The long game : A guide for overseas doctors

Remember that scene from ‘21’ where a Harvard med aspirant is being interviewed for a prestigious scholarship?

The Harvard dean says - In spite of all the accolades our main character has - pre-med, 4.0 GPA, President of Math League, recommendation letters - their application still falls shorts.

"We're looking for someone that dazzles , someone who jumps off the page ", the dean says.

These lines, stuck with me.

Albeit this is an American blackjack heist movie - in some sense it is not too far from the reality of applying to prestigious institutes worldwide.

So how do you exactly dazzle / jump off the page?

Clearly not by counting cards or robbing casinos. No.

The answer is ironically both - much simpler and takes a fair bit of effort - within the context of applying to NHS.

You simply need to start preparing early.

Much, much early than you usually anticipate.

Not a week -not a month -not 6 months before you start applying for NHS interviews. No.

You need to start right from your first year of residency. Now this may seem like an overwhelming ask, and it is. But that's exactly what you are competing against.

Students who start collecting evidence of their training, those that maintain logbooks, create an e-portfolio, participate in clinical audits, maintain a thorough catalogue of case studies , present their cases at international/national conferences, improve the clinical effectiveness of their departments and finally show a deep understanding of NHS protocols, standard of care, patient safety guidelines are the ones that truly excel in this game.

If you’re able to demonstrate that you’re capable of going beyond your clinical duties and taking on additional responsibilities such managing junior doctors, consoling the families of the bereaved, communicating bad news, participating in MDTs (Multi-Disciplinary Teams) then that sets you up for senior level roles in the NHS.

Your life experience, your clinical experience and your managerial experience should all - ideally point in the same direction.

Some other often unsaid truths are - you need to show a consistent interest in the specialty that you're applying for.

2 years in emergency medicine, 2 years in general medicine, 2 years in ICU is not the best way to apply for any role in the NHS.

The UK needs specialists, not generalists.

The best thing you could do for yourself as soon as you pass your MBBS is to choose a subspecialty and start applying for MD/DNB exam within that specialty.

Once you complete your post graduation in your preferred specialty of choice - subsequently start preparing for the relevant Membership exam of the Royal college; MRCEM, MRCP, MRCOG, MRCS, FRCR, FRCPath etc.

I would highly recommend that any student that aims to build a career in the NHS, gets in touch with me at least 2 years before they complete their membership exam.

This gives us ample time to build your CV, create a robust plan for your career growth in the NHS.

A free-of-charge 30 min career counselling session with me can be scheduled here : 1:1 Mentorship for Doctors

Give yourself time. Get in touch early.

Contact Details:

Contact Priyen Potnis, Managing Director of International Recruitment, to learn how Indigo can support your recruitment needs or help shape your medical career.

Email: Priyen@indigohealthcare.co.uk
Mobile number: +91 887 9252151

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyenpotnis/