Originally Posted by radiodoc

I agree with Tihami.
I was treated pretty off handedly and abruptly by HMC probably they mistook me for a ward boy even though the email said senior consultant.
Submitted my CV---then without anyone speaking to me about the job detail--- HR asked to come over for a locum----offered to pay peanuts for the month long locum (much less than the substantive salary for an NHS consultant).When I asked to speak to someone there about what I'd be doing there for the month or asked for a higher salary---no reply,total silence.
In the background of all this negotiations ,(unfortunately)was an ex -UK Consultant from another allied speciality (on their payroll) emailing me and selling the job as 'tax free' haven with 'free accomodation' and 'free food' and 'lots of sun'.
I think there is a mismatch in perceptions somewhere on both sides -where one side thinks disgruntled dumb western doctors are queuing up to make more money so lets sign up whoever we can on cheap rates.
I would shudder to work in a place like this .
I said a polite 'no' as the salaries despite being tax free are in some ways lower and even if higher in numbers is negated by the higher cost of living and second class status (which is evident by the attitude before even joining a post).
I hope this helps others.This site is very handy I must say as I sign out- thanks for everybody's help.
)

Originally Posted by Tonk

Hi Thiami

I'm a little perplexed by your comments above. Are you suggesting that they are likely to be cutting back their expansion plans? Is this speculative or have you seen evidence of this? My understanding was that the primary care restructuring, and the mobile GP service, was an absolute priority. Is their job insecurity among the Drs?

Without hopefully sounding too crass, I was viewing the drop in oil prices, and cuts in oil industry jobs etc, as potentially improving access to school places etc.

Originally Posted by Tonk

As yet I haven't had any dealings with the HR department, but all other contact with HMC staff has been entirely professional.
I have never worked outwith UK, though I think it is commonly accepted that things are perhaps processed with less haste than what we are used to in the UK.
I hope I don't offend anyone, but I have had similarly frustrating experiences with HR departments in NHS hospitals along the way.

Again, it's clearly an individual package/decision but for purposes of clarity, the package that I have been offered is significantly more lucrative than I earn here in the UK (and I have what I would deem a very good income currently), even when deducting some additional burdens/cost of living expenses etc

Anyway, decisions, decisions. I'm still undecided though I plan to make a trip to Doha to suss things out. Too big a leap for me and my family without it.

I'm happy, and would welcome, discussion/chat with anyone who is similarly pondering the move.

Originally Posted by tihami

There is a lot of confusion at the moment. They have just terminated all the drs above 60, paramedics above 55 and most of the non-clinical staff with 2 months notice.
There is also reduction of few of the allowances that drs were getting over the last year.
There is never a job security in MiddleEast anyway. They may or may not have any further cuts this year, but if the oil price remains low or drop further down, it may cause more cuts.

Originally Posted by smarties07

Hi Tihami,

how easy is it to apply for a family residence visa. I have emailed the interior ministry as I would also like to invite my mother to stay with us and help us out.

I have received an offer but have some specific questions; I presume posting a few times will allow me to PM you with specifics.

what is the accommodation like?

posting 3 times may allow me to PM you....

how is the workload compared to the UK in real terms, you talk about approx 15 min appts, are the patients registered or all walk-ins?

Originally Posted by Abu Eesa

Salam Tonk - I have accepted an offer from Qatar and will inshallah be moving there in May. I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.

I recently visited Doha as my brother has moved there in December. My sister in law is a GP and has started working for PHCC. She tells me that PHCC are reducing salaries/packages due to the economic downturn.

Happy to help/advise if needed.

Originally Posted by Abu Eesa

Salam Tonk - I have accepted an offer from Qatar and will inshallah be moving there in May. I am a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist.

I recently visited Doha as my brother has moved there in December. My sister in law is a GP and has started working for PHCC. She tells me that PHCC are reducing salaries/packages due to the economic downturn.

Happy to help/advise if needed.

Originally Posted by tihami

Just hold on any plans to move. They have asked drs to cancel their flights just 2 days before their travel dates. There will be restructuring of the system here.

Originally Posted by Tonk

My offer is with the Mobile Doctor Service, not PHCC, do you know if their are similar concerns within this service?