Mumbai to Edinburgh: 11 years post-MD, straight onto the Portfolio Pathway

I had 11 years as a consultant psychiatrist in Mumbai. The Portfolio Pathway (formerly CESR) let me skip PLAB and go straight to Specialty Doctor. Took 14 months to gather evidence, 6 months for the GMC to assess, and I started at Royal Edinburgh as an Associate Specialist.

Evidence gathering is the entire game. I had to translate, notarise, and timestamp 600+ pages of case logs, audit projects, and teaching records. Hire a portfolio coach if you can afford it.

If you have 6+ years of senior experience in your home country, do NOT do PLAB. The Portfolio Pathway is faster, pays better, and respects your seniority.