If you are an ambitious doctor seeking an International Clinical Fellowship Programme, and who meets the entry criteria outlined below, submit your application by 15 July 2022
Training doctors to become world-class specialists is at the heart of what we do. We believe that being a doctor is one of the most rewarding and important professions there is.
Our International Clinical Fellowship Programme offers two-three years of hands-on clinical training to doctors from outside Ireland who are sponsored by their government to undertake postgraduate medical training abroad. Chose from over 30 specialties and subspecialties in the areas of Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Occupational Medicine, Paediatrics, Pathology, and Public Health Medicine (view our brochure below for a full list of specialties and scroll down for programme curricula).
If you train with us, you will have the opportunity to develop as a specialist and leader and you will return home equipped with world-class clinical skills and training, a global perspective on the opportunities and challenges in healthcare, and the knowledge and confidence to drive change.
*Note: You asked and we listened; the deadline for applications has been extended from 30 June to 15 July 2022.
Members of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (i.e. doctors who have achieved MRCPI) and doctors with required IELTS or OET will be given priority. If you are interested in taking the MRCPI in General Internal Medicine or Paediatrics please note that holders of the full Arab/Omani/Saudi Board are exempt from MRCPI Part I. Priority will also be given to candidates who hold MRCPUK.
In addition to the general entry requirements listed above, certain specialties have additional specific requirements, which are outlined in the relevant ICFP curriculum.
Doctors applying to our International Clinical Fellowship Programmes must have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall bandscore of 7.0 and a minimum score of 6.5 in each of the four domains. The IELTS test taken must be 'Academic' and must have been completed within the last two years. The OET exam is also accepted with a minimum grade of B required. Unfortunately, the Medical Council of Ireland does not accept any other certificate (i.e. TOEFL).
You will be assessed for communication skills and clinical competence at interview and must be deemed competent in these areas before you can be accepted onto the programme.
We know that moving to another country to undertake medical training involves a lot of preparation and paperwork. We are committed to making sure that each doctor coming to Ireland will enjoy as smooth a transition as possible to our training programmes.
Castel Education, an agency that specialises in supporting individuals and families coming to Ireland, is our chosen partner to provide a range of services for doctors and their families, such as
"Once accepted onto the programme, RCPI have a dedicated team to help me with the registration process step-by-step, until you’re completely settled in Ireland. They were fantastic, and were available for queries throughout the entire fellowship."
Dr Fatima Al Washahi
Clinical Fellowship in Maternal Medicine
The ICFP is completed under the guidance of leading consultant trainers in accredited hospitals across Ireland. There is an emphasis on acquiring expertise in techniques and subspecialties for which there is limited, or no, training in your home country.
The programme has been developed in conjunction with postgraduate medical training bodies in Ireland with the support of the Health Service Executive National Doctors Training and Planning (HSE NDTP).
On completion of the ICFP, you will be awarded with a Certificate of Clinical Fellowship Training in your chosen specialty by the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
"I wanted to be trained in a centre of excellence. I was impressed by RCPI’s training programme, which has a lot of hands on experience, and a good balance between supervision and independent clinical practice. The RCPI team are very cooperative and helpful. It’s an amazing experience. I would highly recommend it to others."
Dr Saleh Al Draiweesh
Clinical Fellowship in Gastroenterology
"The most important thing is that everything is very well organised beforehand and the programme is very well structured. It is also very easy to communicate with supervisors and the College. If you have any kind of issue, they sort it out as soon as possible, which is really great."
Dr Waddah Ashram
Clinical Fellowship in Cardiology
Sinéad has overall responsibility for the development and growth of existing and new business across the College, including the International Training Programmes. One of the most enjoyable aspects of her role is engaging with trainees and graduates of our programmes, meeting with interested candidates, and leading engagement with our international partners.
Taimse manages RCPI's Residency and Clinical Fellowship Programmes and plays a central role in their growth and development. Working closely with the International Training Team, she is dedicated to ensuring that each International Trainee is well supported and gets the most out of their training and experience in Ireland.
Diana manages the recruitment and selection process for the International Training Programmes and plays a key role in their development.
Dale is responsible for managing the International Clinical Fellowship Programme and International Residency Training Programme.
Contact Louise for information about our International Residency Programme. She is responsible for Post Interview/Site Management. She looks after the current IRP trainees.
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