Last week, the International Postgraduate Deanery (IPD) delivered their first UK induction of 2025 in Birmingham. In this blog, Partnerships Officer, Fozia Tabasum shares some insight into the work of the IPD and the importance of the induction for trainee doctors.
The International Postgraduate Deanery (IPD) team are based in both Birmingham and Edinburgh. The team delivers two inductions each year to welcome international medical graduates from around the world who come to work and train in the NHS and develop their surgical skills and competencies. This two-day event is designed to ensure they make the most of their time in the NHS, and to provide them with the non-technical skills required to ensure they can hit the ground running.
The IPD team work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event a success, this can involve stressful moments as when trying to book clinicians and speakers with busy schedules, whilst managing short quirky replies. However, for the team, it is the highlight of the year.
If you know our team well, you will know there is never more work put in as there is when deciding which restaurant to book for the amazing welcome dinner!
The Face of IPD
As the IPD team is the first port of call from the 12 months before their arrival to the moment they leave the UK, the induction is a great opportunity to show the faces behind the emails – giving the doctors an opportunity to meet the team who have helped them on their journey in coming to the UK. The team feel a sense of job satisfaction knowing their hard work has paid off and that they have helped at a critical time in the surgeon's career path.
Facing Reality
The program is tailored to ensure the doctors are prepared for life as trainee surgeons in the NHS and to make them aware of all the NHS has to offer as well as what is expected of them to make their time here a success. This also includes navigating the rules and regulations set by the GMC and their individual Trusts and Health Boards.
Eat and be Merry
Aside from the formalities, the event allows the team to provide the doctors with a warm welcome to the UK over a relaxing dinner and in a friendly atmosphere. Everyone can let their hair down and discuss the highs and lows of their journey – often talking about families and friends, sharing who we are as people and not just colleagues and surgeons.
Conclusion
The induction encourages the international doctors to network with peers and meet with faculty and staff. It gives them the opportunity to exchange details and create a community hub immediately, so they do not feel isolated, as some are often here alone for the duration of their training fellowship.
For the IPD team who work hard to meet deadlines and manage expectations throughout the sponsorship process it is rewarding to know the event has been a success. The induction is also a chance for everyone involved, from international doctors, staff and specialty leads, to celebrate a job well done.
We look forward to hosting the next UK induction later this year.
