Damascus to Newcastle: rebuilding my career as a refugee doctor

2019: Arrived as a refugee, no documents, no English exam\n2020-21: BMA Refugee Doctor scheme + free IELTS via charity\n2022: PLAB 1 and 2 passed with NHS-funded clinical attachment\n2023: Trust Grade in Geriatric Medicine, Newcastle

I lost all my certificates fleeing Damascus. The Syrian Medical Council took 16 months to re-issue them. The BMA Refugee Doctors Initiative literally saved my career.

If you are a displaced doctor, contact REACHE North West, BMA, or Refugee Council before doing anything else. There is funded support most IMGs never hear about.