Career progression

Applying for a specialty training post

If you have finished your foundation programme and are looking to apply for a specialty training post, our guidance and resources will support you through the process. BMA guidance

Applying to the foundation programme

Find out how to apply to the foundation programme and follow our guidance to be prepared for the application process. BMA guidance

Specialty explorer

Get help with making an informed choice about what kind of doctor you would like to be. Specialty explorer is a tool for BMA members that matches you with medical specialties that suit your preferences. BMA product

Induction for junior doctors

A well-planned induction should help you become familiar with your new working environment, and to work effectively, so that you can provide excellent care. BMA guidance

Shadowing for junior doctors

An overview of shadowing for junior doctors and what to expect in terms of your role, pay and contract.  BMA guidance

Code of practice

The Code of Practice lays out the agreed set of information that recruiting organisations and employers should provide to doctors in training at each stage of the recruitment process, the first post and subsequent rotations. BMA guidance

Tips for a successful handover

Expertise and personal tips supplied by Latifa Patel, academic paediatric specialty trainee ST2. BMA guidance

Flexible training

Read our overview of less than full time training for doctors and some of the things to consider when you are making your decision. BMA guidance

Flexibility in postgraduate training and changing specialties

Read an overview of the changes to postgraduate training and guidance on how to change your specialty, following the reforms made in June 2020. BMA guidance

General practice workforce initiatives

This guide is designed to inform GPs, PCNs and LMCs about workforce initiatives and schemes that can be accessed in England. BMA guidance

New to GP partnership scheme

As of 31 March 2023, and following two successive contract change impositions, the scheme has now closed to new applicants following cessation of additional funding by Government and NHS England. BMA guidance

GP retention scheme

The GP retention scheme is support for GPs who are considering leaving the profession. Our guide outlines key points including eligibility, hours, CPD, the salary supplement and allowance. BMA guidance

Sessional GP week

Sessional GP week took place between 12–16 June 2023 and was a week-long online campaign highlighting the value of sessional GPs and promoting sessional GPs as a positive career choice with the focus on ‘Respect, Reward, Retain.’  BMA campaign

The SAS charter

The SAS charter was created by the BMA and NHS employers to help SAS doctors with their development and provide opportunities in their workplace. BMA guidance

SAS professional development funding

The BMA and NHS Employers have produced application guidance for SAS professional development funding BMA guidance

Medical appraisals

Read our overview of what a medical appraisal is and the stages of the process. BMA guidance

Revalidation for doctors

Read our overview of the revalidation process for doctors. BMA guidance

Writing your medical CV

Read our tips and advice for creating a medical CV that reflects you and your career. BMA members can access BMJ Careers CV checking service at a discounted rate. BMA guidance

Returning to clinical practice after absence

The purpose of this guide is to provide secondary care doctors with a comprehensive and transparent approach to returning to work. BMA guidance

Volunteering abroad as a doctor

Our guide to volunteering abroad covers the benefits to you and countries you are visiting, some things to consider and more resources to help you make a decision. BMA guidance

Working abroad as a doctor

Our guidance covers a list of things you should consider before working abroad as a doctor. BMA guidance

Working as a doctor in New Zealand

Read our detailed guidance about how to work in New Zealand as a doctor. BMA guidance

Working as a doctor in Canada

Read our detailed guidance about how to work in Canada, produced in association with the Medical Council of Canada. BMA guidance

Working as a doctor in the USA

Read our detailed guidance about how to work in the USA as a doctor. BMA guidance

Working as a doctor in Australia

Read our detailed guidance about how to work in Australia as a doctor. BMA guidance

Transferring between the NHS and university employment during clinical training

This guidance aims to outline your rights when transferring employment between the NHS in England and a university, either as part of clinical academic training or with an approved training programme. BMA guidance

Preparing for a new job as a medical academic

Key questions to ask your employer or potential employer. BMA guidance

Mentoring for doctors

Our guidance gives you an overview of the benefits of mentoring, how to find a mentor and the skills required to be a mentor. BMA guidance

Doctors working as expert witnesses

We outline what you need to consider when working as an expert witness, from preparing your report and attending court to getting paid. BMA guidance

Valuing consultants - the consultant charter

This guide provides an overview of the standards you, as NHS consultants in England, should expect your employers to meet and help identify where they are falling short. BMA guidance