From the original EM Gurus library
Clinical Attachment
This guide outlines the steps and requirements for securing a clinical attachment or observership in the UK, which can be a valuable opportunity for international medical graduates to gain experience
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This guide outlines the steps and requirements for securing a clinical attachment or observership in the UK, which can be a valuable opportunity for international medical graduates to gain experience in the NHS.
Approach
Personal Links: Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues who are consultants in the UK and may be willing to supervise your clinical attachment.
Trac Job Website: Search for clinical attachment opportunities advertised on the Trac Job website. At the end of each advertisement, there is usually a contact email for HR or the consultant in charge. Email them directly.
HR/Clinical Lead Contacts: Utilize a compiled list of HR or Clinical Lead contacts and their email addresses. Send your application to these contacts.
Method
Generic Email: Draft a general email expressing your interest in a clinical attachment, outlining your qualifications, details about the UK exam (PLAB or Royal College Exams), and your career goals.
Generic CV: Prepare a simple CV that highlights your qualifications, UK exam (PLAB or Royal College Exams) details, and your career aspirations.
Availability: Clearly mention your available dates or months for the attachment.
Multiple Applications: Send your email and CV to multiple consultants and HR departments to increase your chances of securing an attachment.
Requirements
Police Clearance Certificate: Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country.
Occupational Health Check: Some clinical attachments may require an occupational health check.
Relevant Documents: Include any other documents related to your qualifications and PLAB details as required.
Hospitals
Here is a list of hospitals that offer paid or unpaid clinical attachments:
Hampshire Hospital NHS Trust
Nottingham University Hospital
University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire
Princess of Wales Hospital
Prince Charles Hospital, Methyr Tydfil
Morriston Hospital, Swansea
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Countess of Chester Hospital
Heartland Hospital, Birmingham
Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport
Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital
North Manchester General Hospital
Wythenshawe Hospital
Withington Community Hospital
Leighton Hospital
Victoria Infirmary
Arrowe Park
Clatterbridge Hospital
Wirral Women and Children Hospital
John Radcliffe Hospital
Glan Clwyd Hospitals, Bodelwyddan
Wrexham Maelor Hospital
Knighton Hospital
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
St. David Hospital, Cardiff
Rookwood Hospital
Aintree University Hospital
Royal Liverpool Hospital
Broadgreen Hospital
Frimley Park Hospital
Queen Hospital, London
St. George's University Hospital, London
St. Thomas' Hospital, London
Royal London Hospital
St. Helier Hospital, London
Basildon Hospital
Refer to the attached document for more specific contacts and hospitals.
Advice
Cost: Clinical attachments may be free or cost between £300 and £1000. Try to find a free attachment.
Duration: Attachments can last from 1 to 3 months. A 3-month attachment is more valuable as it allows for better networking and understanding of the NHS system.
Multiple Attachments: Aim to secure more than one attachment during your visit to the UK. The broader your exposure to the NHS, the more valuable it will be for your CV.
Contacts
Contributors
Dr. Misha Raza
Aspiring emergency physician, licensed to practice in Pakistan and UK, and recently completed PLAB.