EPISODE · Mar 10, 2026 · 46 MIN
Episode 1 - IMG Voices of Experience: Mentor and Mentee
from International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme · host Irish College of GPs
Participants• Dr Yasin Rhemtula - Graduate of Irish College of GPs IMG Programme • Dr Brendan Payne - Clinical Mentor, IMG Programme• Dr Diarmuid Quinlan – Medical Director, Irish College of GPs• Dr John Maher - Host SummaryBrendan and Yasin reflect on their own experiences with the IMG programme, sharing powerful personal and professional insights they have learned along their respective journeys with the IMG programme. They also celebrate the real difference that participating in the Irish College of GPs IMG Programme has made to their personal lives, professional career prospects, as well as to the communities they [email protected] LinksInternational Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme - Webpage“Be A GP” Campaign – Irish College of GPsArticle in Irish Times re: IMG Programme – Dr Y Rhemtula, 2023“The GP Podcast” Webpage IMG Programme – Additional DetailsWhy The International Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme is designed to address the shortage of GPs in rural Ireland.It helps experienced overseas GPs integrate safely into Irish general practice.It is a supported pathway to specialist registration in IrelandThe programme is delivered by the Irish College of GPs and is supported by the HSE, the Irish Medical Council and medical indemnity bodies.It is not a GP training programme.IMG GPs are on the programme for two years. During this time, they work in daytime rural GP practice (plus some out-of-hours). They have a Clinical Mentor who is based in their practice. They must complete a self-directed learning programme that includes a four-day induction programme, completion of online education courses provided by the College of GPs, University College Dublin and the HSE. Successful completion of the education programme and the MICGP exams means that the IMG GP can apply for entry to the Specialist Division of the Register in General Practice in Ireland. Basic eligibility criteriaMedical degree outside Ireland Eligible for Irish Medical Council registration IELTS ≥7.0 (or OET B) Experience≥3 years GP experience (daytime practice mainly) ≥3 months post graduate general medicine and paediatrics OtherReferences + good standing letters Proof of medical indemnity Cannot have failed or left a GP training programme previouslyWork & employment conditionsMandatory rural placement for 2 years Employed directly by a host rural GP practice Practice arranges:ContractWork permits, if requiredGarda vettingWhat the programme gives IMGs (why it’s popular):AdvantagesAvoids repeating full 4-year GP trainingFaster specialist registration routePaid employment during pathwayMentorship supportHigh retention demand in IrelandLimitationsRural only for 2 yearsRequires prior GP experienceMust complete the education programme and pass MICGP to progress
What this episode covers
Participants• Dr Yasin Rhemtula - Graduate of Irish College of GPs IMG Programme • Dr Brendan Payne - Clinical Mentor, IMG Programme• Dr Diarmuid Quinlan – Medical Director, Irish College of GPs• Dr John Maher - Host SummaryBrendan and Yasin reflect on their own experiences with the IMG programme, sharing powerful personal and professional insights they have learned along their respective journeys with the IMG programme. They also celebrate the real difference that participating in the Irish College of GPs IMG Programme has made to their personal lives, professional career prospects, as well as to the communities they [email protected] LinksInternational Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme - Webpage“Be A GP” Campaign – Irish College of GPsArticle in Irish Times re: IMG Programme – Dr Y Rhemtula, 2023“The GP Podcast” Webpage IMG Programme – Additional DetailsWhy The International Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme is designed to address the shortage of GPs in rural Ireland.It helps experienced overseas GPs integrate safely into Irish general practice.It is a supported pathway to specialist registration in IrelandThe programme is delivered by the Irish College of GPs and is supported by the HSE, the Irish Medical Council and medical indemnity bodies.It is not a GP training programme.IMG GPs are on the programme for two years. During this time, they work in daytime rural GP practice (plus some out-of-hours). They have a Clinical Mentor who is based in their practice. They must complete a self-directed learning programme that includes a four-day induction programme, completion of online education courses provided by the College of GPs, University College Dublin and the HSE. Successful completion of the education programme and the MICGP exams means that the IMG GP can apply for entry to the Specialist Division of the Register in General Practice in Ireland. Basic eligibility criteriaMedical degree outside Ireland Eligible for Irish Medical Council registration IELTS ≥7.0 (or OET B) Experience≥3 years GP experience (daytime practice mainly) ≥3 months post graduate general medicine and paediatrics OtherReferences + good standing letters Proof of medical indemnity Cannot have failed or left a GP training programme previouslyWork & employment conditionsMandatory rural placement for 2 years Employed directly by a host rural GP practice Practice arranges:ContractWork permits, if requiredGarda vettingWhat the programme gives IMGs (why it’s popular):AdvantagesAvoids repeating full 4-year GP trainingFaster specialist registration routePaid employment during pathwayMentorship supportHigh retention demand in IrelandLimitationsRural only for 2 yearsRequires prior GP experienceMust complete the education programme and pass MICGP to progress
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Episode 1 - IMG Voices of Experience: Mentor and Mentee
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