International medical graduates (IMGs) often wonder whether a portfolio career is accessible to them. It's understandable - navigating opportunities come with unique challenges to IMGs in the UK.
The realities of adapting to a new country, new home, new culture and new working environment can be all-consuming. On top of that, visa requirements and the logistical hurdles can add further complexity.
IMGs can also face stereotypes and discrimination, which is upsetting and leads to being unwanted, undervalued and overlooked. All this can cause self-doubt and cause many to underestimate their incredible potential.
But these obstacles can be overcome. International medical graduates can and do build successful portfolio careers!
What is a portfolio career?
A portfolio career essentially means having different roles within your working week. Doctors with portfolio careers typically have a breadth of clinical work and/or take on non-clinical roles alongside their main, substantial clinical role.
Portfolio careers are increasingly popular in the UK, offering variety and a way to explore wider interests and passions, both within and beyond medicine.
For example, your main role may be in psychiatry, emergency medicine or general practice. Alongside this, you might also pursue work in medical education, clinical research, health technology, lifestyle medicine, private practice or charity work. There are so many options.
As a careers coach for doctors, I've worked with doctors from all backgrounds to develop fulfilling portfolio careers. All of them have maintained clinical practice for the bulk of their working week and have complemented this with other avenues of work.
Many have branched out into exciting and interesting fields such as creative writing, hospice work, entrepreneurship, setting up businesses, medical writing and specialist clinical work.
Developing a portfolio career
Developing a successful portfolio career starts with understanding your strengths and interests. It's important to align your career with what genuinely motivates you, so that your career brings real career satisfaction and is sustainable long-term.
Portfolio careers can get busy. At times, they require a lot of organisation and juggling. Like any career path, they can become intense and challenging.
However, when your work aligns with your values and interests, you're more likely to navigate challenges constructively and stay engaged over the long run.
Some portfolio options require formal training and certification. For example, medical education, public health, occupational health, medico-legal work.
It's essential to:
- research the level of accreditation needed for the field you want to pursue
- find out how to access the courses required
- understand the financial and time commitment involved.
Beyond the relevant qualifications, work experience and networking in your field of choice are just as important.
I know networking can feel daunting, but the more you talk to other doctors - at events, conferences, workshops or on platforms like LinkedIn - the more insight you’ll gain into what it’s like to work in different fields and the opportunities available.
Making good connections is never a waste of time and can lead to helpful introductions, finding mentors and opportunities - many of which might not be formally advertised.
Building your confidence
Your background should never be seen as a barrier. In fact, it's your individual experiences, personality and perspective that make you unique and position you strongly in the world of medicine and work.
Remember to keep these things in mind:
- recognise your achievements, embrace your strengths and leverage them to build a career path that truly resonates with you
- good mentors are already working in the field you want to pursue. They can offer valuable advice and guidance on how to successfully navigate a potentially niche career, and can also help you better appreciate your relevant abilities and build your confidence
- career coaching is another excellent opportunity for you to reflect on and discuss what you want to achieve, why and how. We all face challenges, doubts and limiting beliefs that get in the way of pursuing our career goals. Coaching empowers you to conquer these, push yourself and achieve your full potential.
A portfolio career is accessible for everyone. Follow what inspires you, think strategically and don't be afraid to be creative and think outside the box or challenge the status quo.
Appreciate how far-reaching your skillset as a doctor is - embrace it, and you'll be surprised at just how far you can go.
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MDU advice
This page was correct at publication on 14/03/2025. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
by Dr Seema Pattni
Dr Seema Pattni is a careers coach for doctors. Knowing how intense it is to live the medic life and how it feels to be a woman, mum, and from an ethnic minority, she wanted to create a safe space for doctors to express their feelings about their career.
She's spoken at conferences, exhibitions and for podcasts, and has written extensively about doctors' careers.
Dr Pattni graduated from Imperial College London with an MBBS and a BSc in Neuroscience and Mental Health. She's practised in the UK and internationally, in the NHS and private sectors, exploring many aspects of medicine, leadership and service development.
drseemapattni.com