Observership & Clinical Attachment Programme
Our Observership and Clinical Attachment Programme offers international medical graduates and medical students the opportunity to gain valuable insight into how General Practice operates within the NHS.
Through placements in carefully selected GP practices across the UK, participants can observe real clinical environments, understand the structure of primary care, and become familiar with the professional standards expected of doctors working in the NHS.
This experience is particularly valuable for doctors who are preparing for a career in the UK, helping them develop a clearer understanding of patient pathways, consultation styles, clinical systems, and the day-to-day functioning of primary care teams.
Why Choose Our Programme
We work with a network of supportive and experienced GP practices that are committed to providing meaningful educational exposure for visiting doctors.
Our programme is designed to help participants:
- Gain first-hand insight into NHS General Practice
- Observe patient consultations and multidisciplinary teamwork
- Understand clinical documentation, governance, and patient management pathways
- Familiarise themselves with the culture and expectations of UK healthcare
- Strengthen their CV and professional profile when applying for NHS roles
Each placement is arranged with practices that value education and are experienced in hosting international doctors.
We offer flexible placement durations to suit different professional goals. Most participants choose placements between 4 and 12 weeks, although shorter or extended attachments may be possible depending on availability.
Observerships and clinical attachments are strictly observational. Participants do not undertake clinical duties or provide direct patient care. The purpose of the programme is to offer educational exposure to NHS clinical practice.
How to Apply
Doctors interested in arranging an observership can submit an enquiry along with the completed application form
Once we receive your request, we will review your preferences and check availability within our partner GP practices. If a suitable placement is available, we will provide further information regarding the programme structure, documentation, and next steps.
There is no obligation to proceed until you have reviewed all the details
Programme Fees
Our Observership and Clinical Attachment Programme is designed to provide a structured and supportive introduction to NHS General Practice.
The programme fee covers the coordination and administrative support required to arrange placements within our partner GP practices.
This includes:
- Placement coordination with participating GP practices
- Administrative processing and documentation
- Pre-placement guidance and information
- Support during the placement period
- Certification confirming completion of the observership
Fees
Programme fees vary depending on the length and location of the placement.
Typical programme fees range from:
4-week placement
£800
6-week placement
£1200
8-week placement
£1600
12-week placement
£2400
Exact fees will be confirmed once a suitable practice placement has been identified.
Please note that programme fees cover administrative coordination only and do not include accommodation, travel, or visa costs.
Certificate of Completion
At the end of the placement, participants will receive a Certificate of Observership / Clinical Attachment, confirming the duration and setting of the experience.
This can be used as supporting evidence when applying for NHS roles, training programmes, or further professional development opportunities.
GP Observerships in the UK for International Medical Graduates
Clinical attachments and observerships are an important step for many international medical graduates (IMGs) preparing to work in the UK.
These experiences allow doctors to gain exposure to:
- NHS clinical systems
- UK consultation styles
- Multidisciplinary team working
- Clinical governance and documentation
- Patient pathways within primary care
Our programme connects international doctors with GP practices across the UK that offer educational observership opportunities in a supportive environment.
Whether you are preparing for your first NHS role, applying for training programmes, or simply wishing to better understand UK primary care, an observership can provide valuable insight and experience.
Who This Programme Is For
This programme is suitable for:
International medical graduates preparing for NHS employment
Doctors who have recently passed PLAB or UKMLA
Medical professionals seeking UK clinical exposure
Medical students interested in experiencing NHS General Practice
We welcome applications from international medical graduates based anywhere in the world, including those coming from UAE, Greece, Turkiye, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, Ghana, South Africa and other countries from Asia, Africa and Europe . Many of our observership participants travel specifically from these countries to gain NHS clinical exposure and strengthen their UK job applications. If you are based outside the UK and planning to relocate for your medical career, this programme is designed with you in mind. All pre-placement guidance and communication are handled properly before your arrival.
FAQ
No. Observerships are observational and do not require GMC registration.
Many doctors find that clinical exposure in the UK helps them better understand NHS practice and strengthen their CV.
No. The placement is strictly observational to begin with. Any patient contact will be at the discretion of the consultant and clinic/hospital.
This is entirely up to the applicant to arrange as per UK Home Office requirements
Yes, absolutely. We welcome applications from international medical graduates based anywhere in the world, including UAE, Greece, Turkiye, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Nepal, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia, Ghana, South Africa and other countries from Asia, Africa and Europe.
All pre-placement communication and guidance is provided prior to placement. You will only need to travel to the UK once your placement date is confirmed and your visa arrangements are in place.
For many PLAB-qualified doctors based in India or other countries, a clinical observership in a UK GP practice is an excellent next step before applying for NHS jobs or training programmes.
It provides direct exposure to NHS systems, consultation styles, and clinical culture, all of which can significantly strengthen your application and your confidence when you arrive in the UK.