Originally from Afghanistan, I moved with my family to Holland as a young child and later to the UK where I completed my A levels and Medical Science Degree. I then moved to Belgium where I completed my medical degree and GP Specialist training.
Having lived in the UK as well as other countries, I was always keen to return here and practise as a GP. I strongly feel that the training and experience of working as a doctor in the UK is second to none. I already knew England to be a great country to live in and I’m attracted to the wide variety of opportunities available to doctors working within the NHS. It is really important to me professionally to work in a world-leading healthcare environment and for me the NHS is the top of the list.
Having made attempts previously to navigate the various channels to get GMC registration and a license to practise as a GP in the UK, it was clear that the process was going to be very difficult to navigate and I would have to do so with minimum support and no income until the process was complete.
When I learned about IGPR, the ball started rolling really quickly, the programme had a clear plan which would offer me the necessary training to get to the point of being able to work as an independent GP and even better was I would be paid throughout the process. I have been on the IGPR programme for 11 months and can’t express enough how wonderful and helpful the huge level of support I have received from day 1 has been.
“IGPR is such a valuable programme, without it I couldn’t have made it to where I am today – a practicing GP in the Midlands, I’m very happy.”
If I had any advice for other doctors looking for new opportunities in the UK, would be to seriously consider joining IGPR. Getting all the required paperwork in place and registration completed is complex and if attempting this on your own with no support, it can be daunting. As an IGPR candidate you are supported throughout the process by the recruitment partner and NHS England and it makes what might feel like an impossible task something which can be achieved. IGPR is such a valuable programme, without it I couldn’t have made it to where I am today – a practicing GP in the Midlands, I’m very happy.
I moved to Coventry in 2018 and I work in the city of Birmingham, which is a 30-minute drive away. The Midland offers such great access to major cities including London, with affordable housing and a good cost of living. It is a real cultural melting pot with so much diversity – to me it really is the heart of England.
I would want to anyone considering IGPR to know that you are supported from the first phone call discussing relocation, setting up a new home to working within the NHS framework with an unrivalled level of educational support and pastoral care. Take advantage of the IGPR programme whilst it is still available!
