Why I chose UK over US as an Indian Doctor

Like many IMG doctors, I contemplated between the US and the UK. While the allure of the US is undeniable, I gravitated towards the UK for several reasons. Firstly, the UK offers a more adventurous exploration of medical specialties. Unlike the US, which is more restrictive, the UK allowed me to experiment in diverse fields, like Colorectal surgery and Emergency Medicine, akin to "dating before marrying."
The pay structure also drew me to the UK. While salaries might not seem gigantic, when you consider hourly rates and the bonus 'locum' shifts, they are quite competitive. Not to mention, the conditions for residents in the US can be grueling with the hours they put in, often leading to lesser pay for more work.
Additionally, the journey for an international medical graduate is simpler in the UK. The USMLE felt like a mammoth challenge, while the UK’s PLAB was more approachable. However, PLAB will soon be replaced by the UKMLA, an exam designed for both UK final year students and international graduates. I'm even working on a project to help students navigate this transition, so keep an eye out for that!
Then there's the unparalleled flexibility the UK offers. One can seamlessly transition between specialties, making the experience feel like a “medical playground”. And let's not forget about the location benefits! The UK, especially London, is a travel lover's dream. Proximity to Europe, affordable flights, breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and a vibrant culture make it ideal. The connectivity, with London boasting six major airports, is just the cherry on top.
In conclusion, my decision to move to the UK was personal and tailored to my desires and goals. It's not about advocating for one over the other, but sharing my journey and reasons. I'm still exploring, and who knows, the US might be on the cards in the future. Stay tuned for more of my adventures and upcoming announcements, especially for those considering the PLAB/UKMLA transition. Thanks for joining me on this journey, and don’t forget to engage and stay connected!
⚡️Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
02:02 Adventure in Specialty choices
06:20 Let’s talk money, honey.
08:30 A simpler path
10:06 Flexibility
10:48 It’s all about the location
11:45 Some final thoughts….and a warning
Watch next:
Why I left India: • Why I left India, as a...
How I study effectively: • How To Really Understa...
How I study really long hours(without burning out): • Why I’m Able To Study ...
📱BE MY FRIEND📱
📸 Instagram: / doctor.doctor_a
🐦 Twitter: / drajayramesh
WHO AM I?👨🏻‍⚕️
Hey👋🏼, my name is Ajay. I am a General Practice/Family Medicine trainee in Cambridge, UK.
GET IN TOUCH📩
If you've got a question or a suggestion, or just want to say hi, comment on my latest video or follow me on Instagram and DM me there. I try my best to reply, but there sadly aren't enough hours in the day to respond to everyone :(
For longer messages/collabs/business inquiries email me at [e-mail]
Subscriber Count: 89k
#UKvsUS

[@DoctorAmedicine]

Hey guys, sorry have been a bit inconsistent with uploads but have a couple of videos in the bag now so will be very regular henceforth! See you next week(most likely on Wednesday ;))

[@KoushikMandol]

Not mad mbbs king👑👑👑😊😊😊😊

[@Deshammanideep]

Doctors from India are moving to US, UK for better salaries. while patients from US, UK are coming to India for affordable treatment. 😢

[@bhavinsatikunvar8852]

I agree

[@moumikdullah615]

not uk

[@im_prax]

UK doesnt count

[@creativity2598]

I have seen so many doctors in the UK leave because of pay. But I haven't seen or heard of a doctor leave US

[@trang85hoang40]

Yeah u right I love US the best country in the world

[@devishine]

Being a resident doctor in USA. Lot of this doesn't make sense. USMLE is quite doable. There are Indian graduates matching to every specialty in USA. Family Medicine/ GP is just 3 years residency after MBBS and no need to foundation year. The resident's pay is comparable to national average salary though its much less than an attending/ consultant salary

[@areyoualright4264]

Is USMLE hard ? What kind of dedication does it need during MBBS? And what all activities should we do during MBBS to maintain a good CV ? And what r the chances of getting matched?

[@redaanalla9458]

most of IMGs can't afford usmle when they have barely graduated from med school

[@pruthvig8697]

Reality check. Plab is easier than usmle. That's one reason a lot of people prefer plab. Period

[@quin5155]

I want to encourage all medical workers out there, as a surgical nurse i have been loving my profession in nursing and have worked in two countries , just keep doing what you love irrespective of the location. In addition to having a good profession it also helped in my strategic investing plans that allowed me to purchase my third home, supporting my retirement goals.

[@anitapauline651]

Wow, interesting indeed! Currently I'm in need of investment ideas or tips. Earlier this year I hesitated and failed to take any action until now. However, I'm determined to try something new as I am very open to various investment ideas . I want to be retired in my forties or fifties. I really wish I can achieve what you have achieved and I believe it will happen

[@quin5155]

It's essential to comprehend the complexities of investing. Having a trustworthy support system, such as a financial adviser, who can advise you is crucial, especially when choosing assets.

[@anitapauline651]

Thank you for your advice, it's challenging to find a reliable investment advisor here. Seeing the success you have achieved through investing I would love to have access to your investment advisor.

[@quin5155]

I operate with (ALEX MARTIN TARLOR) an investment specialist who partners with a licensed wealth management firm. For the record, his experience has been the best for my finance

[@anitapauline651]

I googled his name and found his website where I saw his qualifications and testimonials that looked impressive with many positive reviews , I have already reached out to him to discuss my financial goals , thanks you for pointing me to the right direction

[@rishabhjindal6425]

I did mbbs from India and I am doing anesthesiology in the US, and earning $550k/year. Win win.

[@awan-uh4xy]

After 40% tax deductions what is your take home salary?

[@rishabhjindal6425]

@@awan-uh4xy it's around 30 percent deduction on gross pay. No state tax. Do the maths.

[@wohooooo7613]

What's your age btw?

[@Okiedokieyes]

36 probably​@@wohooooo7613

[@user-SDP1726]

Tuned for the sail to UKMLA sir

[@darreldennis7115]

Sorry have to disagree. So many British doctors move to the US. Even in my program, there are so many. They said they are happy to do the residency again if it means earning 3x more.

[@guitarstethoscope7340]

Nice video. I have also recently moved to UK. I was in the same confusion UK/USA. I think UK has more opportunity for doctors like us who have already completed MD in India and want to further progress in in a particular speciality. Another good option is without doing training with experience you can become trust grade consultant or a speciality doctor.

[@fourfyros2189]

Can you share your insta I'd sir so that I can connect with you I also want to shift in uk after my mbbs and md currently I'm doing mbbs from india

[@PrashantKumar-uk1uz]

Thank you so much sir due to gave your most important time for us ❤

[@manoramabaheti2891]

Hey thanks for information. It would be really helpful if you could provide more information about UKMLA

[@sanjumedicalmotivational9773]

Well done because the way you decided it's breaking the ceiling but, mine is so complicated....

[@Sona77.]

Good work!

[@darshanshettynow]

A speed dating video on different speciality would be a fun video idea.

[@tab8294]

Finally Ajay is back🎉 so excited to see this

[@mohabdoon5898]

Man you are great, now I will book plab 1 for May confident ❤

[@nitin3577]

Great video Doc.

[@ahmedmohabnabihmohamed2729]

I like your presentation.. good luck my friend.

[@dakshhcr2574]

I'm a Commerce student (16), but still, the first point made me realise something... That having an idea of the field we will be pursuing for the whole life beforehand, is really really important. Thanks KZbin, for blessing my feed with this video.

[@stacyeneh8888]

Hi Doctor A, Nice 👍🏼 video, i like how easily u flow.

[@agbajifriday3968]

I love your videos, great job!... Pls, i look forward to watching your video on UKMLA and didn't you take PLAB? I didn't here get that part of your journey. I'll be taking IELTS/OET and PLAB/UKMLA next year. Thank you

[@MultiChristo31]

You said its easier to choose specialities over there in UK. Could you tell me what all should I do to have great CV considering i havent done any research projects in UG?

[@Dr.Ridhava]

Great video 🔥

[@dakshpathak6285]

USMLE:- money PLAB:- certainty/guarantee

[@juliak352]

Thank you!

[@dr.omkarjilla3071]

Hey, I'm an Indian student in 5th year of my med school in Russia. I'm perplexed what to study for UKMLA since now. Should I do video lectures from BnB, Sketchy, Pathoma, etc which ppl do for USMLE, or do we have some different video lectures for UKMLA??

[@aupadhyay26]

Please make a PLAB/UKMLA prep or journey video

[@shilpamanoharan8381]

You will come to know reality as time passes by and you get to know the system. All your points are valid. London is the best place to live you will never miss India. All the best.

[@akankshapriyadarshini7299]

hey can you please enlighten about UK health administrative for female surgeons. I am a bit skeptical due to recent Highlight about NHS female surgeons.. 😢

[@its.Legend-dude]

Ajay sir you had been inspiring me a lot since i joined into medical school.. Pls upload videos regularly it's an humble request❤

[@superduper5949]

Why i would never chose USA 1. USMLE is insanely competitive. If u fail the first time ur chances of getting into residency are almost zero 2. For an Indian it takes almost 14 years to get green card 3. Like he said u cant get into any specialty of ur choice 4. U cant do moonlighting as long as u r on a visa 5. U cant work anywhere else as long as u r on a visa 6. Ur working hrs r much longer. And per hour pay is less compared to UK I m not siding with UK here. It has its own downsides. But if earning money is ur primary goal then u might wanna consider Australia instead of US

[@morewithdee]

i want to know whether or not UK gives permanent residency after residency is over or do we always remain immigrants working on student visa or working visa after ?? because they usually give PR especially london. if they do give then how many years does it take?

[@6axell]

First of all, it was a great video! Although I have some doubts that I want to clear. I’m a med student studying in Tbilisi, Georgia and I would like to know, if there is any sort of fees when you’re shifting from Foundation year to Core training? Thanks!

[@user-oo4rk1hb1r]

Hi Ajay Any comments on the mastery and enjoyment in specialty if one chooses to do in Germany ofcourse after LEARNING German. Is it true that the training in UK is best structured in world... Even better than USA

[@Vivekanandakg]

Ajay I think your main reason to move out of Bangalore is to avoid Bangalore Traffic ... I think others are just reason...😊

[@pukaradhikari1906]

I love your video. I like both emergency medicine and surgery lol

[@janmauer4859]

Hey doctor A, i am an european graduate, i finished my speciality and I have been working in my field for the last couple of years. What are the steps to start working in the uk in my speciality? Thank you

[@shrestamarykurian1209]

Really insightful video , could you please share how to build you CV to get into really good hospitals in UK.

[@cindi7722]

You are incorrect about US. You can apply for any specialty in US, but you are not guaranteed to get into the specialty you applied, especially for the more competitive specialties.

[@drsugar]

The last part got me laughing... U could still decided to change your mind cos you are flexible

[@hemamenon4642]

Very motivative vedio 👍

[@chanuminimethmabandara8119]

Can we do private practice while working in NHS?? I just wanna know can doctors in uk use private practice as another way to earn

[@user-so8ni8xp3c]

Sir, I have Hepatitis B virus. Can I apply for PLAB or MRCP and get a job with hepatitis? Can i clear occupational healthcare check?

[@kushistheboss]

The comparison is not between US and UK. It’s between india vs US or india vs UK. great vid doc

[@shubhabangalore9638]

Residency pays are training pays which should not be compared as once they come out of residency you can’t match their pay!!!!

[@vickr8081]

Have they opened PLAB now. Thought it was closed

[@bharadwajvunna6005]

Can I come back to India after completing the training in a specific speciality?

[@anup2923]

Hi, in one of your previous videos it says that junior doctors are paid very less even against PA's , then still it's good to move to UK as a fresh MBBS??

[@pepper2240]

UK may pay less initially but they really do increase their pay a lot with time. So money will never be a problem for you

[@reginageorgetownuni]

I love your analysis and delivery 😂 new subscriber (though I'm staying in the homeland for now) but MRCS plans in the future

[@atheanonymous5868]

Nice video doctor 👍

[@phytx01]

hey, i liked your video. what about residency opportunity in neurosurgery and what are the chances of working there on a good salary after completing the presidency in surgical specialties like orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery. please advise

[@hammadshamsi9646]

I can be wrong but here is what I've heard: UK has more tax than US After your residency US pays more than UK Training years for any speciality are more in UK as compared to US Is there any doctor who can show complete picture?

[@Evilslayer6969]

Hello i am an indian med student, can u please tell whether research, electives, publications etc are necessary for getting into FY1 after plab (as they are in usmle) or not ? Becz in our UG curriculum such things are not given that much inportance Thanks

[@Medicoinsouth]

Did you got your answer?

[@Evilslayer6969]

@@Medicoinsouth No😅

[@akashsahay5240]

I as a Doctor nvr thought of going abroad.. just average in studies.. now persuing DM in Med Onco.. and will serve my ppl and my country till my last breath..

[@Chiiyaam]

Already neck deep with USMLE Step 2Ck preparation, I might jump ship to UK now lol

[@sindhubhairavi392]

I am parent of grade 11 student..He wants to do medicine in uk.What should i do sir,should i ask him to do NEET and UG from india or to do MBBS in uk

[@myst9072]

Couldn't have put it in a better way. Tired of answering the same question ever simce i made the decision. I'll share this video from now on 😅

[@Khushee89_xx]

What if I want to settle in uk permanently? And can I switch my job in uk?

[@nibeditadas2543]

Please give some idea , any chance to practice ophthalmology as a consultant in a specialty possible after post graduation and fellowship in india . Or any age barriers for getting attachment .

[@kcinyrenh6632]

Can i do mrcs right after i graduate medicine to get into a surgery specialty. Or should i do plab first?

[@IK_31397]

How many years are required to go through this long journey

[@24khare]

How about doing mrcs and then Apply for UK job ... actually I'm a ortho pg want to go for fellowship in uk

[@learnerschannel4391]

If one passes mbbs in India at the age of 40 , will it be a right dicission for him to go to UK for jobs and cct ? Will he be allowed to practice there at that age ?

[@DoctorAmedicine]

He/she can definitely practice and train and eventually CCT, but if they have a family and other committments, the salary might be too low to sustain on

[@sunnytoms9416]

Very good

[@arnavpandyamalhotra2014]

I’m a 29 years old Indian doctor currently in first year of radiology residency in India. I’d be 32 by the time I graduate. At 32 I’d try to pass usmle and move to the us. Apparently I’d be one of the oldest people to try and move to the us.

[@DrIpelengObGyn]

You are never too old for anything don’t let that discourage you.

[@arnavpandyamalhotra2014]

@@DrIpelengObGyn thanks

[@karunaharanv6617]

Hey so your radiology pg will be wasted ?? Or US accepts your pg program

[@DrIpelengObGyn]

@@karunaharanv6617 He will have to start residency again. So if he wants he could start studying for step 1 now. The process takes a long time. I started my residency at 32 finished at 36. I did it in a place I didn’t like and my only regret is not moving to a country I actually liked because I thought I was old lol. Life still goes on even whilst you are doing residency, especially in the US where the pay is significantly higher than other places. Please go for it !

[@karunaharanv6617]

@@DrIpelengObGyn thanks doc..

[@miguela.maturana1913]

I am not gonna listen to the video, but I can tell you, you messed up! 😂 US as a country is more than just medicine.

[@user-gj9rw2wp3i]

Are you an IMG or FMG?(For anyone who doesn't know: FMG would mean you have only Indian nationality and IMG means you have USA or UK(or any other)nationality but did your medical degree elsewhere and you do residency in the country of your nationality) Please do tell because I'm confused on what you are exactly...

[@GeneRauXxX]

it is fmg of course, but in your terms. img is internationla medical graduate and it could be two different thing foreign med graduates or not. you cant just say FMG bcs it's confusing.

[@curiousalpha]

What are ways to practice in usa for UK consultants

[@TheSkundu]

So basically .. u were confused on your speciality so chose UK. Thats very transparent of you to share .. but not a very good reason imho. 3 parameters matter in the long term - work life, pay and competition.. this is the 3 axis on which u should evaluate.

[@MichaelThomasOflaherty]

I really want to study medicine here in the UK but I need to save up my money and work on my a levels first

[@unfilteredtraveller]

I'm in MRCS pathway , can u guide me how to approach for jobs after GMC registration?

[@arjunhara834]

Hi, I’m a UK medical student considering GP - I was wondering where I could get more information on what you mentioned about performing minor surgeries, becoming a sports medical consultant and more? Thanks again

[@jash2498]

Hey , how much it cost you to go to UK for further studies of MBBS

[@arjunhara834]

Hi, I am actually a UK born citizen, I have lived in the UK my whole life but enjoy this kind of content. Sorry I couldn't be much help.@@jash2498

[@pradipdash15]

If somebody completed mrcs and wants to go uk after getting job from india how much possibilities and salary will get how much

[@leolasrado1881]

Timely advice to doctors who intend to go to U S or UK.

[@danishsa2056]

Could you please make a video on difference between plab and amc

[@dr.anjanbanerjee]

For US One should start early as well, Older graduates are usually not preferred and Its way more tough to get Residency in the US compared to UK .

[@Bambotb]

Indeed

[@ElizabethUkeh]

How old is too old?

[@dr.anjanbanerjee]

@@ElizabethUkeh YOG > 5 years

[@vishnupriyabattini6479]

In Bangalore in which school you did your's schooling ??

[@Kratos-kq8ll]

Hello sir can you make a video on MRCEM ? Thank you

[@shubhankgupta7541]

Helo sir I am in a internship phase feeling confuse in bet need pg or plab plz guide me sir

[@sgvlogs4657]

Hii,in which hospital u are doing the duty

[@prashantrathod2171]

How u worked for marrow? What are the criteria

[@luckyretrotwist]

Because it is easier. Period.

[@TheSouledCommunity]

By drinking tea ☕ u have proved that u r a proper brish😅👍🇬🇧

[@thestealth293]

bro regular aagi upload maadi ...

[@mish8571]

Can you make a video how to work for may be some time in uk after doing pg in inida

[@RkR2001]

I know many doctors in UK for more than 20 Years -- It's a Fixed Protocol system and Controlled by NHS - and good luck to you -- but this system is not developing as well as USA or Canada

[@shirlvin777]

Hi sir, Could you please mention the process to work in UK after MD Radiodiagnosis residency in India?

[@alien9209]

Dr I have some questions may I ask?

[@poojaganapathi4074]

U choosed PLAB or mti

[@anuragkhobragade7788]

❤ , Is there tuition fees ???????

[@orangejuice-vs3nx]

Can you Locum during Residency ?

[@Skywalker-qx6oy]

How much expense need to move to uk... from india

[@joer2996]

I’m in US. My fellow class mates who are in UK are crying. NHS is crumbling. Recently junior and consultant doctors went for a strike. I have not seen this in US. GO figure.

[@jash2498]

😮hey brother how much money it takes to move toward US for doing MBBS study there

[@imaimunamaisha]

Did you apply after mbbs??

[@poojapatil4731]

What a feeling it is to see ur junior and be like … wait !! Is this him ??😅

[@animenightz2359]

How about doing residency in Australia 😊

[@ok-man6498]

Make a academy or something like that for imgs who want to clear ukmla!

[@DoctorAmedicine]

I'm planning a PLAB/UKMLA masterclass, let's see..🤞🏼

[@shubhamgupta1388]

Can you also shed some light on the Immigration and Citizenship process for the UK? Also how easy is it to travel from UK to Europe with an Indian Passport? Great video as always!!

[@DrG.Olivia]

What software do you use to edit your vidoes?