BMA guidance

Being an international resident doctor in the NHS

Tips for international doctors new to the UK who are just starting out in the NHS.

Location: UK
Audience: International doctors
Updated: Wednesday 18 September 2024
Topics: International doctors
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This practical guide is designed by doctors, for doctors new to the UK, who have trained abroad and come to work in an NHS hospital.

If you are a doctor who is new to the UK, the chances are high that you will have experienced a different training culture. So there is a lot to learn.

 

What you'll get from this guide

  • How to prepare for your first day and what happens at induction.
  • What might happen in your first week and how to be prepared.
  • Tips from international doctors on what they learned during their first few weeks in the NHS.
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Thinking of signing a locally employed doctor contract?

If you are a trust grade doctor, FY3, clinical fellow or locally employed doctor, our checklist will help you to:

  • fully consider your employment offer and working arrangements
  • identify if you are receiving the appropriate terms and conditions
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Junior doctors have changed their title to ‘resident doctors’

As of 18 September, all references to junior doctors in BMA communications have been changed to ‘resident doctors’.

 

Making up nearly 25% of all doctors in the UK, this cohort will now have a title that better reflects their huge range of skills and responsibilities. 

 

Find out more about why junior doctors are now known as 'resident doctors'.