Ukrainian doctor, Maryna, shares her journey of rebuilding her healthcare career in the UK, with the help of our Language and Re-accreditation Programmes.
My first experience with the Language Programme, now run by Breaking Barriers, was when I was planning to pass my English exam. At the time, the team was based with RefuAid, and they provided me with an offline, intermediate-level English course for nearly four months in total, full-time. It was a great experience. I improved my level of English from level B1 to B2, and then I started preparing for the OET (Occupational English Test) exam.
I was also offered a short, one-week course at the same English school for OET preparation and had the cost of the exam covered. I was very happy to pass this exam on my first attempt.
After my full General Medical Council (GMC) registration and PLAB 2 (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board – an exam needed to register with the GMC), RefuAid held a big event at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. They announced a collaboration with the hospital and mentioned they could support doctors in getting clinical attachments.
After passing my PLAB 2 exam, I was referred to one of the mentors at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. Fortunately, I received a placement there in the Plastic Surgery Department — exactly my top choice.
Clinical Attachment at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital
I spent three months as an observer and, after obtaining my GMC registration, I spent another three months doing a hands-on clinical attachment. I was very grateful for this experience because it was totally different from my home country. After a three-year gap in my profession, I could participate in surgery again. This clinical attachment helped me gain back my confidence and realise that I had not forgotten my surgical skills.
During my attachment, I attended many multidisciplinary team meetings, which was something new for me. These meetings involved discussions between different specialities. For example, in plastic surgery, there were regular meetings with oncologists, radiologists, plastic surgeons, paediatric surgeons, and dermatologists. From this attachment, I learned not only about professional skills and demands but also about the daily schedule of doctors and how I could fit into this field in the UK.
After a three-year gap in my profession, I could participate in surgery again. This clinical attachment helped me gain back my confidence and realise that I had not forgotten my surgical skills.
Maryna
Sharing my experience
Breaking Barriers organised a new event at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. I gave a presentation about my experience with the Language and Re-accreditation Programmes and how they support doctors. I received many questions from the attending doctors. Hopefully, the story I shared was helpful.
I also had the chance to meet many doctors who gave me valuable advice. Some even invited me to attend their private clinics, where I observed operations in private plastic surgery settings. Breaking Barriers continues to help me with advice, and I also received a loan from RefuAid for medical malpractice insurance.
I am truly grateful that these programmes exist to support doctors from the very beginning — from improving their English language skills to regaining confidence and returning to the profession.
Reflections from the Re-accreditation team
Maryna was supported on her requalification journey by our Re-accreditation Manager, Bex. Reflecting on Maryna’s journey, Bex said: “Supporting Maryna has truly been a joy. As a devoted mother of two, she balanced the demands of family life while tackling challenging exams and clinical placements, showing incredible drive, passion, and commitment to rebuilding her family’s life here in the UK.
“It’s been wonderful to watch her confidence grow and to see her generously guide other requalifying doctors – a deeply proud and inspiring milestone as she begins her career while helping others navigate the journey she knows so well.”
