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 […]
👁 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. 🔍 […]
👁 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 […]
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 […]
👁 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 […]
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, […]
👁 What Does “Abdomen” Mean? The word abdomen refers to the part of the body between the chest and the pelvis that contains many major organs. The term comes from the Latin abdōmen, meaning “belly” or “lower trunk.” In everyday English, people often say “stomach,” but in clinical and academic settings, healthcare professionals use abdomen […]
👁 What Does “Flank” Mean? Flank refers to the side of the body between the lower ribs and the hip. The term comes from modern English, originally describing the side or edge of something, and it was later adopted into medical language to describe this specific body region. In clinical contexts, it is commonly used […]
Many doctors who aim to practise clinically in the UK feel hesitant about having to restart their careers as trainees. For IMGs who have already spent many years working as fully qualified specialists abroad, the prospect of returning to several years of postgraduate training can feel unnecessarily time-consuming. Traditionally, doctors in this position utilised the […]
👁 What Does “Hypochondriac Region” Mean? The hypochondriac region refers to the upper side areas of the abdomen located just beneath the rib cage, on both the right and left sides. The word comes from the Greek hypo (“under”) and chondros (“cartilage”), referring to the cartilage of the ribs. In anatomy, it is one of […]