Advice for Greek doctors seeking to work or train in the UK
- The system of specialist training in the UK is considerably different to that of Greece and becoming a specialist (Consultant) involves a longer training period. To complete the specialisation it is mandatory to pass written, oral and clinical exams, usually in two steps, during the training. The exams are organised by the relevant medical “Royal Colleges” for each specialty. For more information on exams and a full list of all Royal Colleges visit:
www.aomrc.org.uk/about-us/academy-members/ - To obtain a training or non-training medical position, there is usually an “open competition” process that involves completing and submitting an application form and/or a CV with a covering letter. It is always necessary to complete an application form or write up a CV or covering letter with extra care. The short-listing process is based on information found on the application form, CV and letters. Applicants then may be selected for an interview and if they are successful, they are offered a contract for a fixed period of time. Current medical jobs are advertised on the weekly British Medical Journal (BMJ) and can be found at jobs.bmj.com as well as on the NHS jobs website www.jobs.nhs.uk and via registered recruitment agencies www.nhsemployers.org/your-workforce/recruit/employer-led-recruitment/international-recruitment/uk-code-of-practice-for-international-recruitment/recruitment-agency-list
- In order to take up appointments in the UK, doctors must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). This process may take a couple of months, so early planning is advised. Information on how to register with the GMC can be found at:
www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/eea-countries/greece
www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing
www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/working-as-a-doctor-in-the-uk
www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/registration-applications/application-registration - A valuable source of information is also the British Medical Association: www.bma.org.uk/advice/work-life-support/life-and-work-in-the-uk/guide-for-doctors-new-to-the-uk
- The British Medical Council in Greece provides a paid consultancy service for those looking for medical employment in the UK www.britishcouncil.gr/en/study-uk/medical-dentistry-consultancy
Last updated 19/11/18
ΚΕ.Σ.Υ. plans to develop a database consisting of the contact information of Greek expatriate scientists, which will be available on it’s website. In this way, a channel of communication will be established to enable scientists in Greece to explore opportunities abroad as well as expatriate scientists to further support the scientific community in Greece. They invite all the expatriate medical workforce to declare their availability and willingness to be contacted by and collaborate with individuals as well as scientific organisations in Greece
Using a realistic but imaginative approach, the objective of the initiative is to bring high quality human capital of the country together and to create collaboration links between them. This networking of Greeks can strengthen the growth prospects of the country and ensure that participating Greeks become part of a joint endeavour. 
