A training course for the UEB examination. The case for retaining an examination for overseas doctors excluded from practising in the UK.
BACKGROUND
Some overseas medical graduates choose to take the United Examining Board (UEB) examination to achieve UK registration; others have no other option. We have devised a course for overseas doctors who wish to re-qualify via this route. THE COURSE: Eighteen doctors enrolled during 1995-1997; all passed the UEB examination. Regular formative assessment allowed us to identify students adequately prepared to pass the examination. The main predictor of examination outcome was performance in a mock examination. Gender, residential status and interval since original qualification were not predictive. The eight doctors whose primary medical course was conducted in a language other than English did not seem to be disadvantaged.


RESULTS
Successful examinees obtained pre-registration house officer posts without delay; one has since passed the full MRCP (UK) and another MRCP Part I. All but one of the intend to pursue their medical careers in the UK.


CONCLUSIONS
After a structured course (average 9.5 months) at this medical school, selected overseas doctors can reach a standard appropriate to a UK primary qualifying examination. These findings have implications for overseas doctors living here and not practising, as well as for those concerned with expanding the UK medical workforce.
Eastwood
J B
JB
St George's Hospital Medical School, London. jbeastwood@compuserve.com
Fiennes
A G
AG
Cappuccio
F P
FP
Maxwell
J D
JD
D002568:Certification; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005550:Foreign Medical Graduates; D006801:Humans; D008007:Licensure, Medical; D006113:United Kingdom