Softlanding Regional Reps
Anandi
West Midlands Rep
I am a proud Trinidadian and graduate from the University of the West Indies MBBS 2010. My passion for Paediatric Emergency Medicine brought me to the UK in 2017. As a clinical fellow, I was lucky to work with a supportive team at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust. They enabled me to successfully enter paediatric training in the West Midlands at ST4 in 2019. I look forward to meeting other IMGs in the West Midlands to share experiences and provide guidance.
Satyam
North East Rep
I am from the small island of Mauritius and graduated from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne in 2011. I have been in the North East ever since, and currently completing my training in general paediatrics with a special interest in paediatric cardiology. I have interests in medical education and I look forward to meeting other IMGs in the region to help guide and support them.
Tala Hijazi
East of England Rep
Adapting to the NHS would have been an overwhelming experience for me if not for the support of some great colleagues.
I believe team soft landing is a safe haven for IMGs seeking support without judgement, and will help guide IMGs to make the most out of their career in the UK.
Eiman Haj-Ahmed
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Rep
A paediatrician fascinated about my career. I am from Sudan, and grew up in Saudi Arabia where I have mixed with different cultures and Nationalities. My ambition is to contribute to child health and mental wellbeing as every child deserves to receive decent medical care. When I was trying to explore the NHS system in my first job I have been surrounded by lovely colleagues who supported and guided me, which helped To have soft transition and settling. Since then I decided to be part of others soft transitions.
Ahmed Moharram
Scotland Rep
I am a neonatologist from Egypt and currently a senior paediatric trainee in Scotland. I enjoy exotic sport; spearfishing, skydiving and kitesurfing. Recently, I have achieved my dream of getting a GRID post in neonates and I am enthusiastic to help IMGs fulfilling their dreams.
Nithya Laskmipathy
North West Rep
I completed my post-graduation from India and moved to the UK to pursue my interest in neonatology. I have recently started my sub-speciality GRID training post in neonates. Outside of work I love travelling and savouring local cuisines. Much of my time lately is spent chasing after my curious toddler. I have been lucky to find mentors who have guided and supported me to pursue my career goals. I am keen to help fellow IMGs transition successfully in to working in the NHS and pursuing their sub-speciality interests.
Lloyd Abood
South Wales Rep
I am a senior Paediatric trainee working in South Wales. I graduated from Leicester Medical School and spent the first part of my medical and paediatric training in England (East Midlands, Devon and Cornwall). I have recently transferred to the South Wales Deanery. I have a keen interest in neonatology and paediatric cardiology and thoroughly enjoy teaching colleagues and medical students. Outside of work, I love anything to do with sport and I like to unwind with long walks exploring the South Wales coastline.
Maha Elzabier
Kent Surry Sussex Deputy Rep
A Sudanese national, grew up in Saudi. Currently, I am a Paediatric trainee in KSS deanery. Interested in PICU and global child health. I had been blessed with the guidance and support from my friends and colleagues when I joined the NHS; therefore, I have always been interested in supporting new-in particular IMGs who struggle the most in adjusting to the system. I love shopping and enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures and living new experiences.
Maha Abouhadid
Mersey Rep
I am an ST5 Pediatric trainee in Mersey Deanery. I joined the pediatric training at ST3 level after working as MTI fellow in PICU since 2018. I graduated and trained in paediatrics at Ain Shams university- Egypt. I am aiming to offer any needed help for IMGs starting in the NHS with tips to support them through their journey in the UK.
Justyna Rutkowski
Northern Ireland Rep
I am an ST6 Paediatric trainee in Northern Ireland. I am an IMG who graduated from Poland. Prior to taking up an ST3 post she completed an internship and basic paediatric training in the Republic of Ireland. She enjoys neonatal medicine and is currently under-taking PgD in neonates at Cardiff University. Justyna aims to offer IMGs the necessary tools to support them through their journey in paediatric training in UK.
Bola Badejoko
Yorkshire Rep
I trained in Nigeria and have been working in the UK since 2018. I had excellent support settling into the NHS but found that I was the exception rather than the rule and so I started offering help and a listening ear to IMG's on an informal basis. Just fixing tips based on my experience and the support I got. I find it fulfilling to see how each person transitions from being terrified and overwhelmed to being able to work through the challenges and differences. And it's often just the words 'You can do this', that make the difference.