Why You Shouldn’t Be Scared Of Applying To The UK As An International Medical Graduate

Hi, my name is Emilia! I’m a final (6th) year medical student at the Medical University of Warsaw (Instagram: @medbyem)

I’ve always known I wanted to run away somewhere far. As a teen I’ve had NYC posters all over my room *cringe* but then I went to high school and I realised I don’t have to cross the ocean to find my place because I’ve found it closer, across the sea - in the UK.

Since my 1st year of medicine in Warsaw I had been looking for paths that would lead me to England and finally, in 4th year, I got to complete a Neurosurgery observership in London - a dream come true. Then in 5th year I was accepted for a summer elective placement at UCLH and now I’m currently deciding where to go for Foundation Training!

You see, just the fact that you don’t study in the UK doesn’t make it impossible to work there. There’s so much you can do as an IMG and you don’t have to be scared of being different - I’ve found the NHS to be so beautifully diverse and accepting, something I rarely see in healthcare back at home.

So don’t get intimidated by others, set your goals high and work for your dreams. They’re worth it!