Medical Protection responds to survey revealing international medical graduates feel unwelcome in UK

Commenting on the Unison survey of international medical graduates, Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, Medical Director at Medical Protection, said:

“The concerns reported in Unison’s survey about international medical graduates feeling unwelcome in the UK should give us all serious pause. Internationally trained doctors have been integral to the NHS since its establishment and remain a cornerstone of its ability to deliver safe, effective care today.

“While it is entirely reasonable for the UK, or any country, to aspire to a health service increasingly sustained by domestically trained doctors, this ambition must not come at the expense of the workforce we already rely on. Many international medical graduates have built their lives and careers here, serving patients with skill and dedication.

“By creating an environment that feels unwelcoming and unstable, we would not only lose experienced and committed doctors when we cannot afford to, but also deter talent from coming to the UK in the future. That would ultimately weaken the very system we are trying to strengthen.

“At Medical Protection, we support over 350,000 healthcare professionals from all around the world – many of whom choose to relocate globally, to enrich their skills and expertise, address critical workforce shortages, or to make a lifestyle change. We believe the challenge in the UK and around the world does not come down to a choice between domestic training and international recruitment - both must appropriately supported, valued, and retained.”