Monthly Archives: December 2025

How to Become a RN in the UK and What You Can Earn

How to become a registered nurse in the UK, including NMC registration steps, CBT, OSCE, and average nursing salary

If you’re an internationally trained nurse aiming to work in the UK, understanding the registration process and salary expectations is essential. At OET Bank, we support healthcare professionals preparing for overseas careers with practical, exam-focused resources designed for real clinical communication. How to Become a Nurse in the UK To get straight to the point, […]

Iliac Crest – The Medical Term for “the top edge of the hip bone”

Iliac Crest – The Medical Term for “the top edge of the hip bone”

👁 What Does “Iliac Crest” Mean? The iliac crest is the curved, upper edge of the hip bone that you can often feel just under the skin. The word iliac comes from the Latin ilium, meaning hip, while crest refers to a ridge or raised edge.Put together, iliac crest literally means the ridge of the […]

Groin – The Medical Term for “the fold between the abdomen and thigh”

Groin – The Medical Term for “the fold between the abdomen and thigh”

👁 What Does “Groin” Mean? The groin refers to the fold where the lower abdomen meets the upper thigh. The word comes from Middle English and Old French roots (groyne, meaning “fold” or “angle”), describing the natural crease in this region. In medicine, the term appears frequently because many important anatomical structures pass through this […]

How to Gain Medical Registration in New Zealand: A Complete Guide for IMGs

Guide for IMGs to register in New Zealand.

Many IMGs consider New Zealand for its natural environment, safety, and education system—especially those planning for their family’s long-term future. To practise medicine in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a valid practising certificate. Below is a clear, updated overview of the main pathways IMGs […]

Understanding the UK MTI Program for International Medical Graduates

UK Medical Training Initiative (MTI) guide for international medical graduates – eligibility, GMC registration, and UK visa pathways header image

In the UK, there is a short-term clinical training program for overseas doctors known as the Medical Training Initiative (MTI). Normally, international doctors seeking clinical practice in the UK must first pass qualification examinations required for GMC registration, such as PLAB or MRCP, followed by a competitive job application process. However, physicians who already hold […]

Umbilicus – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Umbilicus – The Medical Term for “Belly Button”

👁 What Does “Umbilicus” Mean? The word umbilicus literally means the center point of the abdomen, commonly known as the belly button. It comes from the Latin word umbilicus, meaning navel or central point. In anatomy and clinical communication, umbilicus is used instead of “belly button” because it sounds professional and avoids informal language. 🔍 […]

Loin – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Loing – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

👁 What Does “Loin” Mean? Loin refers to the area of the lower back on either side of the spine, between the ribs and the hips, usually overlying the kidneys. The term comes from Latin lumbus, meaning “the lower back or flank.” In modern medical English, loin is commonly used in clinical descriptions, especially when […]

UK Consultant Pathways for IMGs: PLAB, MRCP, and Beyond

Guide to becoming a consultant in the UK for international medical graduates through PLAB, MRCP, and the Portfolio Pathway

Among IMGs who want to work in the UK, many are ultimately aiming for a consultant position. If you completed medical school outside the UK and want to practise medicine there, your first major step is registration with the GMC. The GMC is the public body that regulates doctors and maintains the medical register in […]

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine – Meaning and Usage in Medical English

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine – The Medical Term for “Front hip bone landmark”

👁 What Does “Anterior Superior Iliac Spine” Mean? Anterior superior iliac spine refers to the prominent bony projection at the front of the pelvis, on the upper edge of the iliac bone. The term comes from Latin origins: anterior meaning “front,” superior meaning “upper,” iliac relating to the pelvis, and spine referring to a sharp […]

OET vs IELTS Reading: Key Differences and How to Approach Each Exam

OET vs IELTS Reading comparison banner showing strategic differences and test-taking approaches

Recently, I’ve had more opportunities to teach IELTS alongside OET, and through that experience I’ve deepened my understanding of the key differences in reading question styles and optimal test-taking strategies. Key Differences at a Glance OET OET places strong emphasis on accurate information processing under tight time pressure. This is particularly clear in Part A, […]