The Royal College of Anaesthesists (RCOA) is the governing body for Anaesthetists working in NHS just like ISA( Indian society of Anesthesists) in INDIA. It is a very prestigious organisation revered throughout the world. A membership of RCOA along with GMC (General medical council) registration is mandatory to practice and move ahead in career in NHS.
While RCOA membership can be applied by anyone, a GMC registration is what is necessary to practice in the UK.
GMC is like MCI( Medical Council of India) and its compulsory to be registered with it for getting a license to practice in UK.
So, How can you obtain GMC registration after completing post graduation?
1. Clear both parts of PLAB ( which is slowly being phased out and UKMLA is being introduced) : not worth it according to me, after finishing post graduation.
2. Clear both parts of European Diploma in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care ( EDAIC) : an avenue worth trying for ones who are thinking in the long term.
3. Clear FRCA Primary ( Mcq and Viva/Osce): a more difficult exam than EDAIC. But the best way forward.
4. MTI : Medical Training Initiative eligible only for Post graduates having a minimum of 3 years of training in anaesthesia. No exams needed. Depends on vacancies. Easiest way to get in to UK.
5. Clear European Diploma in Intensive Care (EDIC) . This has been very recently added and is a viable option for those who want to venture down the Critical care path.
Along with any one of the above, you would need to pass IELTS/OET ( tests of English language) and your Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees to be verified by ECFMG to be eligible to apply for GMC registration. Its a long process and requires planning. So if you have decided to venture the NHS route, you need to get on with it, as its easy to get frustrated with all the paperwork and formalities that is required but have patience and you will get it eventually.
This is my first blog. I will soon detail on each of the avenues and exams and how to go about each of them. Meanwhile please leave your queries and suggestions. Thanks and good luck.
@pratika16691 : there is no specific list that i know of. Almost all big European countries accept it. Join fb group for edaic. You will get pdf of books to read. I read get through frca and q base 6 for part 1, podcast for part 2.
@babrak.manuar : how are you boss. Mti anyone can apply. Only thing you need to remember is that its almost a trainee post. As we have done post graduation, we are sometimes given solo list, but essentially MTI fellows work under consultant. Shifting with family, can be challenging, because its a big shift, but doable. Many do it. If you are the sole earning member, you wont be able to save much after child's expenses initially, and visa costs for everyone is a good amount,so if that is okay with you, you can go ahead. Initial few years wilk be difficult, but if your wife also starts earning, it'll b quite easy.
Can you tell in which all countries can one work after clearing edaic? As in, in which all countries is edaic valid?
Also what to study for edaic?
Hello Shameek, Glad to see your blog. After go through it became very much interested with this route. Can you let me know is any way for us, as we already in govt hospital job for more than 4 years have family. Is there any way for us/ me to shift to UK with family and after 6 years of Post Graduation.
Dear Dr Datta Greetings.. Congratulations on EDIAC achievement.. And also would like to appreciate your idea of helping fellow anesthetists from india by writing this blog. I am planning to enter UK via MTI and i have first hand information on few things.. There is one thing which i need a bit of information with, and will be of great help if you can provide some insight into it.. My main query is regarding the pay scale.. I heard from few sources that the amount that MTI trainees are paid is v v low and sometimes it becomes very difficult even to meet our daily requirements like food, rent etc.,and this becomes more trouble some when we take up a posting in metro…