International Trainees Online Resources

The NHS

These resources provide a concise introduction to the NHS in England, explaining how it is structured, how it functions, and how it is evolving. They are particularly useful for international medical graduates, offering clear guidance on working and training in the NHS, as well as practical support for induction and integration into UK clinical practice.

Governing bodies

These resources outline the role of the General Medical Council (GMC) and the professional standards expected of doctors practising in the UK. They cover registration and revalidation requirements for international medical graduates, core principles of Good Medical Practice, and key ethical and professional obligations, including duty of candour and the management of personal and religious beliefs in clinical practice.

Indemnity

These resources explain the importance of appropriate medical indemnity for doctors practising in the UK. They outline the types of indemnity and medico-legal support available, individual professional responsibilities, and the regulatory requirements set out by the GMC to ensure doctors are adequately covered for their scope of practice.

Useful information for IMGs

These resources bring together practical, professional, and personal guidance to support international medical graduates transitioning to life and work in the UK. They cover key areas including immigration and right-to-work requirements, professional practice and indemnity, training and career development, wellbeing and equality, as well as essential day-to-day information on housing, finances, healthcare registration, travel, and settling into UK culture.

Recruitment and training and education

These resources provide an overview of recruitment, training, and educational pathways within UK medicine, with a particular focus on specialty and surgical training. They include guidance on national recruitment processes, postgraduate examinations, approved curricula, and a range of learning platforms to support exam preparation, clinical development, wellbeing, and career progression.

Working or training less than full time (LTFT)

These resources outline the options, entitlements, and practical considerations for doctors working or training less than full time (LTFT) in the UK. They cover GMC policy, pay and rota arrangements, and the principles of flexible training, helping doctors understand how LTFT working can be managed safely, fairly, and in line with training requirements.

Portfolio, workplace-based assessments, supervision and appraisal

These resources provide a practical guide to managing your training portfolio and progressing through workplace-based assessment and review processes in the UK. They cover reflective practice (for trainees and supervisors), how to use the ISCP e-portfolio, the roles of key supervisors (CS/ES/TPD), the different types of WBAs, and what to expect from ARCP, helping you document evidence, seek feedback effectively, and stay on track with training requirements.

Clinical resources

These clinical resources provide evidence-based guidance to support safe, up-to-date practice in the UK. They include national standards for diagnosis and management, prescribing guidance, and specialty-specific recommendations for breast and oncoplastic surgery, helping clinicians align their practice with current national and professional guidelines.

Multidisciplinary working

These resources explain the principles and practicalities of multidisciplinary team (MDT) working in breast cancer care. They outline the roles of different team members, MDT processes and governance, and how effective multidisciplinary collaboration supports high-quality, patient-centred decision-making and outcomes.

Local Support

These resources highlight the importance of local and regional support structures for doctors working in the NHS. They cover what to expect from local Trust induction and outline additional support available through Professional Support Units, which can provide tailored help with cultural adjustment, professional development, exam preparation, and wellbeing.

Association of Breast Surgery

These resources introduce the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) and the support it offers to surgeons and trainees working in breast disease. The ABS provides access to specialty-specific guidelines, educational materials, courses and events, and the Mammary Fold trainee network, supporting ongoing learning, professional development, and engagement within the breast surgery community.

International Breast Surgery Training: A complete handbook for trainees

Edited by Miss Raghavan Vidya & Dr Muskaan Khosla

This book provides a roadmap for surgeons anywhere in the world who want to further their skills and knowledge in breast surgery, helping young surgeons develop their approach towards training for a career in the discipline based on the spectrum of pathways that exist in different countries.

The book also highlights a wide array of resources that can be used by trainees to develop insights and knowledge that can contribute to a greater development of the discipline of breast oncoplasty and reconstruction.

Handbook of UK Breast Training for International Trainees

Dr Raghavan Vidya, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

This handbook provides international fellows in breast surgery with a practical, accessible guide that explains not only how to enter UK breast
training but also how to thrive within it.

It aims to support fellows from the very beginning of their career journey, from preparing applications and understanding eligibility criteria, to adapting successfully to life and work within the NHS.