One of our sixth-year medical students, Julius Angeles Bullo, had the privilege of participating in the Medical Defence Union’s IMG Conference: Thrive in the UK, held in London on Thursday, 14th November. This event was tailored for international medical graduates (IMGs) and final-year medical students, aiming to support their adaptation to working within the UK healthcare system.

The conference opened with a warm welcome from Professor Ashok Handa, a vascular surgeon at the University of Oxford, who spoke about the structure, principles, and core values of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Professor Handa, who is one of Julius’ professors at the Oxford University Medical School, provided invaluable insights into the unique aspects of the NHS. Julius is currently completing his final year of medical studies while holding the distinction of being a Recognised Student at Oxford University’s Nuffield Department of Medicine.

The day continued with a series of engaging talks from distinguished speakers. Dr Sarah Jarvis highlighted common pitfalls in UK medical practice, while Professor Peter Brennan, a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon, addressed the critical topic of patient safety, focusing on human factors that can reduce error and improve both individual and team performance. Dr Oliver Lord delivered an insightful session on reflective practice, particularly addressing how to manage situations when things go wrong. Dr Chaand Nagpaul spoke on the challenges IMGs face in maintaining their wellbeing while navigating the pressures of UK practice.

The delegates were then divided into three rotating breakout sessions, where they received training on key practical topics: Communication in Practice, Confidentiality in Practice, and Consent in Practice. These sessions provided hands-on guidance on critical aspects of day-to-day medical practice in the UK.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion featuring six IMG doctors, who shared their experiences and advice on succeeding in specialty practice. The interactive Q&A session allowed delegates to ask questions and gain valuable insights into the realities of building a medical career in the UK.

The event was a valuable and inspiring experience for all delegates, equipping them with important skills and knowledge to navigate a career in the UK healthcare system. Julius expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to attend and learn from such a prestigious gathering of medical professionals.