Information for Specialist Registrars planning visits abroad
Financial
Assistance
General Advice
Click here for
Alan Norish's advice
Tips from the past:
- Talk to a previous volunteers prior to applying.
Also discuss what to and what not to take with you.
- Seek early approval of your own hospital
consultants, the regional postgraduate dean, hospital postgraduate tutor, the
SAC (or PMETB,) and the Regional Advisor in Orthopaedics. This chronological
order of affirming approval is often the most appropriated. Often a key player is the Regional Postgraduate Dean (who tends
to be interested and a sympathetic person who understands and supports the value of such
endeavours.) Also secure the informal support of all your consultants at an
early stage if possible.
- Don't be put off if everyone you speak to are not gushingly
effusive. Get the WOC linkman /
experienced consultant to provide you with a letter expounding the virtues of
the post.
- Other points worth stressing are:
- That overseas trainers are accredited trainers
back in the UK.
- That your training program cannot replicate the
experience on offer abroad because of your particular interest.
- There are plenty of research opportunities.
- Previous incumbents have reported high levels
of surgical experience gained.
- Even if there are problems with taking unpaid
leave, you may be eligible for up to two months (or even more) of paid study
leave and of a further month of salaried annual leave.
- Speak to all the sales reps you know regarding
sponsorship, big or small.
- Check on Visa and immunisation regulations.
- Check about driving abroad
- Speak to Occupational Health about taking a
needle stick prophylaxis starter pack.
- Check with your medical indemnity society about
cover whilst away
- Apply early to WOC for funding (such as the
Ginger Wilson Bursary or Gauvain Fellowship)
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