Challenges of Brexit for a medical fellowship in the United Kingdom

Abstract

: Brexit is expected to have a negative impact on the National Health Service (NHS) and the healthcare workforce. As a result, international medical graduates who consider migrating to the United Kingdom (UK) may encounter challenges and uncertainty. Here, we describe the process required to be followed by overseas-qualified doctors who wish to complete fellowship training in the UK, including registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and application for a Health and Care Worker visa. We subsequently discuss negative consequences of Brexit on medical staff, such as legal barriers for international doctors, understaffing, and potentially less opportunities for research, as well as how these may deter them from working in the NHS. To mitigate the negative effects of Brexit on doctors, the UK medical system and health policy makers must take early measures. Such measures may include continued recognition of medical qualifications from the European Economic Area, preservation of the quality of NHS employment, continued UK participation in research programmes funded by the European Union, eradication of ethnic intolerance and discrimination, as well as provision of equal opportunities for career progression. Ensuring that the NHS remains an attractive destination for international medical practitioners is closely related with maintaining high standards of patient care.