This information sheet is intended for doctors from outside Ireland, including doctors qualified in EU/EEA countries, who wish to undertake clinical work experience, observerships, attachments, voluntary placements, or paid work in an Irish general practice.
Medical Council Registration
Any doctor who has direct clinical contact with patients, provides clinical advice, examines patients, prescribes, records clinical notes, or otherwise practises medicine in Ireland must be appropriately registered with the Irish Medical Council (IMC). Practising without registration is not permitted.
The registration route depends on:
- Where you obtained your medical qualification
- Whether you trained within the EU/EEA or outside the EU/EEA
- Your postgraduate training and professional status
See: Medical Council/Home
EU/EEA Doctors
Doctors holding qualifications recognised under EU legislation may apply for registration through the Medical Council's EU recognition pathway and must provide evidence of qualifications and current professional standing.
- Non-EU/EEA Doctors
- Non-EU doctors generally require:
- Verification of qualifications through EPIC (Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials)
- Evidence of internship and training
- Evidence of good standing from registration authorities
- English language evidence (unless exempt)
- In some cases, successful completion of the PRES examination before General Registration can be granted.
Useful Website: Irish Medical Council Registration
Observerships Versus Clinical Attachments
Non-Clinical Observership
A doctor may sometimes undertake an observership only, where they:
- Observe consultations and practice operations
- Do not independently assess patients
- Do not provide medical advice
- Do not examine patients
- Do not access records except where specifically authorised and compliant with GDPR requirements
The hosting practice must determine whether Medical Council registration is required for the proposed activities and whether patient consent and confidentiality arrangements are adequate.
Clinical Attachment/Hands-On Experience
Where a doctor will:
- Participate in patient care
- Examine patients
- Make clinical decisions
- Enter information into records
- Undertake any form of supervised clinical practice
Appropriate Medical Council registration is generally required before commencing.
Professional Indemnity Requirements
Irish law requires doctors practising medicine to have appropriate professional indemnity arrangements in place. Evidence of professional medical indemnity is required by the Medical Council.
Before commencing any attachment, doctors should confirm they have suitable cover through an indemnity provider such as:
The level of cover required will depend on whether the activity is:
The host practice may also require written confirmation of indemnity cover before allowing any placement to commence.
Immigration and Employment Requirements
Paid Employment
Doctors undertaking paid work in Irish general practice may require:
Requirements vary according to nationality and immigration status.
Voluntary Placements
Even where no salary is paid, doctors must ensure they have:
Additional Requirements Commonly Requested by Practices
Many Irish GP practices will also request:
Summary
Doctors who wish only to observe may be accommodated through a supervised observership arrangement, subject to practice approval and patient confidentiality requirements. Any doctor who wishes to participate in clinical care, whether paid or voluntary, should first obtain appropriate Irish Medical Council registration and professional indemnity cover before commencing work in an Irish general practice.
The Irish College of GPs maintain a list of GP trainers who have expressed an interest in being notified about observership requests. Please contact gptraining.ie if you wish to be added to the list as a practice of an observership enquiry.
Disclaimer: Registration, immigration and indemnity requirements can vary according to an individual's qualifications, nationality and proposed role. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the Irish Medical Council and their indemnity provider before making travel or placement arrangements.
The Irish College of GPs
Irish College of GPs
The Irish College of GPs is the professional body for general practice in Ireland, with over 5,100 GP members. Our purpose is to encourage, foster and maintain the highest possible standards in general medical practice. Since our foundation in 1984, we have remained committed to the education and training of GPs, enhancing their skills, competencies, and professionalism. We are dedicated to general practice education, training, research, and advocacy on behalf of the profession and patients.
The College is accredited by the Medical Council as the postgraduate training body (PGTB) responsible for the delivery and governance of general practice training for the specialty of general practice
At an international level, the College is a member of the World Organisation of National Colleges and Academies and Academic Associations of General Practice (WONCA).
The Irish College of GPs do not undertake any role in matching those interested in undertaking clinical work experience, observerships, attachments, voluntary placements, or paid work with GP practices, nor do we participate in or facilitate any negotiations or transactions between parties.
A summary of our International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural Programme and our General Practice Specialist Training Programme are outlined below for your information.
International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme
The IMG-Rural GP Programme is a two-year supported pathway designed to help address GP workforce shortages in rural Ireland by enabling experienced international general practitioners to work in approved rural GP practices while integrating into the Irish healthcare system. Participants are employed in rural practices, receive mentoring from an experienced GP, complete an intensive self-directed educational programme, and, on successful completion of the programme and MICGP examinations, may become eligible to apply for specialist registration in general practice in Ireland.
Eligibility is generally aimed at experienced GPs with a recognised primary medical degree outside of Ireland, at least three years' full-time relevant and comparable GP experience, evidence of good standing and registration with the relevant medical regulatory authority, and required English language competence. Applications are made directly through the Irish College of GPs, with candidates submitting supporting documentation and undergoing assessment before being matched with participating rural practices.
See: IMG Rural GP Programme
General Practice Specialist Training Programme
The College General Practice Training Programme is Ireland's four-year specialist training programme for doctors seeking to become fully qualified general practitioners. The programme consists of two years of structured hospital training followed by two years of supervised training in general practice settings, leading to Membership of the Irish College of GPs (MICGP) and eligibility for specialist registration as a GP.
Applicants must hold a primary medical qualification, be eligible for registration on the Irish Medical Council Trainee Specialist Division, satisfy HSE English language requirements, and have completed at least nine months of relevant postgraduate hospital experience. The application process is competitive and typically involves an initial application, online assessments (Situational Judgement Test and Clinical Problem-Solving Test), submission of supporting documentation, and a competency-based interview, with training places offered based on overall ranking and candidate preferences.
See: Be a GP