Related Experiment Videos
A training course for the UEB examination. The case for retaining an examination for overseas doctors excluded from
J B Eastwood1, A G Fiennes, F P Cappuccio
1St George's Hospital Medical School, London. jbeastwood@compuserve.com
Background:
Some overseas medical graduates choose to take the United Examining Board (UEB) examination to achieve UK registration; others have no other option. We have devised a course for overseas doctors who wish to re-qualify via this route. THE COURSE: Eighteen doctors enrolled during 1995-1997; all passed the UEB examination. Regular formative assessment allowed us to identify students adequately prepared to pass the examination. The main predictor of examination outcome was performance in a mock examination. Gender, residential status and interval since original qualification were not predictive. The eight doctors whose primary medical course was conducted in a language other than English did not seem to be disadvantaged.
Outcome:
Successful examinees obtained pre-registration house officer posts without delay; one has since passed the full MRCP (UK) and another MRCP Part I. All but one of the intend to pursue their medical careers in the UK.
Summary:
After a structured course (average 9.5 months) at this medical school, selected overseas doctors can reach a standard appropriate to a UK primary qualifying examination. These findings have implications for overseas doctors living here and not practising, as well as for those concerned with expanding the UK medical workforce.