We support the intention behind plans to prioritise specialty training places for UK medical graduates and the steps being taken to increase the number of specialty training places available to them. We believe this will go some way to ensuring that the next generation of UK-educated surgeons can build their careers within the NHS rather than seeking opportunities abroad, and it aligns with the goal of maintaining a sustainable UK-educated healthcare workforce.
However, we disagree with the view that that International Medical Graduates (IMGs) – who make a significant contribution to delivering surgical care within the NHS – should have to wait five years before they can apply for the Higher Surgical Training.
Instead, we believe that IMGs should be able to apply for Higher Surgical Training after working in the NHS for three years. This is a sufficient length of time for IMGs to develop the range of skills and experience needed to apply for Higher Surgical Training. We also know that patients and UK Medical Graduates benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience that those who have practiced around the globe bring to the NHS.
We would therefore like to work with government and NHS training bodies to develop robust measures that evaluate the quality of training an individual has received and a framework that scores their surgical skills and competencies against the UK curriculum. We must also ensure that the time that IMGs spend contributing towards the NHS does not preclude their applications to Higher Surgical Training. A limit above three years would result in this preclusion.
Given the importance of transparency, candour, and empathy to good surgical practice, we also accept the benefits of reviewing the English language and communication requirements.
We believe these measures would help raise the general level of surgical care. We must also ensure that IMGs have a clear understanding of the professional standards towards which they are working.
The measures would ensure that the application process for Higher Surgical Training is based on fairness and quality and would help maintain the strength and diversity of the surgical workforce.