Road to residency in the UK

You finished medical school and you're looking to do your residency in the UK, so what should you do? Although there are many pathways to get to the UK, the easiest path is through PLAB.

The PLAB Journey consists of the following 6 steps: 1- English Proficiency: IELTS or OET 2- PLAB 1

3- PLAB 2

4- Visa

5- GMC registration

6- Residency

1- English proficiency exams

Any medical student/graduate who wishes to register for PLAB should sit for an English exam. IELTS Academic is the required exam for English. It is divided into 4 categories (reading, listening, writing and speaking). Each category is scored over 9. A minimum score of 7 in each is required and the average should be above 7.5. Students usually face difficulties in the writing category, as grades above 6.5 are hard to score even with advanced English skills. This is a common disadvantage for the IELTS.

OET is an alternative test for the IELTS that usually resolves the writing issue. OET is not done in Lebanon (closest country is Turkey). The exam itself is more difficult than IELTS as it involves medical terms. However, the people who face difficulties in the writing section of IELTS usually face no difficulties in the OET. After passing IELTS or OET, you can register for PLAB 1. You cannot register for PLAB 2 before passing PLAB 1.

2- PLAB 1

PLAB 1 is done every 3 months in multiple countries around the world (Not in Lebanon). To register for PLAB, one must create a GMC account and submit their IELTS/OET scores.

PLAB 1 is the equivalent of USMLE STEP 2 CK, where clinical knowledge is tested. Preparation for PLAB 1 is mainly through the question bank “PLABABLE” where questions are very similar to the ones encountered during the exam. However, for material not covered by PLABABLE, it is recommended that you use STEP 2 CK learning material. The PLAB 1 exam is considered easier than the USMLE STEP 2 CK by many students, but tests UK guidelines rather than US guidelines. But, PLABABLE more than prepares you for these differences.

3- PLAB 2

PLAB 2 is the OSCE Part. It consists of 18 stations each lasting 8 minutes. PLAB 2 is only held in the UK and is done everyday. One can find an available spot within 3-4 months from the date of registration.

4- Visa application

You need to apply for right to work visa. The visa will be part of the GMC application.

5- GMC registration

Candidates who have passed the english exam, PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 and have a valid visa are eligible to apply for GMC registration. Once they’re registered with the GMC, they are allowed to work in the UK as a doctor. Just note candidates are only required to pass, and a higher grade does not guarantee a better job offer.

After passing PLAB. Candidates can register with the GMC to begin searching for jobs. The GMC will send out an email after which candidates will enter their information.

6- Residency

Residency training highly depends on what specialty you want. So, you need to research the specific spatiality requirements. However, a general structure is presented here.

Basically, you have three options: stand-alone FY2 (foundation year two), training programs, trust grade SHO (senior house officer).

In Stand-alone FY2, you basically apply for a training program (i.e residency), you will be part of that program and you’ll have a teaching position. However, because of the limited positions, this pathway is the hardest to get into.

You can also apply to a training program as a resident, which is still competitive. After getting accepted you will be required to do two years of medical training before becoming an official resident.

Finally, you can apply as an SHO (the most popular pathway). In this pathway you will be working as a doctor in a specific hospital department, but you won’t be considered a resident. This will give you opportunity to learn about the residency programs, make lasting connections and then apply for a training program.

Good luck!

For further information refer to these links:

1. How to apply: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-a...

2. PLAB exam: https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-a...

3. The NHS: http://www.nhsemployers.org/-/media/E... https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/expl...