From Kharkiv to the UK’s Health Service: Ukrainian Doctor Rebuilds Her Life – and Helps Others Do the Same
A Journey Cut Short
From Kharkiv to the UK s health – On 23 February 2022, Dr. Inna Soldatenko’s routine was unremarkable: finishing her workday in Kharkiv, collecting her daughter from school, preparing a meal, and planning a lecture for her students. The next morning, the familiar sounds of her city were replaced by the thunder of explosions. This marked the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, an event that uprooted her life in an instant. Inna, a dedicated consultant rheumatologist, lost not only her career but also her home and the sense of security she had nurtured for decades.
Refugee Life in London
Three years later, as the conflict in Ukraine persists and Kharkiv remains a battleground, Inna now practices medicine in London. She has become a vital part of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), where she continues to care for patients while assisting other Ukrainian refugee health workers in establishing themselves in the British healthcare system. Her story is emblematic of over 260,000 Ukrainians who have sought refuge in the United Kingdom since the invasion.
“Before the war, I thought I’d achieved everything I wanted,” Inna reflected. “I had my career, my family, and my home. Leaving was never a consideration.” Her journey from the comfort of her homeland to the unfamiliar streets of London has been one of resilience and transformation. The war disrupted her life, but it also sparked a new chapter—one defined by adaptability, determination, and the kindness of strangers.
Inna and her family fled Kharkiv with little more than essential documents and personal belongings. They left behind a life that had taken years to build, including her professional expertise and the home she had crafted. The escape was a harrowing 26-hour drive through Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania, during which they encountered countless acts of generosity. Strangers offered food, shelter, and emotional support, creating a sense of belonging in a time of chaos.
“I still remember the volunteers who helped us,” Inna said, recalling the warmth of those who welcomed her family. “They felt like part of our family.” This early experience of solidarity in the face of adversity laid the foundation for her future contributions. As she continued her journey, the support she received in transit became a metaphor for the broader network of care that awaited her in the UK.
Overcoming Barriers to Employment
Arriving in the UK in May 2022 via the Homes for Ukraine scheme, Inna faced initial hurdles in re-entering her profession. Language barriers and the challenge of having her qualifications recognized were significant obstacles. Despite these, she found a foothold in the healthcare sector, starting with an administrative role at the Lewisham and Greenwich Trust.
Her colleagues in the NHS became more than coworkers—they became a new source of support and encouragement. They not only helped her navigate the English language but also bolstered her confidence, guiding her through the process of obtaining the necessary certifications to practice as a doctor. “They believed in me much more than I believed in myself,” she shared. This belief transformed her career trajectory, allowing her to return to rheumatology, her passion and expertise, and resume direct patient care.
Inna’s journey reflects a broader trend. Among the over 260,000 Ukrainians who have settled in the UK since the invasion, more than 60,000 are now employed in various sectors of the economy. Her story underscores the critical role of skilled refugees in filling gaps in the workforce, especially in healthcare. The NHS, which has been a cornerstone of her life in London, has provided not just employment but a sense of purpose and stability.
Building a Legacy of Support
Inna’s commitment to helping others extend beyond her own recovery. She has collaborated with fellow displaced healthcare professionals to create the Ukrainian Medical Charity, a national initiative designed to connect refugee doctors, nurses, and medical workers with NHS opportunities. This charity serves as a bridge between the skills of Ukrainian professionals and the needs of the British healthcare system, ensuring that expertise is not lost in the transition.
The NHS Refugee Employment Programme, which she has helped shape, is another testament to her advocacy. This program has become a vital resource for refugees from diverse backgrounds, offering pathways to employment in the health service. Inna’s efforts have contributed to its development, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in post-war recovery.
“Refugees want to give back to this country,” said Kathleen, a rheumatology clinical nurse specialist and Inna’s colleague. “We have a duty to welcome them and provide them with the tools to rebuild.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of Inna’s work, which blends personal resilience with a collective effort to support others in their own journeys.
A New Beginning
Today, Inna balances work and family life in London, a testament to her ability to adapt and thrive. She describes her current existence as “just like an ordinary person,” yet the underlying strength of her experience remains evident. The UK has become a second home, and the support she has received has allowed her to plant new roots in a foreign land.
Her reflections on the war reveal the profound impact of kindness and opportunity. “When you’re forced to flee, it’s like your roots are cut,” she 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.” Inna’s words evoke the transformative power of welcome, not just as a gesture but as a lifeline.
The Ripple Effect of Refugee Contributions
Inna’s experience highlights a larger narrative: how skilled refugees can become integral to their host countries. The NHS, already under strain due to staffing shortages, has benefited immensely from the influx of Ukrainian professionals. Their expertise in specialized fields like rheumatology has enhanced patient care, while their dedication has enriched the healthcare community with fresh perspectives and renewed energy.
For Inna, the journey from Kharkiv to London is more than a personal story—it is a symbol of hope. The war may have uprooted her life, but the compassion of those who welcomed her has given her a chance to rebuild. Her story resonates with others who have found refuge in the UK, illustrating how resilience and community support can turn crisis into opportunity.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, Inna’s work serves as a reminder of the power of human connection. The volunteers she met on the road, the friends who helped her reestablish herself in London, and the colleagues who championed her career all played a role in shaping her path. These interactions underscore a universal truth: when people are given the chance to contribute, they do so with unwavering dedication.
“The power of welcome can’t be overstated,” Inna emphasized. “It’s the difference between survival and thriving.” Her journey, marked by loss and resilience, is now a beacon for others navigating similar challenges. The Ukrainian Medical Charity and the NHS Refugee Employment Programme are just two of the many initiatives that have emerged from her efforts, proving that the impact of one individual can ripple far beyond their own story.
Inna’s tale is not just about her personal transformation but also about the broader implications of refugee integration. It demonstrates how a welcoming society can harness the skills of displaced professionals to address pressing needs, while offering them a chance to rebuild their lives. Her experience in London, filled with moments of growth and connection, stands as a powerful example of the possibilities that arise when people are given the tools to flourish.
As she continues to work in the NHS, Inna carries with her the memories of her homeland and the gratitude for the opportunities she now has. Her journey, from the ruins of Kharkiv to the corridors of London’s hospitals, is a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience and the life-changing potential of compassion.
