NHS doctors can work in a variety of roles depending on their level of training, specialty, and experience. Here are the main job roles for NHS doctors:
As we know, an international medical graduate must be GMC registered with a licence to practice in order to be work as a doctor in the U.K.
In order for an IMG to obtain their registration they must complete either the PLAB or MRCP examinations.
PLAB VS MRCP
What is the PLAB exam?
The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam is a test used by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK to assess whether international medical graduates (IMGs) have the necessary knowledge and skills to practice medicine in the UK at the level of a Foundation Year 2 (FY2) doctor.
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The exam consists of a two part assessment:
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PLAB 1:
This is a 3-hour written multiple-choice exam with 180 single best answer questions related to current best practices in the U.K. It covers a wide range of medical topics, including clinical medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and more. The exam tests basic medical knowledge and understanding of common conditions, as well as diagnostic and management skills.
Candidates have 4 attempts to pass PLAB 1 in one open GMC application and the exam is available across various locations worldwide.
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PLAB 2:
Otherwise known as the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a practical exam consisting of 18 stations. It assesses clinical skills, communication, and professionalism through scenarios that simulate real-life situations a doctor might face. Candidates are tested on history-taking, physical examination, procedural skills, clinical reasoning, and patient management.
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This exam is held only in Manchester, U.K., therefore. Again, candidates are given 4 attempts to pass the exam but must do so within 2 years of passing PLAB 1.
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This exam is held only in Manchester, U.K. , therefore. Again candidates are given 4 attempts to pass the exam but must do so within 2 years of passing PLAB 1.
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After passing both PLAB exams, IMGs can apply for GMC (General Medical Council) registration with a license to practice. This route is mainly for those who aim to work as doctors in the UK but not necessarily in a specialty training program immediately.
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The PLAB route is usually quicker and less specialized, suitable for those who are in the early stages of their medical career or are not yet pursuing specialty training.
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What is the MRCP?
The Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) is a postgraduate medical qualification designed for doctors who are aiming to specialise in internal medicine and pursue a higher specialist training pathway in the UK. It demonstrates that a doctor has obtained the required knowledge and skills to progress to higher training in medical specialties.
The MRCP consists of 3 exams:
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MRCP Part 1: A written exam with multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge in basic medical sciences and clinical topics.
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MRCP Part 2: A more advanced written exam testing clinical knowledge.
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PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills): A practical exam that assesses your ability to carry out essential clinical skills in medical practice.
After passing all MRCP parts, IMGs can apply for GMC registration if they have not already done so. This route is geared towards those aiming to enter specialty training, particularly in internal medicine or related fields, and is recognized as part of the requirements for entering higher specialty training.
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The MRCP route is generally more time-consuming and academically demanding, but it leads directly to specialty training programs.
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It is ideal for those who have already completed some postgraduate training and wish to advance their careers in a specific medical specialty in the UK.
Pros
Easier Entry into UK Practice: PLAB is designed to assess whether international medical graduates have the skills and knowledge required to work in the UK as a junior doctor.
Cons
Limited Recognition: PLAB is mainly recognized in the UK, so it doesn’t hold the same global value as MRCP.
PLAB
Less Specialization: It is more general in nature, so you don’t need to have a specialty in mind when taking the exam.
Lower Career Advancement: It qualifies you for junior doctor roles, but it doesn’t indicate specialization or advanced skills, making career progression slower.
Lower Cost: PLAB tends to be less expensive compared to MRCP, making it a more affordable pathway to practice in the UK.
Not a Specialty Exam: PLAB does not focus on any medical specialty, meaning it’s only an entry-level exam for practicing general medicine in the UK.
Faster Process: PLAB consists of two exams (PLAB 1 and PLAB 2), so it’s quicker to complete compared to MRCP.
Pathway to GMC Registration: Passing PLAB helps international medical graduates gain General Medical Council (GMC) registration, allowing them to work as a doctor in the UK.
Pros
Global Recognition: MRCP is highly respected worldwide, making it easier to pursue higher positions in internal medicine globally.
Cons
Challenging Exams: The MRCP exams are known for being tough and require significant preparation and clinical experience.
MRCP
Specialty Qualification: It is essential for doctors who want to specialize in internal medicine, offering a clear path to higher medical roles.
Career Progression: Passing MRCP can lead to faster career advancement, allowing you to take on senior and specialist roles in medicine.
Esteemed Qualification: The MRCP is regarded as a benchmark for excellence among physicians and opens doors to prestigious opportunities in the medical field.
Higher Cost: The MRCP exam series is more expensive than PLAB, making it a larger financial commitment.
Time-Consuming: MRCP involves three parts, which may take years to complete, especially if resits are required.
Specialized Focus: Since it is specialized, MRCP may not be suitable for those not interested in pursuing internal medicine or a higher-level specialty.
Higher Earning Potential: Physicians with an MRCP diploma often have greater earning potential compared to those with only PLAB qualifications.