The Royal College of Physicians offers a wide range of support for international medical graduates (IMGs) throughout their careers in the UK. This section explores postgraduate training pathways, pastoral support and IMG networks, continuing professional development, and key processes such as CREST forms, appraisal and revalidation. It also highlights RCP resources, events and educational opportunities to support your long-term career progression
Pastoral support and IMG networks
The NHS is increasingly putting measures in place to support the wellbeing of its employees. Your wellbeing is important and helps you thrive in the workplace. Your hospital's intranet should outline the support available from your NHS employer, such as occupational health or staff psychology services.
Postgraduate career pathways in the UK
Postgraduate career pathways for physicians centre on internal medicine training (IMT) followed by progression into one of the two groups of physician specialties. After 2-year foundation training, most doctors enter a 3-year IMT stage 1 programme, with group 1 specialties (such as cardiology, gastroenterology, respiratory medicine, geriatrics and rheumatology). They progress into dual programmes that integrate a further 12 months of internal medicine (IMT stage 2), with higher specialty training leading to a dual certificate of completion of training (CCT) in internal medicine and the chosen specialty.
Group 2 specialties, which predominantly provide outpatient or diagnostic services (like dermatology, medical oncology, clinical genetics, haematology), recruit directly to specialty training posts after IMT without dual internal medicine training. The overall training duration and accepted core training routes are defined in each specialty curriculum.
Resources
- Training pathways – JRCPTB
- RCP Faculties
- Internal medicine training recruitment – NHS IMT Recruitment
- Higher specialty training (HST) recruitment – NHS England
- Alternative certificate to enter group 1 higher specialty training
- Alternative certificate to enter group 2 higher specialty training
Independent external links (please note our disclaimer)
Ongoing support and development
Now you are beginning to feel more settled working within the NHS system, here are some resources that may help you plan your future career.
1. Clinical support and continuous professional development
Resources
- First 90-day guide for IMGs – BMA
- ReSPECT forms explained – Resuscitation Council
- Adult life support courses – Resuscitation Council
- Medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD): guidance for medical practitioners – GOV.UK
- NHS MyAthens: for free access to journal, books and electronic healthcare resources
- Assessing fitness to drive: a guide for medical professionals – GOV.UK
- Leadership training: Edward Jenner Programme – NHS Leadership Academy
- RCP teaching skills workshop
- RCP events and education
- Workplace based assessments – JRCPTB
- Quality improvement made simple – The Health Foundation
Independent external links (please note our disclaimer)
1.1 Quality improvement
Resources
- RCP Improvement
- Q
- Advancing Quality Alliance
- Introduction to healthcare quality improvement course
- BMJ Open Quality
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement
- Sustainability in Quality Improvement
2. Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialist Training (CREST) forms
This form is required to show evidence that you have the skills and competencies to be able to enter the first year of a specialty training programme. It demonstrates your foundation level competencies (Curriculum – UK Foundation Programme). It is worth discussing this form early with your supervisor so that they are aware of the requirements and your career ambitions. You need to work with the consultant signing the form for a minimum of 3 months.
Resources
- CREST form
- Specialty specific guidance for portfolio pathway applications – GMC
- Portfolio pathway (formerly known as CESR) – JRCPTB
Independent external link (please note our disclaimer)
GMC appraisal and revalidation
Appraisal
Appraisal is an annual process required for all doctors with GMC registration and a licence to practise. It takes place between the doctor being appraised and their appraiser (this may not be your supervisor). Appraisals review your entire scope of practice, consisting of the evidence you have acquired during the previous year (this may include workplace-based assessments, colleague/patient feedback, evidence of engagement in quality improvement, CPD etc). The process helps doctors to reflect on their professional development and set objectives for the forthcoming year.
For doctors in training, the appraisal process is called the ‘Annual review of competency progression (ARCP)’. It will require specific evidence relevant to the year of training the doctor is in, to ensure they can progress to the next year of training.
If you are not in GMC employment, but have GMC registration with a license to practice, you will still need to have an annual appraisal. Please see the BMA link below for more information.
Resources
- Medical appraisals – AoMRC
- Medical appraisals – BMA
- Additional requirements for doctors without a connection – GMC
Revalidation
Revalidation is carried out every 5 years for all doctors holding a GMC number with a licence to practise. The process confirms the continuation of a doctor’s licence to practise in the UK and ensures that doctors are kept up to date and are fit to practise.
Resources
RCP resources
The RCP offers a wealth of resources and opportunities to enhance your learning and development.
1. RCP membership:
RCP membership supports physicians at every career stage – whether you’ve just started training or been practising for years. Becoming a member gives you access to benefits and opportunities, that can help to influence and shape your career, including free CPD-accredited events and discounts on conferences.
2. RCP events and education:
3. Courses and resources particularly suitable for doctors new to the NHS:
- Call the medical registrar (free for members)
- Regional updates
- RCP Player – free videos and podcasts, with the option to book CPD-accredited webinars at additional cost (free for RCP members)
- Med+/Medicine conferences
- Workplace-based assessment workshop
- Teaching skills workshop
4. Ways to get involved with the RCP:
Find out more
Explore different sections of resources for IMGs who are planning to start work in the NHS, as well as those already working and training in the UK