NHSE Wessex welcomes International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to train in the Wessex region. We recognise it can take time to settle in and are keen to support all GP Residents across Wessex to thrive in their GP training and go on to work as GPs locally.
The information on this page is designed for Wessex GP Residents (GPST1/2/3) who are international medical graduates, and their supervisors and colleagues. Generic information for all international medical graduates working in Wessex, can be found on the Wessex IMG Welfare Service and on the main Wessex IMG webpage
In addition to the courses which new GPST1s will receive details about by email, a free NHS online induction programme for international medical graduates is available from eLearning for Health. We encourage all international graduates to access this free and very helpful online programme.
A lot of additional, very comprehensive information on settling into the UK is available from the GP School in Thames Valley and some additional practical information is available from Hampshire & Isle of Wight ICB People Portal
Useful Resources
Spend a Penny Booklet
This booklet decodes / translates some of the acronyms, idiom and other terminology you will come across frequently during your GP training
Hello Supervisor form
The Hello Supervisor form is designed to signpost areas which are helpful to cover in the initial meeting between a Resident Doctor and their supervisor – in particular from the point of view of helping the supervisor to get to know the GP Resident, and identifying any potential “practical” issues as early as possible.
Whilst a generic version is available from the main Wessex IMG webpage, the forms below are specific to GP training and include signposting of GP-specific resources, as well as some questions which are particularly pertinent to GP training. We recommend using the versions below.
Form 1 is designed for use before / at the beginning of ST1 and includes baseline questions to help you settle into GP training in the UK, including considerations such as accommodation and driving
Form 2 is designed for use in GPST2 and includes questions relevant to AKT preparation
Form 3 is designed for use in GPST3 and includes questions relevant to SCA preparation
Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This FAQ document on visas during GP training has been prepared by Dr Mostafa Abdallah, IMG Support Fellow. It is, to the best of our knowledge, correct as at March 2025. However it is intended as a guide only – definitive information is available from the NHSE Overseas Sponsorship Team and the Gov.UK website
Information on the 4 month post-CCT visa extension scheme is available to GPs immediately after completing their GP training via the Medical Specialty training website
A Wessex LMCs podcast recorded in August 2024 is available on the subject of post-CCT visa information – including how practices can apply to become visa sponsors
Wessex LMCs’ information for practices wanting to apply to become visa sponsors for post-CCT GPs
Trainer / Supervisor Guide
This Trainer Guide was prepared by Dr Cristina Hanganu and Dr Henrietta Idiodi as part of their IMG Support Fellowship (2023-24)
It is intended to provide details to support GP Trainers / Supervisors – both those who may be new to supporting international graduate GP residents and those looking for new ideas to support GP residents
Model anti-racism policy for practices
This model policy was developed by Dr Mary Udo and Dr Aigbs Ohiwerei of Meon Health Practice. They have given permission for other practices to use this document as a model when developing their own anti-racism policies, as long as it is appropriately acknowledged and referenced.
Podcasts
Wessex LMCs: International Graduates – Trainer and Resident Doctor perspectives – recorded with Dr Sarj Qureshi, IMG Support Fellow, 2023-24 – 2 episodes – 04/08/23)
Trainer / supervisor perspective
Yorkshire & Humber Deanery IMG podcasts (6 episodes – December 2022 – April 2023) (Please note that some of the other links and information on this page relate specifically to Yorkshire & Humber, not Wessex)
Wessex LMCs – post-CCT visa information published 02/08/2024
Other Useful Links
Additional GP IMG resource list on Southampton Patch website