Ongoing Support and Career Development
Supporting Your Journey: Ongoing Support and Career Development for IMG Doctors
On this page, you’ll find practical tools to support your induction, orientation, and professional growth—whether you're a Clinical Fellow, SAS doctor, Consultant, or GP. We’ve also included resources for supervisors and managers to help foster inclusive, well-supported teams. Our aim is to ensure that every IMG doctor feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to build a fulfilling career in NHS Scotland.
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We want to hear from you
If you have any questions about the information in this resource, or you feel there is information which would be useful to add, please get in touch with the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cws@nhs.scot.
Thank You for Joining Us
Supporting your Wellbeing
Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service (TDWS)
Confidential, non-judgemental support for doctors in training—covering everything from exams and career advice to work adjustments, wellbeing, and ARCP guidance.
National Wellbeing Hub
A comprehensive support platform for everyone working in Health and Social Care in Scotland. Includes access to the confidential National Wellbeing Helpline on 0800 111 4191 - where you can speak to someone about your mental wellbeing.
Scottish IMG Doctors Support Network
Peer support through a private Facebook group, offering connection and shared experience among IMG doctors.
IMG Buddy Scheme
Run by NHS Education for Scotland, this scheme connects you with experienced doctors who can offer guidance on living and working in NHS Scotland.
British Medical Association (BMA) – Wellbeing Support
Resources for managing stress, grief, and accessing legal advice, with support available online, by phone, and in your local area.
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges – Support for Doctors
A comprehensive list of organisations offering support across the UK, including mental health services tailored for doctors.
Building and Developing your Career in Scotland
NHS Scotland Jobs
Whether you're starting your medical career or considering your next move, NHS Scotland Jobs is the central hub for vacancies across all Health Boards.
To find roles in your area of expertise, select ‘Medical and Dental’ from the Job Family dropdown menu on the left-hand side of the page.
For detailed guidance on completing the application form and understanding the recruitment process, visit the NHS Scotland Careers website at https://www.careers.nhs.scot.
GP Jobs – NHS Scotland
Explore and apply for the latest General Practice vacancies across Primary Care and Out of Hours services within Scotland’s Health Boards.
Fellowship Opportunities
Discover the range of Fellowship roles offered by NHS Education for Scotland (NES), available to apply for either during your training or after achieving your Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
TWDS Career Planning
Access a range of resources from the Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service (TWDS) designed to support doctors in training as they explore and plan their career pathways.
TDWS Careers Webinar – Career Planning Towards CCT
This webinar from the Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service (TDWS) explores key aspects of career planning that doctors in training should consider as they approach their Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT).
British Medical Association – Interview Skills Webinar
Watch this free BMA webinar designed to help consultants, GPs, and SAS doctors strengthen their interview skills ahead of applying for new roles.
Additional resources and guidance are available in the accompanying reading list.
Health Education England – Preparing for Consultant Applications and Interviews
This guide offers insights into what to expect during panel interviews for consultant roles, which may differ from interview formats used in other countries.
It also includes helpful videos on the transition from Senior Registrar to Consultant positions.
Please note: This is an England-focused resource and uses terminology such as ‘Trusts’ (equivalent to Health Boards in Scotland), but the guidance remains applicable.
Health Education England – Career Planning Guidance for Doctors
This resource offers a wide selection of tools and information to help you reflect, explore options, and make informed career decisions.
Please note: This is an England-focused resource and uses terminology such as ‘Trusts’ (equivalent to Health Boards in Scotland), but the content remains relevant and useful.
Scotland-Specific Guidance for IMG Consultant Interview
While dedicated Scottish resources are still being developed, there is helpful guidance available—some adapted from England-focused materials. On the IMG Support Hub you'll find advice on job applications and consultant interview preparation for IMGs. Useful links include:
- NHS Scotland Careers Website
- Tips, tools and techniques for successful applications and interviews
Preparation for Consultant applications and interviews (England-focused but broadly applicable)
Scotland-Specific Support
Explore the International Medical Graduate Hub
