Introduction of new sponsorship programme
As you are aware there have been significant changes to the rules and regulations with regards to International Medical Graduates (IMGs) training in the UK. The UK Home Office now requires all non-EU doctors to have work permit to work/train in the National Health Service. The UK General Medical Council (GMC) has also changed its registration regulations. In addition with the introduction of run through grade training following Modernising Medical Career (MMC) working in UK has altered the system significantly. RCOG has taken all these new rules and regulations into consideration and has proposed a new scheme known as International Doctors Training Programme (IDTP) for overseas graduates.
New Home Office rules states clearly that total duration of training in UK is for a maximum of 2 years and therefore it would not lead to Completion of Certificate of Training (CCT).
Given recent changes in NHS funding, there may be difficulties in identifying posts for successful candidates. However, the RCOG is working hard to resolve the situation.
The information and application pack can be downloaded from the website. Please contact our International Office if you have any queries in this regard.
Mani Das FRCOG
Sponsorship Officer
International Doctors Training Programme (IDTP)
The next closing date will be announced shortly...
Eligibility
All candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Part 1 MRCOG
- An IELTS score of 7 in all domains (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in the academic version of the test is required. The score to be achieved in a single sitting and within 24 months at time of application;
- Four years of supervised postgraduate practice in obstetrics and gynaecology which has been approved by the Examination Department for Part 2 MRCOG examination (please submit letter from the Examination Department of the RCOG);
- have no rights of residence in the UK/EU/EEA/Switzerland
- have not previously attempted General Medical Council’s PLAB test or registered with the UK GMC.
GMC requires trainees to be engaged in medical practice for three of the last five years, including the most recent twelve months. Clinical attachments/observerships do not count.
How to Apply
There is no application fee and candidates will not have to come to the UK for selection. Application is through open competition, supplying the following:
- the completed application form (Form 1);
- list of competencies detailing clinical skills obtained; (Form 2)
- 2 recent professional references, including one from the current or most recent employer; (Form 3)
- Report from the Chairman of the RCOG Representative Committee *where one exists; (Form 4)
- Photocopy of a valid IELTS certificate;
- copy letter from the Examination Department confirming assessment of training for the Part 2 MRCOG.
*If there is no Representative Committee in the trainee’s country the form will have to be completed by a UK Fellow or Member who has interviewed the trainee in their home countries.
Trainees applying this scheme should submit forms 1, 2, 3 and 4. After the closing date, a Selection Panel will review their applications and identify candidates to be offered places
Training
Trainees will be appointed to ST Year 2 initially for one year only. If a trainee’s progress is satisfactory, and if they are offered ST3 posts within the Deanery, sponsorship and work permits can be extended for a further one year’s training maximum.
Under the Tier 5 Medical Training Initiatives (MTI) trainees are entitled to a maximum of two years training. A full guide to the MTI is available (pdf).
Incomplete applications and those, which do not fulfil the entry criteria, will be returned.
If you have difficulty downloading/printing any of these documents, copies are available on request from Joan Hayman – email jhayman@rcog.org.uk