For general practice doctors moving from overseas, the biggest challenge is finding a suitable job and establishing yourself. The UK NHS is extremely competitive and there are many barriers to entering the profession. However, if you’re committed to becoming a GP and want to contribute to the health service in the UK, there are a number of steps that can help you succeed. In this article, we will explore some of the challenges and obstacles that overseas doctors face, and share our own experiences as a GP in the UK.
Dr. Sombredero’s experience as a doctor-in-training in the UK
The transition to the UK is a complicated process, and it can be challenging for a doctor who has completed their training abroad. In an attempt to facilitate the process, the RCOG has put together useful information for doctors looking to work in the UK. It includes information about O&G institutions, training and consultancy posts, as well as opportunities to do observerships. The NHS is a national health service that provides healthcare to all residents of the UK. It is a publicly-funded system that relies on taxation to fund its services.
There is a shortage of doctors in certain specialties. Some of these include emergency medicine, paediatrics, radiology, pathology, and psychiatry. This lack of supply causes a shortage of medical staff and poses a challenge for workforce planning. Despite this, doctors in training make up a significant proportion of the workforce, providing much of the resource needed to meet the needs of the health service. Yet there are a large number of doctors who take career breaks, which suggests that foundation doctors are delaying their specialty choice.
Barriers to becoming a GP in the UK
For aspiring GPs in the UK, a number of reasons may pose barriers. These may include the time involved, a lack of GP training opportunities, and the language barrier. The good news is that there are options available to overcome many of these barriers.
It is important to note that, in general, the UK will allow doctors from other countries to become a GP. As a GP, you will work with the local population and be based in a locality. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you can practice medicine in the UK.
Work-life balance in the NHS
General practice doctors moving from overseas are faced with a new set of challenges. One of these is finding a good work-life balance. However, GP Jobs Australia medical careers are notoriously difficult to manage in terms of work-life balance. Fortunately, there are some ways to help achieve this.
Many doctors enjoy a good work-life balance, while others find it difficult to maintain. In the UK, doctors are protected by the European Working Time Directive (EWD), which mandates working an average of 48 hours a week. However, this is not the case in Germany, where the average doctor’s working week is 70 to 80 hours. This is not a good balance for many general practitioners, who are likely to suffer from burnout.
Challenges in transitioning back to your home country as a GP
Having moved abroad to practice medicine, you may be apprehensive about returning home after a period of overseas employment. While moving back to your home country is a challenging experience, there are several strategies to help make the transition as smooth as possible. For starters, talking with other doctors who have moved back from abroad can help you prepare for the transition. Keeping in contact with your former colleagues can also help you find new employment when you return home.
Another challenge is obtaining a foreign work permit and residence permit. Those who practice in another country are often required to apply for a foreign work permit. However, men are more likely to obtain a foreign work permit than women.