National:

• The Scotland Deanery has introduced a buddy system to support International Medical Graduates in Scotland. To volunteer to be a buddy or sign up a buddy please see information here.

• There is also a Facebook Group - Scottish IMGs Support Network. The group is a closed group. It gives you the opportunity to connect with your peers and participate in discussions or ask questions pertaining to IMG's. You will be asked for your GMC number for verification.

• For more in-depth information and resources on International Medical Graduates in Scotland, the Scottish Deanery IMG page provides a comprehensive wealth of information.

• National Wellbeing Hub for information on psychological first aid, the workforce specialist service helpline and much more

• International medical graduates - The MDU - online hub from the Medical Defence Union featuring Guidance on pitfalls in practice, advice on dealing with patients, communication support and resources, health and wellbeing and career development.

Local to NHS Lothian

• Local NHS Lothian WhatsApp Group - for asking questions, arranging socials and peer outings, promote wellbeing and inclusion. These activities include, but are not limited to, dinners, nights out, yearly international dinner (each IMG brings a dish from their culture to share), sports, site visits (such as the Scottish Parliament).

• IMGs NHS Lothian Teams Channel, for information, events and communications.

• Peer Mentorship Programme facilitates mentorship training for those interested in mentoring other doctors and matches those seeking mentorship. Professional mentorship can help with career progression, integrating into NHS Lothian, exam support and much more - check out the page and contact the team for details.

• Mental Health and WellBeing Information in Edinburgh

• Staff Wellbeing NHS Lothian and Lothian National Wellbeing Hub

• Wellbeing at work

• Who to escalate concerns to in Lothian

• Speak up NHS Lothian a safe space to raise concerns regarding patient safety, training or bullying

• BME & Allied Staff Network NHS Lothian committed to promoting equality and an inclusive working and learning environment

• LGBT+ Staff and Allies NHS Lothian

• Disabled Employees Network

• Youth Network

Also if you have an interest in Global Health Initiatives and connecting with like-minded individuals - we have included the link to the NHS Scotland Global Health Citizenship Programme - NHS Scotland - Global Citizenship (scottishglobalhealth.org)

Scotland Deanery is an invaluable resource to access when preparing for work in the UK - it encompasses useful information on Visas and Immigration, General Medical Council, Employment, Medical Indemnity, Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG), National Insurance Number and IT systems. Furthermore, this website gives a succinct summary of the structure of NHS Scotland, it's history and vision.

We have also included below, some video recordings of our peers who have shared:

1) The stories of their transitional journey to the UK,

2) Their experiences in the NHS, and

3) Some top tips of how to maneuver the two