Medical Training Initiative (MTI) is a programme run by Royal Colleges of almost all specialties with the aim to bring in post graduates from developing countries for a fixed duration to NHS , help them get a taste of how things work in NHS , so that after their stint they can go back to their country and help in the upliftment of the practice of the respective speciality.
With regards to Anaesthesia, RCOA does the same for a fixed duration of 12- 24 months. At the end of the tenure you are provided a certificate/letter of completion (usually by the Hospital detailing your work experience as a Clinical Fellow) and return to your country.
Benefits :
1. No entrance exams
2. GMC registration and Eligibility to sit for FRCA and get it done within the tenure or even later
3. Get trained the NHS way : a protocol based approach to patient management, where team work and communication are of very high order.
4. Sub speciality training : depending on the hospital where you are posted, you can get exposed to Cardiac Anaesthesia, Neuro anesthesia and intensive care, Pediatric or Pain. You might even get to work in any of these for the whole duration. A general anaesthesia posting usually involves Obstetrics and Intensive care as well.
5. Chance to be a part of multi cultural society, diverse ethnic background and travel through UK and Europe
Eligibility criteria:
1. Post graduate (MD/DNB for India)
2. Academic IELTS or OET
My experience : Wonderful, to be honest. The department and consultants were very supportive from day 1 and helped me settle down quickly. Coming into a new country, adjusting to the work ethos and food habits can be very overwhelming but I got help and assistance from everyone around me. My hospital is the regional center for vascular surgeries so I am getting to learn and improve myself. Work life is also very balanced and I have already managed to travel quite a bit ( my instagram feed can vouch for it)
How to apply : After passing the english language test, you can contact RCOA with your CV about your intention to join MTI. They will send you a check list of things to do and documents to provide. Alternatively you can search for Tier 5 MTI jobs in NHS Jobs website. To hasten the process you can get your medical graduate and post graduate degrees verified by ECFMG ( https://www.ecfmgepic.org/index.html ) while you start applying because it can take time. Usually the hospital will hold an online (skype) interview before offering you the post. It takes around 6-9 months after the interview (trust me, it involves a lot of paperwork) to process all formalities and get visa. It is not advisable to quit your job before you receive your final Certificate of Sponsorship.
Costs :
RCoA fees
GMC registration fees
Visa and Health surcharge costs(including ones for dependants)
Flight tickets
Living expenses till you get your first salary
Salary :
The salary scale is £30,302 to £47,647 depending on experience. If participation in the on call rota is necessary (which is usually the case), then the supplement can be up to 50% of basic salary.
A relocation package may be available (depending on the hospital) on production of receipts
Following links will help you understand in depth about MTI under RCOA :
And common FAQs regarding MTI post are detailed here :
Kindly post your queries and comments. I will keep updating.Thanks.