If you are interested in a career in general practice in the UK, you may be wondering if it is a good idea to apply for residency abroad. There are several factors to consider before applying. These factors include the pay, residency requirements, and burnout associated with working in the NHS. Read on to find out more.
Exclusion criteria for doctors moving from overseas
Almost one third of UK doctors are overseas, including those from the European Economic Area and international medical graduates. In this review, we explore the challenges these doctors face when moving to the UK. To do this, we conducted a literature search on the topic using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. The inclusion criteria were designed to include all publications that describe the experience of overseas physicians in the UK.
During the study period, the total number of GPs who gave their working address in England was 47761. The survey sampled 11 654 GPs, and 1415 GPs accepted the invitation to complete the survey. Of these, 289 GPs were excluded from the study because they did not fully answer the questionnaire. Another 46 were excluded because they gave contradictory answers. In addition, 67 GPs did not participate because their regional quota had been met. The final analysis included 1013 responses.
Residency requirements for general practice doctors
For general practitioners who wish to relocate to Canada, residency requirements may vary. While the accreditation systems of both countries are generally aligned, physicians from abroad may need additional training or a U.S.-based residency program. For this reason, it is wise to begin the process three to six months in advance of the desired move. It is also beneficial to meet with doctors practicing in the country to get a better understanding of the culture and the healthcare system.
For doctors who do not have a UK medical qualification, they must apply for a license. Without this, they cannot practice in the UK. Applicants who are unsure of their qualifications may check with GP Jobs Australia the GMC. In addition, doctors who are not UK/EEA nationals may need to demonstrate English language competency in order to be able to practice medicine in the UK.
Pay of general practice doctors in the UK
Doctors earn considerably more than the average worker in the UK. This is something that has attracted the attention of both hostile politicians and newspapers. A recent junior doctors’ strike highlighted the fact that GPs were being paid well above average. Meanwhile, last year, a Daily Mail article criticised GPs for their high salaries, pointing out that they earn PS100,000 on average.
GPs reacted to the situation by threatening to quit the NHS, demanding higher pay. In 1950, a group of GPs, led by Dr A.E. Loden, began campaigning for higher pay. They eventually won a settlement that included an annual premium of PS5 per patient.
Burnout of working in the NHS
The NHS is a challenging place to work and burnout among general practice doctors is a common issue. It has been estimated that 40% of staff experience some form of burnout at some point in their careers. Burnout can occur due to a number of factors including long hours, high workload, and poor work-life balance.
Doctors are becoming more likely to burn out than other specialties, and the risk is particularly high in general practice. In fact, one in every 20 GPs in England has sought help with a specialist mental health service in the last year. The Medical Protection Society (MPS) has outlined some of the reasons why this is occurring and has called for urgent action to tackle the problem.
