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:

• Read the guidance on the GMC website

• Apply for registration online

• 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.

Most doctor jobs are within the public sector (NHS), however there are also opportunities to work within the private sector, too.

For more information on how to become a doctor, or CV and interview tips for doctors, then take a look at our other blogs here on Healthjobs.co.uk.

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