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4.10 Contracts, registration, medical indemniry, CPD and revalidation

4.10.1 Contracts and conditions of service

The BMA has a useful checklist of matters that should be included in any employment contract in Member's Guide to working abroad www.bma.org.uk. In the case of secular appointments, they advise that contracts should be carefully scrutinised and signed by both parties before departure from the UK.

4.10.2 Registration matters

In the UK - Most professional bodies (e.g. Royal Colleges) have reduced subscription rates for those engaged in charitable work. As far as GMC is concerned, the whole system of registration currently remains under review. Acceptance and action on Lord Crisp's report could radically change matters for the better – but that could be some way off. It would be best to stay on the register, if at all possible, but ask about current legislation and the options open to you. Make sure that you have given them your new contact details at the time you go abroad. Contact www.gmc-uk.org/register/index.asp

Overseas - Regulations governing registration in the country you are going to may not be clear cut. Most recruiting organisations should be able to advise and help you in this matter. If this cannot be arranged before you leave the UK, find out as much as you can before you go to ensure you have the necessary documentation with you. Keep a supply of spare passport photos in case of need. Obtain officially authenticated copies of all your certificates and diplomas and a certificate of good standing from your current employer to take with you.

It is important to fulfil the regulations laid down by the national Medical Council regarding registration. Application for registration should usually be processed by the management of your project. Check with the management team of the institution / project you are going to join.

4.10.3 Medical Indemnity

Tell you insurer that you are going overseas and ask for its terms, which may vary from place to place and by insurer. Some offer reduced rates for volunteers and low salaried posts.

The current likelihood of litigation in less developed countries is low compared to the UK (though it is increasing in urban areas). It is a real challenge to ensure that as Christians our professional standards remain high in an environment.

4.10.4 CPD and Revalidation

Until the whole system of revalidation is agreed and up and running in the UK, it is difficult to give clear guidance for UK doctors who are working overseas.

Keep an eye on www.gmc-uk.org/ The GMC require that doctors prove, to their satisfaction, that they are working in accordance to the principles set out in their booklet 'Good Medical Practice (2006)'. There are further guidelines about how to go about doing this on their website. www.gmc-uk.org/guidance/index.asp

Maintain a folder containing a record of all that you do. Include a job plan, detail of clinical activities and outcomes and/or an annual hospital report etc. Keep your CV up to date, attend appropriate courses as and when you can (including the CMF 'Developing Health Course'), initiate and/or attend local educational activities and keep a record of such attendances. It's also useful to keep a file of thank you letters from patients and include some detail of relationships with colleagues

Remember: It is your responsibility to keep yourself up to date with what is required from the GMC


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Acknowledgements My thanks to Chris Lavy, Eldryd Parry, Ian Spillman and Nick Wooding, all of whom have worked overseas and have a continuing involvement, for their helpful comments and advice. First edition 1994 - Entitled ‘A Medical Missions Handbook’ by Peter Saunders. Second Edition 1998 (updated April 2000) Third Edition September 2003 - by Peter Armon Fourth Edition 2007 – renamed ‘Working Abroad’ - totally revised & rewritten by Peter Armon All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the CMF. Christian Medical Fellowship 6 Marshalsea Road London SE1 1HL Tel. 020 7234 9660 Fax 020 7234 9661 Websites:www.cmf.org.uk and www.healthserve.org Christian Medical Fellowship is a registered charity No. 1039823 DISCLAIMER While seeking to be accurate in all the details contained in this document, CMF cannot be held responsible for the information contained in this booklet. The reader should double check the information for him/herself