Do Doctors Ever Leave NHS UK?
Yes, some doctors do leave the NHS UK for various reasons, including following other careers, working overseas, or retiring.
Career Transition and Stand-Up Comedy
While many doctors choose to stay and serve within the NHS, a significant number opt for different career paths. For instance, some juniors take a break to pursue stand-up comedy. This involves a unique transition where these doctors might spend a year or two outside the NHS environment to explore their passion for comedy.
Working Overseas to Gain Specialization
A common practice among junior doctors who wish to specialize in a particular field is to spend a year or two working abroad. A popular destination for such doctors is Australia's Flying Doctor Service, where they can gain invaluable experience and exposure to different medical practices.
Upgrading Skills and Seeking Senior Positions
Many overseas doctors who are currently working in the NHS are looking to upgrade their skills and experiences before returning to their home countries to take up senior positions in their local health services. This is a strategic move to enhance their professional backgrounds and secure better career prospects.
Advancing Careers and Exploring Uncommon Procedures
There are instances where doctors leave the NHS to work overseas to advance their careers. For example, a doctor I know spent two years in Eastern Europe, gaining experience in using bacteriophages—a procedure not commonly practiced in the UK. Returning to the UK, they might work overseas again to obtain experience with procedures that are not widely available or practiced in the UK.
Limited Employment Prospects in the UK
Some doctors leave the NHS because they face limited employment prospects in the UK. Despite the overall shortage of doctors, certain specialties are often over-subscribed, leading these professionals to seek opportunities abroad.
Additionally, the NHS might not offer the specific work areas that interest the doctor. For example, elective cosmetic surgery—a field not typically covered by NHS services—often attracts doctors who then join the private sector for this type of work.
Medical Research Opportunities
A significant number of doctors leave the NHS to pursue research careers. Many research opportunities are available outside the NHS, including in academia, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms.
One interesting exception is cosmetic surgery, where leaving the NHS for the private sector is relatively uncommon. This is because most doctors in the private sector also continue to work in the NHS alongside their private practices.
The Contractual Nature of NHS Employment
Doctors in the NHS are typically contracted and can terminate their employment agreements at any time. However, for those with private paying patients, working in the NHS remains a common practice due to the shortage of private work options, which are mainly restricted to specialist areas.