top of page
Blogs & Guides
Curious about how much a medical appraisal costs in the UK? Or perhaps you're wondering what counts as a quality improvement activity? No worries, in our knowledge hub, we're determined to post articles which will help you find the answers you're looking for.
Medical Training Prioritisation Bill: The reality for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
Concerned about how the proposed Medical Training Prioritisation Bill could affect your plans to work or train in the UK? Here’s a clear, practical explanation of what it means, and what it doesn’t, for international doctors.
Navigating the UK Medical Landscape: A Guide for International Medical Graduates
The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) has long been a beacon for medical professionals worldwide.For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), the UK offers a plethora of opportunities, but the journey is accompanied by unique challenges. Understanding the current landscape, the role of IMGs, and the support systems in place is crucial for those aspiring to practice medicine in the UK.
Clinical Attachments and Observerships for IMGs in the UK
For many international medical graduates (IMGs), securing a clinical attachment or observership is an important first step towards working in the NHS. These short, unpaid placements allow you to understand how UK healthcare works, build confidence, network with other doctors and strengthen your CV when applying for jobs. But what exactly is an observership, and how do you go about arranging one?
Frequently asked questions
Having “no connection” means you do not have a designated body or Responsible Officer to oversee your annual appraisals or revalidation process. This is common for doctors working independently, in the private sector, abroad, or currently unemployed.
Doctors without a designated body or suitable person are still required to complete annual appraisals for revalidation. Our service provides independent appraisals that meet GMC standards which can be submitted to the GMC as part of your revalidation process.
Our lead appraiser has made enquiries with the GMC and can confirm as of January 2025 there are 24,820 doctors without a connection. Of this group 17,189 are International Medical Graduates, the rest being UK and EEA graduates:
South Asia
8,995
United Kingdom (UK)
4,256
Africa
3,344
Middle East
2,951
EEA - Southern Europe
1,297
Rest of Asia
1,261
EEA - Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Baltic countries
896
Non-EEA Europe
584
EEA - Northwestern Europe (excl. UK)
552
South, Central and Latin America, and the Caribbean
412
Oceania
213
Northern America
59
If you don’t have a connection, the GMC requires you to:
• Arrange and complete an annual appraisal with a GMC-compliant independent appraiser.
• Submit your appraisal information (REV12) directly to the GMC.
bottom of page