Dr Steve Jones, Director of Medical Studies at Newcastle University, visited the School of Medicine at the Universidad de Navarra and meet students and professors. During his visit, we had the opportunity to ask him his opinion about career development of medical doctors in the United Kingdom.

What does the UK healthcare system offer to prospective medical doctors?

There are job opportunities and there are vacant jobs in the UK. Hospitals and general practitioners are looking to recruit. At the University of Navarra you are taught the European model of Medicine. This combined with the University’s focus on English language training would give UNAV medical graduates a big advantage to work in the UK.

What are the main steps that you should follow in order to work in the UK?

Well, clearly first of all you need to have a medical degree. Degrees from Spain are definitely recognized in the UK. I think you also need to understand the medical training system in the UK and how to enrol.  If you are an undergraduate and thinking to possible work in the UK, then I would suggest you consider an elective period in the UK to get a feel for how the health system works. In addition, this would help you to understand the progression of doctors in the UK, from student to graduate, to resident stage or foundation training as it is called in the UK. In summary, first to have an understanding of how the UK system works would be helpful.  

How would you encourage students to think broad about their future?

Well I think new experiences are always valuable and to have a vision beyond medical school is important. When you are a student, it is very difficult to think past important assessments or bench markers like licensing exams. However, these assessments are not important unless you do not have them.  I think if you want to be the best possible doctor, practitioner, and have the most enjoyable career, then you need to start early to think beyond your academic training.