The Candidate Process
If you apply to be a GP in England this is the application process you will follow:
Step 1
An initial conversation with the recruitment agency for the area you are interested in working in, and some background checks (including police checks).
Step 2:
You will be asked to take an English language test. This will either be the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Occupational English Test (medicine version) proficiency test for people wishing to study or work in English speaking countries.
Step 3:
You will be interviewed in your own country via Skype, and start your registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC sets standards for doctors in the UK - you need to be registered with them and on their GP Register in order to work as a GP in England. You will also be invited to complete a self-assessment to help identify any training needs.
Find out more about ethical guidelines and medical practice in the UK by downloading the General Medical Council's extremely useful 'My GMP' app to your tablet / mobile device. It's well worth familiarising yourself with these guidelines early on in the process.
Download the 'My GMP' app for Android and Apple devices.
Step 4:
A visit to your chosen area to find out more about where you will be working and to meet other international GPs. You will have a second interview and your learning needs will also be assessed.
Step 5:
Once you pass your second interview you will be able to join the programme. You will be allocated to a GP practice in your chosen region.
Step 6:
You'll be provided with a minimum of 3 months of training and observation in your practice to prepare you for the I&R assessments and improve your English language skills. You will then spend a minimum of 6 months treating patients with supervision and support from a senior GP at the practice.
* Information taken from NHS England's IGPR (International GP Recruitment) National Prospectus – read the full document here.