Tehran to Liverpool: passing MRCS in my second year as a Trust Grade

PLAB done in Tehran, no in-person attachment available. Moved to Liverpool as a Trust Grade in General Surgery, passed MRCS Part A in 9 months, Part B in 14 months, currently applying for Core Surgical Training.

Sanctions made it impossible to pay GMC and Royal College fees from Iran. A UK-based cousin had to pay everything on my behalf and I repaid after my first NHS payslip.

If you are from a sanctioned country, set up your UK bank account on week one. Open a Monzo or Starling — they are fastest. Wise also works for international transfers.