The Education Academy
Clinical Observership Programme
Doctors from overseas who want to work in the UK are advised to undertake a period of clinical attachment in which they can observe practice in the UK. Our clinical attachment is an observership programme which helps and supports overseas qualified doctors become a part of the NHS.
Each clinical observer is paired with a supervisor, who acts as a mentor throughout the programme. The supervisor will work with the observer to create a tailored experience, ensuring that our visitors make the most of this unique opportunity.
What does the placement involve?
During the placements, doctors can observe and participate in a range of activities including:
- Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings: specialist teams of health professionals who together with the patient and the specialist doctor decide diagnosis, care and treatment
- Clinics and ward rounds
- Management meetings
- Quality improvement activities
- Teaching sessions
- Observing surgery in theatres
- Local induction
Who is eligible?
The programme is for postgraduate medical doctors. They must be qualified and registered in their home country. UK professional registration is not required.
Therefore no hands-on activities are allowed.
To apply for observership programmes candidates will complete an application form and provide the following documentation:
- Passport
- Proof of address
- Visitor Visa if required
- Proof of qualifications (*and translation)
- DBS / Criminal Records check from home country (*and translation)
- Evidence of competency in English if English is not their first language through IELTS or OET Certificate at level 7.5 or an equivalent level of English that they can demonstrate
- PLAB 1 pass
- At least 2 references from your current or most recent job
*NB All documents must be translated into English and include an official stamp of authority
In addition candidates will be required to apply for Occupational Health Clearance through the Trust’s Occupational Health team and may also require an immunisation report.
If a candidate is unable to meet the clearance checks required their offer of an Observership will be withdrawn.
Language requirements
Candidates must achieve IELTS level 7.5 or above (in each part).
Fees
The cost of a 4-week Clinical Observership is set at £1,250 per person.
The full fee is payable in advance and includes fees for administration, application processing and honorary contract application.
Please note that the fee does not include food, accommodation or any other expenses. We cannot provide accommodation for you.
When can I apply?
The Clinical Observership Programme opens for applications 3 times a year. The time you should apply depends on when you would like to undertake your elective as noted below:
| Applications open: | Observership dates: |
| 9th September 2024 – 17th September 2024 | 11th November 2024 – 6th December 2024 |
| 2nd January 2025 – 13th January 2025 | 10th March 2025 – 4th April 2025 |
| 5th May 2025 – 16th May 2025 | 7th July 2025 – 1st August 2025 |
Please note that the application round is for applicants to complete the online application form and make the payment required.
Application attempts made outside of these times or arranged with a consultant without making an application will not be considered.
Honorary Contract
All Clinical Observers are required to hold an Honorary Contract with Barts Health. The charge for this is included within the fee for the Clinical Observership Programme.
An honorary contract ensures the work is covered by NHS indemnity. Individuals undertaking honorary attachments will be subject to the same level of pre and post-employment checks as a substantive employee in line with the Trust’s Recruitment and Selection Policy and NHS Employers Checking Standards.
Please note that Honorary contracts do not entail any form of remuneration, including, but not limited to, sick pay, paid leave, travel expenses or contribution to the organisational pension scheme.
For further information on Honorary Contracts, please see Honorary contracts | WeShare (bartshealth.nhs.uk)
