New roles will support internationally educated doctors to stay and thrive

As part of our commitment to supporting internationally educated doctors, we’ve created a new role to provide tailored support to help them thrive at the Trust.

The Stay and Thrive Associate Directors of Medical Education will offer pre-arrival support, organise welcoming events and information, provide a listening ear, support with career development and ensure ongoing community building.

The aim is to offer a more wholistic package for new arrivals, with an equal focus on personal wellbeing and career progression.

Dr Reshad Khodabocus, Director of Medical Education at the Trust, said: “It’s a big transition to make the move to a new country to continue your medical career, and we want to make that transition as easy as possible.

“Our internationally trained colleagues bring with them a wealth of experience, and we want to ensure they settle well and are supported to progress in their careers. It’s all about offering the best possible package and welcoming them properly to the Trust.”

The new role will be shared by consultant obstetrician Tulika Singh and anaesthetics speciality doctor Tracy Langcake.

Tulika began her medical career in India, where she completed her medical degree and postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynaecology, before moving to the UK in 2001.

She says: “My early NHS experience started with a clinical observership, during which I navigated the challenges of a new healthcare system and culture. With the support of senior colleagues and mentors, I progressed through a structured specialty training programme, achieving my Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in 2009 and have been working as a consultant since then.”

“I started as a consultant at Mid Yorkshire in 2016, where I developed a strong interest in medical education, mentorship, and pastoral care. I am passionate about improving the experience of junior doctors and advocating for systems that allow them not only to survive, but truly thrive. My leadership vision is centred on actively listening, advocating, and empowering.”

Tracy completed her medical degree in South Africa and practiced in rural areas before making the move to the UK. She started her anaesthetics training in 2006 and in 2009 became a specialty doctor in anaesthetics at Mid Yorkshire.

She says: “Starting a career in a new healthcare system after a 12-month hiatus, while competing the PLAB exams was extremely daunting and challenging. It was not just the clinical aspects, but the day-to-day struggles of living in a new country. I was lucky to have fantastic support from the department I was working in, and I would like to provide that same support to others, knowing from personal experience the difference it made to me.

“I have always had an interest in education, mentoring and ensuring the wellbeing of colleagues. I believe it is essential to patient care and safety that healthcare professionals achieve a good work-life balance and ensure their own wellbeing. I am excited for the opportunity Tulika and I have to positively impact the lives of IMGs and LEDs within the trust, providing support and arranging events that will enrich their work experience, ensuring that they not only progress within their careers, but enjoy their time at Mid Yorkshire.”

Tulika and Tracy are excited to get started with their new roles, and already have some impressive ideas of what they want to achieve.

Tulika continued: “Tracy and I hope to establish regular feedback mechanisms where LEDs can openly share their experiences so we can identify common challenges and work collaboratively to find practical solutions.

“We will be visible advocates for initiatives that promote work–life balance, equitable access to training, and clear career development pathways. Inclusive leadership is vital in ensuring LEDs are involved in shaping policies and decisions that affect them. Their voices should be heard at every level.

“By building trust, fostering inclusion, and promoting a culture of open, solution-focused communication we will create a workplace where every doctor feels supported, recognised, and able to thrive.”

Tracy continued: “We aim to establish an environment of open communication, where everyone is heard, and our endeavours are shaped by the experiences and suggestions of those we are committed to helping.”

“By understanding the challenges and barriers IMGs and LEDs face we hope to make the transition to a new career pathway, country or healthcare system as smooth as possible.”