When most IMG (International Medical Graduate) doctors think about applying to the NHS, their focus is on PLAB, GMC registration, job applications on NHS Jobs, or acing interviews. But there's one overlooked tool that can significantly improve your career opportunities and visibility in the UK medical system — and that’s LinkedIn.
LinkedIn in 2025 is no longer just a business networking site. It has evolved into a powerful personal branding platform, used by:
NHS recruiters and hospitals looking for international candidates
Clinical educators, specialty leads, and exam coaches
IMG mentors, peers, and support groups
CPD providers and UK medical influencers
If you're not using LinkedIn as an IMG doctor in the UK, you’re missing out on networking, job visibility, and career support. This blog post will walk you through how to build a standout LinkedIn profile, what to avoid, and how to use it to grow your NHS career — and connect with the wider IMG community through TrewLink.
Step 1: Set Up a Complete & Professional LinkedIn Profile
Your profile is your digital CV and reputation, visible 24/7. Here’s how to get it right:
Use a Professional Profile Photo
Upload a clear, high-resolution headshot. No selfies, filters, or party photos. Dress as you would for an interview — clean, smart, confident.
Create a Custom Headline That Reflects Your Journey
Instead of just “Medical Doctor,” say something like:
"PLAB-qualified IMG | NHS Junior Doctor | Passionate about Internal Medicine"
"IMG from India | GMC-Registered | NHS Trust Grade Doctor | Aspiring Paediatrician"
Use relevant keywords to help recruiters find you.
Add a Banner Image
Use a subtle background that reflects the NHS, medicine, or your home country’s flag merged with a stethoscope. It adds a personal but professional touch.
Step 2: Write a Compelling “About” Section
The “About” section is your chance to introduce yourself in your own voice. Here's what to include:
Your origin (e.g., “I am an IMG from Nigeria with 3 years of clinical experience”)
What motivates you (e.g., “I’m passionate about improving patient care through evidence-based practice”)
Your UK journey (e.g., “Currently working in the NHS, aiming to enter Internal Medicine Training”)
Your goals (e.g., “Open to mentorship, QIPs, research, and networking in the UK medical space”)
Keep it honest, warm, and concise — and always proofread for grammar and tone.
Step 3: Fill In Your Experience & Education Properly
Add All Clinical Experience — Even Internships
Don’t leave gaps. Mention rotations, roles, hospitals, and brief descriptions of responsibilities.
Example:
Junior Doctor – Internal Medicine
Lagos University Teaching Hospital | Jan 2022 – Dec 2022
Managed acute medical admissions and co-led ward rounds
Performed basic procedures (e.g., cannulation, catheterisation)
Collaborated with nurses and specialists in high-volume settings
Include PLAB, OET, or MRCP as Certifications
LinkedIn has a section for certifications — make sure you add your exam passes and the dates.
Example:
PLAB 1 – Passed March 2025
OET Medicine – Grade B (Nov 2024)
Step 4: Highlight Key Skills & Endorsements
LinkedIn lets you select skills relevant to your career. For IMG doctors, add:
Clinical reasoning
Patient communication
NHS systems (e.g., EPIC, SystmOne)
Teamwork
Teaching and medical education
Audit & Quality Improvement
As you network, others can endorse these skills — which boosts your profile in search results.
Step 5: Show Ongoing Learning & CPD
Add courses, webinars, or workshops you’ve attended, especially those relevant to NHS work.
Example:
"NHS Induction for IMGs – BAPIO"
"Communication & Escalation in UK Hospitals – TrewLink Webinar"
"PLAB 2 Clinical Skills Course – DrAcademy"
Even LinkedIn Learning courses in communication, leadership, or time management add value.
Step 6: Grow Your Network Strategically
Don’t just add random doctors — build a targeted, supportive network:
Connect with other IMGs in the UK
Follow NHS Trusts you're applying to
Add mentors, trainers, and interviewers post-interaction
Join IMG-related groups, NHS interest pages, or CPD communities
Engage with content — comment, react, share
Tip: When sending connection requests, add a short message like:
“Hello Dr [Name], I’m an IMG preparing for my first NHS post. I admire your journey and would love to stay connected.”
Step 7: Start Posting & Building Visibility
You don’t need to post every day, but even once or twice a month will keep your profile active.
Some content ideas:
Share your reflections on PLAB or OET
Talk about your first NHS shift and what you learned
Share NHS-related news, webinars, or patient safety insights
Celebrate milestones — job offers, exams passed, QIP projects
Use hashtags like:
#IMGDoctor #NHSJourney #PLABDoctor #GMCRegistered #NHSJuniorDoctor #TrewLinkCommunity
Pro tip: End your post with a question to invite engagement. For example:
“What helped you settle into your first NHS job as an IMG doctor?”
Mistakes to Avoid on LinkedIn as an IMG Doctor
Writing "Doctor" in your name field (this violates LinkedIn’s naming rules)
Using emojis excessively in professional sections
Leaving your profile half-complete
Posting negative rants about patients, hospitals, or immigration
Copy-pasting CVs directly into the summary section
Asking for jobs directly in your headline (let your experience speak)
How LinkedIn Leads to NHS Opportunities
Many IMGs underestimate LinkedIn’s power. Here’s how it helps:
Recruiters actively message doctors with NHS-ready profiles
Clinical leads often check LinkedIn before shortlisting or interviews
Mentors and peers can refer you to internal openings
CPD providers and exam prep communities invite active members
If your profile is complete, visible, and active — opportunities start coming to you.
Join the TrewLink Community
Want to connect with IMG doctors who’ve already found NHS jobs through LinkedIn?
Join our TrewLink Community Forum to:
Get peer feedback on your LinkedIn profile
Ask questions about NHS jobs and recruiter messages
Find IMG mentors and LinkedIn role models
Share your profile for visibility within the IMG space
Your LinkedIn profile is your NHS handshake — make it count.
LinkedIn Isn’t Optional Anymore
For IMG doctors building careers in the UK, LinkedIn is your CV, your network, and your platform all in one. It’s where you connect with the NHS world — and it can accelerate your job hunt, mentorship, and visibility more than you expect.
So don’t wait until you have your first job. Start building your profile now, even if you’re just prepping for PLAB or waiting for your GMC registration.
You never know who’s looking — but they won’t find you if you’re invisible.