
GHS recognises there will be a whole host of reasons why doctors want to practice abroad from gaining exposure to different healthcare systems to experiencing diverse cultures.
GHS has in-depth knowledge and insights on the requirements of practicing abroad and is therefore well placed in supporting doctors through the process.
In order to practice abroad all international doctors must be registered and issued with a licence to practise medicine by the General Medical Council (GMC). Doctors will also be subject to the GMC Fitness to Practise actions.
The requirements for registration in the UK will depend on a number of factors for example, the doctor’s nationality; the country in which the doctor has gained his/her primary medical qualification; whether or not the doctor has completed a period of post-graduate training or an internship.
There are also additional requirements for example being able to demonstrate competency and command of the English language.
Our Commitment
Through our strong network of doctors we are able to offer placement support in many regions across the UK.
Whether you are an experienced clinician or one starting your speciality training, our doctor mentors will be able to support you in all aspects of your journey into the NHS.
Our training team has over 100 years combined experience in the NHS Healthcare sector

An overseas doctor wishing to work in the UK must complete the following:
IELTS
All overseas and EU/EEA qualified doctors are required to pass the academic International Language Testing System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET).
The requirements for IELTs:
Doctors are required to achieve at least 7.0 in reading, writing, listening and speaking modules. Doctors taking the test must not have scored below 6.5 in any of the named categories.
The requirements for OET:
Doctors must achieve a minimum B grade in listening, reading and speaking and a C+ in writing
Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Part 1
This is a written Multiple-Choice Examination of 180 questions which must be answered within three hours. Each starts with a short scenario followed by a question. PLAB part 1 can be sat in a number of countries, including India as well as in the UK. There is a maximum of four attempts to sit and pass the exam.
Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Part 2
PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE). It is made up of 18 scenarios stations, each lasting eight minutes and aims to reflect real life settings including mock consultations or ward-based scenarios. This exam can only be taken in the UK.
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To apply for the the GHS Programme
You must be a fully qualified doctor with a medical degree.
Please contact us for an informal discussion prior to applying.
The GHS Complete Programme
Our Programme for Doctors includes:
Training for Professionals by Professionals
CV Review and Interview Preparation
IELTS or OET
PLAB Support
Clinical Attachment
Placement
GHS is proud to partner with healthcare providers in the public sector to include, NHS trusts and, primary care in the community.

Visa
The UK Government has recently launched the new Health and Care Visa with the objective to make the process cheaper, quicker and more efficient for healthcare professional from around the world to come to the UK. As part of this new process:
- There will be a complete Immigration Health Surcharge exemption meaning you will have immediate and free access to the NHS
- Applications will be processed within a two to three-week timeframe giving you fast track entry to the UK
- Dedicated support will be available ensuring the smooth progression of the application.
We appreciate just how daunting it can be to apply for a visa. It is our commitment to support and guide you through the visa application stage.
If you also require advice for your family members, we have partnered with Rajesh Rai who is Barrister specialising in Immigration Law at established Barristers chambers 1MBC, Chambers of John Benson QC and will be able to support.
Pastoral Care
We are passionate to ensure that every measure is taken to set our candidates up for success and recognise the huge role pastoral care plays in the success of our programme.
At GHS, we promote an ethos and culture of support and mentorship. This begins as soon as you make first contact with GHS to enquire about coming to work in the NHS, through to when you arrive in the UK and are placed in NHS Trusts.
Our holistic approach meets the personal, social, emotional, and intellectual needs of every nurse, in order ensure you can participate fully and gain maximum benefit from everything the NHS and the UK has to offer. The GHS Pastoral Care Framework is defined as an entitlement for every nurse in four key areas: personal guidance, educational guidance, cultural guidance, practical guidance. The framework will guide, support you through many situations you may face for example:
- Support and guidance in setting up bank accounts;
- Be on call to answer any queries you may have;
- Assistance in getting to know where you will be living, working;
- Be on call to answer any queries you may have
We want you to be safe, happy and supported.

Benefits
Mentorship from experienced UK based doctors
A UK welcome pack including personal welcome and orientation on arrival
Visa support
Ongoing pastoral support and access to our network of UK consultants and general practitioners
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Why GHS?
GHS is unique in its approach in being supportive from the time of expression of interest to settling into the first placement in the UK and beyond. Professional and pastoral mentoring support is available on a one to one basis at all stages of the process.
1. Guidance with individual needs for preparation to pass the above required exams
2. VISA and registration with NMC – once placement is confirmed in the UK, GHS offers full assistance in obtaining Tier 2 VISA. Tier 2 VISA is a work Visa that is needed for immigration of a skilled applicant to work in UK as a Doctor, Nurse or any other health care professional.
3.Full assistance in travel arrangements, initial meet and greet service on arrival and settling in accommodation provided.
4. Continued advice and sign posting to ensure fitness for practice is in place till annual placement appraisal is conducted.