Medicine Jobs
Junior Doctors have completed their undergraduate medical degree, which can take between 4-6 years, Medical Graduates apply for Provisional Registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) to undertake a 2-year Foundation training program. These programs are facilitated by postgraduate medical education organisations. They are time and outcome based and consist of several rotations in different medical and surgical specialties in hospitals and primary care settings. The Foundation Training Program is a ‘bridge' from Medical School to Specialist training, allowing Junior Doctors to apply their knowledge from Medical School, to develop essential clinical and non-clinical skills, to take on more responsibility for patient care in a safe and supervised environment, while exposing them to different medical specialties so they can build a better understanding of the specialty training they want to pursue in the future. After successful completion of the first year of training (FY1), Junior Doctors are eligible to apply for General Registration to continue their FY2, which further develops core skills, independence in clinical practice and leadership within the health care team.
Trust Grade/SHO/RMOs have completed foundation training and are ready to expand their competencies and/or refine their skills in particular areas of medicine. They can apply for Specialty Training (ST), Internal Medicine Training (IMT - previously called Core Training), or GP Specialty Training programs. These postgraduate training programs can take between 3-8 years to complete and involve many hours of hard work, skill assessment and exams. Doctors at this level who don’t enrol in Specialty Training programs, for various reasons, can still apply for Trust Grade/ Senior House Officer/Resident Medical Officer/Junior Fellowship positions (or equivalent ST1/2, IMY1/2). These positions require GMC registration, and although not considered ‘training’ posts, they provide a good opportunity for further skill development and experience. Doctors in these positions can often request signoffs of competencies to support the continuation of their career.
Registrar level Doctors are those undertaking specialty training posts at ST3 or IMY3 level and above, or non-training posts which require equivalent experience (3+ post foundation years). Similar titles include Senior Clinical Fellow, Trust Grade ST3, or Specialty Trainee/Registrar. Doctors at this level have increased responsibility in providing medical care, attending and assessing acutely ill patients, and supporting and training Junior Doctors and staff. During this time, Registrars continue to develop advanced clinical and professional practice and autonomy. Sometimes they will be the most senior doctor on duty, but they will continue to receive guidance, specialty training, and support from senior staff. Registrar level Doctors enrolled in specialty training programs, including GP and Internal Medicine Training, will be working towards achieving a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) to join either the GMC GP register as a GP, or the GMC Specialist Register as a Consultant. Some Medical Specialties take up to 8 years of postgraduate work experience and study. Other Registrar level Doctors will work in non-training posts, which can lead to SAS (Staff grade/ Associate Specialists/Specialty Doctors) positions and alternative pathways to Specialist registration in the future.
Specialty Doctors/Staff Grade/Associate Specialists are collectively known as SAS Doctors. They are senior and experienced Doctors with 4 + years (post foundation) experience, including 2-years experience in a medical specialty. Generally, these are permanent posts, with hands-on duties and extensive patient contact. SAS doctors receive continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities and are regularly involved in teaching and research. SAS doctor who have not followed an approved training program, but have gained the same level of knowledge, skills and higher-level competencies as CCT holders, can apply to the GMC for a Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) or Certificate of Eligibility for General Practice Registration (CEGPR), helping them to qualifying for entry onto the Specialist or GP Register of the GMC.
Specialist Consultants have completed all the training requirements relating to their medical specialty and are eligible for a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) and specialist registration with the GMC. Consultants lead teams of doctors, providing clinical oversight and responsibility for overall patient care. They work in the clinical environment, assessing patients directly, while also contributing to teaching, management, and administration. Substantive Consultant positions require Specialist Registration and are permanent roles with long-term job security. Locum Consultant roles, however, do not require specialist registration and are temporary roles which provide senior clinical support within the hospital or clinic.