Qualified GPs planning to work overseas: ‘go, enjoy yourself, and come back’

Experiencing health care abroad as a doctor is beneficial to the individual and to the NHS. However, navigating the appraisal and revalidation system may feel like a barrier. As Chair of the RCGP Junior International Committee (JIC), I receive many enquiries about this. We wish to provide reliable guidance so you can go and enjoy your new experiences, knowing that your return will be straightforward and you will be welcomed back. Fulfilling the GMC requirements (keeping up-to-date, appropriate quality improvement activities, and seeking and reflecting on UK-based patient and colleague feedback) early in your revalidation cycle will ensure flexibility later. Leaving things to the last minute can be stressful during time better spent making the most of opportunities abroad. Relinquishing and regaining your GMC Licence to practise in the UK has not historically been as easy as it should have been. The process should be simple and quick in future, but, currently, we …