International opportunities

We can only achieve our goals with the support of our members.

We want UK and international members who are passionate about improving primary care and family medicine globally.

Vacancies

  • The RCGP International team are hiring GP Trainers to join the team in Myanmar. For more information on what the role entails and how to apply, please visit the RCGP jobs site.

Qualified GPs and GP Trainees for placement in Uganda

The aim is to provide an innovative volunteer opportunity which incorporates elements of:

  • service provision
  • teaching
  • quality
  • improvement and research

Its foundation is in an African hospital, which is well known for its focus on primary care. This is in recognition of the increasing awareness of the wide-reaching benefits of working overseas, plus demand for such placements from GP trainees and qualified GPs. Support for voluntary work and the international partnerships is in accordance with the Academy of Royal Colleges statement and the Crisp Report.

Our Uganda links are predominantly with the Bwindi Community Hospital. The ever-dynamic Junior International Committee have been instrumental in developing 12-month placements for UK GPs and GP Registrars. We welcome new applicants, please contact us to find out more.

The RCGP - Bwindi link was set up in 2013. Since then, many GPs have worked in the hospital and embraced life in the local community. They have promoted Family Medicine through clinical work and quality improvement. They have also gained personal and professional development.

Previous volunteers have produced several resources. This video gives a powerful overview of life in Bwindi.

Feedback from volunteers has been presented at several RCGP conferences, examples include:

Research papers and reports

Out of Programme Experience (OOPE)

GP Trainees can gain a great deal from the opportunities provided by working or training in a developing country. The Out of Programme Experience (OOPE) gives GP trainees a unique opportunity to take a year out of training to work in a different setting. This enhances competencies, improves confidence, and equips GP trainees to become future leaders with the profession.

Many deaneries are encouraging these through Global Health Fellowships. Or, through a range of one year quality assured posts in countries. These range from South Africa, Zambia and India (London Deanery).

Further information

Case studies from international opportunities

Thanks to Erasmus+ funding, the RCGP has successfully completed the 2018-2020 cycle of the Hippokrates Exchange Programme. (This was project number 2018-1-UK01-KA102-047158.)

17 AiTs and First5 members within one year of CCT have had an opportunity to visit another European country. They had a two-week observational placement to learn more about primary healthcare delivery in the host country.

Erasmus reports 2018 - 2020