Exploring the experiences of EU qualified doctors working in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study

- Doctors from other member states working in the UK were well prepared and their main motivation to migrate is to learn new skills.
- EU doctors reported enjoying the less hierarchical structure of the NHS; and appreciating the evidence-based medicine.
- Interviewees did not experience discrimination against them other than some instances of patronising and snobbish behaviour.
- Overall, interviewees reported having enjoyable experiences with patients and appreciating what the NHS had to offer.

This qualitative study of 23 doctors from other EU member states working in the UK highlights that, contrary to media reports, doctors from other member states working in the UK were well prepared and their main motivation to migrate was to learn new skills and experience a new health care system. Interviewees highlighted some aspects of their employment that work well and others that need improving. Some interviewees reported initially having language problems, but most noted that this was resolved after a few months. These doctors overwhelmingly reported having very positive experiences with patients, enjoying a NHS structure that was less hierarchical structure than in their home systems, and appreciating the emphasis on evidence-based medicine. Interviewees mostly complained about the lack of cleanliness of hospitals and gave some examples of risk to patient safety. Interviewees did not experience discrimination other than some instances of patronising and snobbish behaviour. However, a few believed that their nationality was a block to achieving senior positions. Overall, interviewees reported having enjoyable experiences with patients and appreciating what the NHS had to offer.