Episode 2 - Background to IMG Programme and How to Apply

Participants• Dr. Velma Harkins - Clinical Director, Irish College of GPs IMG Rural GP Programme; Vice President Elect of the Irish College of GPs.• Caroline Keyes - Programme Manager of the IMG Rural GP Programme,• Dr Diarmuid Quinlan – Medical Director, Irish College of GPs• Dr John Maher - Host SummaryThis is Part 2 of our series focusing on the IMG Rural Programme from the Irish College of GPs.  In this pary we will hear two conversations with host Dr John Maher.  The first is with Dr Velma Harkins, Clinical Director and a GP with an interest in rural general practice, diabetes care and GP training.  Velma provides context for the programme, how it developed, the need it serves to address, and the vision for its place in general practice provision in Ireland. We follow Velma’s interview with a conversation with Caroline Keyes, Programme Manager for the IMG Rural GP Programme, a role she currently job-shares with Carmel Brennan.  Caroline provides an overview of some of the practical aspects of applying: ·       Eligibility·       Required documentation·       Support available from the College throughout the application process [email protected] Links· International Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme - Webpage· “Be A GP” Campaign – Irish College of GPs· Article 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 Ireland· The 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 criteria· Medical 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 conditions· Mandatory rural placement for 2 years  · Employed directly by a host rural GP practice  · Practice arranges:o   Contracto   Work permits, if requiredo   Garda vetting  What the programme gives IMGs (why it’s popular):Advantages· Avoids repeating full 4-year GP training· Faster specialist registration route· Paid employment during pathway· Mentorship support· High retention demand in IrelandLimitations· Rural only for 2 years· Requires prior GP experience· Must complete the education programme and pass MICGP to progress