Vacancies for Resident Medical Officer (RMO) in the UK
IMS has many vacancies for EU doctors interested in working in the UK as an RMO (Resident Medical Officer). These positions are an excellent first step for an overseas doctor to start working in a UK hospital. The majority of doctors we recruit are experienced in anaesthesia and surgery. We also have private psychiatric hospitals across the UK requiring RMO doctors with psychiatric experience. IMS assists with all aspects of the recruitment process. We advise on CV, all other required documentation, GMC registration, the interview process and resuscitation courses.
IMS Recruitment; the leading agency recruiting RMO doctors from across the EU
Requirements for RMO Candidates
The main requirements we are looking for are from an RMO doctor are:
- Excellent English
- A minimum of 2 year’s experience since qualification.
- Eligible for full GMC registration
- Demonstrable Skills in resuscitation, taking of blood, i/v drips, catheterisation, ECG
What is RMO work
UK private hospitals are set up by commercial companies to provide medical services to supplement the NHS. Predominantly, the hospitals are offering elective surgery such as hip or knee replacement. However, there are some psychiatric hospitals with patients that have been referred to them by the NHS.
The UK requires a private hospital to have a doctor on duty at all times. During the day, there are usually quite a few consultants treating their patients. But in the evening and overnight this is not the case and so the hospitals employ a doctor to be on the premises at all times. This doctor is called a Resident Medical Officer or RMO and one of his/her primary tasks are to deal with cardiac arrests and other emergency situations during the evening / night. As the first minutes after a cardiac arrest are crucial, the RMOs live in the hospital. During the day, the RMOs deal with booking patients in, pre-op preparation and post-op care. Very rarely, RMOs may be asked to assist in theatre.
These RMO posts are clinically undemanding compared with the NHS and are ideal for doctors studying for postgraduate exams or for doctors looking to broaden their work experience. The main clinical skills that are essential are: taking blood from patients, inserting i/v cannulas and resuscitation.
The psychiatric hospitals offer slightly different work and it is more demanding clinically with some direct patient care and responsibility involved. By its nature, it is primarily for doctors with psychiatric experience and is an excellent starting point for junior psychiatrists looking to develop a career in the UK.
Hospitals look for high quality doctors who will work on a minimum of six month contracts to give them continuity. The role is attractive to doctors from overseas because it has given them an introduction to the UK and a base from which to search for a full time post in the NHS or a means of earning good money for a short time in the UK.
The main clinical skills needed to be an RMO
The RMO must be able to lead CPR and be confident in dealing with clinical emergencies until relieved by a consultant. Generally, hospitals require an RMO to have at least two years’ clinical experience and to be able to exercise appropriate clinical judgment in the absence of the Consultant. In addition to good all round medical experience, the main skills include being able to take blood samples from patients, to insert cannulas (I/Vs) and sample blood gases.
Doctors with experience in Anaesthetics/ICU are the most sought after for the surgical RMO posts. Psychiatric RMOs will need to have had psychiatry experience. Doctors will need to be registered with the UK’s GMC, but there is no requirement to be on the specialist register or to have completed a medical specialisation. There is no specific age limit, but it is unlikely that applicants over the UK retirement age of 65 will be considered.
Resuscitation courses
All doctors are required to complete specialised life-saving course (ERC accredited ALS and PALS course). If you do not have either of these already, we arrange them for you. We organize these courses in various EU countries after every interview with the employer.
How many hours are worked?
An RMO is on call for 168 hours per week. Most RMOs work two weeks on and one week off. Since on call time is classed as work, RMOs choose to opt out of clause 4i of the UK Working Time Regulations (the 48 hour working week). RMO work qualifies for derogation in terms of rest breaks so RMOs aggregate their breaks and take them in their weeks off. Technically, doctors do not get “holiday” as well as the one week in three break, so the pay includes holiday pay in lieu.
What is the offer
An RMO currently earns approximately pre tax pay of around £60,000 in a year for 35 weeks of work and 17 weeks of free time. This includes a bonus for staying for the full length of the contract and holiday pay. Contracts are usually for 6 months. All private hospitals provide free meals and comfortable accommodation while on duty. However, during your “off” week, you will normally have to make your own arrangements for accommodation. Often doctors return to their home country for a week or visit friends and relatives within the UK.
How to apply for a job as an RMO
Submit your CV for an RMO Vacancy in the UK: If you are interested in coming to work in the UK or Ireland, please send a CV as per the RMO CV shown here
Contact
Contact IMS Recruitment to discuss an RMO Vacancy -
Email Lyn Craven: lyn@imsrecruitment.com for more information or to arrange an interview.
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