Dr. Inna, a Ukrainian doctor who lost her life’s work in the full-scale Russian invasion, is now practicing medicine in London and assisting other refugee healthcare professionals in finding employment in the UK. Inna described her life before the war as fulfilling, with a career, home, and a sense of security. “I never imagined leaving,” she stated.
As the war raged and bombs fell on Kharkiv, Inna embarked on a journey to rebuild her career, home, and sense of safety. Her story, like that of over 260,000 Ukrainians who sought refuge in the UK following the invasion, highlights loss, resilience, and the transformative power of welcome. It also underscores the potential of talented refugees when given the opportunity to contribute.
Escaping War with Assistance
When the war began and the surrounding buildings crumbled under intense conflict, Inna, her two daughters, parents, and cat fled Kharkiv with only essential documents and belongings. Initially, they believed they would return home within days. During a journey exceeding 26 hours through Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania, the family encountered strangers who shared food, offered safety, and showed kindness. “I still remember them. They were like family,” Inna said of the volunteers who chose to help.
After traveling through Bulgaria and reuniting with friends she had met years earlier in London, Inna arrived in the UK in May 2022 through the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ program. This community-led initiative supports Ukrainian war refugees by providing safe accommodation and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Starting Anew, Step by Step
Like many who are forced to flee their home country, Inna faced obstacles in resuming her profession, including language barriers and the non-recognition of her qualifications. She began working in an administrative role at the UK National Health Service (NHS) Lewisham and Greenwich Trust in southeast London. Her colleagues at the NHS became her “work family.” They supported her English language development, boosted her confidence, and encouraged her to undertake the necessary examinations to practice as a doctor in the UK. “They believed in me more than I believed in myself,” she said. She passed all required exams and returned to her chosen specialty, rheumatology, providing direct patient care. Over 60,000 of the more than 260,000 Ukrainians who have arrived in the UK since the invasion are now employed across various sectors of the economy.
Building a Network for Refugee Healthcare Professionals
Inna’s journey did not end there. Alongside other displaced healthcare professionals, she co-founded the Ukraine Medical Support Organisation, a national network that assists doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals among refugees in accessing NHS employment opportunities. Her advocacy also helped shape the NHS Refugee Employment Program, which guides refugees into various roles within the UK’s healthcare system. Kathleen, a rheumatology clinical nurse specialist and Inna’s colleague, stated, “Refugees want to give back to this country, and we have a duty to welcome them.” Today, Inna balances her work and family life in London “like an ordinary person.” What resonates most with her is her experience across different countries, neighborhoods, and hospital corridors: the power of hospitality. “When you are forced to flee, your roots feel severed. The NHS and the people around me helped me grow new roots. That stability, that kindness, it changes everything – like sunshine in your garden,” she added.
