International Medical Students: PSA

16/01/2026

I'm sure by now most are aware of the new emergency legislature from the UK government to prioritize UK medical graduates as well as those with settled status+NHS experience in specialty training. It is not clear if this will impact getting into foundation training at this point. This is to take effect from this ground of applications.
There are plans to review this again for 2027 during which NHS experience is likely to be considered with clarity as this was not done this time instead immigration status was used to gauge that.

What this can mean for you:
if you are an IMG applying directly into a specialty training post and are not a UK medical grad or not a citizen/ of settled status, then the competition is tough.

My opinion:
if you are still in medical school, look at all your opinions and not just one. Don't let yourself get stuck by being fixed on one country alone.
Laws and restrictions change so always prepare yourself to be able to take advantage of these.
Most of all, don't lose hope. Not everyone's experience will apply to you. Build your portfolio to give yourself a fighting chance.
If you have applied for FY2 standalone spend time preparing for your SJT and interview.
Getting into this will only be an advantage because UK experience is always an advantage including in moving to other countries to practice.

If you are still thinking about applying and have met the criteria, what do you have to lose?

Comment any questions and I'll do my best to respond. I'm unable to see DMs at this time.

PS: this is still a prioritization bill.

02/01/2026

Happy New Year to everyone!!!

Every January I post about the F2 standalone programme and I'm back at it again.
F2 standalone programme application Opens on the 6th January 2026.

F2 Stand-alone programmes are one-year fixed term Foundation year 2 level vacant posts that arise within Foundation Schools outside of the national 2-year Foundation Programme application process.
It is an opportunity to gain NHS SHO experience in a structured way within a training program which prepares you to fulfill the requirements for specialty training.
I'm sure you're well aware of competition ratios and how challenging getting into training is.

F2 standalone programmes are not without challenges however if you get a position it can be a fantastic opportunity that launches you into your career.
Click/ copy the link below for details. Start the year strong.

F2 Stand-alone - UK Foundation Programme https://share.google/zNeVVckrYI9ixMfZJ

The UK Foundation Programme Office are looking to recruit doctors who hold or are eligible for full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) to work in recognised F2 Stand-alone training programmes as part of the UK Foundation Programme.

14/01/2025

Happy New Year everyone!

In true new year fashion, I'm hoping everyone is keen to gain new experiences and pursue new opportunities.
****Application is now open!!!***
The F2 stand alone programme through the UKFPO is one that allows those with a full GMC license, get into foundation training programs after writing PLABs and hopefully getting some shadowing done.

I believe this is a great opportunity not only to get your first job but also get into the training loop and gain an experience of how training within the NHS model works.
Follow the link below to see the eligibility criteria, application information and timeline. Do not delay if you decide on applying.

The UK Foundation Programme Office are looking to recruit doctors who hold or are eligible for full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) to work in recognised F2 Stand-alone training programmes as part of the UK Foundation Programme.

24/10/2024

For those who have completed their internship years (UK and abroad) and interested in psychiatry. Next round of applications have opened. Please remember you need to have taken or plan to take the MSRA.

Core Training in Psychiatry - Aug 2025 round.

Applications opened today Thursday 24th October 2024
Last date: 21st Nov 2024.

Application is via the Oriel website, link is below.

https://www.oriel.nhs.uk/Web/PermaLink/Vacancy/96C9C884

For more regarding applying to Psychiatry and information regarding the recruitment process, check the link below.

https://medical.hee.nhs.uk/medical-training-recruitment/medical-specialty-training/psychiatry/core-psychiatry-training/overview-of-core-psychiatry-training/overview-of-core-psychiatry-training

Published vacancies that are available for applicants to apply to. This includes key information suchs as the training programme(s), post type(s), advert information and duration.

12/09/2024

This is specific to doctors registered to practice and currently in training in Pakistan. This is an opportunity to gain 2 years work experience in Ireland.

I don't know anyone who has applied or much beyond what is on the website so please read carefully for all the information you need.

Application ends September 30th, share with those you know will benefit from this opportunity.

**Remember if you aim to seek opportunities in English speaking countries and your country is not regarded as a native English speaking country, your first step is to take either the IELTS or OET.

https://www.cpsp.edu.pk/HSE-CPSP-september-2024.php?fbclid=IwY2xjawFQA9NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfQaLDdngTHOgFuUuGsSEgMsaAw4puehNOnScm8ZN5YBfbNPpl1XJGvieg_aem_YIIq_7Bdv37S4iE6_nz6iA

07/09/2024

Clinical attachments are Unpaid short/temporary period of work observation usually 4-6 weeks long, allowing international medical graduates in the process of getting their license to practice, a chance to build work experience and understand the system they intend to work in.

When looking for clinical attachment opportunities it is vital to read the definition given by the organization this allows you know what is expected of you, in most clinical attachment roles you are not permitted to consult, prescribe or perform any procedures. Read thoroughly and follow the application process provided on the websites some of these will require a processing fee.

I am focusing on the UK as this is what I know best however if I have accurate information about availabilities in other countries I will share them.

I have attached a few opportunities currently available, the expectation is that you will be ready to attend these from January, you may be fortunate to find availability this year however keep in mind this is September and adequate notice is required.

https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/staff-information/people-and-culture-teams/medical-resourcing-systems/clinical-attachments/

https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/clinical-attachments

https://joinnlag.co.uk/clinical-attachments/

https://www.esht.nhs.uk/medical-education/clinical-attachments/

Remember clinical attachments are a great way to network, show your work ethic and if you have your full license to practice this could be a great way to get a permanent job although not a guarantee.

Clinical Attachments, Observers, Doctors Shadowing, Clinical Attachment, Medical Observer, Medical Shadowing, CAVUHB, Cardiff Clinical Attachment, Wales Clinical Attachment, South Wales

02/09/2024

For many international medical graduates(IMGs) and foreign doctors, getting into the exams for licensing is an achievement that can be gotten by attending courses and studying hard which is something that we've done almost all our lives but where we need that extra bit of help is understanding what to expect, understanding the system and knowing what is expected of us once we get the license and a job. Although getting the job is a dream some true for many, it comes with its own anxieties.
That's where a clinical attachment comes in.
I'll be posting more about Clinical placements currently available and what you need to know.
If you are planning to take your PLAB 2 soon or are going to be in the UK you should consider these opportunities.

I will be sharing some opportunities this weekend.
Remember*
You are doing great!

23/06/2021

The eligibility window for the 2020 Foundation Programme is now closed.

23/06/2021

It's finally here!
For those IMGs rounding up their studies and getting their degrees this year, this is the best time to apply for the Foundation Programme so you don't waste time. For those who have graduated but still haven't done their internship, this a perfect opportunity to get into a foundation program through the UKFP eligibility process.

**Remember, knowledge is powerful, but you must seek it. Don't relay on other sources for all the information as it might be inaccurate.
The Eligibility documents - dean's statement, IELTS requirements and most of all the applicant guidelines have been published,
**PLEASE READ IT THOROUGHLY!
This is GOLD! That's your main source of information, if you have questions please direct them to the UKFPO.
It is your responsibility to read through before asking questions either here or directly to the UKFPO (which is highly recommended and preferred).
We are here to help and encourage and empower with any information we have.

https://foundationprogramme.nhs.uk/programmes/2-year-foundation-programme/eligibility-information/?fbclid=IwAR3whQTKAl4PFLOUI6W5CVkDbD3DElliginG3IJm77hW30VmYXsR9sIxYlg

As a little starter... What you need right now is to have the dean's statement completed by your medical school and have your IELTS - 7.5 in every domain, can be general or academic. Or OET 400 in all domains. That's just for documentation, don't forget your diploma.

Life has been life so I will post the most relevant information and answer questions in comments under each post, but I can't guarantee the speed at which I can deliver but I promise to do my best.

Finally please share helpful information with others, empower each other, as my lovely friend will say.. The sky is bigand wide enough for everyone to fly.
Cheers!

The eligibility window for the 2020 Foundation Programme is now closed.

25/07/2020

Hello to everyone reading this, I've been away and I'm sure we can all understand the reasons behind this as it has been one hell of a year for most people to different degrees. I hope we are all hanging in there.
This is not a post with any new information since many things are on hold.
I know these times can feel quite frustrating as our plans fall through, we lose people, are exposed at work, face uncertainties and experience emotional turmoil, please be encouraged in the knowledge that everything eventually comes to an end so keep pushing for a better tomorrow.

07/02/2020

It's official the GMC and Ukfpo are now accepting the OET which means there is no need for more than one English test not even for the visa application process.
Please check if your country offers it or maybe a neighboring country.

OET can now be used to show proof of English proficiency for the UK's Foundation Programme aimed at recruiting international doctors into the NHS.

22/01/2020

UKFPO F2 Stand alone applications on Oriel
deadline: Feb 3rd

The UK Foundation Programme Office are looking to recruit doctors who hold or are eligible for full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) to work in recognised F2 Stand-alone training programmes as part of the UK Foundation Programme.