Medical careers

Undergraduate Medical Training

There are six medical schools in London. These serve diverse populations and have a range of advantages and benefits.

The BMA have useful information Applying to medical school

• Imperial College
• King’s College
• University College
• Queen Mary University
• St Georges
• Brunel Medical school

Foundation Training

There is a single foundation school in London linked to the 5 established medical schools.

Posts are located in geographical areas focused on these medical schools and will be 2 year programmes. Application is through the national process

London Foundation School – UK Foundation Programme

Specialty Training

• London hosts specialty training programmes in all specialties including public health. Programmes are either run through or have a core and higher specialty training component.
• There are 14 specialty training schools who support and coordinate training in these programmes. Recruitment is via the national recruitment portal and more information is available on the London specialty schools site Specialty Schools | London
• National guidance is available on medical specialty Medical Specialty Recruitment | Medical Hub
• Training programmes vary between 3 and 6 years, depending on the specialty. Some programmes deliver training at core level and higher level in separate programmes, recruited separately and others recruit to a full training programme.
• Trainees in training programmes generally stay in the same programme and geographical area for the whole duration but opportunities are offered for transfer between regions depending on personal circumstances.
• It is possible to train at less than full time Less Than Full Time Training | London
• Trainees are able to pause their training to take time out of training for personal or professional reasons Out of programme (OOP) – GMC

International Medical Graduates (IMGs)

• International medical graduates are doctors who trained outside of the UK.
• London Trusts are all working to the enhanced induction for IMGs Welcoming-and-Valuing-International-Medical-Graduates-A-guide-to-induction-for-IMGs-WEB.pdf,
• There is a national elearning programme available to support doctors new to the NHS NHS Induction Programme for International Medical Graduates – elearning for healthcare
• Many London trusts have additional support provided including an IMG lead who works with the IMGs.
• The Medical Defence Union (MDU) have helpful advice Five steps for IMGs preparing to work in the NHS – The MDU

Locally Employed Doctors

• LEDs are recruited and employed by the hospital with locally agreed terms and conditions- usually following the 2015 junior doctor contract.
• The development and career opportunities for LEDs are different to doctors in training programmes but offer flexibility and the chance to “pause” or develop portfolio careers.
• LEDs may therefore be working at the level of “fY3” following the foundation year through to core, higher equivalent or senior fellow roles. LEDs who have been in post working on higher level rotas for more than 2 years are recommended to explore specialist posts (link to SAS doctors area)
• There are examples in London of excellent support for LEDs and many hospitals /trusts will have rotational programmes across multiple specialties or multiple sites.
• London is committed to meeting the national Blueprint for change actions (Supporting locally employed doctors: Blueprint for Change | NHS England | Workforce, training and education).

Specialty and specialist grade doctors

There are more than 1700 experienced doctors and dentists working independently within hospitals and other healthcare settings in London – called SAS (specialty and specialist grade) doctors and. These staff members form a significant proportion of the medical workforce in any organisation and more information can be accessed here SAS doctors | Health Careers

SAS doctors are appointed on national terms and conditions Staff, associate specialist and specialty doctor contract and offers the opportunity of career progression. https://www.nhsemployers.org/sas, Staff, associate specialist and specialty doctor contract

In London, the majority of Trusts have a SAS tutor who supports the development and progression of this diverse group of doctors and in many organisations, there are regular developmental opportunities, workshops and other resources available.

Training and working as a GP

Welcoming doctors into the London Primary care workforce

The Primary care team in London welcomes doctors wishing to practice within Primary care in our London Capital, where there are a wealth of opportunities which support them to achieve fulfilling and successful careers in Primary Care. Throughout London, our five London Training Hubs (links below) work with the Integrated Care Systems (ICS) to collaborate and create positive career pathways across the different stages of career, offering retention initiatives and new ways of working.

The London Salaried Portfolio and Innovation (SPIN) and Fellowship Programme offers doctors a vast array of opportunities to access system-wide portfolio roles for career and leadership growth, and a chance to create sustained innovation which benefits patients (Visit our London SPIN & Fellowship webpage for key contacts). View our GP Narrative case stories which showcase the value of these roles for GP fellows in terms of career development, to employers for the multifaceted skills GPs bring to these roles and their host organisation, and learn how they benefit our patients.

London ICB Facing Training Hub webpages:

• North Central London: https://www.ncltraininghub.org/
• North East London: https://neltraininghub.org/
• North West London: https://nwltraininghub.co.uk/
• South East London: https://www.selwdh.co.uk/
• South West London: https://www.swltraininghubs.org/