Dr Hazzim Elawad, who gained GMC registration through Lincolnshire Refugee Doctor Project, shares his thoughts on the benefits of programme membership.

“The quest towards General Medical Council (GMC) registration through the PLAB exams can be long and tiring. This is manifested in the time and effort required to do so. The COVID-19 pandemic also seriously impacted on the number of PLAB test places available, creating an ongoing backlog and significant numbers of doctors waiting to book and secure a seat.

Another challenge is having to combine study with work while pursuing exams. Exams are expensive and no one would risk taking the PLAB 2 exam unless they feel well prepared. As a result of this, guidance and support is a game changer here, leaving the candidate with higher chances of passing first time.

As I decided to take the PLAB route towards registration in the GMC, I was looking for a recent taker to give me an insight about the exam. A friend mentioned to me a group that helps doctors through this route, and so I heard about the Lincolnshire Refugee Doctor Project (LRDP).  I wasn’t sure if I would meet their requirements of joining, since the group name implies certain statuses only being accepted, but I gave it a try to see what could come out of it.

Things went smoothly, and after a few days, I was given the green light to start attending sessions, which was a major positive turning point for me. Although the exam effort mainly depends on the exam taker; facilitation and mentoring provides you with a firm footing, and LRDP played a crucial role here.

Through the PLAB 1 time, I was, among other colleagues, blessed with a group of volunteering senior doctors and consultants who devotedly kept helping and supporting all the candidates through the period of the exam, sharing their valuable experiences that aligned with the materials needed for studying. They also simplified many ‘twisted’ questions, and provided clear explanations of the exam preparation material.

After passing through the PLAB 1 gate, I reached another level of care and support from LRDP. The PLAB 2 exam tests you on many aspects which require devotion and patience to master. Again, LRDP tutoring with its high quality of production and sincerity, resulted in the exam being approachable and with no doubt, very doable.

LRDP generosity in support is shown in many ways. This includes providing some of the expenses needed for the exam.

As they say: ‘A team without leadership is like a ship without a rudder’ and the LRDP team who are coordinating and facilitating the “ship” of success that carries candidates to their goals, are the cornerstone of this successful story, with Carol Hornsey, Emma Riley and others behind the scenes, being the leaders of this ship towards the shores of success.

At the end, the light at the end of the tunnel was reached by me, as well as many other colleagues, and the PLAB journey came to a nice end. Despite being a hard and difficult journey, it was with no doubt made smooth and easy by LRDP’s endless help and support”.