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