Refugee Doctor Buddying Scheme

Today, the Royal College of Anaesthetists in partnership with the Association of Anaesthetists and Refuaid launch the Refugee Doctor Buddying Scheme. The initiative aims to provide support for anaesthetists forced to migrate who wish to continue their career in anaesthesia within the NHS. Participants in the scheme will have settled status in the UK and be able to work without restriction. 

The buddy system will be key to orientating refugee doctors into the healthcare system in the UK - to help with this transition we are looking to appoint anaesthetist buddies with experience of arriving in the UK as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) who can help offer advice and guidance for those in the scheme to settle well and thrive.

Professor Ellen O’Sullivan, RCoA Council member and Global Partnerships Lead said:

“We are so pleased to be working with the Association of Anaesthetists and Refuaid on this important initiative. Doctors with refugee status coming into the UK have so much to offer and we are keen that anaesthetists have the support needed to be able to use their skills in the UK if they so wish."

"There is so much to consider when leaving your home country and starting a new life somewhere else so it is hoped that this buddying scheme can match people to help make them feel more comfortable continuing with their profession in the UK.”

If you are interested in being involved or know someone who might - take a look at more information on the RCoA website.