Rafael’s story

For refugee doctors, the journey to restarting a medical career in the UK is long, expensive and arduous.

Breaking Barriers is proud to have received support from BMA Giving to help forcibly displaced healthcare workers as they jump over the many critical hurdles to re-accreditation. These hurdles include passing language and re-accreditation exams required for General Medical Council (GMC) registration, securing clinical placements to gain necessary NHS experience, and accessing employability support to navigate the job market and obtain roles that match their skills and experience.

The BMA Giving grant helps to fund our Language and Re-accreditation Programmes, which guide and support refugee professionals throughout their requalification journeys, alongside wider support to help them progress through each of these stages.

Here, Rafael’s* story illustrates what this journey can look like for a doctor and why accessing the right support is so essential.

Rafael’s story

I qualified in medicine in the early 2000s and built a career across clinical work, research and teaching. I also worked in places affected by humanitarian crises and conflict, which shaped my approach to care and reminded me how important dignity, teamwork and clear communication are.

I was drawn to medicine because it combines direct service to people with the opportunity to contribute to big social changes by improving the quality of care as well as applying clinical research. I also grew up around hospital life and saw the work ethic and commitment my parents brought to their roles.

Seeking sanctuary

I came to the UK after years of political harassment and hostility in my country of origin. After a long period of uncertainty, the UK offered me sanctuary and gave me the opportunity to live and work in the country, temporarily.

Since being granted refugee status, I have worked in administrative and laboratory roles in the NHS. I also experienced the COVID pandemic in the UK and saw the need for healthcare professionals soar exponentially, increasing the level of burnout of people working on the front line.

Today, although the impact of COVID has subsided, the critical need for healthcare professionals persists. So, the UK seems like the right place to rebuild and contribute my skills.