Paediatrics in the UK
Paediatricians in the UK manage a broad range of medical conditions affecting infants, children and young people.
Across the UK, Paediatricians are in high demand and with the specialty also being included on the shortage occupation list, there are extensive opportunities available across all grades in the NHS.
The sub-specialties within Paediatrics are divided into 4 key areas:
- General Paediatrics
- Community Paediatrics
- Neonatology
- Paediatric Cardiology
Hospitals in the UK will offer one of the 3 following levels of patient care:
Primary care: based in the community and general practice settings
Secondary care: usually based in a hospital setting
Tertiary care: usually based in larger district general hospitals and teaching hospitals
Working as a Paediatrician in the UK: What’s required?
MRCPCH/Equivalent or PLAB
The postgraduate qualifications accepted by the GMC in this specialty are:
- UK: MRCPCH
- Ireland: MRCPCI
- Pakistan: FCPS
- Sri Lanka: MD
- Australia/New Zealand: FWACP
- Singapore: MMed
Junior doctors who have completed PLAB will need up to 2 years’ experience in a solely Paediatric position to have access to opportunities across the UK.
For a comprehensive guide on the MRCPCH examination, click here
To read our in-depth guide on the PLAB examination, click here
The GMC require doctors from countries where English is not the native language to provide evidence of their English language skills. This means passing either the OET or IELTS.
Doctors from within the EEA (European Economic Area), who have completed a postgraduate qualification in their home country, are able to use this qualification, accompanied with a pass in either OET or IELTS, to attain GMC registration.
If you would like to discuss the demand for Paediatricians in the UK, or have any questions about which qualifications may be required, please contact us.