Clinical attachments can be a great method for medical students from abroad to experience the life of doctors working in the NHS. It is possible to observe the work of a specialist in that field without being in charge of providing care to patients.
What is an attachment for clinical use?
An attachment to a clinical course will assist you in preparing you for working within the NHS.
It gives you an understanding of the medical procedures and procedures in the NHS through watching an expert in the relevant field of working.
Attachments generally last between two to four months.
While you are attached the attachment, you do not receive any responsibility. You are also not able to take clinical decisions or give advice.
After a time of observing consultants, it is possible that you can begin to assume some clinical tasks. This is based on an assessment of risk, and with the guidance of your consultant.
Duties are typically restricted to:
Participating in the consultations
Participating in the administration of patient care
taking patient histories
Physical tests
Being observant during the operation.
Do I need to do an attachment to a clinic?
It’s not required to be a doctor for GMC registration or work within the NHS. But, your experience helpful in making sure that you’re meeting the requirements by doctors.
The knowledge you acquire will be pertinent to your GMC application to register. It will request specifics of your professional experience over the last five years, both medical and non-medical.
It has been proven through experience that it is recommended to take a clinical test prior to taking part two of the PLAB test, or even after you’ve completed it. This helps ensure you be able to get the most value from the test.
Eligibility
You must meet the following requirements:
the successful completion of the criminal record check
documents to prove your identity
If you’re not an native English speaker, then you’ll require to have an IELTS or OET certificate of level 7.5 or equivalent levels of English which you are able to demonstrate
Health clearance for occupational workers obtained from NHS trust
attending the doctors’ induction day prior to the date that the attachment starts in the event that it is applicable
positive references from the referees mentioned on the application the form.
Visas
In general, medical students who are not from the EEA require a visitor’s visa in order to visit the UK.
A standard visitor’s visa lasts for a maximum of six months in which time you are able to complete an exam called the PLAB 2 test and finish your clinical component.
The search for a connection with a medical institution
There isn’t a single tool across the UK to locate an attachment for clinical research.
It is possible to search the web for clinical attachments, including NHS hospitals as well as postgraduate deaneries.
This list contains examples of trusts that run attachment programs for clinical use:
You could also consider asking your relatives or friends who work within an NHS hospital to refer you to a specialist who specializes in your field.
It is also possible to contact consultants directly. You can do this by visiting the hospital’s websites and then navigating to the departments you’re interested in. Click here for information on a clinical attachment Kenya.
