Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol July-August 2004 Vol 70 Issue 4 256
256 CMYK
Dermatology Training and Career Options in the U.K. for IndianDermatology Training and Career Options in the U.K. for Indian
Dermatology Training and Career Options in the U.K. for IndianDermatology Training and Career Options in the U.K. for Indian
Dermatology Training and Career Options in the U.K. for Indian
GraduatesGraduates
GraduatesGraduates
Graduates
Shernaz Walton, Andrew Finlay*Shernaz Walton, Andrew Finlay*
Shernaz Walton, Andrew Finlay*Shernaz Walton, Andrew Finlay*
Shernaz Walton, Andrew Finlay*
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Hull York Medical School (H.Y.M.S.), Hull, UK and *Department of Dermatology, Cardiff
University, Cardiff, UK
Address for correspondence: Dr. S. Walton, Department of Dermatology, The Princess Royal Hospital, Saltshouse Road, Hull, HU8 9HE UK.
E-mail: Shernaz.Walton@hey.nhs.uk
Medical Education
There has been a recent surge of overseas trainees
arriving in the U.K. and applying for clinical
attachments. Most of these doctors have obtained the
Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (P.L.A.B.)
certificate prior to seeking training posts. The General
Medical Council (G.M.C.) offers limited registration to
trainees after obtaining a suitable post. After successful
completion of a year, they can be considered for full
registration. To avoid disappointments in fulfilling one’s
goals in career progression, a good understanding of
the training system needs to be obtained before
embarking on a difficult and often lengthy career path.
A. Higher Medical Training
Dermatology requires a minimum of four years (whole
time equivalent) as a Specialist Registrar in a
Dermatology Training Programme. These posts are
awarded in competition which is often very strong.
They are advertised in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
Successful completion of formal training (known as type
1 programme) will lead to the award of a Certificate of
Completion of Specialist Training (CCST). Many
overseas doctors will be employed as Visiting Specialist
Registrars (VSpR) and will be engaged in training in
either short programmes (known as type 2
programmes) that do not lead to a CCST or a type 1
programme where they are eligible. Obtaining the CCST
makes them eligible to be placed on the Specialist
Register and hence apply for Consultant posts.
B. Entry Requirements for Higher Medical
Training
· Prior to entry into specialist training, all trainees
are required to complete a minimum period of 2
years General Professional Training (GPT) in
approved Senior House Officer (SHO) posts,
including 6 months of acute unselected medical
admissions. A period of similar training in India may
be considered by the Joint Committee on Higher
Medical Training (JCHMT) on an individual basis.
· MRCP (UK or Ireland). Most trainees in the U.K. or
Ireland will have obtained this diploma during their
2 years of GPT. Applicants who do not hold the
MRCP diploma must satisfy the appropriate higher
training body i.e. the JCHMT, that their
qualifications and experience are equivalent to
those required of U.K. applicants. The following
overseas qualifications in General Internal Medicine
are currently recognised as equivalent to the MRCP
for entry into specialist training:
American Boards of Internal Medicine
FCPS (Pakistan) FRACP Part 1
FCP (South Africa) MHKCP
How to cite this article: Walton S, Finlay A. Dermatology Training and Career Options in the U.K. for Indian Graduates. Indian J Dermatol
Venereol Leprol 2004:70;256-9.
Received: ?????, 2004. Accepted: ????, 2004. Source of Support: Nil.
