Working Outside the UK and International Queries

 

 

I work in the Republic of Ireland but am also licensed with the GMC, how will revalidation affect me?

All doctors who wish to retain their licence to practise with the GMC will need to be revalidated.

 

 

I want to work overseas but I’m not sure how easy it will be with the new revalidation process.

The RCGP does not want to discourage people from undertaking work overseas and is keen to be facilitative in the process. The present RCGP proposal is that, in a five year revalidation period, doctors must undertake at least three year’s worth of educational credits, 200 half days of clinical work (100 of which should be in the two years prior to revalidation) and three annual appraisals in an approved environment (which in most cases will be the NHS or an approved delegated body) in order to be revalidated (see RCGP Guide to the Revalidation of General Practitioners, details of this may be subject to change). However, we currently understand that it will be left to the Responsible Officer’s discretion as to whether supporting information gained in an overseas context can be considered as part of a revalidation portfolio. If you plan to work overseas for a long period of time and are unable to meet these minimum requirements, your employer or deanery may decide that you require re-entry training, as proposed by the RCGP.

 

 

I work overseas but am on the UK GP Register, how will revalidation affect me?

You will be required to participate in the revalidation process if you wish to retain your licence to practice. In all likelihood, only supporting information gained in the NHS or an approved delegated body will be used to populate a revalidation portfolio (see RCGP Guide to the Revalidation of General Practitioners). However, as stated above we understand the Responsible Officer will have some discretion. GPs in this situation should therefore aim to collect all the appropriate supporting information that they can, regardless of the setting. The RCGP proposes that a GP may need to go through a re-entry course if they have not been able to complete the minimum standard portfolio as set out in the guide due to an extended absence (of two years or more) from UK general practice. The content of the re-entry course has not been agreed yet.

 

 

Can I be appraised for revalidation while I am overseas?

Because the GMC will need to be convinced that appraisals a GP has received are of the same standard and same criteria as those in the UK, it is unlikely that any appraisals outside the UK will contribute to revalidation, although as stated above we understand the Responsible Officer will have some discretion. We would not wish to discourage GPs from having appraisals, including ‘virtual appraisals’, whilst they are overseas as these can still aid professional development.

 

 

Do I have to remain on the UK GP Register whilst working overseas?

The GMC does not require you to maintain your licence while you are not practising in the UK. You will stay on the GP register, but we expect that you will be able to voluntarily relinquish your license and apply for it to be restored when you return to the UK. The process of restoring your licence should be straightforward, although this might depend on the length of time you have been away. You may be required to undertake re-entry training on your return to the UK, though this process has not yet been decided.

 

 

Will overseas learning systems count towards revalidation in the UK?

Only supporting information gathered in an approved environment (which is likely to mean the NHS or an approved delegated body) is likely to be used as supporting evidence for revalidation in the UK. There is, however, debate about the use of ‘comparable’ information and the Responsible Officer may wish to use their discretion in some cases. We expect that re-entry programmes (please see answers above) will take into account the specific needs of individual GPs, and learning carried out overseas may be a factor in the design of these courses. The GMC advise that doctors try and keep up with developments in the UK while abroad, including NICE guidelines etc.

 

 

How long can I work overseas without it affecting the revalidation process?

Theoretically, it would be possible for a GP to work overseas for a maximum of two-and-a-half years (as defined by the minimum standard portfolio requirements proposed in the RCGP Guide to Revalidation for General Practitioners) without returning to the UK if they were able to undergo a third appraisal in a half-year period. It would also be possible for a doctor to continue working overseas if they returned to the UK to have their appraisals, and undertake clinical work. However, we expect that you will be able to voluntarily relinquish your license and apply for it to be restored when you return to the UK.

 

 

How will I be contacted about revalidation while I am overseas?

The GMC advise that you leave an effective address with them so that you can be contacted whilst abroad.

 

 

What if I don’t have a Responsible Officer?

The GMC is aware that a small number of UK-licenced doctors don’t currently have a connection to a Responsible Officer. Work is underway to address this issue and the GMC plan to write to all UK-licenced doctors next year to identify those who do not have a Responsible Officer.

 

How much will it cost me to undergo a re-entry programme?

Such costs are still being worked out.

 

 

What should I do if I return from overseas and wish to work in the UK?

If your licence has lapsed while you were away, you will need to apply to the GMC to re-enter general practice and your employer (PCO) or deanery may request that you undergo a re-entry course. You will then be placed on a Performers List with a Primary Care Organisation and allocated to a Responsible Officer. Only then will you be able to work as a general practitioner. The GMC will decide when your revalidation is due.

 

 

I am an International Medical Graduate planning to work in the UK. How will revalidation affect me?

Once you have fulfilled all the requirements which allow you to work in the UK, revalidation will be the same for all General Practitioners. The GMC will decide when your revalidation is due.

 

 

I am an overseas member of the College and I am not on the GP Register. Will revalidation affect my membership?

As long as you are fulfilling your membership requirements revalidation will have no bearing on your membership.

 

 

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