if you own a car.
- 8. Fix up a clinical attachment
- Useful to get a view on how hospitals work
- Ask questions and write a reflection on your posting.
- 9. Variability from trust to Trust
- Some trusts are better than others at dealing with international medical graduates
- Medical personnel can seem very mis-informed/ disinterested
- You need to drive the process
- 10. Getting your BRP and National Insurance Number
- Biometric Residence Permit – Collect from post office
- 11. Health clearance
- Depends on Type of Visa
- TB Check
- 12 You should be able to support yourself (and your family)
- What happens if you fall ill
- What happens if a close family member falls ill ( 4 week rule)
- 13. Opening a bank account
- Letter from the Trust
- Proof of address ( Letter from GMC)
- 14. Renting a house
- No Credit status in this country
- Having a Guarantor can help
- Check bus / Tram routes
- particularly late nights
- 15.Tax refunds
- Expenses for your work
- Courses not allowed
- Stethoscope, books memberships