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Current dilemmas in overseas doctors’ training

Correspondence to:
Correspondence to:
MrD P S Sandhu
LNR Deanery, Lakeside House, 4 Smith Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester LE19 1SS, UK; linda.bennett{at}uhl-tr.nhs.uk

International medical graduates (IMGs) are a remarkably successful professional group in the United Kingdom making up to 30% of the NHS work force. Their very success and media publicity about general practice and consultant shortages, has led to a large influx of inexperienced doctors seeking training opportunities in competitive specialties. In 2003 a record 15 549 doctors joined the medical register of which 9336 doctors were non-European Economic Area citizens. The number of candidates sitting PLAB part 1 and part 2 in 2003 rose by 267% and 283% respectively compared with 2001. Changes to Department of Health, Home Office, and deanery regulations with expansion of medical schools, implementation of European Working Time Directive, Modernising Medical Careers, and the future role of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board, will have an important impact on IMGs’ training. Dissemination of realistic information about postgraduate training opportunities is important as the NHS for some time will continue to rely on IMGs.

Abbreviations: IMG, international medical graduate; EWTD, European Working Time Directive; EEA, European Economic Area; PLAB, Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board; PFTV, permit free training visa; CA, clinical attachment; CCST, certificate of completion of specialist training; RITA, record of in-training assessment

Keywords: training; overseas doctors

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