Induction & Refresher Scheme
This scheme is designed to support GPs who have left NHS GP for more than 2 years and wish to return to practice in Northern Ireland, as well those who are new to NI General Practice. You can see the various pathways to entering General Practice below. (Last updated July 2024 in relation to joining GMC GP Register and awaiting final approval at local level; for most current guidance contact Dr Louise Sands at email below)
Returning to GP (RtP)
If you have been out of NHS GP workforce for 2 years or more you will need to complete this scheme before re-joining GP practice.
The scheme will give you all the support you need to ensure you are familiar with the changes that have occurred in GP Practice since you left. You may be asked to complete a learning needs assessment (LNA) and also a practice placement.
If you have been away > 2years but < 10 years and completed your GP training in the UK, you may be able to access a new fast-track route. Please contact Louise.Sands@hscni.net for more information
You can find guidance notes on the scheme here
The first step is to apply to join the NIPMPL here
For more information follow the link below
or contact Louise.Sands@hscni.net
International Induction Programme (IIP)
This supports doctors who have never practiced in NHS General Practice before. It includes those
who have completed GP training in Republic of Ireland in the past 2 years
who have completed GP training in Australia, New Zealand and Canada (RSQ pathway)
GPs who have not previously worked in NHS General Practice from the EEA
GPs who have not previously worked in NHS General Practice from any country not included above (Portfolio Pathway)
The first step is to join the GMC GP register. GMC register application.
You can find more information at this link
Once you are on the GMC GP register you can apply to the scheme using the NIPMPL application here
Opportunities for GPs recently qualified in Republic of Ireland
Did you know that if you have qualified as a GP within the past 2 years in the Republic of Ireland, you can now follow a Streamlined Process to be able to work in Northern Ireland? This avoids the need to sit any exam and allows you to do a short orientation placement in a training practice in the area where you might wish to work. To find out more email louise.sands@hscni.net
Opportunities for GPs who qualified in Australia, New Zealand, or Canada (RSQ Pathway)
The Recognised Specialist Qualification Pathway allows doctors whose qualification is included in the General Medical Council (GMC) list of recognised qualifications to apply directly for GP or Specialist registration. This is a new pathway which launched on 15 May 2024.
Currently, there are five general practice qualifications included on the list. The curricula for these qualifications have been carefully reviewed as part of a detailed mapping process which also looked at the healthcare context, the training programme, assessments and examinations. The success rate of applicants holding these qualifications who applied through the former Streamlined CEGPR route means that we are assured of their similarity to general practice specialty training in the UK and their suitability for the RSQ list.
You can find out whether your qualification is on the list of recognised specialist qualifications and whether you fulfil the further requirements (where stipulated) on the General Medical Council (GMC) website.
You can find out more information at this link https://www.rcgp.org.uk/your-career/qualifying-as-a-gp/rsq-pathway or email louise.sands@hscni.net
To find out more about Northern Ireland as a place to live and work follow this link
If you are an International Medical Graduate you will find more information here
Gilles shares his story
After many conversations with a GP colleague in England, I decided I wanted to work for the NHS as a GP.
I am from Bordeaux and had my own GP practice for 30 years but was unhappy with the French system, in part due to the large number of routine tasks.
I had been visiting Ireland, and specifically the North for thirty years, and was really keen to live there and welcomed the new challenges.
The diversity of the Gp role in the NHS has offered a new stimulus in my career.
I needed to do the Induction Scheme as I had never worked in the NHS before and did my GP training in France. It was very challenging to do the MCQ tests and also the simulated surgery as I had practiced a different style of medicine in France. You definitely need to prepare well for the tests and there are specifics training courses you can do.
It hasn’t been easy but it has been well worth it and I am thoroughly enjoying working in a rural practice in Plumbridge, Co. Tyrone. I would encourage anyone new to Northern Ireland to be aware and respectful of the Irish culture that is unique to this place.
My passion is to continue in rural practice. I am very keen to promote a new holistic method with my patients to encourage them to eat healthily, thereby improving their health and wellbeing