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The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam is one of the most chosen licensure examinations to practice medicine in the UK. Being a highly challenging exam, most IMGs face a tonne of challenges in the path to achieving medical success in the exam. This article explores the challenges medical graduates face when taking the exam.

• English language proficiency

Showcasing the linguistic prowess of IMG’s in English is a must, as one of the eligibility criteria of PLAB is to demonstrate proficiency in communication. This is typically completed through passing standardised tests like IELTS or OET. For non-native speakers this can be a hard challenge in comparison to native speakers.

• Fluent Communication Skills

Beyond proficiency in the language itself, a PLAB aspirant needs to exhibit fluent patient communication and colleague communication. When it comes to IMGs, one of the major obstacles is the lack of familiarity with NHS UK medical terms.

• Simulated Clinical Environment

Lack of clinical experience adhering to NHS UK guidelines is another major obstacle faced by IIMGs when it comes to the PLAB 2 exam. The best way to guarantee one’s clinical competence is by simulating such a UK-based clinical experience.

• Time Management

As a time-orientated exam, PLAB aspirants need to have a phenomenal grasp of time management skills for both PLAB exams. In the PLAB 1 exam, this would help in answering all of the questions within the given time limit. When it comes to the PLAB 2 exam, the time management skills would be a tremendous advantage in achieving success.

• Adapting to the UK Healthcare System

The core challenge faced by the IMGs when it comes to the PLAB exam is the lack of familiarity with NHS UK guidelines. Due to the differences in medical guidelines across the globe, there might be slight variations from their native practice guidelines. Most IMGs need to understand the difference in guidelines and gain clinical exposure in UK healthcare guidelines.

PLAB is really hard to tackle for the majority of IMGs without the right guidance and a wide array of learning resources. StudyPLAB offers all this and more, with a series of flexible PLAB courses under the guidance of a panel of expert mentors.

Feel free to contact us for more information.

Authored By: Sanad Beevi