Induction programme of international medical graduates on the Medical Training Initiative scheme
Editor – We are surprised at the lack of mention of the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) scheme which is run by a number of medical royal colleges in the article by Jalal et al.1 Currently there are over 300 physicians working and training in the UK on the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) scheme for up to 2 years.
The RCP provides support to these trainees once in the UK, with tailored inductions held four times a year to provide them with an introduction to the NHS, clinical governance and sessions on medical practice by colleagues from the General Medical Council, communication skills, e-portfolio and introduction to cultural differences that they may face in the UK. We also invite a current MTI doctor to talk about their experience over the past year.
Last year, 164 international medical graduates (IMGs) attended MTI inductions. Feedback is used to inform future sessions. We also organise an annual symposium to encourage them to present their audits and research projects.
We are working with other royal colleges to improve knowledge and experience sharing, with an aim to improve the IMG experience.
The main obstacle to receiving adequate support early on in their training is the variable start dates that, on occasions, do not coincide with the available induction dates. To improve this, we would like to work towards providing some aspects of the induction online with information on settling into the UK (eg accommodation, schooling and opening a bank account).
We welcome and support the suggestion by Jalal et al to implement national inductions to improve the quality of information provided to IMGs who have recently moved to the UK.
We are keen to improve the standards of pastoral care for IMGs to ensure that they are able to raise any concerns while in post, ensuring that these do not negatively impact their experiences. We also support the alumni to ensure that the skills and experiences gained in the UK are used effectively to improve health services in their home country.
We also provide pastoral care outlined above to any IMG who has come to UK, regardless of whether or not on the MTI route.
- © Royal College of Physicians 2019. All rights reserved.
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