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Medical doctor

An MSF doctor treating a resident of the Khandak el-Ghamik neighborhood in Beirut. Caption
An MSF doctor treating a resident of the Khandak el-Ghamik neighborhood in Beirut.

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."

JAVID ABDELMONEIM
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Medical doctor

Application guide

Read our guide on the application process for all overseas roles

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 (doctors without this will need to provide a transcript of training, from a recognised training faculty and proof of original registration in the country they are registered in)
  • 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.

Dr Javid Abdelmoneim in the clinic of MV Aquarius during a rescue.

In their own words

Find out more about the career of MSF doctor Javid Abdelmoneim.

Before you apply

Make sure you read our application process guide for an overview of what to expect when you apply for an overseas role with the UK.

We take your safety, security and wellbeing seriously. Please watch these videos before you decide whether or not to apply for this job.

Apply to be a medical doctor

Please only apply if you meet all of the requirements below. 

1/7

I have read and understood the role description, and feel I can fulfil this role

2/7

I have spent at least three months travelling or working in the developing world

3/7

The UK is my place of residence and I have the right to live and work in the UK

4/7

I have a valid passport

5/7

I am available for a minimum of nine months

6/7

I have managed a team of people

7/7

I have a Diploma in Tropical Medicine