An inspiring event for refugee doctors
Read what happened when St Thomas’ Hospital opened their doors to skilled Breaking Barriers clients.
Breaking Barriers’ partnership with Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) is helping both requalifying and qualified refugee doctors find their way back into work in the UK. Most recently, a careers event hosted at St Thomas’ Hospital saw 26 talented refugee doctors come together, eager to rebuild their medical careers and contribute to the NHS.
The event was a hub for practical advice and crucial insights into the NHS job application process. HR and hiring consultants with firsthand NHS recruitment experience shared valuable tips, guiding attendees through the system’s complexities. Following this, experts from the General Medical Council presented a session that simplified the requalification process, empowering attendees with the clarity they need to confidently pursue their medical careers.
Speaking at the event was Breaking Barriers client Maryna Startseva, a plastic surgeon and associate professor from Ukraine. Maryna talked about the support she received from our new Language and Re-accreditation Programmes, which were previously part of RefuAid. Attendees heard how the team helped Maryna successfully pass her Occupational English Test before supporting her in securing a clinical observership in plastic surgery at St Thomas’ Hospital. Maryna is currently completing a three-month clinical attachment at the same hospital. It was an honour to hear about the partnership’s transformative impact on her.
Beyond the talks, the event offered invaluable networking opportunities to connect with GSTT staff. The peer-to-peer support was inspiring, with attendees exchanging experiences, advice and encouragement – creating the supportive space needed for professional growth and integration.
Another Breaking Barriers client, Awil, shared his deep passion for restarting his career in the NHS. Stepping back into a hospital setting during the event, he felt a strong sense of nostalgia and excitement at the possibility of reclaiming the profession he had devoted himself to.
Daghni Rajasingam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at GSTT, said the Trust was proud to work with Breaking Barriers and emphasised its commitment to “improve access to healthcare services, reduce health disparities, and promote health equity”. Reflecting on collaborating with Breaking Barriers, Dr Rajasingam reiterated the value of supporting refugee doctors’ integration into the NHS by offering mentorship and training. She believes this not only addresses workforce shortages but ensures that skilled refugee professionals continue to make a meaningful contribution to patient care and the medical community.
“By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we are committed to helping refugee doctors achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Dr Rajasingam.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for specialities with skills gaps to find highly skilled doctors from overseas with unique and diverse skill sets and experience, whilst highlighting to our staff the Breaking Barriers Language and Re-accreditation Programmes, which supports healthcare professionals as they navigate the necessary exams to re-register with their professional bodies.”
GSTT is excited about the future of this partnership and looks forward to continuing this important work. Together with Breaking Barriers, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of refugee doctors and the communities we serve. We believe that by working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for all.
Dr Daghni Rajasingam - Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
This inspiring event was a powerful example of the positive impact that Breaking Barriers and GSTT can create together. We’re very grateful for the Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting our clients in their journeys back to the medical field. We look forward to seeing the lasting influence of this partnership on refugees’ professional lives and the value these talented doctors will bring to the NHS.
