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Welcome to Wales Programme for International Medical Graduates

This is an important event run by Health Education Improvement Wales (HEIW) that recognises the cultural challenges and transition doctors need to make coming to work in the NHS in the UK and in particular coming into GP in Wales for the first time. The event covers a wide range of subjects that you will not find in any other course.

This full day event is in addition to the Programme of Additional Specialised Support (PASS) programme that you may also been invited to in due course.

The Welcome to Wales event is open to International Medical Graduates with 24 months NHS experience or less. This event is usually held in September of each year. 

If you are in a hospital or a GP post, you will be able to apply for study leave. Please discuss with your trainer, practice manager or hospital department about how this is managed taking into account your working patterns.  Travel expenses can be claimed back, and coffee/tea and lunch will be provided.

Topics we cover on the course include:

  • Personal journeys of trainers and trainees who have made the jump to GP in Wales
  • Overview of NHS systems and structures in NHS Wales
  • Lots of practical tips about life in Wales (outside of work), houses, banks, driving etc etc
  • Quiz about ‘Life in Britain’
  • Sessions on managing cultural differences and making the transition a success

You may also have the opportunity to be included in a “buddy system” system that we are currently trialling. GP trainees who have previously attended this course have volunteered to be available as a resource for any queries trainees may have which may include work or personal related matters that will help you settle into training in Wales. We will simply provide you with the e-mail address of a suggested buddy and it will be up to you to make contact with them should you need to. Most importantly they would have experienced the challenges that you are now facing.

 You will be invited to the event at least 8 weeks before the event is due to take place. If you don’t receive an invite and you think you should be attending this event, please contact us.  Please make every effort to attend. It is a highly valued and rewarding day for all who attend and helps to accelerate the changes required to your professional practice so that you get the most out of your GP training here in Wales. 

This course was rated 9.5/10 by your colleagues who have attended, can you afford to miss it?

Trainee feedback from previous meetings:

“Provided the opportunity to meet other new starters, understanding the different aspects, fears and worries of being a GP trainee. Knowing the resources and able to address issues thus far”

“Meeting other trainees and knowing I wasn’t alone with my struggles and getting answers about how to become a better GP”

“It has been very enlightening, interactive and relevant”

“It was generally a relaxing atmosphere and provided useful information on structure and organization of the NHS/ Training programme”