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WINS: Welcoming International Medical Graduates New to Scotland

 

WINS began in 2024 and replaced our successful IMG Orientation Days and our STEP (Scottish Trainee Enhanced Programme) programmes for IMGs.

STEP was introduced in the Scotland Deanery in 2016 as an enhanced induction package for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) commencing GP Training in Scotland. This has been rolled out in other specialties and WINS has been developed to ensure that all new IMGs in Foundation, Specialty, and SAS posts in Scotland can attend an enhanced induction programme.

IMG doctors face unique challenges which may include additional learning needs. Support has shown to improve training outcomes if the support is offered early on. WINS is delivered by a large group of experienced educators led by our Lead Dean Director, Dr Nitin Gambhir.

The unique aspect of STEP, and now WINS, is that Educational Supervisors are also invited to attend. Inviting ESs has shown to help build a strong and supportive Trainer-Trainee relationship, something for which GP-STEP has been recognised by the GMC.

WINS will be offered regionally as a Face-to face events. Doctors/ESs should attend their own regional WINS event. There is some flexibility to attend the other Regional Events if a WINS event is not being held in your region but please discuss this with your IMG trainee to ensure you both attend the same event.

Background

What

  • Enhanced induction programme for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) – those whose primary medical qualification is from out with UK.

     
  • A continuation from the GP Scottish Trainee Enhanced Programme (STEP) that ran from 2015 - 2024.

     
  • Opportunity to explore strengths and weaknesses.

     
  • Gain insight into the predictors of success.

     
  • Shared learning experience for trainee and educational supervisor attending together to build the foundation of a supportive relationship.

Who

  • All IMGs commencing training in Scotland and their Educational Supervisors are invited to attend.

     
  • Sessions facilitated by an experienced panel of facilitators and MRCGP examiners from across the Scotland deanery.

     

Why

  • Differential attainment is a key priority for the General Medical Council (GMC), Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the Scotland deanery.

     
  • Targeted early interventions recommended to address differential attainment.

 

When/Where

  • Runs in regional face to face events in March 2025 in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
2025 Events

North & East - 4th September 2025 – Suttie Centre, Aberdeen

South East - 10th September 2025 – COSLA Edinburgh Haymarket

West - 16th September 2025 – Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow

 

ATTENDANCE:

If you are an IMG new to working in the NHS, attendance is MANDATORY

If you are an IMG working in the NHS for under 12 months, attendance is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED

 If you are an IMG who has worked in NHS over 12 months, attendance is still RECOMMENDED

 

You will be invited to, and we ask that you attend the WINS course event in the region you are employed:

 

East - Tayside

North - Shetland, Orkney, Grampian, Highland, Western Isles

South East - Lothian, Borders, Fife

West - Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Ayrshire & Arran, Dumfries & Galloway, Forth Valley

If you are unable to attend the WINS event in your region please email Ejaz Farooqui at ejaz.farooqui@nhs.scot

 

 

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