A statement from the GMC on the situation in Ukraine

Professor Colin Melville, Medical Director and Director for Education and Standards at the GMC said:‘Our thoughts are with those affected by the war in Ukraine, which is having such a profound impact on the people living, studying and working there. This is a rapidly changing situation and we will work with others to make sure we are able to share the most up-to-date information and advice.

‘We’ve recently received questions about our role registering doctors in Ukraine, who may want to practise in the UK.

‘Doctors with refugee status from anywhere in the world can apply for registration, and we will do everything we can to progress their applications as quickly as possible. This includes giving them priority places for our PLAB tests and providing financial support for registration fees and other application costs. While we’re only able to expedite applications from those with refugee status, we will still provide as much support and advice as we can for other doctors who are affected by the war, and want to get registration here in the UK. And we can signpost them to other organisations that can offer support to them.

‘We have also been asked about our role in determining whether UK nationals studying medicine in Ukraine are able to transfer to medical schools in the UK.

‘We do not have a role in determining whether UK nationals studying medicine in Ukraine are able to transfer to medical schools in the UK. Our role is to make sure schools’ admissions processes are fair and transparent; and to make sure our Outcomes for graduates are implemented across their curricula and assessments. The Medical Schools Council’s website provides resources for students and explains the way medical schools operate in the UK.

‘We appreciate this is a very distressing situation for many people. We continue to work with a range of organisations, including the MSC and health services across the four countries of the UK to discuss the support and advice they have available.’