Medical doctor
Caption An MSF doctor treating a resident of the Khandak el-Ghamik neighborhood in Beirut. © Mohamad Cheblak / MSF
Being a Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) medical doctor is exciting and eye-opening work.
From caring for people living with neglected tropical diseases to conducting rounds to survey trauma patients in a large Ministry of Health hospital after a bout of conflict, MSF’s doctors provide life‑saving care every day in our projects.
Responsibilities
Being a medical doctor with MSF can be a challenging role, and the needs are very diverse depending upon the project you work in. Medical doctors are based in the project, and will often care for people affected by some or all of the following :
- Malaria
- Malnutrition
- HIV / AIDS or TB
- Injuries sustained in a conflict zone
- Trauma
- Tropical Diseases
\"I feel I make a greater impact on the patients that I see working with MSF, because they are much more in need. It has given me real perspective on life and has made me realise how privileged we are here.\"
Application guide
Read our guide on the application process for all overseas roles
Read our guide >
Role requirements
- A minimum of 3 years\' professional experience after registration – ST3 level
- Current or recent clinical experience
- Full GMC or Irish Medical Council Registration
- Available for a minimum of nine months
- Minimum of six months’ relevant work, volunteering or travel experience in low-income countries
- Willingness to work in unstable areas
- Adaptable and able to work in a multicultural team
- Able to provide training and supervision to others
- Fluency in English
- Diploma level of training in tropical medicine and / or infectious disease (especially TB and HIV / AIDS) from a recognised training provider, for example, the London or Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (see FAQs for more on accepted training in Tropical Medicine)
Assets
- Minor surgical and obstetrical experience
- Managerial and supervisory experience
- Paediatric, ER or other specialisations
Languages
We are always looking for doctors with good French or Arabic skills.
If you speak French or Arabic to the appropriate B2 level where you can be placed in a French or Arabic speaking mission such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Chad or Yemen, you’re much more likely to be accepted onto our register.
Your language level may be tested during the recruitment process.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Medical doctor
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like MSF UK often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at MSF UK
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at MSF UK. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at MSF UK.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at MSF UK.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at MSF UK.
