Omars NHS guidelines search

Omars guidelines search
5 days ago Table of contents
To open each post, kindly right click on the post and click on open in
a new window/tab. Everything in the UK is online - Kindly check the official
guidelines along with going through this blog. This is merely my experience
and opinion.
Google the details of the relevant teams and contact them directly if you are
unable to find the official guidance.
PRE PLAB:
I am a medical student. What do I need to do to work in the NHS?

https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/09/i-am-medical-student-what-do-i-
need-to.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/09/i-am-medical-student-what-do-i-need-
to.html] An introduction to working in the NHS, UK.
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-interactive-session-with-
medical.html [http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-interactive-session-with-
medical.html]
PLAB guideline for medical students
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/plab-for-medical-students.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/plab-for-medical-students.html] Checklist
for future NHS doctors
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/checklist-for-future-nhs-doctors.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/checklist-for-future-nhs-doctors.html]
My message to IMGs who are discouraged by other people to work in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/my-message-to-imgs-who-are-
discouraged.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/my-message-to-imgs-who-are-
discouraged.html] Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to
fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/give-man-fish-and-you-feed-him-for-
day.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/give-man-fish-and-you-feed-him-for-
day.html] Frequently asked questions by doctors planning to work in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-by-
:
doctors.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-by-
doctors.html] What you can do in your home country to improve your CV
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/stuff-you-can-do-in-your-home-
country.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/stuff-you-can-do-in-your-home-
country.html] CV making guidelines
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/cv-making-guidelines.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/cv-making-guidelines.html] A success
story everyone can relate to:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/a-success-story-everyone-can-
relate-to.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/a-success-story-everyone-can-relate-
to.html] The future of jobs in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-future-of-jobs-in-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-future-of-jobs-in-nhs.html] Starting
in the NHS as a foundation trainee VS a non trainee SHO - for IMGs only:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/02/starting-in-nhs-as-foundation-
trainee.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/02/starting-in-nhs-as-foundation-trainee.html]
PLAB GUIDELINES:
IELTS guideline (MARCH 2014)
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/ielts-guideline-march-2014.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/ielts-guideline-march-2014.html] PLAB
one guideline (NOV. 2014)
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-guideline-for-plab-one-nov-
2014.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-guideline-for-plab-one-nov-2014.html]
The best academies for PLAB 2
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/hamed-vs-samson-for-plab-2.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/hamed-vs-samson-for-plab-2.html]
Guideline for applying for plab 2 and paying for Samsons course
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/guideline-for-applying-for-plab-2-
and.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/guideline-for-applying-for-plab-2-and.html]
Frequently asked questions about standard visit visas.
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-
about.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-about.html]
PLAB business visitor visa applying guidelines (FEB, 2015)- from Pakistan
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/plab-business-visitor-visa-
applying.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/plab-business-visitor-visa-applying.html]
First time in London guidelines and accommodation details
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/first-time-in-london-guideline.html
:
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/first-time-in-london-guideline.html] Cost of
PLAB 2 - including return trip to London
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/cost-of-plab-2-including-return-trip-
to.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/cost-of-plab-2-including-return-trip-to.html]
Plab 2 Guideline (APRIL 2015)
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/plab-2-guideline-april-2015.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/plab-2-guideline-april-2015.html] Why I
gave PLAB after MRCP one
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/why-i-gave-plab-after-mrcp-one.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/why-i-gave-plab-after-mrcp-one.html]
GMC REGISTRATION
GMC emails, registration forms and going to Manchester - after passing
PLAB 2
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/gmc-id-check-after-passing-plab-
2.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/gmc-id-check-after-passing-plab-2.html]
Frequently asked questions about GMC registration
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-about-
gmc.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-about-
gmc.html]
POST GMC REGISTRATION
Observership/clinical attachment guidelines
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/observershipclinical-attachment.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/observershipclinical-attachment.html] Jobs
IMGs have got in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/jobs-imgs-have-got-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/jobs-imgs-have-got-in-uk.html] Types of
jobs available and what is best for IMGs
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/after-plab-2-applying-for-jobs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/after-plab-2-applying-for-jobs.html] My
advice for IMGs on declining jobs
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/my-advice-on-imgs-declining-
jobs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/my-advice-on-imgs-declining-jobs.html]
My NHS jobs profile (2015)
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/my-nhs-jobs-profile-2015.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/my-nhs-jobs-profile-2015.html] Giving a
successful interview
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/giving-successful-interview.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/giving-successful-interview.html]
Guidance on getting reviews of hospitals
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/11/guidance-on-getting-reviews-of-
:
hospitals.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/11/guidance-on-getting-
reviews-of-hospitals.html]
Starting as a registrar in medicine as your first job in the NHS
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/04/starting-as-registrar-as-your-first-
job.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/04/starting-as-registrar-as-your-first-
job.html]
What to ask your trust before you accept a job offer
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-to-do-once-your-job-has-
been.html [http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-to-do-once-your-job-has-
been.html]
My guideline for an IMG on deciding which specialty of general medicine to
start work in
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/my-guideline-for-img-on-deciding-
which.html [http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/my-guideline-for-img-on-
deciding-which.html]
Communicating with HR in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/communicating-with-hr-in-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/communicating-with-hr-in-nhs.html]
The importance of shadowing when starting your first job in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-importance-of-shaowding-
when.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-importance-of-
shaowding-when.html]
How to ensure you are well supported in your first job in the NHS
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/04/how-to-ensure-your-first-job-in-nhs-
is.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/04/how-to-ensure-your-first-job-in-
nhs-is.html]
WORK VISA GUIDELINES

Please note that the visa fees, requirements and the types of visas doctors
need to apply for have changed:
https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-health-care-visa
[https://www.gov.uk/tier-2-health-care-visa] Some of the posts here may no
longer be relevant.
TIER 2 work visa guidelines

http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/tier-2-work-visa.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/tier-2-work-visa.html] My TIER 2 work
visa and TIER 2 dependant visa applications
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/12/my-tier-2-work-visa-and-tier-2.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/12/my-tier-2-work-visa-and-tier-2.html]
Frequently asked questions about work visas
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-about-
tier-2.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-about-tier-
2.html] My guideline for applying for a TIER 2 work visa within UK when you
:
are changing your job.
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-guideline-on-applying-for-work-
visa.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-guideline-on-applying-for-work-
visa.html] My guideline on applying for TIER 2 dependent visas from within
the UK- August, 2018:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/my-guideline-on-applying-for-tier-
2.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/my-guideline-on-applying-for-tier-2.html]
My experience of extending my TIER 2 work and dependent visas from
within the UK ( via UKVCAS)- June, 2019:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/my-experience-of-ukvcas-system-
for-visa.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/my-experience-of-ukvcas-system-for-
visa.html]
GUIDELINES ON YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE NHS
Checklist for an IMG starting work in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/check-list-for-img-starting-work-in-
uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/check-list-for-img-starting-work-in-
uk.html] Your first few days in the NHS:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/your-first-few-days-as-doctor-in-
nhs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/your-first-few-days-as-doctor-in-nhs.html]
Frequently asked questions by IMGs starting work in the NHS:
imgs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/frequently-asked-questions-by-imgs.html]
Admission process in the NHS ( medicine):
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/02/admission-process-in-nhs-
medicine.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/02/admission-process-in-nhs-medicine.html]
Cannulation/venepuncture in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/12/cannulation-venepuncture-and-
doctors-in.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/12/cannulation-venepuncture-and-doctors-
in.html] My guideline for junior doctors working on the general medical
wards:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/guideline-for-junior-doctors-working-
in.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/guideline-for-junior-doctors-working-
in.html] My guideline for on calls:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/guideline-for-on-calls.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/guideline-for-on-calls.html] My
experience of working on AMU:
:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/07/my-experience-of-working-in-
amu.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/07/my-experience-of-working-in-amu.html]
Working as a junior doctor on AMU - what is expected from you
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/05/working-as-junior-doctor-on-amu-
what-is.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/05/working-as-junior-doctor-on-amu-what-
is.html] How to clerk patients safely and efficiently:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/08/how-to-clerk-medial-patients-safely-
and.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/08/how-to-clerk-medial-patients-safely-
and.html] The post take ward round:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-post-take-ward-round-how-to-
prepare.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-post-take-ward-round-
how-to-prepare.html]
Discharge summaries :
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/01/discharge-summaries-in-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/01/discharge-summaries-in-nhs.html]
Handovers in medicine:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/12/handing-over-patients-in-
different.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/12/handing-over-patients-in-different.html]
Night shifts in medicine:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/09/how-to-work-on-nights-
medicine.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/09/how-to-work-on-nights-medicine.html]
Common terms used in the NHS an IMG may not be familiar with
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/common-terms-used-in-nhs-img-
may-not-be.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/common-terms-used-in-nhs-img-may-
not-be.html] Managing elderly patients:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/managing-elderly-patients.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/managing-elderly-patients.html] Nurses in
the NHS
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/nurses-in-nhs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/nurses-in-nhs.html] Guidance on
leaves in the NHS:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/all-about-leaves-in-nhs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/all-about-leaves-in-nhs.html] My
guideline on ALS:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/my-guideline-for-als.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/my-guideline-for-als.html] Indemnity
cover for IMGs working in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/indemnity-insurance-for-imgs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/indemnity-insurance-for-imgs.html]
:
Mistakes and medical errors:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/05/mistakes-and-medical-errors.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/05/mistakes-and-medical-errors.html]
Maintaining your e-portfolio
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/maintaining-your-e-portfolio.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/maintaining-your-e-portfolio.html] NHS e-
portfolio in medicine
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/05/all-about-maintaining-your-portfolio-
in.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/05/all-about-maintaining-your-portfolio-
in.html] Reflecting as a doctor whilst working in medicine in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/07/reflecting-as-doctor-while-working-
in.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/07/reflecting-as-doctor-while-working-in.html]
Conferences/Teaching an IMG can attend:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/conferencesteaching-imgs-can-
attend.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/conferencesteaching-imgs-can-
attend.html] How to get CPD points
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/how-to-get-cpd-points-while-
working-as.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/how-to-get-cpd-points-while-working-
as.html] Your personal development plan
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/your-personal-development-
plan.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/your-personal-development-plan.html] My
guideline on appraisals in the NHS
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-guideline-on-appraisals-in-
nhs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-guideline-on-appraisals-in-nhs.html]
Cremation forms in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/cremation-forms-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/cremation-forms-in-uk.html] All about
quality improvement projects
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/all-about-quality-improvement-
projects.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/all-about-quality-improvement-
projects.html] My guideline on doing an audit
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/my-guideline-on-doing-audit.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/my-guideline-on-doing-audit.html] Our
pays and payslips
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/our-payslips.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/our-payslips.html] My guideline on
locums:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/my-guideline-on-locums.html
:
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/my-guideline-on-locums.html] Common
problems IMGs face- with solutions
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/common-problems-imgs-face-with-
solutions.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/common-problems-imgs-face-with-
solutions.html] My guideline on resigning from jobs in the NHS:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/my-guideline-on-resigning-from-
jobs-in.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/my-guideline-on-resigning-from-jobs-
in.html] My guideline for foundation year one doctors:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/07/my-advice-to-foundation-year-one-
doctors.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/07/my-advice-to-foundation-year-one-
doctors.html] How to access your work email at home:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/how-to-get-access-to-your-work-
email-at.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/how-to-get-access-to-your-work-email-
at.html] How to support your foundation doctors:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/11/how-to-support-your-foundation-
doctors.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/11/how-to-support-your-foundation-
doctors.html] Teamwork and leadership in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/teamwork-and-leadership-in-
nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/teamwork-and-leadership-in-nhs.html]
Guideline for IMGs living in the UK who wish to apply for jobs in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/01/guideline-for-imgs-living-in-uk-
who.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/01/guideline-for-imgs-living-in-uk-who.html]
Exception reporting in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/02/exception-reporting-in-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/02/exception-reporting-in-nhs.html] How to
choose references/staff members to fill out your assessment forms:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-choose-your-referees-
staff.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-choose-your-referees-staff.html]
Bullying and stress in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/01/bullying-and-stress-in-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/01/bullying-and-stress-in-nhs.html] The
importance of leaving on time whilst working in the NHS :
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-importance-of-leaving-on-
time.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-importance-of-leaving-on-
time.html]
:
FINANCES IN THE NHS:
The cost of visas while working in the UK:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-cost-of-visas-while-working-
as.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/04/the-cost-of-visas-while-working-as.html]
How to save while working in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/how-to-save-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/how-to-save-in-uk.html] Expenses in the
UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/expenses-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/expenses-in-uk.html] How to claim tax
while working in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/how-to-claim-tax-while-working-in-
nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/how-to-claim-tax-while-working-in-
nhs.html]
ILR AND UK CITIZENSHIP:
All about ILR and getting a UK citizenship - an introduction:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/all-about-ilr-and-getting-uk.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/all-about-ilr-and-getting-uk.html]
Documents IMGs can start collecting from day 1 of entering the UK for their
ILR:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/documents-imgs-can-start-
collecting.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/documents-imgs-can-start-collecting.html]
Saving up for your ILR:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/saving-up-for-your-ilr.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/saving-up-for-your-ilr.html] Life in the
UK test:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/life-in-uk-test-for-ilr.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/life-in-uk-test-for-ilr.html] Letters
required from your employers for ILR :
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/letters-required-from-your-
employers.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/letters-required-from-your-employers.html]
Online ILR application:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/online-ilr-application.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/online-ilr-application.html] Cover letters
for ILR application :
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/cover-letters-for-ilr-application.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/cover-letters-for-ilr-application.html]
UKVCAS online portal to upload documents:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/ukvcas-portal-to-upload-
documents-for.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/ukvcas-portal-to-upload-documents-
:
for.html] Booking your biometrics appointment for ILR:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/booking-your-biometrics-for-ilr-
and.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/booking-your-biometrics-for-ilr-and.html]
Applying for our daughters citizenship via form MN1
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/08/applying-for-our-daughters-
citizenship.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/08/applying-for-our-daughters-
citizenship.html] Applying for our daughters British Passport:
british.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/08/applying-for-our-daughters-british.html]
MY EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN THE NHS
AS A SHO
My experience of working in the NHS- my first year
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/my-one-year-in-nhs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/my-one-year-in-nhs.html] Living in the
UK - what is it like
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/10/living-in-uk-what-its-like.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/10/living-in-uk-what-its-like.html] The life of
a junior IMG doctor in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/the-life-of-img-junior-doctor-in-
uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/the-life-of-img-junior-doctor-in-uk.html]
My first job in the UK- trust grade SHO in Slough
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-first-job-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/11/my-first-job-in-uk.html] My second job in
the UK as a core medical trainee year 1 in Harrogate
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-second-job-in-uk-core-
medical.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-second-job-in-uk-core-medical.html]
My third job in the UK as a core medical trainee year 2 in York
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/my-third-post-in-nhs-core-
medical.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/my-third-post-in-nhs-core-medical.html]
My second year in the NHS
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/my-second-year-in-nhs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/my-second-year-in-nhs.html] Good
things I have experienced in different NHS trusts:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/10/good-things-i-have-experienced-in-
other.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/10/good-things-i-have-experienced-in-
other.html] My third year in the NHS:
:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/my-third-year-in-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/my-third-year-in-nhs.html] My
experience of core medical training - York and Humber: 2018-9:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/07/my-experience-of-core-medical-
training.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/07/my-experience-of-core-medical-
training.html]
AS A REGISTRAR
Why I went for acute internal medicine:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/05/why-i-went-for-acute-internal-
medicine.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/05/why-i-went-for-acute-internal-
medicine.html] My ST3 post in Acute medicine - Scarborough ( August 2019-
August 2020):
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/07/my-st3-post-in-acute-medicine.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/07/my-st3-post-in-acute-medicine.html] My
first week as a medical registrar:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/08/my-first-week-as-medical-registrar-
ward.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/08/my-first-week-as-medical-registrar-
ward.html] My experience as a medical registrar- beyond the first week:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-experience-as-medical-
registrar.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-experience-as-medical-registrar.html]
My life as a medical registrar- is it that horrible?
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/11/my-life-as-medical-registrar-is-it-
that.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/11/my-life-as-medical-registrar-is-it-that.html]
A day in the life of a medical registrar - on the ward from 0900 to 1700:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-day-in-life-of-medical-registrar-
on.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-day-in-life-of-medical-registrar-on.html]
A day in the life of a medical registrar- on call:
on_11.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-day-in-life-of-medical-registrar-
on_11.html] My 4th year in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-4th-year-in-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-4th-year-in-nhs.html] My role as
associate college tutor:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-role-as-associate-college-
tutor.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-role-as-associate-college-tutor.html]
My experience of working as a medical registrar on the COVID-19 wards:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/04/my-experience-of-working-as-
:
medical.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/04/my-experience-of-working-as-
medical.html] My experience of working as a ST4 trainee in acute internal
medicine at Hull Royal Infirmary:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/08/my-experience-of-working-as-st4-
trainee.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/08/my-experience-of-working-as-st4-
trainee.html] Working efficiently and safely as a medical registrar:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/12/working-efficiently-and-safely-
as.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/12/working-efficiently-and-safely-as.html] My
experience of working in ITU - as part of my placement as a ST4 Acute
Medicine Registrar:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/01/my-experience-of-working-in-itu-as-
part.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/01/my-experience-of-working-in-itu-as-
part.html] My experience of working as a day medical registrar on call
responsible for ED and ED resus in a teaching hospital:
on.html
My experience of working as a night medical registrar on call responsible
for ED and ED resus in a teaching hospital:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-night-shift-of-medical-registrar-
in.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-night-shift-of-medical-registrar-in.html]
Taking referrals as a medical registrar :
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/05/taking-referrals-as-medical-
registrar.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/05/taking-referrals-as-medical-registrar.html]
INTERNAL MEDICAL TRAINING:
All about internal medicine training
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/11/all-about-imt.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/11/all-about-imt.html] The IMT curriculum
explained:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-imt-curriculum-explained.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/07/the-imt-curriculum-explained.html]
CORE MEDICAL TRAINING
CMT IS BEING REPLACED BY A NEW PROGRAM CALLED IMT FROM 2019.
PLEASE READ THE DETAILS HERE:
https://www.imtrecruitment.org.uk/
[https://www.imtrecruitment.org.uk/] MY GUIDELINES AND EXPERIENCES
MAY BE SLIGHTLY OUTDATED AS I APPLIED FOR CMT IN 2017 SO
FOLLOW THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUERIES,
CONTACT THE IMT TEAM DIRECTLY.
:
CMT application process for IMGs- A general guideline:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/cmt-application-process-for-
imgs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/cmt-application-process-for-imgs.html]
My experience of applying for CMT
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/my-experience-of-applying-for-
ct1.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/my-experience-of-applying-for-ct1.html]
Frequently asked questions about CMT
core.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/frequently-asked-questions-about-
core.html] ARCP in core medical training:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/06/arcp-in-core-medical-training.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/06/arcp-in-core-medical-training.html]
GUIDELINES ON TRAINING POSTS
How to apply for a training post:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/10/how-to-get-training-post-in-uk.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/10/how-to-get-training-post-in-uk.html]
When should I apply for a training post in GP/IMT?
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/when-should-i-apply-for-training-
post.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/when-should-i-apply-for-training-
post.html] My advice to IMGs starting in training posts ( at IMT/ ST1 level):
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/my-advice-to-imgs-who-are-
starting-in.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/my-advice-to-imgs-who-are-starting-
in.html] What is the best specialty for me?
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/what-is-best-specialty-for-me.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/what-is-best-specialty-for-me.html]
Training VS non Training posts in the NHS:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/training-vs-non-training-posts-in-
uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/training-vs-non-training-posts-in-uk.html]
My advice to new trainees:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/08/advice-to-new-trainees.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/08/advice-to-new-trainees.html] How to
choose preferences for a training post:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/how-to-choose-preferences-for-
your.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/how-to-choose-preferences-for-your.html]
GUIDELINES FOR REGISTRAR POSTS:
Progressing from a SHO to a registrar in medicine:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/progressing-from-sho-to-registrar-
in.html
:
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/progressing-from-sho-to-registrar-in.html]
What is expected from IMT 3 trainees stepping up as a registrar in their
placement on AMU:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/08/what-is-expected-from-imt-3-
trainees.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/08/what-is-expected-from-imt-3-
trainees.html] My interview in ST3 Geriatric medicine:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/my-interview-in-st3-geriatric-
medicine.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/my-interview-in-st3-geriatric-
medicine.html] My interview in ST3 acute medicine:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/my-st3-interview-in-acute-
medicine.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/my-st3-interview-in-acute-medicine.html]
My guideline on ST3 in medicine:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/guideline-on-st3-in-medicine.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/guideline-on-st3-in-medicine.html] My
guideline for IMGs who are starting as a registrar as their first job in the
NHS:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/01/my-guideline-for-imgs-who-start-
their.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/01/my-guideline-for-imgs-who-start-their.html]
My advice to doctors who have come to the UK via the "non-PLAB" route:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/my-advice-to-doctors-who-have-
come-to.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/my-advice-to-doctors-who-have-come-
to.html] My guideline for people who have completed PACES and want to
work in UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-guideline-for-doctors-who-
have.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-guideline-for-doctors-who-have.html]
CONSULTANTS IN THE UK:
The life of a consultant in the NHS
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-life-of-consultant-in-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-life-of-consultant-in-nhs.html] My
advice on the CESR pathway
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/my-advice-on-cesr-pathway.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/my-advice-on-cesr-pathway.html]
When I become a consultant
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/10/when-i-become-consultant.html
MTI:
My advice to IMGs who plan to come to the UK only to acquire a specialist
skill - via MTI:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/10/my-advice-to-imgs-who-plan-to-
:
come-to.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/10/my-advice-to-imgs-who-plan-to-come-
to.html]
CHANGING YOUR JOB IN THE NHS
Checklist of things to sort out when you change jobs in the NHS
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/checklist-of-things-to-sort-out-
when.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/checklist-of-things-to-sort-out-when.html]
My guideline on relocation when you switch jobs in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/my-guideline-on-relocation-when-
you.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/my-guideline-on-relocation-when-
you.html] My experience of relocating ( 2019)
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/08/my-experience-of-relocating-
2019.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/08/my-experience-of-relocating-2019.html]
My experience of relocating (2020)
2020.html
DRIVING IN UK
Car insurance in the UK:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/05/car-insurance-in-uk.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/05/car-insurance-in-uk.html] Frequently
asked questions on driving and car ownership in the UK:
about_31.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/frequently-asked-questions-
about_31.html] Passing your driving test in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/passing-your-driving-test-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/passing-your-driving-test-in-uk.html] My
guideline on buying a reliable car in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/my-guideline-on-buying-reliable-car-
in.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/my-guideline-on-buying-reliable-car-
in.html] My guideline on maintaining a car in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/my-guideline-on-maintaining-car-in-
uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/my-guideline-on-maintaining-car-in-
uk.html] My experience of buying my third car in the UK ( on a PCP finance
deal):
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-experience-of-buying-car-on-
pcp-deal.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-experience-of-buying-car-on-pcp-
deal.html] My wife's experience of the driving test and buying her car on a
:
PCP:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/10/my-wifes-experience-of-driving-test-
and.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/10/my-wifes-experience-of-driving-test-
and.html]
POST GRADUATE EXAMS
How to study while working in the NHS
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/how-to-study-while-working-
nhs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/how-to-study-while-working-nhs.html]
MRCP one guideline
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/mrcp-one-guideline-sept-2014.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/mrcp-one-guideline-sept-2014.html] My
guideline for MRCP 2
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/my-guideline-for-mrcp-2.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/my-guideline-for-mrcp-2.html] My
guideline for MRCP PACES - Passed in the second attempt. June, 2019:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/my-experience-of-mrcp-paces-
passed-in.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/my-experience-of-mrcp-paces-passed-
in.html] How to pull yourself up when you fail:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/how-to-pull-yourself-up-when-you-
fail.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/12/how-to-pull-yourself-up-when-you-
fail.html]
FAMILY VISIT VISA GUIDELINES:
Family visitor visa for the UK guidelines
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/07/family-visitor-visa-for-uk-
guidelines.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/07/family-visitor-visa-for-uk-guidelines.html]
Applying for a family visit visa for your family while working in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/applying-for-family-visit-visa-for-
your.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/applying-for-family-visit-visa-for-your.html]
STAYING POSTIVE IN THE UK:
The pursuit of happiness for an IMG in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/the-pursuit-of-happiness-in-uk-for-
img.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/the-pursuit-of-happiness-in-uk-for-
img.html] My advice to doctors who worry unnecessarily:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/my-advice-to-doctors-who-get-
nervous.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/my-advice-to-doctors-who-get-
nervous.html]
ACCOMMODATION IN THE UK:
:
My guideline for booking hotels in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/my-guideline-on-booking-hotels-in-
uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/my-guideline-on-booking-hotels-in-
uk.html] My guideline on accommodation in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/my-guideline-on-accommodation-
in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/my-guideline-on-accommodation-in-
uk.html] My experience of finding an accommodation to rent - 2020:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/05/my-experience-of-finding-
accommodation.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/05/my-experience-of-finding-
accommodation.html] Buying a house in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/buying-house-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/buying-house-in-uk.html] Keeping your
accommodation clean :
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/08/keeping-your-accommodation-
clean.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/08/keeping-your-accommodation-clean.html]
STARTING YOUR FAMILY IN THE UK:
Maintaining a good relationship with your spouse:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/09/maintaining-good-relationship-with-
your.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/09/maintaining-good-relationship-with-
your.html] Pregnancy in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/pregnancy-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/pregnancy-in-uk.html] Shopping list for
your new born:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/shopping-list-for-your-new-
born.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/shopping-list-for-your-new-born.html] Life
with a newborn in the UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/06/life-with-newborn-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/06/life-with-newborn-in-uk.html] Travelling
with your toddler from the UK to your home country:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/11/travelling-with-toddler-from-uk-to-
your.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/11/travelling-with-toddler-from-uk-
to-your.html]
Working as a full time doctor in the NHS and parenthood:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/09/working-as-full-time-doctor-in-nhs-
and.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/09/working-as-full-time-doctor-in-
nhs-and.html]
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/11/travelling-with-toddler-from-uk-to-
your.html]
MISCELLANEOUS
:
Getting registered with GPs and dentists
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/04/getting-registered-with-gps-and-
dentists.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/04/getting-registered-with-gps-
and-dentists.html]
Social media and the NHS
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/11/social-media-and-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/11/social-media-and-nhs.html] Why the
NHS is the best healthcare system in the world
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/why-nhs-is-best-healthcare-system-
in.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/why-nhs-is-best-healthcare-system-
in.html] The importance of being organized
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/the-importance-of-being-
organized.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/the-importance-of-being-organized.html]
Guideline for people who have started work in Slough
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/guideline-for-people-who-have-
started.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/guideline-for-people-who-have-
started.html] Guideline for people who have started work in Harrogate:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/guideline-for-people-who-started-
work.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/03/guideline-for-people-who-started-
work.html] Guideline for people who have started work in York:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/guideline-for-people-who-have-
started.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/guideline-for-people-who-have-
started.html] My experience of working and living in Scarborough:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/12/my-experience-of-working-and-
living-in.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/12/my-experience-of-working-and-living-
in.html] A case of visa refusal
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/a-case-of-visa-refusal.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/a-case-of-visa-refusal.html] My opinion
on USMLE
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-opinion-about-usmle.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-opinion-about-usmle.html] Travelling
in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/travelling-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/travelling-in-uk.html] Life Hacks in the
UK:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/life-hacks-in-uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/08/life-hacks-in-uk.html] I caught COVID-19
- December, 2020:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/12/i-caught-covid-19.html
:
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/12/i-caught-covid-19.html]
GENERAL INFO ABOUT BRITAIN:
Brief history of Britain:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/brief-history-of-britain-by-dr.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/brief-history-of-britain-by-dr.html] Basic
geography of Britain:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/basic-geography-of-britain-by-
dr.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/basic-geography-of-britain-by-dr.html]
SURGERY GUIDELINES
ROEYA RASULS GUIDELINE FOR FCPS 1 SURGERY (MAY '15)
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/07/roeya-rasuls-guideline-for-fcps-1.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/07/roeya-rasuls-guideline-for-fcps-1.html]
Roeya Rasuls Guideline for MRCS-A
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/roeya-rasuls-guidelines-for-mrcs-
a.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/roeya-rasuls-guidelines-for-mrcs-a.html]
My guideline for IMGs aiming for training in surgery in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-guideline-for-surgical-training-in-
uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/06/my-guideline-for-surgical-training-in-
uk.html]
GP TRAINING
For guidance on GP training in the UK, please check these links:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/aroraMedicalExamSupport
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/aroraMedicalExamSupport]
https://www.facebook.com/groups/771030079735044
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/771030079735044] http://emedica.co.uk/applygp
[http://emedica.co.uk/applygp]
GUIDELINES FOR PAKISTANI IMGs
Living and working in the UK compared to Pakistan
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/living-and-working-in-pakistan-vs-
uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/living-and-working-in-pakistan-vs-uk.html]
Pathways for Pakistani Doctors to work in the UK
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/pathways-for-pakistani-doctors-for-
uk.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/06/pathways-for-pakistani-doctors-for-uk.html]
Police clearance certificate - Lahore
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/police-clearance-certificate-
guidelines.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/police-clearance-certificate-
guidelines.html] Cooking hacks for a Pakistani IMG:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/cooking-hacks-for-pakistani-
:
img.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/cooking-hacks-for-pakistani-img.html]
Applying for NICOP and renewing your Pakistani passport within the UK
(For Pakistanis only)
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/applying-for-nicop-and-renewing-
your.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/applying-for-nicop-and-renewing-
your.html] Credit card applying guidelines - pakistan
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/credit-card-applying-guidelines-
pakistan.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/credit-card-applying-guidelines-
pakistan.html] For Pakistani IMG's who need assistance with securing
electives/needing advice in general:
https://www.facebook.com/appsuk.org/
[https://www.facebook.com/appsuk.org/]
https://www.facebook.com/groups/295174640907046/
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/295174640907046/] My experience of fcps
medicine part one (february 2014):
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-experience-of-fcps-one-in-
medicine.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/05/my-experience-of-fcps-one-in-
medicine.html]
TEACHING SESSIONS:
These are only for educational purposes and if in doubt, kindly refer to your
local guidelines and ask your seniors. Please remember that these
guidelines vary from trust to trust which you will be introduced to during
your induction and your first few days in your trust.
VTE
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/teaching-session-vte.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/teaching-session-vte.html] Stroke
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/teaching-session-stroke.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/teaching-session-stroke.html] Managing
renal patients:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/10/dealing-with-renal-patients.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2018/10/dealing-with-renal-patients.html]
Managing gastroenterology patients:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/my-experience-of-working-in.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/my-experience-of-working-in.html]
Managing neurology patients:
neurology.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/my-experience-of-working-in-
neurology.html] Teaching session - Ceiling of care in the NHS and discussing
DNACPR:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/02/teaching-session-ceiling-of-care-in-
:
nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/02/teaching-session-ceiling-of-care-in-
nhs.html] Teaching session - procedures a trainee medical SHO is expected to
do in the NHS:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/02/procedures-sho-is-expected-to-do-
in-nhs.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/02/procedures-sho-is-expected-to-do-in-
nhs.html] Working in ambulatory care:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/05/working-in-ambulatory-care.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/05/working-in-ambulatory-care.html]
COMMON EMERGENCIES SEEN ON THE MEDICAL TAKE:
CNS and spine:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/04/common-emergencies-i-see-on-
acute-take.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/04/common-emergencies-i-see-on-acute-
take.html] Respiratory:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/04/common-cases-on-acute-take-
respiratory.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/04/common-cases-on-acute-take-
respiratory.html] Cardiac:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/05/common-cases-seen-on-acute-
take-cardiac.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/05/common-cases-seen-on-acute-take-
cardiac.html] Gastro:
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/03/my-experience-of-working-in.html] Renal:
OTHER RESOURCES:
https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/
[https://naseersjourney.wordpress.com/] https://naseersjourney.com/useful-links/
[https://naseersjourney.com/useful-links/] All doctors who plan to work in the UK
should read the following books:
1.Oxford Handbook for the Foundation Programme
2. Medical Interviews: A comprehensive guide to CT, ST & Registrar
Interview Skills - Over 120 medical interview questions, techniques and NHS
topics explained
Both are available on Amazon.com
Posted 5 days ago by Omar Alam
0 Add a comment
:
5 days ago Car insurance in the UK
THE LAW
You cannot drive your car in the UK unless it is insured:
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance [https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance]
BEFORE BUYING A CAR

Hence before you buy a car, you need to ensure it is insured.
Some dealerships provide complimentary insurance for the first 24 hours to 7
days- so ask your dealership if they will be providing this.
THE COST
Car insurance can be sky high hence before you actually buy a car ( or confirm a
deal), it is important to check the insurance quotes
WEBSITES TO USE
There are a few comparison websites you can use:
https://www.confused.com/
[https://www.confused.com/] https://www.comparethemarket.com/
[https://www.comparethemarket.com/]
https://www.gocompare.com/
[https://www.gocompare.com/] https://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-
insurance/ [https://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/]
WHICH WEBSITE TO GO FOR

Enter your details into all of them.
Some websites offer vouchers( on domino's, halfords, etc), other deals ( 2 for 1
meal deals and cinema deals, etc)
Some websites have a cheaper quote for the same insurance company on
another website
WHAT IF I HAVE NOT EVEN VIEWED THE CAR

This is the best time to check insurance quotes
You can enter the registration plate number - it is available on all car selling
websites. If you have emailed a particular dealership, you can get the reg number
of the car they have in stock which you are interested in.
The easiest way ( How I do it ) is:
1. Go on Autotrader
2. Select the car you are interested in ( does not matter where it is located)
3. Enter the reg number on the aforementioned comparison websites
4. You will get for the particular make, model, engine capacity, year of registration
:
and it is pretty accurate
HOW TO CHOOSE AN INSURANCE PROVIDER

When you enter your details in the aforementioned comparison websites , you will
get a few quotes.
Start with the cheapest one. Check the rating not only on the comparison website
but also by searching for that company on Google.
Remember, getting car insurance is not just a tickbox excercise to drive the car
but can have you a lot of money if, God forbid you are involved in an accident.
Google reviews will give you insight to how the customer service is, what things
you should be aware of.
GETTING QUOTES DIRECTLY

Sometimes, you might get a cheaper quote by going on the insurance providers
website directly. There are dozens of providers so this can take a lot of time. I
usually get a quote from the comparison websites first and then also get a quote
directly from the website of the provider which is cheap, has good reviews.
THINGS TO BE AWARE OF
Black box insurance
I had black box insurance as my first insurance in the UK. It was a small device
which I plugged into my cars ciggarette lighter and it fedback my driving to the
company. The fine print in my case was that if I drive safely, do not do any harsh
breaking/accelerarting, I will get 'points' which will give me a discount on my
insurance in 6 months time.
There can be other fine prints like - you might see an increase in your quote in a
few months. Hence read it carefully. Online reviews help here.
Where the company is based

Some insurance companies offer dirt cheap quotes. Upon reading reviews, you
might find that they are based in another country and hence the UK laws for
paying up for damage may not apply to them and that they cause a lot of
problems for customers involved in accidents. Again, online reviews help here.
Exit fees
Some companies may charge a significant amount if you leave them before your
contract ends. So make sure you are aware of this.
MONTHLY VS ANNUAL QUOTES

The annual quotes will be cheaper than monthly quotes.
For example you might get a quote for annual insurance for 900 GBP but the
monthly cost might be 90 GBP - which equates to a total of 1080 GBP. However
for most of us, monthly payments are easier rather than paying a one off
payment.
:
EXTRA OPTIONS
Most insurance companies offer extra options like courtesy car, etc. in case you
breakdown. It is entirely up to you.
STEPS
1. Choose a car you wish to get
2. Enter the reg number in car insurance comparison websites by searching for
the same year of manufacture, make, model, engine capacity on autotrader.
3. Have a look at various quotes
4. Go for comprehensive insurance
5. Select any extra options you wish to go for
6. Check reviews online
ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR INSURANCE

When you have paid for the insurance, you can then print out the documents and
put them in your car.
Keep a PDF copy in your phone as well and save the insurance providers number
to call on if, God forbid you are in a car accident.
Remember to claim the vouchers you may have received if you booked through
comparison websites.
NO CLAIMS BONUS
You can read more about it online but in summary - no claims bonus is a 'bonus'
you get when you do not claim for any damage to your car.
So when you renew your insurance/go for another company in a years time, this
no claim bonus ( of whatever number of years you have) will give you a lower
price.
ANNUAL RENEWAL
Each year, with no claims bonus and with an extra year on your drivers license,
your insurance comes down.
Most insurance companies offer auto renewal however my personal experience is
that they charge higher than what you will get if you get new quotes from
comparison websites
HOW TO APPLY FOR INSURANCE AFTER A YEAR

1. Go on the insurance comparison websites
2. Your details ( from last year) should already be saved making it easier
3. Edit it with the changes - like an extra year since you have had your license,
additional drivers, an extra year to your no claims bonus
4. Check the quotes, review the websites on Google
5. Also get quotes from the individual companies which are the cheapest and
have the best reviews.
6. Get a quote from your current provider - I also send them an email with the
:
quotes I am getting from the comparison websites to see if they can match it. On a
few occasions, they have added NHS discount and brought the cost down so it is
worth doing this.
RELOCATING
When you relocate to a new address, it is your responsibility to inform the DVLA
and your insurance company about the address change.
The insurance may be higher if you relocate to an address which is less safe,
does not have driveway parking and you park in an open parking lot which is not
secure or on street parking.
FALSE INFORMATION
Be aware of giving false information like adding no claims bonus which you do not
have, entering the wrong address, stating you are not using your car to commute
to work when you actually are and so forth.
This may get you a cheaper quote but if you are in an accident, if there is any
information which is false, you will not be able to claim for the damage.
MY INSURANCE COSTS
1. 2016-7: First year for a 1.4 litre, 10 year old car: 150 GBP a month
2. 2017-8: 1.4 litre, '65 plate: 120 GBP a month
3. 2018-9: Same car, second and third years: 80 GBP a month
4. 2019-2020: 2.0litre mild hybrid '19 plate : 80 GBP a month
5. 2020-2021: 2.0litre mild hybrid '19 plate: 80 GBP a month
1.4 litre, '67 plate car: 44 GBP a month
6. 2021- 2022: 2.0litre mild hybrid: 70 GBP a month
7. 2022: 2.0litre mild hybrid: 60 GBP a month
As you can see, the insurance costs drop each year.
Please note that there are a lot of factors involved here:

1. The fact that I have additional no claims bonus each year
2. I have relocated in 2017, 2018, 2019
3. The location the car was parked varied from underground car park to on street
parking to parking on the driveway/locked garage.
A few related posts:

DRIVING IN UK
Frequently asked questions on driving and car ownership in the UK:
about_31.html [http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/frequently-asked-
questions-about_31.html]
Passing your driving test in the UK

:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/passing-your-driving-test-
in-uk.html [http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/passing-your-driving-
test-in-uk.html]
My guideline on buying a reliable car in the UK:

http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/my-guideline-on-buying-
reliable-car-in.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-
experience-of-buying-car-on-pcp-deal.html]
My guideline on maintaining a car in the UK:

http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/my-guideline-on-
maintaining-car-in-uk.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2017/11/my-
guideline-on-maintaining-car-in-uk.html]
My experience of buying my third car in the UK ( on a PCP finance deal):

https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-experience-of-buying-
car-on-pcp-deal.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/09/my-
experience-of-buying-car-on-pcp-deal.html]
My wife's experience of the driving test and buying her car on a PCP:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/10/my-wifes-experience-of-
driving-test-and.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/10/my-wifes-
experience-of-driving-test-and.html]
Posted 5 days ago by Omar Alam
0 Add a comment
4 weeks ago Table of contents
To open each post, kindly right click on the post and click on open in
a new window/tab. Everything in the UK is online - Kindly check the official
and opinion.
PRE PLAB:

:
need-to.html
medical.html]
discouraged.html
day.html
doctors.html
country.html
relate-to.html
trainee.html
PLAB GUIDELINES:
:
2014.html
and.html
about.html
applying.html
to.html
GMC REGISTRATION
PLAB 2
2.html
gmc.html
:
gmc.html]
jobs.html
job.html]
been.html]
start work in
:
nhs-is.html]

longer be relevant.

tier-2.html
visa.html
2.html
for-visa.html
visa.html]
uk.html
:
nhs.html
imgs.html
medicine.html
doctors-in.html
wards:
in.html
amu.html
what-is.html
and.html
different.html
:
medicine.html
may-not-be.html
the NHS
leaves in the NHS:
guideline on ALS:
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/maintaining-your-e-portfolio.html] NHS e-
portfolio in medicine
in.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/05/all-about-maintaining-your-portfolio-
in.html] Reflecting as a doctor whilst working in medicine in the NHS:
in.html
attend.html
working-as.html
:
plan.html
nhs.html
projects.html
pays and payslips
locums:
solutions.html
jobs-in.html
doctors.html
email-at.html
doctors.html
:
nhs.html
who.html
staff.html
time.html]

as.html
UK:
nhs.html
nhs.html]
:
ILR:
collecting.html
UK test:
employers.html
documents-for.html
and.html
citizenship.html
british.html
AS A SHO
:
uk.html
medical.html
medical.html
other.html
training.html
training.html]
AS A REGISTRAR
medicine.html
August 2020):
ward.html
:
registrar.html
that.html
on.html
on_11.html
tutor.html
medical.html
trainee.html
as.html
Medicine Registrar:
part.html
on.html
:
in.html
registrar.html
explained:
imgs.html
ct1.html
core.html
:
post.html
starting-in.html
uk.html
your.html
in.html
placement on AMU:
trainees.html
medicine.html
medicine.html
NHS:
their.html
:
come-to.html
work in UK:
have.html
MTI:
skill - via MTI:
come-to.html
to.html]
when.html
you.html
2019.html
2020.html
DRIVING IN UK
:
Car insurance in the UK:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/05/car-insurance-in-uk.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/05/car-insurance-in-uk.html] Frequently
asked questions on driving and car ownership in the UK:
about_31.html
in.html
uk.html
deal):
pcp-deal.html
PCP:
and.html
and.html]
POST GRADUATE EXAMS
nhs.html
MRCP one guideline
passed-in.html
:
fail.html
fail.html]
guidelines.html
your.html
img.html
nervous.html
nervous.html]
uk.html
in-uk.html
accommodation.html
clean.html
:
your.html
your new born:
born.html
to-your.html]
nhs-and.html]
your.html]
MISCELLANEOUS
and-dentists.html]
in.html
organized.html
started.html
:
work.html
started.html
living-in.html
on USMLE
in the UK
UK:
- December, 2020:
dr.html
SURGERY GUIDELINES
a.html
uk.html
:
uk.html]
GP TRAINING
uk.html
uk.html
guidelines.html
img.html
your.html
pakistan.html
medicine.html
:
medicine.html]
TEACHING SESSIONS:
VTE
renal patients:
neurology.html
DNACPR:
nhs.html
do in the NHS:
in-nhs.html
CNS and spine:
acute-take.html
respiratory.html
:
take-cardiac.html
OTHER RESOURCES:
topics explained
Posted 4 weeks ago by Omar Alam
0 Add a comment
4 weeks ago All about maintaining your portfolio in

medicine
I am going to focus on NHS e portfolio here.
There are quite a few portfolios available for non trainees and it all depends on
what your supervisor is willing to support you with.
We have:
1. HORUS portfolio
Mainly used by foundation trainees in the NHS
https://horus.hee.nhs.uk/sign-in [https://horus.hee.nhs.uk/sign-in]
2. NHS e portfolio
Used by medical trainees ( trainee SHOs and registrars )
https://www.nhseportfolios.org/Anon/Login/Login.aspx
[https://www.nhseportfolios.org/Anon/Login/Login.aspx]
3. SARD
Used for non trainee SHOs - trust dependent
4. Fourteenfish
:
https://www.fourteenfish.com/ [https://www.fourteenfish.com/]
Used by GP trainees
There are a few more but I am going to focus on NHS e portfolio as I am familiar
with it.
What is an e-portfolio?
As explained here:
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/developing-your-health-
career/developing-your-portfolio/e-portfolios-doctors
[https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/developing-your-health-
career/developing-your-portfolio/e-portfolios-doctors]
It is an electronic way of recording your procedural, communication skills and
logging continuous professional development
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORTFOLIOS OF TRAINEES AND NON

TRAINEES
1. Trainees have to fill out their portfolios on a regular basis. They will be
assessed in their ARCPs on the basis of this. They have to meet the requirements
mentioned here to get a satisfactory outcome and progress in their training post
This is what they need to achieve:
https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/arcp-decision-aids
[https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/arcp-decision-aids]
2. Non trainees may be asked to provide evidence during their appraisals which
can be 6 to 12 months from their start date and their appraiser would be looking at
their portfolios to see if they have been doing CPD, reflecting and assessments to
be at par of what is expected from them.
SETTING UP YOUR E-PORTFOLIO
Once your consultant has agreed that will support you with your NHS e portfolio
and are willing to become your educational supervisor for the time you are
working in the trust, You can then contact the E -portfolio team and set it up.
PAYING FOR IT:
In some cases, the trust might pay for your portfolio so ask the study budget team
ASAP ( They did it for me back in 2016 but other colleagues working elsewhere
had to pay for it from their own pocket)
WHOM TO CONTACT:
You can email them on the email address given here:
https://www.nhseportfolios.org/Support/HelpCentre?
manageTextId=22&searchText=#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20an%20NHS,y
our%20access%20to%20your%20account.
[https://www.nhseportfolios.org/Support/HelpCentre?
:
manageTextId=22&searchText=#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20an%20NHS,your%20acce
ss%20to%20your%20account.]
An email along the lines of:

' Hello,
I am one of the non trainee SHOs who has just started in ****. Dr **** who is a
consultant in *** has very kindly agreed to become my supervisor from **** to ****
( insert dates of your official work contract). Can you kindly set my NHS e portfolio
up please so that I can start working on it?
Many thanks'
In a few days, you should receive a link prompting you to fill out your details and
pay for it. As mentioned above, your trust may pay for it hence remember to keep
receipt of payment ( should be sent via email) which you can then use to claim for
expenses.
Once it has been paid for and set up, you can then start using it.
I am going to discuss one tab in each section
PROFILE
Personal details - update them. Mention your personal email address especially
if you plan to rotate.
Post/supervisors details - add in your supervisor if it has not been done for you.
Sometimes, it can be tricky to add supervisors as the NHS e portfolio does not
recognize them as supervisors ( like my supervisor was saved as a registrar on
their system hence I had to email the support team to let them know). So if you
struggle to update your supervisors details, do not panic. Email the support team
and they should be able to sort it out.
Declarations and agreements - 6 years and I have never seen anything here. So I
do not know what this is about
Certificates and exams - This is where you upload any certificates of attendance
for teaching sessions/ conferences you have attended since the start of this post,
any certificates of UK based post graduate exams you have given
Personal library - You can upload relevant documents here.
As a non trainee I did not add much here but in my core medical training ( now
replaced by IMT) and current speciality training post (ST5 acute medicine ) , I
upload all the relevant documents here as this is what my ARCP panel will look at
this ( as you can see, there is an ARCP folder here ). I have also made additional
folders relevant to my speciality like specialist skills, etc.
Outstanding tickets - If you have been asked to fill any tickets for others who are
using NHS e-portfolio which have been sent to the email your portfolio is
registered with, you will get additional notifications here.
My filled forms - all the forms you have filled for yourself when you start using your
portfolio more regularly
Download/export- you can downlaod certain parts of your portfolio to print out
:
and highlight during your appraisal, interview, etc.
CURRICULUM
You will be given a curriculum to follow when you get your portfolio. Usually it is
equivalent to IMT1/CMT1/ST1 and varies from year to year and from speciality to
speciality.
In training, we have to link assessments related to that particular point in the
curriculum.
ASSESSMENT
You have different assessment forms:

If you click on all forms, you will get a list of forms.
This is a basic summary:
https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/assessment/workplace-based-assessment
[https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/assessment/workplace-based-assessment]
ACAT
The ACAT is designed to be used for supervised learning events (SLEs) on the
acute medical take but may be on a ward round or covering a day's management
of admissions and ward work. The ACAT looks at clinical assessment and
management, decision making, team working, time management, record keeping
and handover for the whole time period and multiple patients. There should be a
minimum of 5 cases for an ACAT assessment. SLEs may be linked to curriculum
competencies in the ePortfolio as evidence of engagement with, and exploration
of, the curriculum. However, it is not appropriate for an SLE to be linked to large
numbers of competencies and for this reason the number of links for an ACAT
should be limited to eight curriculum items.
You see 5 different cases ( when clerking) , they are seen by a consultant later on
( like a post take) and you can then send them a ticket for an ACAT
Attendance at organized teaching

If you have attended any teaching session, reflect upon it here.
I have mentioned this in more detail here:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/07/reflecting-as-doctor-while-
working-in.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/07/reflecting-as-
doctor-while-working-in.html]
Audit
If you have done any audits, QIPs you can summarize them here
:
Audit assessment
Once you have presented your audit/QIP, you can ask your supervising consultant
to fill out an audit assessment form/QIP assessment tool ( QIPAT)
Case based discussions (CBD)

Whenever you discuss a case with a registrar /consultant, you can request them
before discussing the case with them if you could send them a CBD. They can
then ask general questions and then fill out an assessment form
DOPS ( Directly observed procedural skills )

One simple rule:
Observe
Do under supervision
Keep doing under supervision till you are confident
Then do independently
In the NHS, before you do a procedure like LP, ascetic drain chest drain, central
line , you need to be signed off.
These are the list of procedures a SHO is expected to do ( not in their first few
days but before they become a registrar so do not worry if you cannot do all of
these as a non trainee SHO).
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/02/procedures-sho-is-
expected-to-do-in-nhs.html
nhs.html]
DOPS are of 2 types:
Formative DOPS
These DOPS are not pass or fail. These are assessments we ask
registrars/consultants to fill out when we have done a procedure for the first time.
Like when I did a LP in 2016 as a non trainee SHO, my registrar had to guide me
to do a lumbar puncture. She had to take over but was happy that if I continue
doing it , I will be signed off.
So I did another one - I was better this time and felt more confident. But I needed
supervision. I sent the registrar a formative DOPS.
I continued to do LPs- and I could do them independently after a few attempts
Summative DOPS
These DOPS are a pass or fail.
So taking my example above, once I was completely confident, I asked my
registrar to observe me and she signed me off when I sent her a summative
DOPS.
EDUCATIONAL MEETING
These are meetings with your supervisor
:
EDUCATIONAL SUPERVISORS REPORT
At the end of your rotation in that trust, prior to your ACRP/ Appraisal, you will sit
with your educational supervisor who will go through all of the assessments,
ensure you have met your curriculum needs and if there are any concerns.
END OF ATTACHMENT APPRAISAL

If you rotate in different specialties, you will have a clinical supervisor ( CS) for
each placement at the end where your CS will go through your portfolio and
ensure the objectives you set in your PDP ( personal development plan) have
been met.
Please note that if you are working in the same speciality as your ES, your ES will
also be your CS for that placement.
INDUCTION APPRAISAL FORM

When you have your first meeting with ES/CS/Both, they will fill out an induction
appraisal form which will set your PDP, plans and what they expect you to achieve
and what you wish to achieve from this placement.
MINI CEX - mini-clinical evaluation exercise

This supervised learning event (SLE) tool evaluates a clinical encounter with a
patient to provide feedback on skills essential for good clinical care such as
history taking, examination and clinical reasoning. The trainee receives immediate
feedback to aid learning. It can be used at any time and in any setting when there
is a trainee and patient interaction and an assessor is available. SLEs may be
linked to curriculum items in the ePortfolio.
To summarize, if you examine a patient/ take a history/ discuss the management
plan/ discuss DNACPR with a patient/their relatives under supervision of a
consultant/registrar, you can then send them a ticket for mini-CEX
As mentioned before, ensure you ask the reg/consultant beforehand
MSF - multisource feedback

This tool is a method of assessing generic skills such as communication,
leadership, team working, reliability etc, across the domains of Good Medical
Practice. This provides objective systematic collection and feedback of
performance data on a trainee, derived from a number of colleagues. "Raters" are
individuals with whom the trainee works, and includes doctors, administration
staff, and other allied professionals. The trainee will not see the individual
responses by raters.
This is filled by everyone from HCAs, nurses, nurse in charge, ACPS, ANPs,
FY1s, SHOs, registrars, consultants, ward clerks, therapists and any other
healthcare professionals whom you have worked with during your placement.
It is a simple form which asks questions like whether you are punctual,
professional, have the basic knowledge and if anyone has any concerns.
MSF - self
:
We have to rate ourselves as well. I just state that I meet expectations. I am not
critical of myself here either as this can be used as evidence against you in court.
Multiple consultant report ( MCR)

MCRs and like MSFs but consultants fill them out.
Personal development plan (PDP)

This is a list of things you wish to achieve from your placement
For respiratory
1. Learn how to insert chest drains
2. Learn management of type 2 respiratory failure
3. NIV/CPAP/NHF and their indications
4. Work on respiratory HDU
5. Get good at ABGs- try to attempt difficult ones with USS guidance where
colleagues struggle.
6. Learn common respiratory conditions seen on the acute take
7. Attend respiratory clinics
And then how you wish to achieve them
Via work based assessments ( WBAs)/SLEs, reflections, DOPS, etc
Reflection on a clinical event / management and leadership/after events

working-in.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/07/reflecting-as-doctor-
while-working-in.html]
TEACHING OBSERVATION
If you have led teaching sessions, send a consultant a teaching observation
assessment form.
TEACHING YOU HAVE DELIVERED

REFLECTION

:
APPRAISAL
APPRAISAL
Educational meeting, end of attachment appraisal, induction appraisal forms
explained above
PDP
Explained above
PROGRESSION
This has your ES report and MCR forms which I have explained above
[https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/assessment/workplace-based-assessment]
PYA
This is not applicable to us. This is the final assessment we get before we
complete our CCT before becoming a consultant:
https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/penultimate-year-
assessment [https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/penultimate-year-
assessment]
E- LEARNING
You can link your account with e-LFH and do some e-learning. I have not been
doing this regularly as it is not mandatory.
PAPER BASED PORTFOLIOS

This is the link to paper based portfolios:
https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/document-library?
field_category_area_tid=All&field_category_document_type_tid=All&field_ca
tegory_specialty_tid=50&page=2 [https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/document-library?
field_category_area_tid=All&field_category_document_type_tid=All&field_category
_specialty_tid=50&page=2]
Tips:
1. These forms are self explanatory and are just like electronic NHS e portfolio
2. Remember that you can type in certain points so that it is more legible - like the
case for CBD, ACAT. Do not fill any part of the assessment others are supposed
to fill for you.
3. As soon as someone fills it, scan it, email it and save it on a folder in your work
computer as well as your home computer
:
ASKING FOR ASSESSMENTS
1. You will work with a variety of healthcare professionals - most of them are lovely
and will give amazing feedback on your portfolio assessments. Some will not.
With time ( and experience) you will learn who these people are.
This post might help:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-choose-your-
referees-staff.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-
choose-your-referees-staff.html]
2. Always ask your consultant/ registrar FIRST before requesting an assessment.

If you have clerked 5 patients from 0900 to 1400 and the consultant is doing a
post take ward round, request them if they could fill out an ACAT for the patients
you saw, and if they have time, could you send them a CBD if you could discuss
one of the cases with them.
They will then know and assess your clerking, ask a few questions. Again, like
mentioned above you can judge whether they will give good feedback or horrible
feedback.
3. Be confident and competent enough before sending any assessments.

I would not send a DOPS for a LP I was doing for the very first time and my
registrar had to take over. Instead I would send a DOPS when I was more
confident- even if it is a formative DOPS.
As a non trainee SHO, I sent my first assessment at least a few months into my
job as in the first 3 months, I was figuring out things for myself and slowly gained
confidence
4. You may have to remind people earlier. So stay on top of your portfolio and
know what is required. Not so much for non trainees but for trainees, the gold
guide gives clear requirements:
https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/arcp-decision-aids
[https://www.jrcptb.org.uk/training-certification/arcp-decision-aids]
HOW TO REQUEST COLLEAGUES TO FILL ASSSESSMENTS
MCR/MSF
WHO CAN FILL THEM
MCR- Consultants
MSF - any healthcare professional whom you have worked with and whom you
know will give good feedback.
:
HOW TO REQUEST MSF/MCRs
Ask them if they are happy to fill an assessment
You can go to them personally ( this is better than just emailing them) and ask :
'Hello, are you happy to fill a feedback form for me?'
'Thanks for agreeing, may I have your email address please?'
NHS E PORTFOLIO TICKETS

Open your NHS e-portfolio
Click on assessments
Click on Ticket requests
Click on create ticket
Enter the type of assessment - MCR/MSF
Enter their email
You should be able to see prefilled details. If you cannot see them, fill them out.
GMC/NMC number is not mandatory
Write in the comment for assessor section:
Hello Dr/Miss/Mrs/Mr/First name ( whatever their designation is),
Can you kindly fill out a MCR/MSF form for me please?
Many thanks
Dr **** ( role and department - so that they are able to identify who you are )
TIPS FOR MSFs

- As mentioned in this
link https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-choose-your-
referees-staff.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-
choose-your-referees-staff.html] you should choose the appropriate assessors
whom know you well and will give good feedback.
- Be aware of certain **** ( insert swear word of choice here) who seem to be
good on your face but can give horrible assessments on our portfolio. Every junior
doctor ( FY1s to registrars need assessments ) know about them so there is no
harm in getting the low down of a department you are about rotate in by
colleagues who have just completed their rotation there.
- Usually, people give reasonable assessments ( 6 years and I have not had any
issues or feedback which has raised concern)
HOW TO REQUEST ACATS/CBD/DOPS/other assessments
ACATS
Ask the consultant/ registrar beforehand. For example, if you have clerked 5
patients from 0900 to 1400 and the consultant has come to AMU to post take
these patients, you can ask them:
' Hello Dr ****, I am one of the **** on call today. I have clerked these 5 patients
whom you are about to post take. Do you mind if I could send an ACAT for these
cases I have seen ?'
They will not have an issue.
:
You can either go around them on the post take ward round ( which is better as
you learn more) and after the post take is done, you can send them a ticket.
NHS E PORTFOLIO TICKETS FOR ACATS

Enter the type of assessment - ACAT
Enter their email
Hello Dr,
Can you kindly fill out an ACAT for the following 5 cases please?
1. Frail lady, admitted with IE of COPD - 16 admissions in past 1 year for same
condition. On nebs, steroids, ABx. Noted to have low potassium, on digoxin (
for AF). I added in digoxin levels. I had a detailed discussion with her about
escalation and she agreed that NIV is ceiling of care. She understood this
information and I put a RESPECT form in her notes. She was due for transfer
to respiratory ward.
2. to 5. similar SBAR
Many thanks
Tips for ACATS

- You do not need to be physically present with the consultant. For example if you
clerked 10 patients on nights, informed the consultant if they could do an ACAT for
the patients you have seen and then presented them in the morning handover ,
you should be able to go home and the consultants usually keep a note of the
patients you have clerked and fill out an assessment ( which you should send
when you come back to work - do not feel pressured by requesting a ticket as
soon as you go home as you must rest and will be exhausted). If you think you will
forget the cases , you can scan a copy of the handover sheet and send it to your
work email ( DO NOT send it to your personal email) to remind yourself of the
cases when you come back to work.
-Like mentioned above, you will get a general vibe from a consultant/registrar
about what feedback you might get. Like if you a consultant is unhappy with your
case presentation in the morning handover, you might expect him to give negative
feedback in your assessments hence you should not send assessments to such
people. Having said this, there are very few consultants who do this and usually
all junior doctors are fully aware of such people.
- You do not have to see all 5 patients in one go. You may have seen 2 on one
day and 3 on the next - as long as they have been seen by the same consultant,
you can send an assessment once they have seen 5 of the patients you have
managed.
:
CBD
Ask the consultant/ registrar beforehand. For example, if you have seen an
interesting patient and the consultant has come to AMU to post take these
patients/ on the ward to do a ward round, you can ask them:
' Hello Dr ****, I am one of the **** on call today. I have seen this patient. Is it okay
if we discuss this and do a CBD ?'
You can then discuss it there and then or they may ask you to come to their office
to discuss it.
NHS E PORTFOLIO TICKETS FOR CBDs

Enter the type of assessment - CBD
Enter their email
Hello Dr,
Can you kindly fill out an CBD for the following case please?
Frail lady, admitted with IE of COPD - 16 admissions in past 1 year for same
condition. On nebs, steroids, ABx. Noted to have low potassium, on digoxin ( for
AF). I added in digoxin levels. I had a detailed discussion with her about
escalation and she agreed that NIV is ceiling of care. She understood this
information and I put a RESPECT form in her notes. She was due for transfer to
respiratory ward.
We discussed the indications for NIV, whether she met the criteria , how to
manage acute exacerbations of COPD and escalation plans.
Many thanks
TIPS FOR CBDs

-You can use a case you sent for ACAT as a CBD as well. You can discuss one of
the cases in detail with the consultant and request them to fill a CBD form for one
the patients if they could allow you to discuss with them in more detail. You may
have to sit with them and discuss the differentials, red flags, management, etc.
- Ideally, you should have some baseline knowledge about the case you wish to
discuss but I would suggest wasting weeks studying a case to get a CBD. If it is
completely rare and you do not know much about it, it is worth reading about it.
- Usually CBDs for rare cases turn out to be more than just a CBD... The
consultant or registrar may ask you to do a case presentation or a poster
presentation for this. So always tyr your best to seek out such opportunities.
DOPS
Ask the consultant/ registrar beforehand
' Hello, this patient needs a lumbar puncture. I have observed a few before and
:
assisted a few times. Is it okay if you could supervise me?'
You can then do a the procedure
If you feel you were confident and you did not need any help, ask if you can send
a DOPS. If you really struggled, I would suggest you attempt on another patient at
some other point, gain some more experience and then send a DOPS.
Most registrars are happy to do a formative DOPS even if they had to take over
but it is always good to ask beforehand and discuss feedback informally first.
This informal face to feedback will give you a general idea of what sort of
assessment you will get.
Although it is very unlikely someone will say this but you would not want feedback
like ' No knowledge of local anatomy, unable to perform procedure even with
assistance' ( This is very unlikely but this to give a general idea that you should
not send feedback to colleagues who are not satisfied with your skills )
NHS E PORTFOLIO TICKETS FOR DOPS

Enter the type of assessment - DOPS ( summative or formative)
Enter their email
Hello Dr,
Can you kindly fill out an DOPS for the lumbar puncture I performed under your
supervision please?
TIPS FOR DOPS

- Like mentioned above you will get a general idea of the feedback so send it only
when you feel you will get good feedback. If you have performed well with limited/
no assistance, you should be able to get a formative DOPS signed off. If you did it
completely unsupervised, you can get a summative DOPS ( provided you have
one or 2 formative DOPS for the same procedure before)
- You can get formative DOPS for procedures done in simulation as well.
- The assessor does not have to be a reg or consultant. It can be a specialist
nurse. Like a cardioversion nurse who can sign you off for DCC. An ICU ACP can
sign you off for central lines, etc
FILLING ASSESSMENTS
1. The worst thing someone can do is give negative feedback in our portfolios.
They do not have the courage to feedback to our face and do it behind a
keyboard. I hate such people. Luckily, not many exist.
Please remember, someone might be having a bad day. This does not mean you
need to say horrible things about them.
In the past 6 years, I have NEVER given negative feedback to anyone on their
:
portfolio. I have always sat with them and given face to face feedback or
escalated their behavior via the appropriate channels.
2. If you do not like anyone, you can either decline to fill in their feedback or just
give neutral feedback. Instead you should escalate this through the appropriate
channels.
3. As a medical registrar on call, I ask everyone to send assessments for

- Any cases they have seen and discussed with me ( CBD)
- Any procedures they have done under my supervision ( LP, drains, etc)
- MSFs, any other assessment forms.
My handovers are like
Any sick patients?
Anyone I need to prioritize if you are uncomfortable to manage?
CRASH role allocation
Send any TABS/MSFs/CBDs for cases we discuss, DOPS for any procedures you
do while I am there
4. If someone is really good, write a very personal assessment - individualized to

what they have done. Also nominate them for a star award/greatix award/moment
of magic or any appreciation system you have in your trust. Do not let their good
work and support go unrewarded.
5. Fill out assessments as soon as possible. I try to do them ASAP and luckily, I
get enough time at work to do these. Please do not delay them. You will
understand when you
So remember, be kind. These assessments stay with us for a long time ( I still
have access to all my assessments from when I started and I will be able to view
all of them till I become a consultant). It is heart warming to read the nice things
people have to say about you.
I hope this blog post helps.
Posted 4 weeks ago by Omar Alam
0 Add a comment
:
24th April Table of contents
To open each post, kindly right click on the post and click on open in a
new window/tab. Everything in the UK is online - Kindly check the official
and opinion.
PRE PLAB:

need-to.html
medical.html]
discouraged.html
day.html
doctors.html
country.html
:
relate-to.html
trainee.html
PLAB GUIDELINES:
2014.html
and.html
about.html
applying.html
to.html
:
GMC REGISTRATION
PLAB 2
2.html
gmc.html
gmc.html]
jobs.html
job.html]
:
been.html]
start work in
nhs-is.html]

longer be relevant.

tier-2.html
visa.html
:
2.html
for-visa.html
visa.html]
uk.html
nhs.html
imgs.html
medicine.html
doctors-in.html
wards:
in.html
amu.html
what-is.html
:
and.html
different.html
medicine.html
may-not-be.html
the NHS
leaves in the NHS:
guideline on ALS:
in.html
:
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/maintaining-your-e-portfolio.html]
Reflecting as a doctor whilst working in medicine in the NHS:
in.html
attend.html
working-as.html
plan.html
nhs.html
projects.html
pays and payslips
locums:
solutions.html
jobs-in.html
:
doctors.html
email-at.html
doctors.html
nhs.html
who.html
staff.html
time.html]

as.html
UK:
:
nhs.html
nhs.html]
ILR:
collecting.html
UK test:
employers.html
documents-for.html
and.html
citizenship.html
:
british.html
AS A SHO
uk.html
medical.html
medical.html
other.html
training.html
training.html]
AS A REGISTRAR
:
medicine.html
August 2020):
ward.html
registrar.html
that.html
on.html
on_11.html
tutor.html
medical.html
trainee.html
:
as.html
Medicine Registrar:
part.html
on.html
in.html
registrar.html
explained:
imgs.html
ct1.html
:
core.html
post.html
starting-in.html
uk.html
your.html
in.html
placement on AMU:
trainees.html
medicine.html
:
medicine.html
NHS:
their.html
come-to.html
work in UK:
have.html
MTI:
skill - via MTI:
come-to.html
to.html]
when.html
:
you.html
2019.html
2020.html
DRIVING IN UK
Frequently asked questions on driving and car ownership in the UK:
about_31.html
in.html
uk.html
deal):
pcp-deal.html
PCP:
and.html
and.html]
POST GRADUATE EXAMS
nhs.html
MRCP one guideline
:
passed-in.html
fail.html
fail.html]
guidelines.html
your.html
img.html
nervous.html
nervous.html]
uk.html
in-uk.html
accommodation.html
:
clean.html
your.html
your new born:
born.html
to-your.html]
nhs-and.html]
your.html]
MISCELLANEOUS
and-dentists.html]
in.html
:
organized.html
started.html
work.html
started.html
living-in.html
on USMLE
in the UK
UK:
- December, 2020:
dr.html
SURGERY GUIDELINES
:
a.html
uk.html
uk.html]
GP TRAINING
uk.html
uk.html
guidelines.html
img.html
your.html
pakistan.html
:
medicine.html
medicine.html]
TEACHING SESSIONS:
VTE
renal patients:
neurology.html
DNACPR:
nhs.html
do in the NHS:
in-nhs.html
CNS and spine:
:
acute-take.html
respiratory.html
take-cardiac.html
OTHER RESOURCES:
topics explained
Posted 24th April by Omar Alam
0 Add a comment
24th April Getting registered with GPs and dentists
GENERAL PRACTICE
It is essential that all IMGs and their dependents are registered with a GP when
they come to the UK on a work visa.
I have personally never seen my GP since the past 6 years however I may need
:
to see them at some point. Hence I have been registered from when I came to the
UK on a work visa.
How to get registered with a GP:

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp [https://www.nhs.uk/service-
search/find-a-gp]
Check the ratings of the GP surgery closest to you here:

https://www.cqc.org.uk/ [https://www.cqc.org.uk/]
You can also search on Google by entering the details of your GP surgery
I have always tried to register with the nearest GP and this way, I have a GP
within walking distance for my wife and child.
Once you have selected a GP surgery, call them and ask about registering with
them as a new patient. They will either ask you to fill a form online or fill a paper
form and submit it with the necessary documents ( a scanned copy of
passport/BRP).
You will then receive either a letter or a text message stating that you are now
registered with the practice.
Remember to keep that form safe as it has your NHS number which is helpful to
have ( although most healthcare providers can access your details by entering
your date of birth, full name and post code).
When should I see my GP?

You do not have to see your GP unless you have any concerns.
This is a helpful website which can guide you to which service you need:
https://111.nhs.uk/ [https://111.nhs.uk/]
Why should IMGs register with a GP?

1. You never know when you need their services. Anyone can get sick at any
time.
2. In case you need to be admitted to the hospital and need follow up with a GP,
the hospital team can write them a letter
3. Most conditions are managed by GPs so if you have a long term condition and
need regular medications, they can provide a prescription for those.
4. In case you struggle with mental well being, your GP may be able to provide a
letter stating that you are struggling and by liaising with occupational health, you
job load can be lightened.
5. Helps to prove your address when applying for ILR ( especially important if you
have a dependent)
collecting.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/03/documents-
imgs-can-start-collecting.html]
:
If you are on regular medications prescribed from your home country
Bring enough supply to the UK when you come here and also get all the relevant
investigations, clinic letters, etc.
When you register with a practice, you can arrange an appointment to see a GP
and let them know about your chronic condition so that they can provide a
prescription of the regular medications you have been taking. Sometimes, they
are reluctant to prescribe the medications on the basis of investigations done
abroad and may refer you to a specialist first/ do further investigations
themselves.
As there can be a delay, it is very important you have your own supply of
medications from your home country.
Cost of prescriptions.
They are free in Wales:
https://gov.wales/free-prescriptions [https://gov.wales/free-prescriptions]
It costs in England:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/nhs-
prescription-charges/ [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-
pharmacies/nhs-prescription-charges/]
If you have a few regular medications on a prescription, you can save with a
prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/save-
money-with-a-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc/
[https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/save-money-
with-a-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc/]
When are prescriptions free

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/who-can-
get-free-prescriptions/ [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-
pharmacies/who-can-get-free-prescriptions/]
Relocating
Doctors relocate to a new city on a regular basis. In which case, they need to
register with a new practice wherever they are relocating to.
The new practice usually has access to the records and if not, they can get the
relevant information transferred.
Some tips:
1. GP surgeries are very busy so the best time to call is as soon as they open (
which is either 0800 or 0900 AM)
2. Most surgeries are good hence it is best to register with the one with the closest
to your accommodation
3. Some surgeries are associated with other surgeries and when you book an
appointment, you might be seen in a surgery which may be further away ( you can
request the receptionist to book you in to the local surgery however if they do not
:
have slots, you may have to drive/take a taxi/bus to another surgery within the
same GP partnership)
4. GPs are very good clinicians and most have done specialist skills in
rheumatology, women's health, etc.
5. Sometimes you will be seen by a practice nurse. They are equally good.
DENTISTS
Unlike GP surgeries, dentists are very difficult to get registered with.

There are 2 types:
1. NHS dentists - they still charge for treatment but it is a nominal fees
2 Private dentists - their charges are higher.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to register as a NHS patient with a local dental

practice as most state they are full.
Use this service to find a NHS dentist:
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist
[https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist] Once registered, they may
ask you to come in for a dental check. This will cost.
If you struggle to find any, you may need to go private if you feel you need a
dental check up ( if you do not feel it is necessary, then you can wait and keep
checking if any dental practices in your city/nearby are taking NHS patients)
For dental emergencies:

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-can-i-access-an-nhs-
dentist-in-an-emergency-or-out-of-hours/ [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-
services/dentists/how-can-i-access-an-nhs-dentist-in-an-emergency-or-out-of-
hours/]
Tips:
1. Start looking to register with a NHS dentist ASAP. You will eventually find one.
2. If you need non -urgent treatment and the only option is a private dentist, they
also have dental plans whereby you pay a certain monthly charge and can access
their services. It comes with its fine print though.
3. If you visit your home country, get whatever dental work is needed. You will find
it cheaper there.
4. Once registered, do not leave the dentist unless you relocate to a city which is
very far away. Once you have found a new dentist, you can leave your previous
one.
:
0 Add a comment
24th April How to ensure you are well supported in

your first job in the NHS
This post is about how to ensure your first job in the NHS is as supportive as
possible.
I am going to mention points here which I have personally experienced, witnessed

and implemented in some of the trusts I have worked in.
Choosing the right grade

If you are applying in medicine, it is very important you start as a SHO. Even if you
have completed the relevant exams ( like given MRCP), ensure you at least start
as a SHO.
I have explained more about it here:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/04/starting-as-registrar-as-
your-first-job.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/04/starting-as-
registrar-as-your-first-job.html]
Asking the appropriate questions

http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-to-do-once-your-job-
has-been.html [http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-to-do-once-
your-job-has-been.html]
Shadowing
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-importance-of-
shaowding-when.html [https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-
importance-of-shaowding-when.html]
SOME FAQs
IMGs have been working in the NHS for decades now. Why do we have to
ask these? Should the trusts not know about these?
:
Unfortunately, the people who deal with your application are non medical
personnel like HR. Consultants accept you for a post in an interview but then HR
take over and ask for various documents.
For them, a non trainee FY1 is like a trainee FY1 ( who has been shadowing in
NHS trusts since their 3rd year and have been on the supernumerary rota 3
months before starting)
For them, a FY2/CT1/ST1/SHO/Junior clinical fellow has worked in the NHS as
FY1/FY2
Hence they assume you have NHS experience. They assume you have lived in
the UK.
How can I ensure they know about my situation?

As soon as they offer the post to you, let them know that you do not have any
NHS experience and have not lived in the UK.
How should I draft an email to them?

Hello ,
I am starting as a SHO in ****. My presumed work start date is on **** - This is
subject to my certificate of sponsorship and visa processing.
When I arrive in the UK, I will need to sort out:

1. Biometric resident permit
2. Open my bank account
3. Look for accommodation.
I have a few questions:

1. ACCOMODATION
Do you offer hospital accommodation ? If not , do you have any contacts with
estate agents who could possibly help with getting an accommodation for rent ?
As I have not worked in the UK before, will HR be able to help in acting as a
guarantor in case the estate agents want this information
2. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCREENING TESTS

As this is my first job in the NHS, I do not have any screening tests done here. Will
it be possible to arrange an appointment with occupational health so that they can
do the relevant screening tests ?
Also , will I be able to work whilst awaiting for my screening tests ?
3. SHADOWING
As I have no NHS experience, may I get a period of shadowing please? I can start
on **** as I would have hopefully sorted out my BRP , bank account and
accommodation by this time. I think I can easily settle if I get to shadow my
colleagues in the same department I am starting in for the first few days.
I have clinical knowledge as evidenced by my performance in the interview but I
just wanted to ensure I am well supported and understand the basics of the NHS
like the I.T system , how to do referrals , understanding how the ward and MDT
:
works so that I do not make any mistakes. I have spoken to other colleagues and
they have suggested a few days of shadowing doctors at my level would help me
immensely.
4. INDUCTION
Will I have a formal induction ? So that I know the IT system and the local policies
like all doctors get when they start in this trust? I understand most of your doctors
are trainees and would have had a formal induction in August when they started.
Will it be possible for me to have a similar induction please?
6. SUPERVISOR
Do I have a supervisor? Just so that I can meet them early and discuss my
personal development plan so that I can progress in my career.
7. ON CALLS
I hope I am not on the on call rota initially. As this is my first job in the NHS, it will
take me a few weeks to get used to the system. I think I can easily manage on
calls after 2 to 3 months of starting , or even earlier after discussion with my
supervisor to ensure I am confident enough. I can start on my base ward and work
from 0900 to 1700 and familiarize myself with the local policies so that I am
confident during my on calls and can support the team as much as possible.
8. RELOCATION EXPENSES
As you might be aware , I am travelling from my home country, **** to the UK. I
have resigned from my job in my home country.
My expenses are
Visa fees ****
Airline tickets ****
Train tickets from *** Airport to ****
Expenses for staying in a bed and breakfast whilst looking for accommodation ****
Expenses for eating out till I get my accommodation ****
Travel expenses with in the city ****
As you can see , these expenses are a substantial amount and it will be very
difficult to manage. Especially when I am using all of my savings back home and
despite that , I will not have any savings to sustain myself financially within the
UK.
For this reason, I humbly request you to reimburse my relocation expenses. Is
there a trust policy you can possibly send to me ?
I can provide receipts of all aforementioned expenses.
9 .EMPLOYMENT LETTER FOR BANK ACCOUNT

Will it be possible for you to provide a letter that I am employed with yourselves so
that I can easily open a bank account. A few of my colleagues struggled with
opening bank accounts when they came to the UK for the first time.
:
10. DURATION ON COS
I wish to apply for a training post next year or the year after that. Will it be possible
for the trust to provide a certificate of sponsorship which is valid for at least 2
years? This way, i can continue working in this trust till I get a training post and will
not have to worry about extending my visa which is quite stressful.
11. INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATE DOCTORS WORKING IN THIS

TRUST
Do you have any contact of doctors working in this trust who are on a work visa? It
would really help me settle in well if I could get in touch with them early so that
they can help me ease into the system so that I can settle in quicker to help with
patient management.
12. STUDY BUDGET

Does this trust offer a study budget for non trainees? As you might be aware, I will
have to do an ALS course which is quite expensive and I would really appreciate it
if the trust could reimburse this amount to me when I have attended the course. I
presume I will need ALS when I am doing on calls hence I will book it is soon as I
am settled.
13. ANNUAL LEAVES

I have an important family event to attend on the **** in my home country,***.
Hence will it be possible to get leave for these dates? I just wanted to make sure
the rota team is aware of this beforehand.
I am so sorry about so many questions however this is my first job in the NHS. As
you might be aware, relocating to a new country with a completely different
healthcare can be very daunting but with the proper support , I can easily settle in
and provide a good service in a safe , confident and efficient manner.
Why do I need to ask these questions?

As mentioned above, HR assumes you have NHS experience and that you have
lived in the UK. Despite informing them in your NHS jobs/TRAC jobs profile.
How can I ensure my shadowing period is as structured as possible?

WEEK 1
Hands off from clinical work for 1 week
Introduction to how the trust functions on day 1 - walk around , showing how to
use your badge , where the doctors mess is , cafeteria is , public transport / where
to park your cars ( this is in addition to the usual IT and e learning induction we all
have )
Day 2 to 5
Observing colleagues working at their level from 0900 to 1200 as a
supernumerary doctor.
Simulation lab for ILS , taking bloods , cannulas , catheters , NGT tube insertions
:
1300 to 1600
WEEK 2
Supernumerary doctor on their base ward. More hands on
Start doing things like
Documented consultant ward rounds
Doing jobs
Doing discharge summaries
Cannulas, bloods, ABGs
Week 3
Part of the team on their base ward.
Ward staffing maintained in such a way that the new doctor sees 4 patients.
End of week 3 - meeting with their supervisor ensuring they feel well supported
and if they have any concerns
Week 3 to 4
Part of the ward doctors rota from 0900 to 1700.
Shadowing doctors on call from 1700 to 2100 for a few days ( till they feel
confident - up to the doctor)
Week 4 to 8
Put on the on call rota as a supernumerary doctor.
Start clerking under supervision and take as long as they wish to. Not under
pressure by anyone to clerk more , do multiple jobs.
End of Week 8 - meeting with their supervisor ensuring they feel well supported
and if they have any concerns.
From week 8 onwards ,

1. Regular on calls
2. Regular ward work
All of this should be paid as they are essentially doing everything from week 2.
Basic pay for first month
Full salary with on call supplement from the second month
How can I ensure my trust follows the same pattern?

When you are about to start work, email your supervisor and meet them. Discuss
this so that they can ensure this is implemented.
They do not need to do much. It is more for you to be aware of and do so that you
are not overwhelmed.
I personally ensured that I had this structure in my shadowing period and this way,
was able to settle well in the NHS.
:
This was back in 2016 and these small things help me settle well and struggle
less. I asked the appropriate questions early, ensured I was supported and from
thereon, helped others have the same sort of support.
My mission is to make the NHS a safe and well supported place to work. I hope
this blog post helps you settle in your first job in the NHS. If you are already
settled, you can implement this checkbox system for new IMGs starting in your
trust.
0 Add a comment
23rd April Starting as a registrar as your first job in the

NHS in medicine
I get messages from IMGs on a regular basis that they took a registrar post in
medicine in haste as their first job in the NHS and are now struggling.
Luckily, we have colleagues who flag this up to consultants and the directorate
who then make amends ( ie put them on the SHO rota , etc ) but sometimes
mistakes happen. And the GMC doesn't take this lightly.
I also know some IMGs who started as registrars and have been comfortable
working at that position from the first day. This could be because they were well
supported and did not forget to ask everyone around them for help ( and everyone
does help unless it is exceptionally busy in which case the inexperienced registrar
may not know what to do). But quite a few are not this lucky.
So for the sake of your sanity and patient safety, please do not start as a registrar
as your first job in the NHS. If you meet the qualification criteria on paper ( that is
given MRCP) , things are a bit different in reality- it takes time to understand how
the NHS works. Knowledge is never an issue. Its the "logistical" angle which
people struggle with.
Trusts are desperate for registrars in every specialty. They will do a quick
interview and select you ( everyone can tell the management of MI , PE, and the
typical interview questions) however when you start here, it is a whirlwind unless
you know the system well. Please be cautious. I have tried my best to support as
many people as I can. Unfortunately a few of them were referred to the GMC for
being unsafe ( when facing the MPTS panel and when in court , it is you and your
documentation - registrars are expected to run the hospital at night).
:
So please be cautious , the reg pay of 60k GBP per annum does appeal to many.
However a lot of people struggle and some unlucky ones suffer long term.
Here is my advice for people who are over qualified for SHO posts
1. Apply for registrar level posts
2. Request them to pay you as SHO for the first few months.
3. Shadow on call registrars
4. Do a reg shift with an on call registrar supervising you.
5. Then request them to put you on the reg rota once you are more confident.
OR
1. Apply for SHO posts and start working as SHO on the SHO rota
2. Shadow on call registrars once you feel settled.
3. Do a reg shift with an on call registrar supervising you.
4. Then request them to put you on the reg rota with reg pay once you are more
confident.
Again, I know my colleagues are way more qualified and knowledgeable than any
consultant in the UK ( and they are - since they see loads of patients in their home
countries ) and I am in no way suggesting that they are incompetent.
WHAT IF YOU ARE WORKING AS A REGISTRAR ALREADY AS YOUR FIRST

JOB IN THE NHS AND ARE STRUGGLING
Talk to your supervisor ASAP.
Meet with them in person and explain everything to them. Sometimes the way we
communicate can be perceived differently hence you can email something along
the lines of
" Hello Dr **** ,
This is *** - the new non trainee registrar who started in **** on the ***.
Unfortunately I have been struggling with understanding the system and I am
constantly worried that I will make a mistake. I have given the relevant UK based
post graduate exam ( MRCP/ MRCS , etc ) and I do not face any problems with
my clinical knowledge. It is mainly the " logistical" knowledge I struggle with. For
example, requesting investigations, discussing them with the radiologist , bleeping
colleagues. As I have come from *** , this system is completely new to me. I feel it
help me a lot if I could work as a SHO as I will be able to understand how the
system works and then I can step up after a few months.
Here is what I feel would help
1. I am put on the SHO rota
2. I do on calls as a SHO
3. I do all procedures expected from a registrar who has recently completed their
SHO training post.
4. I meet with you on a regular basis to discuss my progress
5. Once we feel that I can manage confidently , I can step up as a registrar.
I completely understand your frustration as you expected me to work as a registrar
but I have really struggled and it is getting worse. I am worried I will loose my
:
confidence completely and will make a mistake if I continue like this. However I do
believe that if I can work as a SHO , I can regain my confidence and work on the
registrar rota.
I can also help the trust in inducting registrars who have not worked in the NHS
before so that they too , can start as a SHO initially and then step up on the
registrar rota once they are confident.
I am hoping we could meet and discuss these different options.
Many thanks ,
**** "
Also
Ensure you have medical indemnity cover to cover you for any serious mistakes
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/indemnity-insurance-for-
imgs.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/indemnity-insurance-for-
imgs.html] ( every doctor in the NHS should have this regardless )
This is what I have seen :

1. You will be put on a SHO rota
2. You will be supported more by regular meetings with your supervisor in this time
to see how you're getting on.
3. Once you feel confident and understand the system ( it takes a few weeks to
months ) , you can then meet with your supervisor again
4. If you both agree , you can work as a registrar.
This post comes from 2 separate incidents which happened with registrars who
had started in the NHS.
So why is this happening

1. Understaffing on the middle grade ( registrar) rota. Almost every Trust has
gaps. They have to put out locums which can be escalated upto 100/ hr. Hence it
costs the trust 1200 to 1300 GBP to cover one on call shift. If they get a
permanent registrar, they save up in the long run ( by paying them 60 to 65k ,
putting them on the on call rota )
2. Lack of communication - the doctor may not have informed the trust about their
situation- as in , the fact that they have never worked in the NHS before and need
more supervision
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-to-do-once-your-job-
has-been.html [http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2015/09/what-to-do-once-
your-job-has-been.html]
And that they will need shadowing:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-importance-of-
shaowding-when.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-importance-of-shaowding-
when.html] 3. Lack of understanding of the fact that a new IMG may have
completed UK based post graduate exams does not automatically mean they can
manage on the registrar rota. But not everyone here understands this. The rota
:
team sees a gap which is constant , costing the trust money in terms of hiring
locums , they inform recruitment and the HR puts out an advertisement on NHS
jobs.
Candidates are selected on the basis of whether they meet the criteria ( tick box
system - like UK based post graduate exams)
The interview is like any other interview- management of chest pain , definition of
governance, etc and if the doctor has read medical interview books , they will
answer all the questions.
The trust is desperate to take the doctor. They accept the offer. Sometimes in
haste.
Then they are thrown into the deep end when they come here.
Things I have seen

1. An IMG accepted a job as a registrar
2. Did not inform the trust that they have never worked in the NHS and need a
period of observership , working as a SHO for the first few weeks although it was
quite clear on their CV and NHS jobs profile that they did not have any NHS jobs
experience.
3. They were put on the registrar rota 3 days after they started.
4. They had no idea about the " logistical side" - ie the importance of answering
bleeps , reviewing unwell patients ASAP, working with the senior nurse to manage
patient flow, not being aware that you can call the consultant when you are not
sure, discussions with other specialities.
5. As a result there was a massive complaint against them
6. It took a toll on their mental well being and personal life.
7. It took some time for them to realise this and they then took a SHO post , are
much happy and have recently been stepped up as a registrar
Another example
1. An IMG colleague took a middle grade post but clearly stated in their interview
that they have never worked in the NHS
2. Before they accepted the post , they spoke to the consultant via email and CC'd
HR into it requesting them to
- arrange a proper induction for IT systems as they would be starting at a time
different than the usual induction ( which is normally in August )
- a period of shadowing
- allowing them to work as a SHO initially
- to start on calls as a SHO 4 weeks after they start
- regular meetings to ensure they are progressing appropriately
- 3 months and then 6 months review to see if they can manage a registrar post.
3. The consultant and HR agreed.
4. They applied for indemnity cover the day they started in the NHS
5. They met their supervisor regularly
6. They kept an open mind , allowed the trust to pay them as a SHO ( with on call
supplement ) till they stepped up
:
7. It was mutually agreed in 4 months that they have now gained the confidence to
step up and manage on the registrar rota.
8. They performed brilliantly!
Now compare both situations- Which one would you want to be in ?

Some colleagues whom I have spoken to state
1. They need the registrar pay as they cannot manage on a SHO pay.
I have personally managed with 2 dependants , a nice apartment , a car on a
finance deal easily. So I assure you a SHO salary with on call supplement is
enough.
2. They wouldn't have been selected as a middle grade had the trust not thought
that they're competent enough.
They have the clinical knowledge. They just need an understanding of the
"logistical" side which takes 3 to 6 months
3. They have given UK based post graduate exams and hence have an
understanding of the system. Exams and the actual working environment here are
very different.
Because of the gaps in the registrar rota, trusts are very desperate to take middle
grades just to fill that cell in that excel sheet. So please do not risk it. Ask the right
questions at the right time. Get the right support early. Do not delay it. If you're
struggling, please don't suffer in silence. It will take a toll on your mental well
being.
Ps - this is in no way a criticism of your competence. I know you have more

clinical knowledge by working in your home country than any consultant here. But
things are different here. With the right support and starting at the right level , you
can flourish and train well.
Posted 23rd April by Omar Alam
0 Add a comment
24th February Admission process in the NHS

(medicine)
The admission process of a patient in the NHS
I am going to use an example of community acquired pneumonia and then stable

chest pain as an example to explain the admission process of a patient. I have
used medicine as an example just because I know this pathway well ( please note
that this may differ from trust to trust and from specialty to specialty). This is to
:
give you a general idea.
PRIMARY CARE (General Practice- GP)

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-
doctors/general-practitioner-gp/general-practice-gp
[https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/general-
practitioner-gp/general-practice-gp]
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/ [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/]
These healthcare professionals provide consultations for patients who are
relatively stable.
For example, if I develop a cough and am bring up yellow phlegm, have a fever
but do not feel very breathless, I will call my GP and arrange an appointment.
They will assess me and then decide whether this warrants antibiotics.
They will then get me a prescription and I will collect it from my local pharmacy (
https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy
[https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy] )
But this is not what GPs only do - They have a variety of services like
Diabetic checks
Following up on patients with complex diseases ( if they have a specialist interest
in them : https://www.rcgp.org.uk/training-exams/practice/general-
practitioners-with-extended-roles.aspx [https://www.rcgp.org.uk/training-
exams/practice/general-practitioners-with-extended-roles.aspx] )
GP trainees ( https://gprecruitment.hee.nhs.uk/recruitment/training
[https://gprecruitment.hee.nhs.uk/recruitment/training] ) rotate not in GP
surgeries during their training but also emergency medicine, medicine, surgery,
PAEDS, psychiatry and hence have a vast knowledge base.
PARAMEDICS ( AMBULANCE SERVICE)

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-
services/when-to-call-999/ [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-
care-services/when-to-call-999/]
https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/careers/paramedic
[https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/careers/paramedic]
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-
professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/roles-allied-health-
professions/paramedic/paramedic [https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-
roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/roles-allied-
health-professions/paramedic/paramedic]
Now, taking the same example. I call my GP surgery/somehow end up walking to
the GP surgery and the receptionist finds out I can hardly speak due to
breathlessness. She immediately calls 999. The paramedics assess me and
notice that my saturations are 80%. They start me on 15 l oxygen and transfer me
to the nearest emergency department . They call the emergency department in
advance as I am quite breathless and and I will need an urgent review. The
emergency department team asks them to bring me to their resus department
:
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
services/when-to-go-to-ae/ [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-
emergency-care-services/when-to-go-to-ae/]
doctors/emergency-medicine [https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-
roles/doctors/roles-doctors/emergency-medicine]
The emergency department is run by emergency physicians
They have the following sections:
1. ED minors ( where patients can walk in and walk out) - this can be in the
hospital or in a separate building ( also called urgent treatment centre)
services/when-to-visit-an-urgent-treatment-centre-walk-in-or-minor-injury-
unit/ [https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-
visit-an-urgent-treatment-centre-walk-in-or-minor-injury-unit/]
2. ED Majors
Where patients who are unwell and cannot walk/mobilize come to
3.ED resus
Where the most unwell patients come to
4. ED Triage bay
Where paramedics bring patients and the team there does cannulas, bloods,
ECGs, VBGs and then transfers them to either ED majors or ED resus/ other
departments like ambulatory care.
So, given that I am requiring 15 l oxygen, I will most probably end up in ED
RESUS. The ED physicians will quickly see me, nurses will put a cannula, do
bloods, the ED physicians will do an A to E assessment, do an ABG and request
an urgent portable CXR. They will give me fluids, antibiotics and the CXR confirms
that I have a left sided consolidation.
I am then referred to the medical team
MEDICAL TEAM ASSESSMENT

The ED team have done their bit - an A to E assessment, initial management and
now I need to be admitted to a medical ward.
This is where the medical team come in.
doctors/medicine [https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-
doctors/medicine]
The medical registrar will come and assess me, take a full history, examine me
and make a management plan. This is known as clerking:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/08/how-to-clerk-medial-
patients-safely-and.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2019/08/how-to-clerk-medial-patients-
safely-and.html]
ADMISSION TO AMU ( acute medical unit) /AAU ( acute assessment unit)/
:
MSW ( medical short stay ward)
https://www.rcpmedicalcare.org.uk/designing-services/specialties/acute-
internal-medicine/services-delivered/acute-medical-unit/
[https://www.rcpmedicalcare.org.uk/designing-services/specialties/acute-
internal-medicine/services-delivered/acute-medical-unit/]
doctors/medicine/acute-internal-medicine
[https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-
doctors/medicine/acute-internal-medicine]
My oxygen requirement has now dropped to 4 litres. My temperature has settled
and I can now be transferred to AMU.
A consultant comes and assesses me ( just like the medical registrar earlier) and
does a post take. He adds to the plan that I will need repeat bloods tomorrow to
ensure my CRP, WCC are coming down. He also wants a sputum C+S.
He agrees with the plan made earlier to continue IV antibiotics, IV fluids. This is
known as a post take:
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-post-take-ward-round-
how-to-prepare.html
[https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-post-take-ward-round-how-
to-prepare.html]
TRANSFER TO ANOTHER WARD
I have been on AMU for 24 hours. I am still requiring oxygen. The following day,
another doctor ( or maybe the same consultant) sees me and suggests that I still
need to stay in hospital.
Hence I am transferred to a respiratory ward where the team of doctors see me
and assess me like before. This is known as a ward round:
http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2017/05/guideline-for-junior-doctors-
working-in.html
[http://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2017/05/guideline-for-junior-doctors-
working-in.html] I stay there for 24 more hours and the following day, my oxygen
requirements improve and I can mobilize slowly without desaturating.
My bloods have improved and I feel much better.
The doctors assess me and deem me fit for discharge. They request a CXR in 8
weeks time ( which the parent team will chase up). They write a letter with
medications which will go to my GP so that they are fully aware of what has
happened.
I get my medications from the hospital and am discharged.
So as you can see, the admission process is a bit complicated but it is all about
patient flow. Getting it right. Ensuring I am seen appropriately. As you can gather, I
have been seen by
1.ED physicians the time I arrived to ED resus
2.Medical registrar as soon as ED team has assessed me
3. Medical consultant on call the same day
:
4. Another doctor on day 2
5. Another medical team on day 3
So 5 different healthcare professionals have seen and assessed me.
A DETIORATING PATIENT
If my saturations had worsened in ED resus, I became acidotic and my blood
pressure was dropping despite fluids, the ICU ( Intensive care unit) team would be
called ASAP.
doctors/intensive-care-medicine [https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-
roles/doctors/roles-doctors/intensive-care-medicine]
The ICU registrar would come, again do an A to E assessment, make a plan that I
am too unstable to be admitted elsewhere and need ICU admission for inotropic
support and possibly ventilatory support. They would then inform the ICU nurse in
charge and consultant on call.
I would then be transferred to the ICU unit where a different team of ICU doctors
would see me and assess me. They would take a full history, examine me and
make a management plan.
I need ventilatory support and am intubated. I am seen on a daily basis by the ICU
team and slowly start improving. I am extubated successfully and am requiring a
few litres of oxygen.
Hence I do not need to be in ICU but I am not fit for discharge either. So I would
be transferred to a medical ward where a different team of doctors will see me.
NOW, ANOTHER EXAMPLE

Patient A has chest pain at 0800 AM
He calls his GP who asks him a few screening questions (
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chest-pain/ [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chest-
pain/] )
It is found out that patient A has mild chest pain, worse on breathing in, mild
shortness of breath and can speak in full sentences, recent long haul flight.
The GP refers him to ambulatory care unit
https://www.england.nhs.uk/urgent-emergency-care/same-day-emergency-
care/ [https://www.england.nhs.uk/urgent-emergency-care/same-day-emergency-care/]
ACU ( ambulatory care unit) / SDEC ( Same day emergency care)
This is run by acute medical ( AMU) physicians.
Patient A is seen by the triage nurse in ACU
She cannulates him and does bloods including CRP, U and Es, LFTs, full blood
count, D dimer and a coagulation screen. An ECG is performed and a CXR is
requested.
Patient A gets his CXR and then waits in the ACU waiting room
The doctor then calls him in
He takes a full history, examines him and makes a management plan.
https://omarsguidelines.blogspot.com/2020/05/working-in-ambulatory-
:
care.html
The D dimer has come back to be raised. The CXR is clear and ECG is normal.
The doctor explains to the patient that could be a possible clot in the vessels of
the lung and hence we need to do a further investigation. The patient receives
treatment for this and a CTPA is organized. The CTPA is performed within a few
hours and confirms that patient A has PE without any right heart strain. The doctor
calls the patient in again and lets him know. He counsels him for anticoagulation,
asks any further questions ( like risk of malignancy, other risk factors, etc )
Patient A is then given a prescription to get the medication. He is discharged and
the ACU doctor writes a letter to the GP.
MANAGEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY

There are a lot of other things the NHS does like
Community support
https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/community-district-nursing
[https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/community-district-nursing]
I am sure I have missed a lot of things here and there is more to this but I just
wanted to give you a basic idea of how a patient is admitted to the NHS and what
the admission process looks like. I hope this helps. Please comment below if you
feel I have missed anything essential.
Useful links
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/ [https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/]
[https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/] Admission process

https://youtu.be/TK5jiYPub_Y [https://youtu.be/TK5jiYPub_Y]
https://youtu.be/J8-Islbxbj0 [https://youtu.be/J8-Islbxbj0]
GP
https://youtu.be/1VrBMEuJogw [https://youtu.be/1VrBMEuJogw]
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN-
GuLUgIqK2BPvLpQjFPPem07oqLWSUu [https://youtube.com/playlist?
list=PLN-GuLUgIqK2BPvLpQjFPPem07oqLWSUu]
Acute medicine
https://youtu.be/cHCdU-0Oa9Y [https://youtu.be/cHCdU-0Oa9Y]
Posted 24th February by Omar Alam
0 Add a comment
:
31st January Discharge summaries in the NHS
This post is all about discharge summaries.
These are also called:
TTO - to take out
TTA- to take away
EDN- Electronic discharge summary
IDS- Immediate discharge summary
And you will get sick and tired of hearing this term day in and day out when you
are working on a ward!
However these are very important as:

1. The patients GP is notified about the patients admission and what happened
2. Any investigations the GP needs to do, any medications they need to review
3. The patient gets a copy so that they ( and their carers) know what happened in
hospital and if there are any changes to their medication
4. If the patient has any outpatient follow ups.
5. If the patient goes to another trust which does not have access to the system of
your trust, the discharge summary ( which is printed out and given to the patient)
is what will relay all the information.
Every trust has their own IT system and after working in 5 trusts, I really struggle
when I start in a new trust ( even with a reasonable experience of working in the
NHS for 6 years) as the process of making a discharge summary varies.
Hence I am going to focus more on the content of the discharge summary.
I will go through each section:
DIAGNOSIS
Ensure you mention all the diagnoses here.
All discharge summaries are 'coded' and trusts are paid accordingly. Have a
read of this link which explains this:
https://www.hsj.co.uk/technology-and-innovation/an-introduction-to-clinical-
coding/5052917.article [https://www.hsj.co.uk/technology-and-innovation/an-
introduction-to-clinical-coding/5052917.article]
Infective exacerbation of COPD
Hypokalemia
Constipation
CO-MORBIDITIES
Mention the patients background - you will view the clerking to enlist these.
COPD, ischemic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, active smoker
CLINICAL NARRATIVE
:
You should explain what brought the patient to hospital
Mr **** was admitted on the *** with shortness of breath. He had an audible
wheeze upon admission. He was not requiring any oxygen. His chest X ray was
clear and his bloods showed raised white cells and CRP. Hence he was treated
for an infective exacerbation of his underlying COPD with nebulizers, steroids and
antibiotics.
Given his frailty and comorbidities, we discussed resuscitation with Mr *** and his
next of kin and it was agreed that he is not for CPR or intubation however he will
be for NIV if he deteriorates. A DNACPR form was put in his notes.
Noted to have an ejection systolic murmur hence an ECHO has been requested
as an outpatient.
He was seen by the respiratory nurses who will follow him up in the community.
It was noted that he developed hypokalemia- most likely secondary to salbutamol
nebulizers, which required oral supplementation. He also developed constipation
and was prescribed laxatives.
His bloods were normal upon discharge.
He was seen by physiotherapists and was deemed fit for discharge.
MEDICATIONS
Mention all the medications he is being discharged on
Mention any changes in his medications
GP FOLLOW UP
Any advice for GPs
Like - ramipril witheld as inpatient as blood pressure noted to be low. Restarted at
low dose upon discharge. Kindly review in 4 weeks and uptitrate to pre-admission
dose as deemed fit.
HOSPITAL FOLLOW UP
Any follow up requests - like
ECHO as O/P requested as had ejection systolic murmur (no previous ECHOs)
WHY ARE WE PUSHED TO DO DISCHARGE SUMMARIES

Discharge summaries have prescriptions in the medication list. Once you
complete the discharge summary, it goes to the hospital pharmacy and then
medications are issued for the patients. This process can take up to 4 hours. And
at times, the patients can not be transferred to a place like discharge lounge ( a
room with chairs where patients wait for transport) especially if they have infection
like COVID, MRSA, are bed bound, etc.
Hence patients stay lodged on the ward. As a result new patients from wards like
AMU cannot be transferred. When AMU fills up, patients are lodged in ED. When
patients are lodged in ED, they stay in the ED corridor on trolleys or in
ambulances - which are then unavailable to provide essential services. Hence, in
order to maintain this flow ( called patient flow), it helps if we do discharge
summaries ASAP.
Most hospitals now have discharge coordinators who try to speed this process
:
up.
SOME TIPS:
1. Always address the patient by their name instead of 'patient'
Just imagine you being admitted and being addressed as:
'Patient presented with shortness of breath. Patient had wheeze' - Instead, Mr***
was admitted with..... is better
2. Give a detailed narrative but you do not have to mention figures. Just facts. It
should be detailed enough for the patients GP to get the gist of this admission and
events as an inpatient
3. You will get used to doing this in a few minutes. It took me at least an hour ( or
even more) when I did my first discharge summary. It took me 2 hours as
ST4 trainee registrar on my first day in the trust - So yes, we all struggle. And I
wish we had a better system ( like IT team being physically present and helping
us- although this is unlikely in this pandemic). Or maybe all trusts having one
system.
4. Start writing the discharge summary as soon as the patient is deemed fit for
discharge or has a clear plan like
- If bloods today normal, can go home. The bloods will be back in 2 hours. In 2
hours, you might get busy. If you are free now, prepare the discharge summary.
DO NOT sign it off till the bloods are back though. What you do not want is
someone else printing the discharge summary because it has been completed
and the patient going home and then having to come back because the bloods are
deranged.
- If physio happy, home
In this case, prepare the discharge summary. Complete it and sign it off - as the
physiotherapists input will not change the medical plan. It may change the
discharge plan and the patient may stay in for longer like waiting for
rehabilitation/care home , etc but doing the discharge summary now would help
you later in case you get busy.
5. If you are a registrar, you can still do your own discharge summaries. It makes
my blood boil when registrars see a patient in detail, then give the notes to a poor
FY1/SHO/ACP who then has to go through the notes in detail and do the
discharge summary. It takes literally less than 5 minutes to do the discharge
summary - and registrars have been working in the system for a good 3 to 5 years
are very good at this.
6. Unwell patients take priority. Remember no matter how much you are
harassed by the nurse in charge/patient flow coordinator, etc if you are the only
doctor on the ward and there is a sick patient, you see the sick patient first - hence
prioritize that!
7. Do discharge summaries whenever you are free. The ward round will finish,
urgent jobs will be done. Once everything is settled, ask which patients are
medically fit/approaching medically fit and prepare their discharge summaries.
This will save a lot of time when it gets busy/ when there is understaffing. By
preparing, I mean: doing the clinical narrative section, adding the medications to
:
the discharge medication list, etc but NOT signing them off as explained above.
8. You do NOT need to stay beyond your contracted time to do discharge
summaries for patients who are NOT going home the same day- that job can wait
till the next day.
Some other points which will help our GP colleagues:

1. Please be appropriate with your "GP to ***" requests.
What should not happen is things like "GP to chase ***investigation/test/etc". If
you have requested it in the hospital, it's your team's responsibility to chase up the
result. Most hospitals have ambulatory care units where the patient can come for
repeat bloods especially if they need repeating in less than 2 weeks.
2. If physiotherapy/occupational therapy has been involved, it's helpful if we have

an idea of what's changed.
Geriatric medicine usually does this very well eg:- Baseline: Fully independent and
mobile.
At discharge: 2x/day care, mobilising with 1 walking stick.
3. Please summarise the plan at the end of the letter rather than hiding any
actions required within the body of the text,
eg:- Plan:-
1. Outpatient Clinic in 2 months.
2. PT/OT will follow-up patient in community (arranged).
3. Please re-check bloods/BP in 4 weeks and up-titrate Ramipril as appropriate.
Make it clear what has already been done, and what you are asking the GP to do.
4. If you have withheld any medications, please explain why and any further action
required.
Remember, the discharge letter is often the only communication GPs get from the
hospital about a patient's entire stay. It's important that the information is accurate
and has all the important details, including important discussions such as those
surrounding DNACPR/Anticipatory Care Plans.
Posted 31st January by Omar Alam
1 View comments
:

Omars NHS guidelines search

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Omars NHS guidelines search

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Omars guidelines search

5 days ago Table of contents

I am a medical student. What do I need to do to work in the NHS?

WORK VISA GUIDELINES

TIER 2 work visa guidelines

MY EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN THE NHS

Both are available on Amazon.com

Posted 5 days ago by Omar Alam

BEFORE BUYING A CAR

WHICH WEBSITE TO GO FOR

WHAT IF I HAVE NOT EVEN VIEWED THE CAR

HOW TO CHOOSE AN INSURANCE PROVIDER

GETTING QUOTES DIRECTLY

Where the company is based

MONTHLY VS ANNUAL QUOTES

ONCE YOU HAVE YOUR INSURANCE

HOW TO APPLY FOR INSURANCE AFTER A YEAR

Please note that there are a lot of factors involved here:

A few related posts:

Passing your driving test in the UK

My guideline on buying a reliable car in the UK:

My guideline on maintaining a car in the UK:

My experience of buying my third car in the UK ( on a PCP finance deal):

Posted 5 days ago by Omar Alam

4 weeks ago Table of contents

I am a medical student. What do I need to do to work in the NHS?

WORK VISA GUIDELINES

TIER 2 work visa guidelines

FINANCES IN THE NHS:

MY EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN THE NHS

Both are available on Amazon.com

Posted 4 weeks ago by Omar Alam

4 weeks ago All about maintaining your portfolio in

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORTFOLIOS OF TRAINEES AND NON

SETTING UP YOUR E-PORTFOLIO

An email along the lines of:

I am going to discuss one tab in each section

You have different assessment forms:

Attendance at organized teaching

Case based discussions (CBD)

DOPS ( Directly observed procedural skills )

END OF ATTACHMENT APPRAISAL

INDUCTION APPRAISAL FORM

MINI CEX - mini-clinical evaluation exercise

MSF - multisource feedback

Multiple consultant report ( MCR)

Personal development plan (PDP)

Reflection on a clinical event / management and leadership/after events

TEACHING YOU HAVE DELIVERED

I have mentioned this in more detail here:

PAPER BASED PORTFOLIOS

2. Always ask your consultant/ registrar FIRST before requesting an assessment.

3. Be confident and competent enough before sending any assessments.

HOW TO REQUEST COLLEAGUES TO FILL ASSSESSMENTS

NHS E PORTFOLIO TICKETS

TIPS FOR MSFs

HOW TO REQUEST ACATS/CBD/DOPS/other assessments

NHS E PORTFOLIO TICKETS FOR ACATS

Tips for ACATS

NHS E PORTFOLIO TICKETS FOR CBDs

TIPS FOR CBDs

NHS E PORTFOLIO TICKETS FOR DOPS

TIPS FOR DOPS