Radiology is at the heart of clinical care and is a key tool for the detection of various life threatening diseases, as well as for facilitating life-saving interventional procedures. Working as a radiologist in the NHS gives you the opportunity to be at the forefront of performing quality exams, suggesting the right imaging procedures, and successfully diagnosing diseases/injuries.
What is the role of a radiologist?
Radiologists are medical doctors specialising in diagnosing and treating diseases/injuries, with the help of medical imaging (radiology) procedures such as X-ray, MRI, PET, ultrasound & CT. A radiologist interprets and reports on the resulting images. They then recommend accurate treatment and when appropriate, additional tests. Read on to find out how Remedium can help radiologists find a job in the UK healthcare sector.
How do I get a job as an international radiologist in the UK?
The first step to becoming a radiologist in the UK is to get the required qualifications. The official exam for Radiology in the UK is FRCR. There are three parts;
- Part 1 – This exam covers two modules: Anatomy and Physics.
- Part 2A – This includes a written exam of two papers taken on the same day over 3 hours.
- Part 2B – This is a practical exam involving case discussions and image reporting.
All parts must be passed by the end of the 5-year training programme along with a recognised English language qualification (OET or IELTS).
The next step after getting the required qualifications would be to register with the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC is the regulatory body responsible for maintaining the official register of all medical practitioners within the United Kingdom. You cannot legally practice or procure a job in the NHS as a doctor unless you are registered with the GMC.
Which sub-specialties exist for radiology in the UK?
The biggest and most common practice in radiology is General Radiology. There are various sub-specialties in radiology that you can train in which are approved by the GMC:
- Interventional
- Neuro
- Paediatric
- Cross-sectional
- Gastrointestinal (GI)
- Genitourinary (GU)
- Breast
- Nuclear
Remedium Partners supports international radiologists to secure roles across all these subspecialties. If you are looking to pursue a career in one of these sub-specialties, then you must obtain a one-year fellowship in your chosen subspecialty at the NHS Trust. This will help you train, develop and advance your knowledge in this field. Register with us today to speak with one of our expert advisors to find out which subspecialty might be right for you.
Why choose the UK to work as an international radiologist?
Radiology is a highly competitive field in the UK and at one point in time, it was essentially closed to IMGs. However, owing to the current shortage of radiologists, immigration laws were changed. IMGs and UK graduates are now given equal consideration for job opportunities.
The UK is home to health professionals from diverse backgrounds, thus making them extremely welcoming and supportive of each other. Working in the NHS will help you interact with professionals from all over the globe and progress in your career at a much faster pace. The NHS is one of the most prestigious healthcare systems in the world. It is renowned across the globe for being at the forefront of technology in radiology. International doctors working in the NHS are therefore offered a generous salary package, a great pension, and holiday entitlement.
Many international doctors move to the UK to work in radiology as the NHS is heavily focused on clinical work. Each doctor is allocated plenty of SPA time (Special Programmed Activity). This means the doctors get dedicated time to focus on their own personal interests. This can include research, courses, and even additional qualifications. A lot of clinicians get excited about the time away from direct clinical work helping them pursue their hobbies or passion.
“There has never been a better time to be looking for a Consultant Radiology position within the NHS with the whole of the UK looking to reduce its diagnostic waiting lists. Whether you are working in General Radiology or within a subspecialty interest area, if you would like to relocate and work in the NHS then please contact our Radiology team. We would be very happy to assist you on your journey.”
– Sebastian Evans, Divisional Manager at Remedium Partners
How can you procure a job in radiology?
To find a job as a radiologist in the UK, you can register your details on our website. Our team will then schedule an interview for you. They will also help you prepare for the interview process. Your Remedium Consultant will also be able to answer any questions regarding postgraduate qualifications, GMC registration, visas, COS and much more.
Once you obtain a job in the NHS, you will be assigned an onboarding executive. They will provide you with tailored advice according to your specific background and job preferences. Alongside this, you will have access to our award-winning Red Carpet Platform which will assist you with all aspects of your relocation to the UK.
