New GMC Rules Set To Shake Up Registration Tests for New Overseas Doctors


Those international medical graduates wanting to work in the UK will find the roads a little tougher to navigate from now on, after it was announced that the General Medical Council (GMC) is set to overhaul the testing system.

For those newly-qualified doctors who want a fresh start abroad, they will face “strengthened” tests from September of this year, following the results of an independent review of the current testing methods.

While plenty of people are starting to become nervous at the thought of these changes, we at Hylton-Potts would like to advise you all about the benefits to them, by providing you with a brief overview of what will be altered and why.

Although the tests may be tougher, they will by no means be impossible to pass, and we’ll be able to tell you exactly what you need to think about in terms of your skillset to show why you would make a fantastic addition to the British health service.

So, let’s start by covering how these changes have come about.

Why have they made changes?

In 2014, the results were published of an independent review that had been commissioned by the GMC. An assessment had been carried out that analysed the clinical knowledge and skills of PLAB graduates when compared with UK graduates. Standards were found to be far poorer where their MRCGP exams were considered, and this set the wheels in motion for the overhaul we are witnessing today.

Due to these results, the GMC has been looking for ways to improve the current workings of the registration process, and the changes which will come into effect in September are the direct result.

Speaking on the topic of the PLAB examination changes, Chief Executive of the General Medical Council, Niall Dickson, said: “Doctors working in the UK must have the knowledge and practical skills to practice safely and effectively, and they must demonstrate the professionalism patients expect.

“To make sure that they are of the highest standard, we are introducing changes to modernise the entry test for overseas doctors, making it even more robust. The contribution made by doctors who come here from outside Europe is invaluable to healthcare throughout the UK, and these changes will provide additional assurance to patients that they have passed a stringent assessment and have demonstrated high standards of care and knowledge.”

With the NHS currently under such strain and lack of resources, the GMC has come under fire over these changes, so let’s take a look at what will actually be happening.

What’s going to change?

The GMC have approved plans to develop a new kind of exam. This single, unified exam, which will replace the traditional PLAB, will be known as the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA), and must be taken by all medical professionals wanting to practice in the UK.

The GMC have said changes to the test will include:

  • An increased number of longer scenarios during the practical assessment. These are supposed to more accurately reflect real life consultations, and will hopefully give candidates that level which is expected of doctors every day in the UK. The scenarios will assess candidates’ professionalism, their understanding of ethics and their clinical skills.
  • A broader general knowledge test, with a limit on the number of times they can sit the test.
  • Also, there will be a new two-year limit to apply for a license to practice in the UK, after passing.

Since releasing the news of their proposed changes, the GMC have faced strong criticism from members of the medical community, who are feeling first-hand the effects of the current NHS lack of resources. Many professionals are concerned that this is a way of putting up barriers to allowing doctors to enter the country.

Family Doctor Association Chair, Dr Peter Swinyard, a GP in Swindon, told the press: “If this means that barriers are being put up then we have a problem, specifically for an already reduced population of doctors.

“On the surface it looks acceptable – high standards are good as long as they are realistic – but if we are putting up barriers to people who have already worked in [a] health service then that would be counterproductive.”

However, we at Hylton-Potts are urging people not to be concerned. Aside from the fact that these changes are being brought into affect in order to both improve standards for patients as well as working conditions for doctors, there are benefits to the system being changed.

What do these changes mean to me?

While all of these changes may seem strong, they are for the benefit of the patients you will be caring for, and ultimately will help to maintain high standards across the board in the industry. Plus, although the entrance exams will be tougher, they could actually help you in your search for employment amongst the NHS.

As these organisations work so closely together, the NHS Hospital Trusts will know just how difficult these tests will have become, and therefore they’ll be aware of the hard work you’ve put in to gain that much-needed GMC registration. If anything, this can only reflect you in a positive light as a future employee.

Whether you’re an international medical graduate or a seasoned medical professional looking for a move to the UK, our experienced team at Hylton-Potts can help. Although these tests are designed to make things more difficult with the aim of strengthening the poor standards that have been reported, they wont be impossible to pass.

We’ll be able to talk through the changes with you, and help you demonstrate the right skills and knowledge in order to pass with flying colours, and gain that registration you need to work in the NHS. So, don’t miss out on improving your chances – you can get in touch with our expert lawyers today. You can call us on 020 7381 8111, or send us an email at [email protected].

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