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The IMG Resource Directory

Every resource we’d send to a colleague — official inductions, professional support, the networks that feel like home, and the best trainer-built collections. Short on purpose: only the good stuff.

We keep this list short on purpose — only things we’d send to a colleague. Open a group to see what’s inside and why it’s worth your time.

Official — the GMC and your NHS induction

Welcome to UK Practice — the GMC’s free half-day workshop for doctors new to UK practice. Small groups, real scenarios (consent, confidentiality, raising concerns), and a gentle introduction to UK professional culture. Book early; places go fast.

NHS Induction Programme for IMGs — free national e-learning built specifically for doctors joining the NHS from abroad. Work through it before or during your first weeks.

Both are free. If your trust or deanery offers a local IMG induction as well, take it — the repetition helps, not hurts.

Professional support — the BMA and your defence organisation

The BMA’s toolkit for doctors new to the UK — the single best practical guide to visas, contracts, pay and your rights at work. The BMA also offers free membership for international doctors new to the UK.

Join a medical defence organisation (MDU, MPS or MDDUS) before you see your first patient if your role isn’t fully covered by NHS indemnity — your employer or deanery can tell you what’s already in place.

Community — networks that will feel like home

BAPIO (British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin), BIDA (British International Doctors Association), MANSAG (Medical Association of Nigerians across Great Britain) and BIMA (British Islamic Medical Association) all run mentoring, events and advocacy for international doctors — and are simply good places to find people who’ve walked your road.

The RCGP’s IMG support includes a members’ forum and IMG induction events for new GP trainees.

GP training — deanery and trainer-made resources

Bradford VTS’s IMG pages — a generous, trainer-built collection covering UK consultation culture, communication and exam preparation. Many deaneries also run dedicated IMG programmes; Yorkshire and the Humber’s is a good example — ask your training programme director what your region offers.

And when you’re ready to plan revision: our own Revision Hub, Core Tools and Core Calendar were built for exactly this — structure without overwhelm.

Look after yourself — free, confidential support for doctors

NHS Practitioner Health — a free, confidential NHS mental-health service for doctors and healthcare staff in England, with self-referral. Moving countries and sitting exams is a lot; this service exists precisely because doctors find it hard to be patients.

BMA counselling and peer support — free, confidential 24/7 counselling plus a peer-support line staffed by doctors — open to all doctors, member or not.

Doctors in Distress — a charity running free, confidential peer-support groups for healthcare workers, including groups for international colleagues.

Reaching for support early is read here exactly like escalating early on the ward: as good practice, never weakness. If you are in crisis right now: 999, or the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).

Listen and watch — podcasts and explainers worth your commute

The King’s Fund — the independent health think tank whose short animations and explainers on how the NHS works are the best there are. Our Understanding the NHS guide is built around their flagship film.

You Are Not A Frog — Dr Rachel Morris’s podcast on thriving (not just surviving) as a doctor: beating burnout, saying no well, and working in imperfect systems.

The Doctor — from the BMA — stories and issues from working doctors across the NHS; a good ear for the profession’s mood.

NB Medical Hot Topics podcast — free GP clinical updates from the Hot Topics team; painless listening that doubles as quiet AKT and MSRA revision.

Our own 12-part video series, The NHS, Explained, lives here too — one idea per episode, under a minute each.

Resourced up? Put it to work.

When you’re ready for the exams at the gate, our MSRA Question Bank is written by practising UK GPs — and the rest of the IMG Hub stays free beside it.

Explore the MSRA Question Bank Back to the IMG Hub →