As an international applicant to the NHS, understanding the titles of UK Doctors can be confusing at first. Role titles may differ from your country and key information can quickly get lost in translation. Today we’re going to dive into the different UK Doctors titles and what their roles encompass.
Titles of Doctors in Training
Doctors currently in training programs have specific titles which refer to the period and year of their study.
Medical Foundation Training
Designations: F1, F2, FY1, FY2, F3+, SHO, Junior Doctor, Trainee
Doctors in foundation programmes following medical school are often referred to as the titles above. Within the UK these programmes are 2 year placements, similar to internships.
Medical Core Training
Designations: CT1, CT2, CT3, ST1, ST2, ST3, SHO, Junior Doctor, Trainee
Core training is for doctors who have completed their foundation training but are in the break period before speciality training begins. Core training typically takes two to three years on average.
Medical Speciality Training
Designations: ST3+, StR, SHO, Junior Doctor, Trainee
Following core training, doctors can take speciality training which begins at ST3/4 and can go as high as ST9. Speciality training times can vary depending on the programme and the doctor’s progression.
Medical SHO
SHO stands for Senior House Officer. SHO’s are also known as junior doctors or F1/F2. The term is older and not often used, but some may still refer to it on occasion.
Medical Trainee
Any doctor within a training program can be referred to as a trainee. Their designations range from CT1 up to ST9. In some other countries, trainees are often called residents.
Titles of Doctors in non-Training Jobs
When a doctor is in a non-training job, they often receive the same title as their training counterpart. However there are some differences, which are important to be aware of.
Medical SHO
Designations: Junior Clinical Fellow, Junior Doctor, Middle Grade
For a doctor in training, a SHO would be considered F1/F2. Whereas a doctor not in training is often just referred to as SHO.
Medical Senior Clinical Fellow
Designations: Junior Doctor
Junior Doctor is somewhat of a confusing title. It often refers to doctors who are at ST3+ level but have not yet completed a UK training programme.
Medical SAS Doctor
Designations: Senior Doctor, Specialist
SAS Doctors have at least four years of full-time postgraduate training, with two of those being their relevant speciality. These doctors usually occupy more permanent roles within the UK and can work across primary, community or inpatient care.
Broad Medical Titles
In addition to the specific titles above, there are a number of doctor’s titles that refer to their roles broadly.
Medical Junior Doctor
The term junior doctor refers to qualified doctors with clinical training, ranging from F1 up to ST9.
Medical Registrar
Designations: SpR, Junior Doctor, Middle Grade
An older term but still used occasionally, Registrar refers to the main training grade for doctors in speciality training. The term can refer to both trainees and non-trainees, usually relating to ST3 or higher.
Medical Senior Doctor
Designations: Specialist Grade, Speciality Doctor, Associate Specialist, GP, Consultant
Senior doctors are able to practise independently. The term could refer to a doctor working as a consultant, SAS doctor or as a GP in the UK.
Medical Consultant
Designations: Senior Doctor
Senior doctors who have completed full medical training in their specialised area can be referred to as consultants. Consultants typically work in hospitals or community settings, with a range of clinical and administrative responsibilities.
There are two types of consultants:
Substantive – Consultants who have been appointed to the Specialist Register and completed a GMC-approved training programme or completed an application for CESR or CESR-CP.
Locum – Locum refers to consultants who are in an equivalent post, but are not required to be on the specialist register. As Locum doctors are unable to take permanent positions due to the nature of their work, a different designation is required.
Medical GP
GP, or General Practitioner, is a doctor responsible for the primary care of their patients across many specialist areas. GP’s are trained to practise independently and are listed on the GMC’s GP register.
Locum Doctor
Locum doctors cover roles temporarily in the healthcare industry. Any doctor can work as a locum (besides F1 doctors) and they must be fully registered with the GMC.
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