How a refugee doctor from Ukraine rebuilt her medical career through volunteering
27th July 2026
Before the war in Ukraine, Yana Fylenko had built a stable life as a GP in Kharkiv. She was advancing her clinical career, teaching medical students, and enjoying family life with her husband Vitalii and daughter Zlata. But everything changed overnight in February 2022 when the Russian invasion began.
Faced with sudden danger, Yana and her family fled Kharkiv in a journey that took over 16 hours. They hoped the conflict would end quickly, but as conditions worsened through the winter - without heating, electricity, or internet - Yana made the difficult decision to leave Ukraine for the UK with her daughter, while Vitalii stayed behind due to conscription rules.
Arriving in Liverpool, Yana faced the uncertainty of a new country and the challenge of restarting her medical career. Despite her qualifications, she learned that having her diploma recognised in the UK would take over three years. Determined not to give up, Yana sought ways to improve her English and understand NHS systems.
That’s when she discovered the Volunteer to Career for Refugees programme, run by Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Helpforce. From her first interview, Yana felt welcomed and supported. She began volunteering as a meet-and-greet assistant, helping patients navigate the hospital, and gradually took on roles supporting wards like gynaecology and maternity.
Volunteering gave Yana more than just improved language skills. It restored her confidence and sense of purpose. “Coming to the hospital helped me feel valued again, as part of a medical community,” she said. It also helped her understand NHS systems, build new friendships, and feel less isolated.
Crucially, volunteering reminded Yana why she chose medicine. It reinforced her ambition to return to medical practice. Having passed all her English and medical exams, she recently secured General Medical Council registration and hopes to work as a doctor again soon.
Yana’s story reflects a wider reality. The NHS faces significant workforce pressures, with thousands of vacancies for doctors and nurses. Meanwhile, many refugee healthcare professionals in the UK struggle to return to their careers due to complex barriers.
As well as Helpforce’s programme, several other organisations – including Breaking Barriers and the Ukrainian Medical Charity - offer complementary support, including preparation for clinical exams, careers guidance and assistance with the costs of returning to practice.
Across these pathways, refugee healthcare professionals can move into paid NHS roles, unlocking a wealth of experience and dedication.
Volunteer to Career for Refugees offers a vital pathway for refugee clinicians, helping them rebuild confidence, improve language skills, and understand NHS systems through structured volunteering. This support benefits not only the individuals but also the NHS, which gains skilled professionals ready to contribute.
As Yana recommends, “The programme helps rebuild confidence and a sense of self. I am beyond grateful for the experience.”
With initiatives like this, we can unlock the potential of refugee healthcare professionals and support the NHS to meet the challenges ahead.
