Dr. Inna Soldatenko, a consultant rheumatologist from Kharkiv, lost her career, home, and sense of security when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Three years later, amidst ongoing conflict, she is practicing medicine again in London and actively assisting other refugee health workers integrate into the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
“Before the war, I thought I’d reached everything I wanted,” Inna shared. “I had my career, my family, my home. There was never any thought of leaving.”
Inna’s experience mirrors that of over 260,000 Ukrainians who have found refuge in the UK. Her journey highlights the profound impact of welcoming skilled refugees and providing them opportunities to contribute their expertise.
Escaping the War with Assistance
When the war began, escalating destruction in Kharkiv forced Inna, her two daughters, parents, and cat to flee with minimal belongings and documents, initially expecting a short displacement. Their journey across Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania was aided by the kindness of strangers who offered food, safety, and support.
“I still remember them,” she said of the volunteers, describing them as “like part of the family.”
After transiting through Bulgaria and reconnecting with acquaintances from London, Inna arrived in the UK in May 2022 under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. This community-driven initiative enables UK residents to sponsor Ukrainians fleeing the conflict by providing accommodation and support for rebuilding lives.
Starting Over, Step by Step
Like many refugees, Inna encountered obstacles in resuming her medical career, including language barriers and the non-recognition of her qualifications. She initially took an administrative position with the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust in southeast London.
Her NHS colleagues became her “work family,” offering crucial support with her English, boosting her confidence, and encouraging her to undertake the necessary examinations to practice medicine in the UK.
“They believed in me much more than I believed in myself,” she stated.
Successfully passing all required exams, Inna returned to her specialty, rheumatology, directly caring for patients once more. Among the more than 260,000 Ukrainians who have resettled in the UK since the invasion, over 60,000 are now employed across various economic sectors.
Building a Network for Refugee Health Workers
Inna’s commitment extends beyond her personal reintegration. Collaborating with other displaced healthcare professionals, she co-founded the Ukrainian Medical Charity, a national organization dedicated to helping refugee doctors, nurses, and health workers secure employment opportunities within the NHS.
Her advocacy has also influenced the NHS Refugee Employment Programme, which assists refugees from diverse backgrounds in finding roles throughout the UK’s health service.
“Refugees want to give back to this country, and we have a duty to welcome them as well,” said Kathleen, a rheumatology clinical nurse specialist and Inna’s colleague.
Today, Inna balances her professional and family life in London, describing it as living “just like an ordinary person.” The most enduring aspect of her experience across different countries, communities, and hospital settings is the profound power of welcome.
“When you’re forced to flee, it’s like your roots are cut,” Inna explained. “The NHS and the people around me helped me grow new ones. That stability, that kindness, it changes everything – like the sunshine on your garden.”
