A survey-based study to explore the experiences and integration of displaced doctors from Myanmar/Burma into the NHS

International medical graduates (IMGs) make up approximately one fifth of all licensed doctors in the UK. [1]NHS experience has been desirable for doctors from Myanmar/Burma for many years. Since the military coup took place in February 2021, there has been significant violence against healthcare professionals resulting in doctors moving to the UK to be able to continue and enhance their careers. [2] The aim of this study was to outline the Myanmar/Burma Doctors' Journey after arriving in the UK until accomplishing GMC registration and securing NHS positions. We also aimed to explore the integration and experiences of doctors from Myanmar/Burma joining the NHS between February 2021 and December 2023. In October 2023, an electronic survey was sent via personalised email to 294 Myanmar doctors in the UK. The survey was anonymous and included a consent process. In addition to demographic and background data, the survey contained multiple choice and Likert style questions and took between 20-30 minutes to complete. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel. Response rate to the survey was 13% (38/294). Most of the respondents were female (65%) and the majority were between the ages of 24–29 (64.9%). 92% had obtained their primary medical qualification between 2015–2020. The vast majority (94.6%) of doctors went through the PLAB pathway to obtain GMC registration. This includes passing two exams as well as an English language test. The average time to obtain GMC registration from date of entry to the UK was 5.89 months and to secure an NHS job was 10.34 months. More than 50% of the respondents applied for over 50 jobs before securing their first position. 63.1% of doctors were employed as either junior clinical fellows or trust grade doctors. Language barriers, adaptation to the UK system and a sense of belonging were the top three challenges reported. Whilst many doctors felt their employing trusts recognised wellbeing to some degree, 29% felt their wellbeing had been negatively impacted since starting work. Alarmingly, 23.5% of doctors felt that they had experienced some form of discrimination since starting work. A quote shared in the survey to illustrate this: 'I feel so small working among the local people…..I was not treated as part of the team.' The journey to acquisition of GMC registration takes time and cost. For doctors from Myanmar/Burma, these pressures are in addition to the stressors generated from being displaced from friends, family and colleagues. This study highlights the importance of wellbeing for IMGs new to the NHS. We recommend NHS trusts explore wellbeing resources, utilise local support services and build a culture of care for IMGs. It is important staff awareness and training on discrimination is prioritised and the staff are empowered to raise concerns. Lastly, regular supervision and support for pathways such as CREST are important to aid integration, professional development and career progression.