
16/05/2025
📌🇬🇧
👉A Step-by-Step Guide Based on My Experience!
Many juniors, batchmates, and fellow IMGs have been reaching out to me, asking how to apply for a clinical attachment in the UK.
So I thought I’d share my personal experience and tips that I wish I had when I first started this journey.
First Decide Your Approach:
📍If you have a specific location in mind:
-First, list all the NHS hospitals and trusts in that area.
-Go to their official websites/ Linkedin you’ll usually find contacts for the HR department or even the medical education department and consultant.
-Many consultants also have NHS email addresses listed on these site.
-Start emailing politely, introducing yourself, your background, and your interest in doing a clinical attachment.
📍If you’re open to any location:
-Search actively on LinkedIn, NHS Jobs, or simply through Google and list all the NHS Hospital.
-Type in things like “Emergency Medicine Consultant NHS” or “Clinical Supervisor NHS” and look for their email address.
-Again, introduce yourself through email, stating your qualifications (e.g., PLAB 2 cleared, GMC registered) and your flexibility with dates and duration.
📩What to Include in Your Email 📧
-Brief introduction (name, background, recent qualifications)
-State your interest in gaining NHS clinical experience through an attachment
-Mention the specialty you’re interested in (if any)
-Highlight your flexibility and eagerness to learn
★★Why Clinical Attachments Matter (Even if Some Say They Don’t) 💭
There’s an ongoing debate... some say clinical attachments aren’t that important. But let me tell you, from my personal experience, it helped me a lot. Here’s why:
✅ NHS Exposure: You get to see how the NHS works... patient flow, team dynamics, documentation, and communication styles.
✅ CV Booster: You can write “NHS Experience through Clinical Attachment” with clear keywords. It strengthens your CV and portfolio.
✅ Interview Advantage: When you get interview calls, you’ll be able to talk confidently about real cases you’ve observed and how the system works.
✅ Networking: You’ll meet consultants, doctors, and other staff who might help or guide you in the future.
✅ References: If you’re proactive and sincere, your supervising consultant might give you a reference...and that is very valuable when applying for jobs.
🌼My Own Story🌸
I really enjoy my Clinical attachment days..🤩🤩
I remember being asked a clinical scenario in an interview, and I reflected on something I saw during my attachment. I could talk about it confidently.. the management, team approach, and even the outcome. That moment showed the panel I had real NHS insight, even before starting a job.
So yes, it may feel like a small step, but trust me... it counts. ✌️
Be proactive, humble, and eager to learn during your attachment. That’s what leaves a lasting impression.
All the best on your journey! Don’t lose hope if replies are slow from HR and Consultant.. But please be consistent and keep trying. Your time will come! 😇