This course explains what a clinical attachment is, what it can and cannot do for an international medical graduate, and how to find one. It then covers how to behave and learn during the placement, and how to leave with a meaningful reference and evidence that strengthens your NHS job applications.
What you will learn
- Explain what a clinical attachment is, how it differs from employment, and the limits on what an observer may do.
- Plan a targeted approach to finding a clinical attachment, including a professional enquiry email.
- Set realistic learning objectives for an attachment and record evidence of learning.
- Behave professionally during an attachment, respecting patient consent, confidentiality and information governance.
- Request and obtain a reference or letter of attendance that accurately describes what you observed and did.
Course content
- What a clinical attachment is and is not (2 min)
- Is an attachment right for you now? (3 min)
- Finding a placement (3 min)
- During the attachment: professionalism and learning (3 min)
- Case study: two observers (2 min)
- Securing a reference and using the experience (2 min)
- Turning the attachment into application evidence (3 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024), particularly honesty, working within competence, and confidentiality
- GMC: Confidentiality: good practice in handling patient information
- GMC: Decision making and consent (2020)
- Local NHS trust or health board policies on honorary contracts, observerships and pre-placement checks
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.