Solomon's Story: From Ukraine to the NHS

My name is Solomon Siwoku, and I'm a Resident Doctor at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. My journey into medicine has been anything but linear, and I'm sharing it because, if you're reading this, there's a good chance your path hasn't been straightforward either.

After finishing college in 2011, I discovered that, because of my UK residency status, I would be required to pay international tuition fees, which were unattainable at the time. In an instant, the career path I had always imagined for myself suddenly felt out of reach.

So, I went to Ukraine to study medicine.

I know that sounds like a huge leap, and it was. There were the language barrier, unfamiliar food, and brutal winters. I remember commuting to 8 a.m. lectures through 40 centimetres of snow. But as difficult as those things were, they still weren’t the hardest part.

The hardest part was staying motivated. Day after day, in a foreign country, I had to keep focused despite countless distractions. I remember my time there fondly, but the lack of pastoral support could leave you feeling isolated and lost. If you've ever been somewhere where nobody truly understands your experience, you'll know exactly what I mean.

While destinations may be similar, journeys are rarely the same.

That's one of the most important lessons I've learned over the years. Your path does not have to look like anyone else's. And the fact that it doesn't? That's not a failure. It's your story.

Today, I work as a doctor in the NHS. Not because the road was easy, but because I was clear about what I wanted, and I kept going.

So, if you're in a similar position, here's what I want you to hear.

First, be honest with yourself about whether medicine is truly what you want. I say this carefully, not to discourage you. Medicine is a profession seldom marked by certainty, and in the UK, it is not always matched by financial reward. I've met many people who took different career paths because of their residency status and are doing exceptionally well today. There is absolutely no shame in that. But for me, medicine is a vocation, and that clarity is what carried me through.

If, after that reflection, medicine is still your choice, try to explore ways of studying in the UK first. Tuition fees are often the biggest obstacle, but taking a year out to work and save can help. Additionally, seeking government-funded scholarships from your home country may also be an option. They are rare, but they do exist.

If the UK is not possible right now, consider countries such as Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. I mention these countries specifically because the recent changes to the UK graduate prioritisation policies have left many international graduates at a disadvantage in the UK. Graduates from the abovementioned countries are often prioritised for jobs and speciality progression on par with UK-trained doctors. And honestly, the tuition fees in some of these places are not as overwhelming as what many students face here.

If those options are not available either, look into other European countries. Ukraine had long been a popular choice, but the ongoing conflict with Russia has made the situation volatile. Wherever you choose, make sure the medical school is properly accredited for the country you intend to practice in. That matters more than you might think.

I'll leave you with this:

The journey is still too long to give up now. Many people stop just short of the breakthrough that persistence would have brought them.

The path into medicine, especially as an international student, can feel overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. But resilience, adaptability, and clarity of purpose make a profound difference. Every setback refines you.

I look forward to answering your questions should you have any.