Journey of an International Psychiatrist to the UK

Abstract

Medicine is a global profession and doctors from the time recorded history began, have migrated between different parts of the globe bringing with them not only knowledge of different diseases and treatments but also culture and language, enriching their adopted lands as well as building bridges across nations and people. Due to the British Empire reaching across the globe, many countries that were previous dominions and are now part of the Commonwealth, share the legacy of language, culture and the British way of life. So, institutions of learning in many countries across the globe, use English as a language of instruction and inspire a desire to visit Britain in many impressionable young minds. In the last seven decades, the UK National Health Service has been held in high regard as a magic formula for universal health provision. For a doctor or a nurse in many countries, one of the career aspirations usually involves travelling to and working in the UK NHS. Hence, the UK NHS has over 47% of doctors from 200 countries and around a quarter of its 1.3 million employees have qualified overseas.  

This blog narrates the professional trajectory of a doctor qualifying in a medical school in Malaysia to become a consultant psychiatrist in the United Kingdom. The combination of hard work, diligence and an unwavering will to pursue one’s passion in mental health, has enabled Sai Achutan to achieve his career objectives.