Overseas training and queries
This page contains information and guidance for UK trainees wishing to have Overseas or UK OOPT to be counted towards their ICM programme. In addition, information is also provided for overseas doctors wishing to work or train in ICM in the UK, or obtain Fellowship of the Faculty.
- Out of programme training for UK trainees
- The Medical Training Initiative: Information for overseas doctors and UK hospitals
- Overseas Doctors: FAQs
Out of Programme training for UK trainees
If you wish to have Overseas or UK Out Of Programme Training (OOPT) counted towards your ICM programme this is approved on a case by case basis and you will need to apply to the FICM for prospective approval using the OOPT Application Form.
As a first step you should discuss your OOPT request with your local trainers, ICM Training programme Director and ICM Regional Advisor to ensure that they will approve the time off-rotation in order to undertake your OOPT.
Next check that the training location does not already have GMC approval. If the location already has GMC approval then you do not need to apply to the Faculty for OOPT if you also have local approval. You can find out if the location already has approval by contacting the GMC at quality@gmc-uk.org or by viewing the updated list at http://www.gmc-uk.org/education/28373.asp
If the Faculty's Training, Assessment and Quality Committee approve the OOPT as a suitable placement to count towards your training you will be issued with a letter of support, which you will subsequently need to submit to, along with other documents, to the GMC for official approval. This submission is usually co-ordinated by your local Deanery administration team. Contact your Deanery to confirm their local process.
The Medical Training Initiative: Information for overseas doctors and UK hospitals
The Medical Training Initiative (MTI) is a national scheme designed to allow a limited number of doctors to enter the UK from overseas to benefit from opportunities to work within the NHS, before returning to their home countries. It applies only to doctors who have qualified outside the UK or European Union, who want to come to the UK for a limited period of specialised training in Intensive Care Medicine.
The Royal College of Anaesthetists manages the MTI scheme for Anaesthetics, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine through their Global Partnerships Office.
More details on the MTI scheme is available here.
Overseas doctors FAQs
These are some of the common queries received from overseas doctors:
- I want to work in the UK in ICM as a consultant
The FICM does not assist doctors in obtaining employment but the following websites may be useful:
I want to work in the UK in ICM as a trainee
The FICM does not assist doctors in obtaining employment but the following websites may be useful:
- BMJ Careers
- The Lancet
- NHS Careers
- Further information on UK training for overseas doctors on the Royal College of Anaesthetists website
- Guidance for overseas trainees on the Modernising Medical Careers website
- Information on the general recruitment process on the Modernising Medical Careers website
- I want to apply for ICM National recruitment
The recruitment process will be coordinated by the West Midlands deanery and more information can be found on the FICM National recruitment page.
I want to sit the FFICM examination
The FFICM examination is an assessment of the UK training programme for ICM. The regulations, including eligibility, for the examination, can be found on the FFICM Examination page.
- I want to become a Fellow or member of the FFICM
Doctors who have trained overseas but now hold a consultant post in ICM in the UK are not eligible to apply for Fellowship as you must also hold Fellowship of one of the FICM trustee colleges having passed that college’s specialty examination. However, you may be eligible for Associate Fellowship.
Doctors who have neither trained in the UK nor hold a consultant post in ICM in the UK are not eligible for Fellowship or membership of FICM.