Since I started writing articles for international medical graduates, I have gotten many questions about the process. I have decided to answer the ten common questions IMGs ask.
- How can I fund the process?
Becoming an IMG is expensive, and you have to save up for it or ask family and friends for support. With the current global economic crisis, many people find it challenging to fund the process of paying for their exams, travel to write the second part of the PLAB exams, or migrate with their families when the time comes. It is possible to switch careers and relocate via a different career path and work to save up for the exams. I shared some money-saving tips here. https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/blogs/berrysmotivation/money-saving-tips-for-health-care-professionals
- I want to write PLAB, but I have not been successful at IELTS despite several attempts. What can I do?
Occupational English Test (OET) is an alternative to IELTS, and many people find it somewhat easier. In addition, if you have tried either exam in your home country several times and are unsuccessful, you can attempt the exam somewhere else. You can do this if you have the opportunity to travel on holiday to other countries. Some examiners may have a home-country bias and thus be more rigid when marking candidates. Whereas an examiner in a different country may be impressed at how well your English is and score you differently.
- What do I do If I fail Plab on several attempts?
While some people may judge PLAB as an easy exam, others may not find it particularly easy. Remember, everyone has different backgrounds and different learning experiences, and people learn and grasp things at different paces. If you fail several attempts and get stuck, take a break, take a step back, and re-strategize. There must be a reason for your unsuccessful attempts. Remember, you have limited shots and do not want to waste them. Go back to the drawing board and look for the best resources to help you be adequately prepared. Book an exam consultation via the link if you are currently struggling with any professional exam. https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/products/preparation-for-medical-exams
- What do I do If I am unable to get a job?
It can be disappointing to go through the rigorous phases of writing the exams only to find it hard to land a job. Some people make the job applications difficult for themselves. They either apply to only a particular city or apply to random jobs with no prior research. Remember you are applying to work as a doctor, and you will be trusted with the lives of your patients. In your application, you should be able to prove to a potential employer that you have the skills of a fully qualified doctor. You also have to prove your diligence, that you can work hard and be trusted. While your certifications make a point of your qualifications, expressing these attributes in your cover letter is essential. I stress the importance of a cover letter, and it is best never to take it for granted. You can purchase my e-book on how to write a perfect cover letter for just £10, and upon purchase, I will review your cover letter and make corrections if needed. https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/products/nhs-jobs-personal-statement-guide
- What do I do if I want to switch careers?
The first thing to remember when you are about to make a career decision is that you can thrive on any path you choose. Just because you are on a different path from others does not mean that you have failed. I know how it feels to go through 6 years of medical school and then decide not to practice. Family, friends, and people around you may not understand at first, but you owe it to yourself to be on a career path you love and not for others. I will share an interview soon with a medical doctor who discussed her career switch and how she is currently thriving on a path she chose for herself. It is worth reading, and you will find it very insightful.
- I want to move to the UK but am not ready to sit for the exams.
The choice depends on you as an individual. What do you want, or what path are you willing to take? Is medicine the goal, or do you want to drop clinical medicine? With the answers to these questions, you can find yourself on a different path and thriving. With Brexit, the job market has been more flexible than it has been in many years. There are many opportunities, with more being put out there regularly. If you want to practice medicine but are not ready, there is no use wasting time; the exams are the quickest and easiest to get you into clinical practice. If you are considering a different path, you can go into the job market to apply for jobs in your field of interest. In addition, you will be looking for jobs that can sponsor you on a work visa.
- I want to move to the uk, but I am unsure if my partner will get a good job.
As I highlighted above, the job market is becoming more flexible daily. Your partner must be open-minded as they may need to start in a different field before gradually steering in their area of interest. While you are in the process of writing the exams, your partner may begin to apply for jobs, attend job fairs or take up courses that will enable them to get a job faster.
- The end goal is the US, but I want to start with the UK as I think it is easier.
My honest opinion will be to get on board with the U.S exams without wasting much time. The longer you put these exams aside, the more difficult they may become for you. You don’t want to waste so much time on the path or in a country you do not wish to settle in eventually. However, if you are in the UK already, it is absolutely fine as you can apply to less time-pressured jobs and use your free time preparing for the USMLE exams.
- Can I have my internship done in the UK?
The answer is YES. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot has changed. It is now possible for international medical graduates to do their internship in the UK, provided you go through the application process, ensuring that you apply with the correct documents. If you are an IMG and thinking of doing your internship in the UK and unsure of the process, book a consultation with me, and I will help you get through the process. Book a consultation here. https://berrysmotivation.co.uk/products/career-consultation
- I want to go into specialty training immediately, but I hear it is long.
This absolutely depends on the specialty you want. There are specialties in the UK that you can do within six years. Some of them are radiology, GP training, etc. I will share a blog post of these later this month. Look out for it.
Bonus question: What specialty other than GP/family medicine will give me an excellent work-life balance?
There are several specialties that offer a fair work-life balance. Psychiatry, for example, is a less time-pressured specialty and can be completed within six years. It is best to research all the options comprehensively before making a choice. Hope you found this useful.
Best Wishes
Dr Mute'