How to register and practice as a UK doctor if you're applying from overseas
11 Dec 2018 ● Hattie Kemp, Editorial team
How to register and practice as a UK doctor if you're applying from overseas
The UK is welcoming to Doctors with all levels of experience. Here's what you need to know about registering as a Doctor here in the UK.
Becoming a doctor in the UK opens up a whole new world of opportunities, however there's some important information you need to know first - read on to find out more!
Whether you're looking to work as a doctor in a GP surgery or within a hospital environment, there's some important information you need to know first if you're a doctor from overseas.
Anyone wishing to practice as a doctor in the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC), and hold a licence to practice.
Doctors who are qualified but not practising medicine, or who practise overseas can choose to hold registration without a licence to show they continue to be in good standing.
As long as keep your registration active you are able to legally work as a doctor in the UK.
Registering with the GMC
If you wish to apply for registration to the GMC, then here's the process:
• You'll receive an email with information that you'll have to provide in order to be eligible
• The documents will be received and checked
• If further information is required, you will be sent an email to say what else you need to provide
• Your application will now be complete
• So, you'll have to attend an ID check
• You have to make sure this is done within 3 months of invitation of ID check, otherwise your application will be closed and you'll have to go through the process again
• Registration is granted if the correct information is disclosed at the ID check!
The GMC will make a judgement on your qualifications. If you qualified outside of the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you should be prepared to undertake a Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) assessment to determine that your command of English meets the required standard.
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