How does Brexit affect the GMC?

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How does Brexit affect the GMC?

 

Now that we are out of the Brexit transitional period, it means the UK has officially left the European Union.

 

And with that comes many changes regarding foreign relations. Including the eligibility system for doctors.

 

The old system for doctors 

 

In the old system of eligibility to work in the UK for doctors, the conditions were based on your originating country, not your qualifications.

 

Meaning that doctors from the European Union could work in the UK by only passing an English language exam.

 

Whereas other doctors outside of the European Union had to take English language exam and pass practical exams called PLAB, to make sure the level training was up to British standard. 

What does this mean for foreign doctors?

 

Britain leaving the EU means there is a new system in place for eligibility to work in the UK as a doctor.

 

The new system is the opposite to the old system, as now it is based on what qualifications you have and how they compare to British standards of healthcare instead of what country you are from.

 

This could mean a lot of EU doctors will now need to take more exams instead of just the English language exams, to comply with British standards before they can work in the UK.

 

Similarly, this could mean the other doctors from outside the EU might not have to take further exams. 

 

Exceptions to the new system 

 

There is one exception to the new system, and this exception is Switzerland.

Switzerland has signed a deal with the UK for the next four years, securing a status where there are no changes in the eligibility system for doctors coming from Switzerland to work in the UK.

 

Will you now need to prepare for more exams?

Call us to find out... Get your post-Brexit GMC with us - call 02036376722!