Challenges of Brexit for a medical fellowship in the United Kingdom

Abstract

BackgroundOn the 31st of January 2020, the United Kingdom (UK) officially withdrew from the European Union (EU), an event commonly referred to as "Brexit", from the blend of the terms British and exit. During the 47 years of British membership, the EU and its predecessor, the European Communities, grew to be of significant social, financial, and political importance to the UK. Consequently, Brexit is expected to have a strong impact both inside and outside the UK. Although some of the effects of Brexit have already been noted, many others remain largely unknown, since the UK is the first and only member state to have ever left the EU. Naturally, the National Health Service (NHS) and its employees are not immune to Brexit. Herein, we outline the process required to be followed by international medical graduates who wish to work in the NHS, and we briefly discuss observed and potential consequences of Brexit on recruitment and retainment of medical staff.