Wessex Deanery
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Wessex Deanery
Policy
1)Introduction
The purpose of this guide is primarily to provide Deanery administration staff, Heads of School and Training Programme Directors with guidance regarding the Medical Training Initiative process.
The UK has traditionally been a popular choice for international medical graduates in order to gain postgraduate medical training and experience in various different environments. The UK has also benefited as it has provided organisations with a solution to manage shortages of qualified staff in particular specialties. International medical graduates make a valued contribution to the UK health service.
2)Overview of Medical Training Initiative (MTI)
From April 2010, the Academy of Royal Colleges became responsible for promoting the MTI scheme and acting as the national sponsor in accordance with the UK Borders Agency. This role was previously held by NHS Professionals. The Academy of Royal Colleges states that the Medical Training Initiative (MTI) is designed to enable a small number of International Medical and Dental Graduates to enter the UK to experience training and development in the NHS for up to two years – before returning to their home country.
Admission to the MTI scheme is through the relevant Royal College and with approval and successful registration with the General Medical Council (GMC). The Royal Colleges will provide professional sponsorship for the individual to the GMC and will facilitate a non-PLAB route to GMC registration.
The MTI scheme can be used when there is a vacancy within a Specialty that has been identified by either the Trust or Deanery. The post can be within an existing Deanery training programmeor a standalone Trust post. Posts are usually at ST3 and above level. The MTI scheme operates under the Tier 5 category of the UKBA points based system for a period up to a maximum of 24months only. It is possible for the individual to apply for dependant visas for immediate family to enable the individual to enter the country with family members.
It is possible for an International Medical Graduate (IMG) currently within the UK to apply for the MTI scheme; however the individual must return to their home country in order to apply for their Tier 5 visa.
Acceptance to the MTI scheme will not lead to settlement in the United Kingdom. After the maximum period of 24 months individuals will be expected to return home. There is no prospect of a UK career via this route.
The management of the MTI scheme is a joint approach between the Medical Royal Colleges, Postgraduate Deaneries, NHS Trusts and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, with support from the Department of Health. The National Advice Centre for Postgraduate Dental Education manages all dental posts.
The MTI scheme has the backing of all Royal Colleges, English Postgraduate Medical Deaneries, NHS Employers, NHS Professionals, and Skills for Health and the Department of Health. All MTI roles must have the approval of the relevant Royal College, responsible for setting standards of practice, and the English Postgraduate Medical Deaneries which ensure the training capacity is available to supportthe posts.
3)Deanery Role
The Wessex Deanery, in consultation with local Trusts (through the MPS network) and Training Programme Directors should establish whether there is available training capacity to support an MTI post (s) in their specialty. It is imperative that this is completed before a request for an MTI is approved and processed. Furthermore it must be determined whether the post will fit within the training programme or sit alongside the training programme.
All appointments via the MTI scheme must be supported by the Postgraduate Dean.
The Deanery will be required to counter sign the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Tier 5 form. The employing organisation will usually submit a request to the Deanery to complete this form as this is required in order for the Tier 5 visa to be processed.
The Deanery will also provide a view as to the quality of training according to National Medical Training Initiative guidance. For example this could involve reviewing supervision, training opportunities and appraisal systems.
It is important that the Deanery ensure that MTI training does not impede existing trainees in recognised posts and programmes. This is the responsibility of both the Training Programme Director and the Programme Manager.
An appointment via the MTI scheme does not result in an appointment to a run through training programme or to an FTSTA post.
4)Process
5)Useful Links
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges
British Medical Association
General Medical Council
NHS Employers
NHS Professionals
Royal Colleges running MTI schemes:
Royal College of Physicians (England) (RCP)
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh (RCS)
Royal Colleges running other types of international schemes
Royal College of Anaesthetists
Royal College of Emergency Medicine
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