What happens after medical school - UK medical training explained

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In this video, I explain the basics of the UK medical training pathways beyond medical school, and give a quick update as to where I currently fit into the picture.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:22 - The basics
00:46 - Overview of the Foundation Programme
01:13 - 'The Choice" - Core Medical vs Core Surgical Training
01:29 - Speciality Training
02:31 - Run-through specialities / GP
04:24 - The foundation programme in more detail - how you get allocated to regions
05:38 - The foundation programme - job ranking
06:40 - Update from my end - where I fit into the programme currently
07:25 - The Academic Foundation Programme (AFP)
08:47 - Brief introduction to the Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF)
09:40 - Summary of UK medical training pathways
10:15 - Closing comments
LINKS:
BMA Medical Training Pathway - www.bma.org.uk...
BMA - Applying to the Foundation Programme - www.bma.org.uk...
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Who am I:
I'm Ali, a junior doctor working in Cambridge, UK. I make videos about medicine, technology, productivity and lifestyle design. I also have a weekly podcast with my brother ( / notoverthinking , and I write a weekly email newsletter that contains some quick thoughts + links to interesting things (aliabdaal.com/....
💌 Sign up to my weekly email newsletter - aliabdaal.com/...
🌍 My website / blog - www.aliabdaal.com
🎙My weekly podcast - / notoverthinking
📸 Instagram - / aliabdaal
🐦 Twitter - / aliabdaal
🎮 Twitch - / aliabdaal

[@ShirleyBekker]

This was extremely helpful! Thanks on behalf of 58K of us!

[@lostbear1600]

i just noticed how my listening skills aint actually as bad as i thought since i could easily keep up with his speed lol

[@beautyclinic6307]

same here

[@shahzaibzaman807]

0.75x amd you're good to go!

[@zxbear.a218]

i didn't know what you meant and then he started talking....

[@gurleenbansal2294]

Here's me listening at 2x speed lol...

[@yayw00pamy]

Dude you sound like you're on 1.5x speed

[@ringorrong]

@@aliabdaal i tried to watch on 2x speed as i was short on time...big mistake

[@amansinghbhadauria2818]

I checked thrice if I haven't done it by mistake.

[@kaypandey7221]

I actually checked my speed thinking it was on 1.5X

[@mehrunisa4106]

It’s appreciated, after watching all my lectures on x1.75, normal ppl speaking seems so slowww

[@ImtithalSaeed]

@thakkumikku may be

[@Drzeezy]

Ali thanks for the video .Foreign medical graduate here I recently completed the PLAB exams and will be moving to the UK soon. Its good to see how the other side looks like ! love the content

[@daftpunk5656]

Bro do foreign graduates need to do 2 year foundation course?

[@UnrealSYE]

Liking the new illustration tool!

[@mrdjlee90]

can I ask what is the name of illustration tool?

[@robbiedart7422]

Mate this was even incredibly useful as someone who's heading into FiY1 shortly, weird that I've never had specialty and core training explained to me during 6 years at uni lol, hope you got what you wanted in the end!

[@qasim8381]

3 years later and he's fully stopped working in medicine. Crazy to think. By the way which uni/course were you on for 6 years?

[@mrbritishguyesq2846]

Holy shit....I wondered why I recognised you......you did a placement in my ward. Older age psychiatry. That’s all I’ll say. I’m planning on joining my medicine degree next year. The fact you made this video inspires me so much. Thank you!

[@zv54]

The age limits are so upsetting and intimidating to a mature student!

[@carebear8655]

Z V They’re just extreme generalisations. Most people will be older and many students joining medicine will, for sure, be graduate medicine students.

[@RK-ep8qy]

@@carebear8655 they're not extreme generalisations, I don't know what medical school you're at but most year 1 medical students in my year are indeed 18/19 yo. A few are older but the majority are late teens since we apply while in school, so it's accurate to say 24. Obviously unis that have a purely graduate medical course will have signicantly older students but either way no one really cares if you're 35 on the course because some people in my year are

[@da14a49]

Enjoy the journey rather than hope for happiness at the end

[@fareehaxoxo8568]

It's okay every age is new start💜

[@superchris1511]

Hey Ali, I'd really appreciate a video on how you study. Perfect video by the way

[@superchris1511]

Ali Abdaal Hey Ali one more thing! I noticed you didn't mention how much you're payed during these periods and someone asked in the comments so to save you some time I thought I'd share this with you. You might want to put it in the description: careers.bmj.com/careers/advice/What_will_junior_doctors_earn_under_their_new_contract%3F

[@Dr.Nellah]

I've recently watched his revision tips' video which is quite good. I have made a similar video on my channel which you may find helpful if you need more tips :)

[@parker2969]

some of the worst doctors I've ever had in my life were the highest graduation standards from medical school. I have definitely learned over the years that the scores of a doctor definitely do not reflect on their ability to practice medicine

[@neeltullu1290]

Hey Ali, thank you for such an elaborate yet contained explanation of the medical training in the UK. Having UK as one of my choices for medical training as a foreign medical graduate it really is nice to have this info panned out so I know what I'm getting myself into after the entrance exams. Good luck on your journey !

[@tejaswinisingh6645]

Crisp and clear presentation. The purpose is served. I absolutely understood how medicine in UK works. My sincere gratitude for all the effort you've put in, in making this video. 💙

[@kirstensee6459]

I like this speed tbh it’s very concise and time efficient

[@MrDesertRocker]

Imagine going through 5 years of medical school, only to find out you can't work where you want. Must be pretty lonely having to move to the middle of nowhere to start a new job, not knowing anyone

[@toothless-grizzly7907]

@MrDigBick 69 yeah

[@toothless-grizzly7907]

@MrDigBick 69 I think it’s because most unis got an entire building specifically for medicine , generally near a hospital, making it a school of medicine~ medschool

[@cathy4113]

Many people have to relocate for jobs anyways…whether it’s medicine or not

[@prosurgeon6957]

not a biggie

[@HassanPoyo]

Thank you for breaking down the routes in a simple way

[@AbiJSC]

ive lived in cambridge since i was 4, currently 18 and im moving for uni... been in and out of hospital for my whole life and ive relied so much on doctors to help me get better. Going up t aberdeen medical school, so excited!

[@saintetienne755]

I'm exhausted just listening :-(

[@headphonesyt2300]

This was so hlepful, can’t believe I’m lucky enough to have had entered into medicine with such amazing people making my life easier

[@humairabinte5619]

That's what I had been searching for ages..No one have ever made such useful video.👍

[@thoseUNheardRsweeter]

This was brilliant, wonderfully straight forward, strengthened by examples, nicely illustrated. If only this had come along six months ago when I was trying to figure all of this out by myself, as a complete stranger to UK medical training, you would have saved me a whole day of frustration and bafflement. Really looking forward to the "what happens" video. And kudos for getting East Anglia!

[@thoseUNheardRsweeter]

Nowhere yet. I'm applying in June/July, but as a foreigner I needed to figure out how things work early on so that I would have the time to gather all the extra documents non-UK medical students need to be eligible for the foundation programme (English language tests, official translations, etc).

[@andy2020ize]

One of the most helpful videos on KZbin!!

[@s_b2515]

Your videos are really good and informative. The way you explain things etc. But If i have to choose one thing that would be you putting in timestamps in the description. Absolutely love those! 😅 Keep making awesome videos😁

[@syedah9145]

I am 34 year old mother of 2, Immigrant from Pakistan. I learned the system ( NHS) the hardest way including visa extension, social & financial issues etc. I have now just join the GP training, another 3 years to go. When you join your FY1& FY2 it’s good to slightly explain, or go through portfolio ( also CBD and MiniCex), or Reflective writing & appraisal etc. It will be nice guidance to the the new comers, although now Naseer khan and omar alam blogs has helped a lot especially International Medical graduates. But your vlog is quick and to the point. Keep it up and stay blessed. MashaAllah. Just an advice. Thanks

[@DaisyZhangAI]

Hey you are almost done! How is it going?

[@imtiazabdurrahman683]

How is it going?

[@ssajid40]

May Allah swt make your journey successful. Ameen

[@andy2020ize]

Ali, Any chance you could give a bit of a breakdown on expected salaries between those years? i.e FY1 upto st8 (consultant). Thanks

[@elijah2859]

THIS IS SO USEFUL! RLLY NEEDED THIS!

[@isaacchua0405]

Finally! Been looking for a video like this, you are a saviour

[@mayrakalra3270]

Very helpful, thankyou. Keep posting such videos it is a great asset for students like us!

[@ramakumarm7769]

Wow ! Haven't seen anything clearer than this. Thank you very much !

[@MariaLuisa-vv4ug]

I'm researching how medical training in the UK works for something I am writing and this helped immensely, thank you!

[@LCFCKris]

Brilliant video. Very clear and informative.

[@beyzee8516]

It really depends on the country. Yes the path is too long, but in my country you can already practice as a general doctor after medical school (which lasts 4-5 years in my country) and board exam of course. You might earn that fully-pledged licensed doctor at the late 30's or early 40's, but you can start earning as early as mid 20's after passing the board exam. Some people just think that you don't make money unless you complete everything in your 30's, and it's completely wrong. In fact my brother who's now a general doctor shared that when he was still in med school, a surgeon told them to go directly into residency instead of practicing general doctor because you would be tempted with the amount of money you're earning (that's why some general practitioner doesn't want to go into residency anymore).

[@user-pq7nx6uq5r]

This was so helpful and interesting! Congrats on getting into your first choice deanery. :) I found the stuff about the academic foundation programme particularly interesting - I assumed going down that route meant you were pretty much committing to a life of academia and excluding yourself from clinical practice but I'm glad to know I was wrong! Good luck with all the ranking!

[@Imranq-cf3ie]

Mate, this video is amazing 🙌🏼

[@chrismush3378]

Appreciate the the video boss! absolutely insightful and helpful!!

[@naaengmann2117]

thank you sooo much Ali... I'm extremely grateful

[@troycooley123]

Very clearly explained and presented, cheers mate

[@SBS2103]

Reeeally helpful video, thanks so much!

[@akumar7366]

Enjoyed listening, interesting and informative.

[@rubym3808]

Thank you so much for all your videos! They helped me immensely when preparing for my medical school interviews! Great work!

[@drmila]

Hey Ali! Just found your channel and I love it 😊 I'm a medstudent from Austria who also makes youtube videos so it's really nice to know that there's other meds out there who share the love for this website :) x

[@drmila]

ohh thank you so much!! 😄 almost all of my videos are subtitled in english so that you can watch them without missing out on anything ;) x

[@scaphk9546]

This was really helpful to know where my sister is. She completed fy1 and fy2, then did a bit of CT but now she's taking a small "pause" and now is mid way through her cardiology PhD after much deliberation. She's planning on going back to clinical work after her PhD.

[@goincrazy11]

Your videos are done so well, really like the easy to follow diagrams 👍🏽 won’t be at your stage for another 4 years, wonder if this process after med school will change much by then 🤔

[@imydoesmed]

Thank you for your videos, they were a great help when preparing for interviews! I’ve received 4 offers to study medicine this year and I really appreciate it when students like you spend their time sharing their knowledge and advice :)

[@imydoesmed]

Ali Abdaal St John’s college, Cambridge :)

[@gilinachshen8094]

Really good video! Could you make one about the pathway for emergency medicine?

[@thatunknowngirl8358]

Amazinggg video. All these options for specialities get me so excited. I am so nervous and excited to apply this year 😭😂

[@iqraali9864]

just the video i was looking for.

[@boopeshkumarprabhakaran]

Really useful bruh.. It would be great if you explain us.. on how foreign medical graduates can get into UK.. Thanks you.. Luv from India ❤️

[@aymarasuarez-sotomayor7878]

Your videos motivate me so much

[@ReethuVincy22444422]

Could you also explain in a similar fashion how it would be like fr an international student who has completed MBBS. Aiming for PG in the UK

[@MAfif-bx2qk]

Hello, could you please explain how can international medical student practice medicine in UK? I want to be a surgeon

[@viersternemotel]

Ali, Psychiatry is not run through training. It is CT1-3 and you have to reapply for SpR posts for ST4-ST6

[@FALslayer]

Interesting video! My cousin and uncle are GPs in Scotland and they're hella loaded. Looks like you'll be going the same path for sure.

[@margotrobinson9037]

great explanations thank you so much!

[@theduke6174]

Ali thank you I’ve always known the exact route through the specialities but I was never aware of the regional rankings are FT scores required to apply as a Junior Doctor. North West London is where I want to reside in as an FY1, now knowing it’s the most competitive regions Pushes me even more to work hard.

[@laithinator3000]

Did you make it?

[@tulikanahar4399]

Thank you! Very helpful!!

[@chlobo1010]

Seems to be quite a similar system as it is here in NZ. Here you do a 6 year medical degree (1st year is a general health science year which at the end of you apply for medicine. If your grades and UMAT score are good enough you do the other 5 years of the degree). Then you work for 2 years in a hospital as a House Officer, before getting on a speciality training programme and working as a registrar. If you want to be a GP i believe you do 3 years as a House Officer before going on to work as a GP.

[@shaz3r786]

You should do a video on how to pick foundation schools with regards to which will have the best training

[@selinsahin6377]

it is really explanatory, thanks :) medical training lasts forever !!

[@adelekank]

Loved the video bro

[@keshavbansal7395]

great content. helped a lot. thanks:)

[@asiya5699]

Brilliant informative video....

[@Oggy9156]

It was a great video, thanks

[@pjosiahjoseph6730]

Great video! Could make a video in the future on how the FPAS score is determined. Thanks

[@aslihassan1053]

this was really helpful

[@harrisoncarter3298]

Really good helpful vid 👍

[@mrmac2u968]

Please can you do a video explaining, in depth , how uk university works?

[@mazinbashar4140]

Could you please make a similar video on the pathway for students who have done MD in Europe?

[@icantbelieveitsnotbutter4714]

Great video, loved the illustrations - is there a specific iPad pro app that you used?

[@mysticminecraftman668]

Great video! Loved it! Please can you do a video on Alfie Dingley? Thanks!

[@mysticminecraftman668]

Ali Abdaal ok cool 👍

[@Joshuadaniel-d8h]

World class stuff 💪💣🔥👊

[@crazybutulikeit9351]

Ali ! fantastic as usual 😍can you talk about IMGs and how we can join foundation years ? thanks a million.

[@devvratparekh7618]

Can you please tell about overall cost of being a doctor in the UK? Plus what about the stipend in foundation, core training and specialty training?

[@bali479]

What are the options for international medical graduates who have completed 1 year internship training in their home country and have passed the plab test?

[@firefox91firefox]

Thank you Ali for such a thought provoking video. I hope you could find some free time to make a video about WAST scheme.

[@ashjjx287]

Thank you so much for this video 😊 .. learned a lot .. had no idea about foundation programme application score . Can you please make a video about FPAS?

[@Wid]

Hi Ali! Thank you for the video. It's highly informative. I am an international med student and would like to do my residency in the UK. I am in the middle of a 6-year Medicine program in Europe and I'd like to know if I should apply to the FY2 instead of FY1, because my degree includes a year of rotations. Also, what exams do I have to sit to get into the program? Is it possible for IMGs to get into UK surgical residency programs?

[@hozifaalsaid9638]

Hello there, i am a 6th year med student from Egypt and the situation here is almost the same for you to get a residancy in the UK you have to set for plab exams there are 2 parts and the score is not important . Surgical programs are very very hard and almost impossible to get to for IMGs that's the extent of my knowledge hope it helped a bit. Good luck

[@Dr.Nellah]

I'm in the same exact boat and I think I'm going to research this and do a video on it on my channel because I think there are alot of international UK students who would want to know.

[@michelleokueguale3164]

What you said about the f1 and f2 and within those years can you choose the speciality to shadow during those 4 month placements or is it random

[@sidramir3211]

Hi Ali, could you also talk about the Stand Alone programmes? And if there are any FY1 & FY2 equivalents in these Stand Alone programmes?

[@sophiewootton9682]

This was super helpful- this is the only place that gives a clear, logical explanation. Just one questions- at what age can you start earning money? Is it after the F1 and F2? Thank you x

[@sophiewootton9682]

Ali Abdaal thank you so much !

[@Incandescence555]

Hi Ali- you've helped me so much as a geriatric graduate pre-med! Thank you. What specialties are you leaning towards? Do good grades at med school guarantee you your choice of F1/2 placements?

[@jamiefeather7924]

Hey Ali can you make a learning vid for kids I’m going to year tommorow

[@MrGangaboba]

Please do a video how accommodation works for F1’s in a complete new area far from home. Are they all renting privately or is there some kind of assistance from the hospitals?

[@pardisbarouni]

so helpful!

[@gloriaiturraldevalencia9725]

Thank u very much for the video ali! Really helpful :) Could you make another video talking about the income and how all of that works after you're graduated? That would be awsome! Like and sub, keep doing this :)

[@rakshaaiyappan8193]

Thank you for the video! It is so absolutely clear! I am actually applying to med schools now, and I was wondering how does which med school you go to affect your FPAS score (lol I'm not sure if I spelled it right). I've heard that being in the top half of a less known school is better than being in the bottom half of a super prestigious one... Could you please explain this? Thanks a ton!

[@jamiefeather7924]

It was actually helpful

[@Idk_123.4]

Ok so if I want to be a neurosurgeon, about how old will I be once I’ve reached that point?🤨

[@rejenraju4778]

hey can u please do a video MRCP exam and who need to do this and why is this important

[@wealthykind7382]

can someone please explain about how you are supposed to sustain yourself financially through out the journey. Do you get to work whilst studying, and if so how, for what. Do you take a student loan?

[@User-rh2mw]

Thankyou so much!

[@omarhasan2083]

Wow, yet another great video! Quick question, what "choice" would you take if you wanted to specialize in A&E?

[@omarhasan2083]

Thanks, Ali!

[@bethpezzy_8061]

Omar Hasan what was it? :) I wanna go into a&e too haha

[@user-km1ru2bi8t]

Hi! I'm Russian guy and I almost don't understand you, you speak so fast! I can't hear you are native speaker or not

[@Itsredwan2g]

I have a question. After doing 5 years of medical school. Can I do a job besides the foundation program?

[@redrose5724]

Hi Ali, Do you think you could do a video about different academic routes? Thank youuu

[@DownPro1]

You forgot anaesthetics which isn't run through..

[@harshvirgrewal2403]

Another amazing and super informative video. I was wondering if you could explain how one would go into neurosurgery? Like would they have to go into core surgical training? And what would happen later?

[@harshvirgrewal2403]

Ali Abdaal ohhhh okai. Approximately how long is the run through speciality and any pros/cons of the field?

[@harshvirgrewal2403]

Ali Abdaal ok thanks a lot

[@Misa-fi2pt]

Hi! Is there any differences for FMG (IMG) to get into a specialty training program?

[@benjaminhampton1404]

I recommend checking out @englishstudentunion on instagram, IMG students and alumni there answer such questions

[@oresheck8874]

Thank you for amazing video! Would you mind telling me, is foundation programs free of charge? Would I receive salary during 2 years of Foundation?

[@ishakmohamed8371]

If you complete Med school in Scotland or Wales, can you apply for FY1 in London?