My experience as a consultant radiologist

My experience as a consultant radiologist

Since 2015, Medacs Healthcare’s specialist permanent team has helped a Consultant Radiologist from India, Dr Dharman, to relocate to the UK and secure radiologist roles across the NHS. Dr Dharman’s first UK role was at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust. She worked with the Trust for a year before moving back to India to be with her family. 

However, when her daughter received a place at a top university in Wales, she was keen to return. The permanent team at Medacs Healthcare then helped Dr Dharman to secure a second placement at Yeovil District Hospital NHS Trust so she could come back to the UK to be with her daughter. Find out more about Dr Dharman’s experience of working and living in the UK. 

How do you find working as a healthcare professional in the UK compared to India? 

“There is a focus on personalised care and putting the patient first. Care is more structured here with guidelines and standards for everything. Standards are always maintained through revalidation and regular appraisals."

What support have you received from the hospital? 

“Everyone has been really helpful and welcoming in both my roles. The clinical director in my current role in Yeovil is friendly and I have received a lot of support from my clinical lead to develop my sub-specialty in breast radiology.” 

Can you briefly describe a typical day? 

“My typical day starts at 9am and ends at 5pm with two four-hour sessions of radiology reporting, be it CT, MRI or ultrasound scans. For example, on a Monday morning, I see 10 to 15 patients about their CT scan results. During the afternoon I review MRI scans which usually involves seeing up to five patients.” 

What have you discovered since your relocation? 

“I have discovered that scans are reported differently here. In India, only radiologists can report on scans but in the UK both radiographers and sonographers can report scan results. This may be because there is such a high demand for radiologists in the UK.” 

Is there anything you were surprised about? 

“The cold weather surprised me which is the only downside of living here. However, the UK is much less crowded and quieter than India.” 

Is there anything you wish you had known beforehand? 

“I wish I had known more about the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) because I would have started it in my first year.” 

What would you tell another healthcare professional who is thinking of relocating to the UK? 

“I have encouraged many of my juniors to get qualified and relocate to the UK explaining the professional and financial benefits available. You get exposed to a diverse range of cases here including oncology and emergency patients. Depending on your interests, there are more options to develop your sub-speciality. The pay is better but there is also a lot more work.” 

What are your career aspirations and long term plans? 

“I wish to get registered as a specialist with the GMC. My current placement ends in March and Medacs Healthcare has helped me to find a new role in Wales so I will be working closer to my daughter.” 

How would you rate the support you received from Medacs Healthcare with your relocation? 

“I have received a tremendous amount of support from Medacs Healthcare. Kate and Ryan found me my radiology placements, arranged the skype interviews and got my Certificate of Sponsorship (unrestricted). The helped me with my travel plans, visa requirements, accommodation and relocation costs."

“Kate calls me regularly to follow up and check I am happy here. I have received a lot of moral support throughout the process, and I know that if I have any questions, Kate would be the first person I would call."

“On a scale of one to ten, I would rate Medacs Healthcare as ten. I am especially grateful to Kate and Ryan and would like to use this opportunity to thank them both.” 

 

Find out more 

If you’re interested in doing a medical placement in the UK, contact our specialist permanent recruitment team or take a look at our permanent jobs