The Savvy IMG

The Savvy IMG is an independent website providing a wealth of guidance and support for IMGs, including information about training routes, career options and residency in the UK.

 

Mind the Bleep

Mind the Bleep is a free medical education platform for junior doctors and other healthcare professionals. They provide content on clinical specialties, wellbeing, employment, finance and career development helping you deal with everyday challenges with ease. In addition, they have a range of dedicated resources and webinars for IMGs.

 

Road to UK

Road to UK is an independent website providing support and guidance for IMGs making their transition to working in the UK.

 

IMG Podcast Series

The Yorkshire and Humber region have developed a podcast series, aimed to share the experiences of other IMG doctors in training and provide useful tips for your training journey. An overview of each episode and listening link can be found below:

Introduction	A short introduction to the purpose of this podcast series
Episode One	GP trainee, Dr CJ covers tips for the portfolio and how to escalate to seniors as an IMG doctor
Episode Two	Dr Elyas, Paediatrics ST4 shares her journey into training and the challenges she faced
Episode Three	Dr Cristina shares her experiences of communication challenges at work and working less than full time
Episode Four	Dr Kike describes the challenges she faced with bringing her family to the UK as well as challenges with the visa process as an IMG doctor
Episode Five	Dr Mahwish shares experiences from her trust grade job, reverse mentoring, resilience and self-compassion as an IMG
Episode Six	Differential Attainment GP TPD, Dr Robert Amedzro, shares his views on the common challenges faced by IMG trainees
Episode Seven	EDI Lead and HR Manager, Mano Jamieson, discusses what HR teams can do to improve the IMG transition, recognising racism and how to respond to microaggressions
Episode Eight	Dr Tolu, a trust grade IMG doctor, shares her experience of adapting to working in the UK, overcoming communication difficulties and social isolation

 

IMG Virtual Networking Sessions

In 2023, the Future Leader Fellow for IMG Support ran a pilot of virtual networking sessions to support new IMGs. An overview and link to access the recording of each session can be found below:

January 2023	Welcome to the UK, training and top tips for starting in the NHS
March 2023	General Medical Council, appraisals and portfolios
April 2023	Responding to microaggressions and reaching out for support
June 2023	A GP Associate Dean, an IMG trainee and an incoming leadership fellow share their journeys
July 2023	Financial top tips, preventing burnout and welcoming new IMGs

 

Language Support

This dictionary of British slang includes popular words and phrases that you might hear in the UK and will help you with your own spoken English.

Doctors speak up is a multimedia resource that has been developed to address the language and communication needs of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) working in Australia. Although some of the content is specific to Australia, most of it is useful for anyone practicing medicine in an English speaking country.

 

BMA Toolkit for doctors new to the UK

https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/international-doctors/life-and...

 

BMJ Learning

https://new-learning.bmj.com/

 

Medical Unions

A medical union is a specialised trade union and professional body for healthcare professionals. Some are exclusive to doctors whilst others will also offer services to other healthcare professionals. Joining a trade union in the UK is not mandatory but may be advisable as it can give you a professional source of advice independent from your employer. They can help you understand your rights as well as help you negotiate pay and conditions.

The more popular union for doctors and medical students is the British Medical Association (BMA) and whilst they offer a paid subscription service, they also produce some free educational resources which you can access via their website.

Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) is an alternative trade union which represents and advises all grades of hospital doctor in the UK, both in the NHS and Private Sectors.

 

BMA Forum for Racial and Ethnic Equality

The BMA Forum for Racial and Ethnic Equality (FREE) is a national forum, supported by regional groups, that seeks to explore and highlight relevant issues and experiences faced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic doctors and medical students, ensure their perspectives are included in policy consultations, influence and support external stakeholders to improve support for minority ethnic and IMG doctors, amongst much more.

 

Centre for International Medical Graduates

The Centre for International Medical Graduates is an organisation that offers courses and coaching for IMGs to support your transition to living and working in the UK, including a comprehensive free induction to the NHS programme.

 

GMC Guidance on Religious and Personal Beliefs

A doctor’s faith and values can be a great personal support to them throughout their career. But there may be times when their personal beliefs can impact their practice.

On these occasions, it’s important doctors are supported by their colleagues, employer or medical school. They should work together so they can practise in a way that’s in line with their beliefs, while making sure their patients can access the care they need.

The GMC have provided information about Religious and Personal Beliefs that will help you to practise in accordance with your values. There are also resources that medical schools, employers and training organisations can use to support staff and colleagues.