Is MTI / CPSP Scholarship Program in UK really a good option for me?

If you have been reading this blog or you might have heard about this program elsewhere you might still be wondering whether it is the right option for me. So here I will list down Pros and Cons of this route (in no particular order) and then you can decide for yourselves whether this will be a viable option for you or not

PROS

• Exposure to Medicine at an International Level with hands on clinical experience
• 2 year Training accepted by CPSP 
• Allows you the opportunity complete MRCP exams 
• Multiple specialities available including minors like Radiology, Ophthalmology, ENT  urology.
• Opportunities to attend international meetings, broaden your knowledge, improve your CV 
• Receive a handsome tax free scholarship 
• Explore and live in UK like a resident 
• Full GMC registration 
• License to practice for 2 years 
• Ability to earn money by doing Locums 
• Full and Free NHS health services 
• Bring your wife and children on dependents visa 
• Coming back home more confident and more knowledgeable thus giving back to your country
• Better care and education for your children 
• Can pursue extra degree, give any exam (avoid PLAB) 
• Opens up a path for further specialization in UK 
• No need of PLAB. 
• No need for MRCP (conventional MTI requires complete MRCP) 
• Interviews conducted multiple times every year for major Hospitals both UK and Ireland (conventional MTI interviews are conducted once every year) 

CONS

• Bond with CPSP to return to Pakistan after 2 years and not to apply for a whole year
• Tier 5 visa means your stay will not be counted towards ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) 
• Your preferred specialty might not be available 
• You will not be able to switch to any other visa 
• You can not yet enter the specialty training pathway in UK 
• You residency career may have some delays 
• It takes time to get used to the new system, environment both at work and outside which can be overwhelming 
• You might not be allowed initially to do invasive procedures 
• You will need to prove yourself that you are worthy in order to climb up the ranks 
• Initial costs can be a little daunting 
• Dependents aren't allowed to apply for training jobs 
• It's only for 2 years 
• Breaking bond with CPSP can lead to severe consequences 
• It can be expensive if coming to UK with family 
• May not get enough exposure in preferred specialty 
• Requires minimum 2yr of residency training, IMM and IELTS 

This is just an overview there might be other factors involved too for each one of you at the end its you who have to make a decision. Is it a gamble? Definitely! Could it work? Definitely! Could it backfire? Definitely! So the real question is are you prepared to take the risk? 

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