Refugee doctors

Obaidullah and Yasmin* talk about retraining to work in the NHS.

Refugee doctors

Obaidullah and Yasmin* talk about retraining to work in the NHS.

Refugee doctors

Our Building Bridges project supports refugee doctors and medical professionals to requalify and find work in the NHS. It’s a win-win situation for everyone. Let’s hear from two of the doctors.

Obaidullah

"I’m from Afghanistan. I came to UK in January 2023 as a refugee.

I was lucky enough to be introduced to the Refugee Council and a group of amazing GPs who guided us on preparing for the exams. We have been supported throughout our journey to requalify as a doctor in the UK.

It’s a dream come true to finally be able to practice again, after passing the exams. It’s getting back into the field that you love the most, that you’ve been working on for most of your life. It’s a very good feeling.
A young man with curly dark hair is sitting and gesturing with his hands while speaking. He is wearing a light-coloured button-up shirt and a black hoodie.

The UK is a very welcoming country and its multi-cultural environment is marvellous, I love that. Coming to a new country, obviously, is associated with a lot of challenges, but I am lucky enough to have been guided by some amazing people."

Yasmin*

"I’m originally from Yemen. I joined this wonderful programme, I really appreciate it. When I started, I had a mentor – a professional friend. Everyone here is so supportive and lovely. From the isolation I felt at the beginning, to sitting here confidently, speaking with everyone, it’s amazing!

I had this fear – a new country, a new culture – I’m much more confident now.

I’m a doctor of internal medicine. I arrived in the UK in October last year. I’m with my husband, he’s a doctor as well, also in the programme which had helped us both massively.

It would mean a lot to practice again. I’ve been out of hospitals for too long. I have the passion, I love being a doctor, and getting the help to go back to track is amazing." ◆

Good luck to all the refugee doctors and medical professionals who are taking their exams this year! We are excited to see you treating patients again and supporting our NHS.

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