This programme enables a limited number of overseas surgeons to undertake specialist clinical training in the UK National Health Service (NHS) for a minimum of 12 months up to a maximum of two years. RCS England facilitates registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and sponsorship for the supporting Tier 5 visa that doctors will need in order to come to the UK.
Once accepted onto the programme, the College aims to match and place trainees within a UK Trust within 12 months. This timeline is dependent upon the availability of suitable posts and the specialty/ development needs of the trainee.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the ISTP, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Medical Qualifications: Applicants must have a medical degree recognized by the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK. Additionally, they should have completed at least four years of surgical training post-graduation.
Experience: Candidates should have a minimum of 4-5 years of postgraduate experience, including experience in their chosen specialty.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is essential. Candidates must pass the IELTS or OET exam with the required scores to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in a clinical setting.
GMC Registration: Eligibility for registration with the GMC is mandatory. This includes meeting the GMC's requirements for medical education, training, and language proficiency.
Support from Home Institution: Candidates should have the backing of their home institution, as they will be expected to return to their country to contribute to local healthcare after completing the program.
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Application Process
The application process for the ISTP is designed to be thorough, ensuring that only the most qualified and dedicated surgeons are selected. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Initial Inquiry and Expression of Interest: Prospective candidates should start by visiting the ISTP website and submitting an expression of interest form. This step allows the ISTP team to assess the candidate's suitability and provide guidance on the next steps.
Documentation: Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive set of documents, including their CV, proof of qualifications, evidence of clinical experience, and English language test results.
Screening and Shortlisting: The ISTP team will review the applications and shortlist candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and the needs of the NHS.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which may be conducted in person or via video conferencing. The interview assesses the candidate's clinical skills, communication abilities, and suitability for the program.
GMC Registration and Visa Process: Successful candidates will be guided through the process of registering with the GMC and applying for a Tier 5 visa. The ISTP team provides support throughout this process to ensure a smooth transition.
Placement and Training: Once all formalities are complete, candidates will be placed in a UK hospital, where they will undergo their training. The training lasts between 12 to 24 months, depending on the specialty and individual learning needs.
Completion and Return: Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive an RCS England Certificate of Completion. They are expected to return to their home country and apply their newly acquired skills to improve local healthcare.
Training and Support
Throughout the program, participants are provided with comprehensive support, including mentorship from experienced surgeons, access to an e-portfolio for tracking progress, and opportunities to develop leadership, management, research, and communication skills. The ISTP also ensures that all training meets rigorous quality assurance standards, aligning with the best practices in surgical education.
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How we work.
The NHS is the world's largest publicly funded health service. It deals with over one million patients every 36 hours and employs more than 1.3 million people.
At RCS England, we proactively engage with NHS Trusts and Health Boards to identify the training opportunities that are offered through ISTP. We quality assure and accredit every aspect of the training undertaken through regular monitoring as well as giving you access to an e-portfolio so that you can record your training whilst in the UK. Upon successful completion of your training, you are awarded an RCS England Certificate of Completion and become an ISTP Fellow in your chosen specialty.
The International Surgical Training Programme is an unparalleled opportunity for surgeons seeking to enhance their expertise and make a significant impact in their home countries. By participating in this program, surgeons not only refine their technical skills but also develop the leadership and management abilities needed to drive healthcare improvements on a global scale.
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