For many international medical graduates (IMGs), securing a clinical attachment or observership is an important first step towards working in the NHS. These short, unpaid placements allow you to understand how UK healthcare works, build confidence, network with other doctors and strengthen your CV when applying for jobs. But what exactly is an observership, and how do you go about arranging one?
How Long Do They Last?
Most attachments are 4–8 weeks long. Some practices or hospitals may offer shorter or longer options, but a month is a common duration.
What Can You Do on an Observership?
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Sit in on consultations and ward rounds
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Observe how doctors interact with patients and colleagues
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Watch multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings
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Learn about NHS processes, clinical governance, and record-keeping
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Start to understand the IT systems.
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Offer your proposed assessment to the team
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Gain an understanding of the culture and working environment
What You Cannot Do
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No direct patient care – you cannot undertake intimate examinations, treat, or prescribe
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No employment relationship – this is unpaid and not considered “work”
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No independent responsibility – everything is purely observational
Do You Need a Visa?
Normally all that is required is a Standard Visitor visa, just like most other tourists. This allows you to come for up to six months and specifically includes unpaid clinical attachments/observerships as a permitted activity.
The host organisation (hospital or GP surgery) does not need to sponsor you. Instead, they provide an invitation or offer letter confirming the dates and nature of your observership, which you can use to support your visa application.
What Other Documents Are Needed?
Each host organisation sets its own requirements, but typically you will need to provide:
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Passport and visa
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Primary medical qualification (PMQ) certificate
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CV
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Occupational health clearance (vaccinations, TB, Hep B)
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Criminal record / police check from your home country
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References from recent supervisors
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Confidentiality agreement
Why Are The Benefits Of An Observership To An IMG?
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Understanding the NHS: Learn how consultations are structured and how teams work together
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Preparation for jobs: Having UK clinical exposure on your CV makes applications stronger
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Confidence: Many IMGs feel more comfortable applying for roles after observing the system first-hand
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Networking: You may build connections with doctors who can advise or support your career journey
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Evidence for interviews: You can reflect on what you learned in interviews and applications
How GMC Appraisals Can Help...
GMC Appraisals are currently in the final steps of securing several observership attachments for IMGs. Please do check the link below to find out more.
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