International medical graduates (IMGs) working in the UK will have the opportunity to build professional networks and gain practical guidance on navigating UK medical practice at a forthcoming conference hosted by the Medical Defence Union (MDU).
The one-day event, titled Thrive in the UK: International Medical Graduates Conference 2026, will take place on Thursday 30 April 2026 in Manchester. It’s designed specifically to support doctors who qualified overseas and are either new to UK practice or already working in the NHS.
The full-day programme will provide practical advice, expert insight and interactive sessions to help international doctors adapt to the culture and expectations of UK medical practice. Delegates will also have the opportunity to explore key medico-legal topics and share experiences with peers who have successfully established their careers in the UK.
Speakers at the event include leading clinicians and educators Ashok Handa, Professor of Vascular Surgery at the University of Oxford; Peter Brennan, consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon and medical educator; and Toyosi Adeniji, GP partner and national leader for early-career GPs.
They will be joined by medico-legal experts including Udvitha Nandasoma and Oliver Lord from the MDU advisory team, as well as IMG advocates Ibrahim Ivan and Ibreez Ajaz.
Dr Udvitha Nandasoma, Head of Advisory Services at the MDU said: “IMGs make an enormous contribution to our health service, bringing vital skills and experience. Yet many doctors face challenges adapting to the UK healthcare system, with differences in clinical practices, workplace culture, communication styles and regulatory processes. This conference is all about offering IMGs practical advice and access to a range of support to help ease the transition and enable them to thrive professionally and personally.”
IMGs who attended previous conferences said: “Congratulations for the wonderful initiative. For those of us who embark on this journey of moving into the UK, there is a lot to learn. The adaptation isn't easy and this conference certainly helps to ease the process.
“The seminar was in general very interactive and insightful. It also provided an opportunity to meet new people and make friends. I was very pleased to be part of the event.”
The conference offers six continuing professional development (CPD) credits and is open to doctors of all grades and specialties who qualified outside the UK. Attendance is priced at £25 for MDU members, with early-bird tickets for non-members available from £75. (themdu.com)
International medical graduates form a vital part of the UK healthcare workforce, and initiatives such as this conference aim to support them as they build successful careers and contribute to patient care across the NHS.
For more information or to register, visit the MDU website: Thrive in the UK: international medical graduates conference 2026 - The MDU
