If you are a family doctor who has never worked as a general practice doctor in the UK, you might be wondering what it is like to set up shop here. This guide was created to give you the inside scoop on the process and make it easier to decide if it is the right move for you. Fortunately, the UK government welcomes family doctors to work as GPs in the country.
A growing number of British medical professionals are choosing to work abroad. Some are disillusioned with their profession and are looking for a fresh start in countries like Australia, where salaries are more than double that of their UK colleagues. A BMA survey found that nearly one in five doctors were considering other careers, and workload is one of the main factors. The ongoing pandemic is also having an impact on doctors’ well-being.
To apply to work in the UK, general practice doctors need to pass a medical examination and prove their competence. Applicants must provide proof of their postgraduate medical training, including references, as well as primary evidence of their work. The process can take up to six months, depending on the amount of evidence provided. The GMC has a detailed guide on its website.
When doctors move to the UK, they must consider the economic and social circumstances of their new workplace. The UK medical system is not particularly stable. Many doctors have been disappointed with their pay, saying that it is low in relation to their level of skill, sacrifice and specialisation. Taking lower pay is acceptable if it means the intrinsic value of being a doctor is well compensated.
While there are a few practical issues, moving to the UK for a career change is a viable option. The GP Jobs Australia UK NHS is a multi-cultural organisation, and people from different countries bring different perspectives and skills. If you are already working in a similar role in a foreign country, you might want to consider a GP Refresher Scheme or portfolio route.
A recent study looked into the reasons why doctors left the NHS, and the differences between their training experience and the NHS. Overall, the study found that doctors left the NHS for better opportunities. In particular, doctors who studied overseas reported that their training opportunities were more diverse, and they were working at the top of their licence. But, the NHS did not seem interested in retaining them.
While the overall benefits of moving overseas were not universally positive, most respondents reported greater satisfaction with their new work-life balance than the NHS. Over half of those surveyed were pleased with their overseas jobs. And, the pay was also more attractive, with many doctors citing an increase in income. Overall, the survey found that doctors who were dissatisfied with the NHS work-life balance also enjoyed the better work-life balance and better pay.
The government is making efforts to increase the supply of new primary care doctors in the country. However, this process can be arduous and lengthy. As long as the country’s health care law passes, the demand for primary care physicians will continue to grow. Moreover, the cost of medical services is higher in the United States than anywhere else in the world. Therefore, the shortage of physicians is likely to become worse after 2014.