Hi! My name is Arjun, and I am an IMG from India. I moved to the UK in February 2019, and I am currently working as a Nephrology ST5 in the UK.
Why did I decide to become an IMG?
I believe it’s important to understand how medicine works abroad and how different healthcare systems compare to my home country. Becoming an IMG also opens up more opportunities to work in different parts of the world, broadening both professional and personal experiences.
Steps I took to become an IMG
I took the PLAB exams to obtain GMC registration and later completed the MRCP exams during my training in the UK.
Moving to the UK: Challenges I had to overcome and lessons I have learned
One of the biggest challenges was understanding how the UK healthcare system operates and the roles of different healthcare professionals. It took me about three months to fully adjust to the system, but even now, I continue to learn something new every day.
What would I tell my younger self if I were just starting my journey to the UK?
Plan early and seek advice from those who have already been through the process. Learning from others’ experiences can make the transition much smoother and help avoid common pitfalls.
Beyond Medicine
Throughout my journey, I have had the opportunity to present at conferences worldwide and explore interests beyond medicine. For example, I hold a private pilot’s license, which reflects my passion for continuous learning and personal growth beyond my medical career.