This only applies to young colleagues, probably newly graduated, who wish to come and work in UK.
I strongly recommend PLAB as it takes less time and money to prepare (compared to MRCP or MSc route). Self learning for a long time for exam preparation will not count on CV. You do not want to have a long career gap. After passing PLAB, you can apply to any specialty … most candidates apply general medicine but there are plenty of jobs in Trauma and orthopaedics, Emergency Medicine, General surgery, Psychiatry, Paediatrics … (If you get GMC registration via MRCP, you can’t apply these posts).
However, I have seen a few young doctors completed MRCP in Yangon and get GMC without needing to take PLAB. They can apply any General Medicine jobs. The first job is always challenging in a foreign countries due to different practices, language, culture and personality. After a period of adaptation, they will get into training programme.
The third route how young doctors come to UK is by taking MSc course in sub-specialty or even MBA. It was popular with more affluent background especially when PLAB visa was difficult. These are proper MSc courses and usually take 2 years. They will be taught in literature search and writing up thesis. This will greatly enhanced their CV when they apply for higher specialists training in a chosen specialty. It also helps when they become consultants and want to get involved in medical educations and research. It is very expensive but it will be useful in near future. There are other benefits of doing MSc. You can finish IELTS and PLAB while you doing MSc. You are also allowed to work 20 hours/week, so if you completed PLAB and you can work as a locum. After being in UK, you will be more seasoned with language and culture. I noticed they are more assertive and get on well with my team when they do clinical attachment with me.
So, there is no clear cut one is better than other. It depends on your situation. I hope this will help some who are confused. If you are still confused, I would start dementia screening … MMSE, B12, folate, TFT, Brain imaging … (just joking)
Credit… Sir Aung aung Lwin(UK)