Practice medicine in the UK in 2023
- By (26 articles)
2023 is your year to get out of your comfort zone and get a better life for yourself by practicing medicine in the United Kingdom. With a shortage of almost 50.000 doctors predicted for the new year, this is your chance to make that dream come true while still working with something you dedicated many years of your life for. How to do that, you’re wondering? Here’s what you have to do:
1. English proficiency stage
The GMC (general medical council) will need to know you have a fluent level of academic English in order to let you proceed with your registration. Make sure you get either an IELTS academical or OET English proficiency certificate. You need a C1 level of English in order to be accepted by the GMC, meaning you need a 7/10 score in all 4 competences of the test: listening, speaking, reading and writing. You can book this test for almost any day a week, and dates are regularly available. You can do it in person or online from wherever country you are.
2. Theory stage
After you prove to the GMC you have the necessary English requirements and an international medical degree, it’s time to start the medicine aspect of the application. The first exam you’ll need to sit is called PLAB 1. It’s a multiple-choice theory test that will give you scenarios and ask you to choose from 5 options in order to test your medical knowledge. It focuses on best practices and not memorized facts. This exam happens 4 times a year, every February, May, August and November. For 2023, February and May are already booked out but on December 14th the GMC will release new dates for August and November. Make sure to get your English stage done soon so you can guarantee a slot for either August or November! The test is done online at a test centre in your country.
3. Practical stage
6 weeks after you sit your PLAB 1, you’ll get your results and if passed you can proceed for the practical stage called PLAB 2. This is the stage where you’ll show your practical skills and demonstrate you know the GMC’s best practices for doctors. You’ll go through 16 stations that will simulate a patient consultation or emergency ward. You’ll have 8 minutes per station to do the task required and demonstrate your skills impeccably. This stage can only be done in-person in the UK.
4. Get your license!
6-7 weeks after undergoing PLAB 2 you’ll get your final results. If you pass, then the next thing is just getting your medical license to practice and start applying for jobs!
As you can see, it’s an extensive process that you want to make sure you get right the first time so you can get your license as fast and as effectively as possible! Time will be your worst enemy in all 3 exams, and no matter for how long you have practiced medicine before, the GMC is very peculiar and particular about their practices. So you want to make sure you know exactly what is expected of you in every scenario. Knowing that, IELTS medical has developed specialized courses to help you prepare for each stage with the best educators, top-notch material and quality equipment in the most cost and time-effective manner, ensuring you can pass your exams with flying colours on the first try.
