Refugee Doctors

River Place has been one of the top London based GP Practices offering work placements to refugee doctors since 2013.

Working with the refugee unit (RAGU) at London Metropolitan University, River Place hosted 5 supervised placements for qualified and experienced doctors and a nurse in HCA roles, which proved to be an invaluable and significant experience both professionally and personally for them: their first experience in the NHS, working in a fast-paced clinical environment as a member of the healthcare team, meeting patients directly, managing health-checks, phlebotomy, ECGS and other clinical and non-clinical responsibilities.

After 3 months all were offered paid roles which enabled the doctors to work and study for the challenging GMC registration exams. Now some are working in NHS Trusts as medics.

Dr Sophy Wollaston, GP, River Place Practice said: We’ve had many placements over the years and trained the refugee doctors and nurse to work as HCAs. They have blossomed, been highly motivated, quick to learn and became valued members of our team. All are now registered.

Hilawi, Doctor from Ethiopia said: Every time I had a question, the staff were so willing to help, boosting my confidence and helping me regain skills I thought I’d lost during my four-year career gap. This placement has been a crucial stepping stone, preparing me to pursue my career in the NHS, marking the beginning of my future medical journey.

Congratulations to River Place for effectively championing and supporting experienced skilled refugee health professionals who have so much to offer the NHS.

Published: Apr 11, 2025