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Guide to working abroad

November 2007

1. Introduction
The BMA International Department receives a large number of calls from members who want to spend some time working abroad, usually in English-speaking countries. We have produced this booklet, which is based on the most frequently asked questions, to help you plan and organise your time abroad as efficiently as possible. Because the majority of members who contact us only plan to go for a temporary period during their training, the content has been tailored mainly to their needs. Please note that the information contained in this guide was correct at the time of going to print.

If you would like any more information not included in the booklet, please contact the BMA International Department – internationalinfo@bma.org.uk

We try to be as helpful as possible, but we are limited by the type of assistance that we can provide.

The BMA can:

• provide general information on registration (in most popular destinations)
• advise on how to find a post
• advise on returning to the NHS
• guide members to other useful sources of information

It cannot:

• find members jobs
• advise on overseas contracts
• provide lists of employers abroad
• assist with immigration arrangements

The opening section of the guide provides a checklist of points that must be considered no matter where you are going. We emphasise that you should consider and plan all these points well before you leave the UK to avoid any unnecessary complications later on. This will help make your time abroad as rewarding as possible. The remainder of the booklet looks at four individual countries – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA – as well as opportunities for work in developing countries.

The BMA International Department has produced an information book, Opportunities for doctors within the European Economic Area, which addresses working in the EEA and is available at www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/EEA