UKFP Changes 2021
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On January 12th, 2021 the General Medical Council (GMC) announced a new path for international medical graduates to gain GMC full registration and join the UK's medical workforce.
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What Was the Norm?
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Up until this announcement, medical students graduating from British and non-British Medical Schools would apply to their Foundation Year 1 (FY1) through the UKFPO [read more here]. To do this they'd submit an application and sit for the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). Additionally, non-British Medical School graduates would also be required to sit for the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB).
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FY1 is a year that is required from new graduate doctors in order to obtain full medical registration from the GMC. During that year Junior doctors submit their application for Foundation Year 2 (FY2). After completing FY1 they would then be eligible to move on to their FY2 and to specialty application afterwards.
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The New Pathway to FY2
Now, however, international medical graduates holding both of the following requirements:
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One of the following overseas registration exams:
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USMLE Step 1 + Step 2 CK + Step 2 CS. [now that Step 2 CS is cancelled, this will need to be updated accordingly].
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Medical Council of Canada Qualification Examination 2 (taken in English).
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The Australian Medical Council Clinical Examination.
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An internship
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will be eligible to apply directly for a Foundation Year 2 position and essentially, bypassing the Foundation Year 1 required from graduates from British medical schools.
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These changes are already in effect and you can apply through the GMC's website.
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Loophole for British Graduates?
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What if a medical student from a British medical school passes any of those overseas registration exams prior to their graduation date? Can they apply directly to FY2 like their international counterparts?
No.
Because FY1 serves as the internship requirement stated above. So they would still have to complete FY1 before entering FY2.