From Kharkiv to the NHS: How One Doctor is Helping Refugee Health Workers Rebuild Their Careers

For Dr. Inna Soldatenko, February 24, 2022, marked a sudden and traumatic rupture in a life carefully built over decades. A consultant rheumatologist in Kharkiv, Ukraine, she was forced to flee the city alongside her two daughters and parents as Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion. Three years later, Dr. Soldatenko has successfully navigated the complex path to practicing medicine again, now serving in London and advocating for fellow refugee health professionals.

A Journey of Resilience

The journey from Kharkiv to the United Kingdom was marked by both hardship and the support of strangers. After a 26-hour drive through Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania, Dr. Soldatenko’s family sought safety across Europe. By May 2022, she arrived in the UK under the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme, a community-led initiative providing accommodation for those fleeing the conflict.

Upon arrival, Dr. Soldatenko faced the significant professional challenges common to many displaced medical experts, including language barriers and the rigorous process of having foreign qualifications recognized. Her transition began in an administrative role within the Lewisham and Greenwich Trust of the National Health Service (NHS) in southeast London.

Overcoming Barriers to Practice

The support of her colleagues at the NHS proved pivotal in her return to clinical practice. Describing her coworkers as her “work family,” she credits them with helping her refine her English and providing the encouragement necessary to sit for the required medical examinations.

“They believed in me much more than I believed in myself,” she said. Her perseverance paid off; she successfully passed the necessary exams and returned to her specialty in rheumatology, providing direct care to patients once again.

Dr. Soldatenko’s experience is part of a broader trend of integration within the UK. Since the invasion began, more than 260,000 Ukrainians have arrived in the country, with over 60,000 now employed across various sectors of the economy.

Advocacy for Refugee Health Professionals

Beyond her clinical role, Dr. Soldatenko has become a vocal advocate for others in her position. She helped establish the Ukrainian Medical Charity, a national network designed to assist refugee doctors, nurses, and health workers in navigating the hurdles to NHS employment. Her advocacy work has also informed the development of the NHS Refugee Employment Programme, which supports refugees from diverse backgrounds as they integrate into the UK health service.

Key Takeaways

• Professional Integration: Refugee health workers often face significant hurdles, including credential recognition and language proficiency, which require systemic support to overcome.
• The Power of Networks: Initiatives like the Ukrainian Medical Charity provide essential mentorship and guidance for displaced professionals seeking to return to their fields.
• Economic Contribution: Data indicates that a significant portion of Ukrainian arrivals in the UK have successfully entered the workforce, contributing to various sectors including healthcare.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Soldatenko emphasizes the importance of the community support she received. “When you’re forced to flee, it’s like your roots are cut,” she says. “The NHS and the people around me helped me grow new ones. That stability, that kindness, it changes everything.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Ukrainians have moved to the UK since the invasion?
According to recent reports, over 260,000 Ukrainians have found safety in the United Kingdom following the start of the full-scale invasion.

What is the Homes for Ukraine scheme?
It is a community-led initiative that allows individuals and families across the UK to sponsor Ukrainians fleeing the war, providing them with safe accommodation and a foundation to rebuild their lives.

What is the role of the NHS Refugee Employment Programme?
The program is designed to assist refugees from various backgrounds in accessing employment opportunities across the UK’s health service, helping to mitigate the challenges of professional integration.