In September 2021, the National Health Society (NHS) expressed its concern for falling shorthanded some 50,000 doctors. Just like the rest of the world, the United Kingdom dealt with the harsh blow of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) London reported that over 10.5% of doctors across the United Kingdom were off work, of which 4.2% were off due to contracting COVID-19. The increase of medical professionals leaving work leaves the remaining healthcare forces staggering. Approximately 15% of the staff in the NHS are non-British. The United Kingdom employed around 28,000 non-British National doctors to fill the vacant positions that homegrown doctors left.
The NHS had already urged to increase medical school admissions by 50% in the United Kingdom. This article outlines a comprehensive guide to the steps to becoming a doctor in the UK. Read on to learn more about the application and admissions process, training, exams, licensure, and certifications necessary to be a fully-fledged doctor in the United Kingdom.
How to Become a Doctor in the United Kingdom
Step 1. Accomplish Your Undergraduate Degree in Medicine
Choosing the path of medicine should ideally have been decided while you are in high school. Unlike other countries like the United States, the first step to becoming a doctor in the UK begins in your undergraduate studies.
In the United States, medicine is a graduate degree, requiring aspiring students to first complete a four-year undergraduate program of their choice. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom offers medicine at the undergraduate level.
While you are at it, look up the admissions and requirements of various medical schools. Aim to improve or maintain high grades in science subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics.
To qualify for a Bachelor of Medicine, or Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), you should have accomplished GCSEs, AS levels, and A levels in your high school years. Medical schools favor applicants with above-average academic performance in science and mathematics.
You may also need to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT). The UCAT is an admissions test required by a UK Consortium or non-UK Associate Member University.
An undergraduate degree program in medicine typically takes 5 years to complete. The preclinical stages of your studies will last 2-3 years consisting of lectures and familiarization with the various theoretical concepts of medicine. The clinical stage takes place in the latter part of your studies, where you will be trained to work in hospitals and with patients.
The MBBS is equivalent to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), the latter solely awarded in the United States. Medical schools in the UK also provide the option to earn an intercalated medical degree. By adding another year to your studies, you can complete coursework for another field of discipline, such as humanities, on top of your medical degree.
Learn More: Best Medical Schools in the United Kingdom
Step 2. Fast-forward to Your Graduate Studies in Medicine
In the case that you have already accomplished a science-based undergraduate degree program, you can proceed with accomplishing a graduate degree in medicine. To become a doctor in the UK, graduate programs in medicine will take four years to complete, unlike the 5 or 6 years with an undergraduate medical program.
Similar to entry medicine degrees, a graduate medical program also consists of theoretical concepts and applied training in hospital wards.
See Also: Free Medical Schools
Step 3. Earn Your Degree in Medicine
Whichever path you take to study medicine, persevere to complete your studies and necessary training. With a degree in medicine, you are eligible for further medical training as a doctor in your specialty of choice.
Step 4. Register with the GMC for Licensure
Now that you are ready to work as a doctor, you are eligible to obtain a medical license with the General Medical Council (GMC). To proceed with registering for licensure, you have to pass exams assessing your medical knowledge and applied skills in providing care and treatment to patients. From 2025, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) will be required for fresh graduates.
Step 5. Apply for the Foundation Programme
After registering with the GMC and earning your license, you are eligible to apply for the Foundation Programme. The Foundation Programme is a two-year training program for newly-qualified doctors.
The Provisional Registration is for eligible applicants for the UK Foundation Programme. On the other hand, you must be eligible for Full Registration if you are interested in applying for the F2 Standalone Programme.
By qualifying for the Foundation Programme, you are certified to deliver effective treatment and care to patients per the standards of GMC.
Step 6. Accomplish Your Specialty Training
In becoming a doctor in the UK, you’d have to proceed with work and training for the specialization of your choice. You can either become a general practitioner (GP), or another medical specialty like internal medicine.
Be clear with what type of doctor you want to be, and which medical specialty you are particularly passionate about. GP training generally takes 3 years to complete. It consists of training as a specialty registrar in a hospital for 24 months or less, and another 18 months as a specialty registrar in general practice.
At the start of 2021, GP trainees hit a new record by earning 4,000 acceptance posts.
On the other hand, you can also train for another medical specialty. Specialty training takes 5 to 8 years to complete.
Step 7. Continue With a Lifelong Education as a Doctor
Despite becoming a fully qualified doctor, the learning never stops. By becoming a doctor in the UK, you must showcase your knowledge and expertise in your field of specialization with Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Earn CPD points yearly to prove your relevance and professionalism as a practicing doctor in the United Kingdom. Seminars, online courses, and workshops are some events to earn CPD points.
The United Kingdom is just one of many countries globally experiencing a shortage of medical professionals. To address this issue, the NHS welcomed more medical students to join the professional ranks. The UK presents a lot of career opportunities for graduates of medicine.
And unlike other countries, the UK is not as strict or limiting in welcoming international students. The process for international students accomplishing their training in the United Kingdom is more or less similar to that of home grown students.
Despite the tiresome work hours, becoming a doctor is a very rewarding experience. The United Kingdom’s healthcare system is far from perfect, but as medical posts continue to open, the new generation of doctors can strive to work for the good of patients, and for the appropriate compensation of medical professionals.
We hope that you found this article on how to become a doctor in the UK informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out our Study in the UK guide and more Available Programs for International Students!
