A doctor has shared her story in the hope of encouraging more overseas staff to join the NHS.
Dr Gazala Layas has recently celebrated her promotion to specialist in acute medicine at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby. She first joined Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust in 2019 as a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor, and has progressed through the ranks.
Dr Layas’ journey is particularly inspiring. Originally from Libya, she moved to the UK with her family in 2012. She completed a Master’s degree in dermatology at Cardiff University, graduating with distinction, while raising her young children. She later returned to Libya to work as a specialist, before coming back to the UK to continue her professional development.
Dr Layas said: “I returned to the UK and undertook a PhD at the University of Bradford. During my thesis writing period, I prepared for and passed the PLAB examinations, qualifying as a registered doctor in the UK. I then worked across different regions, including Wales and Belfast.”
She began her NHS career at Scunthorpe in the urology team as an FY1 doctor, and progressed rapidly to FY2 within weeks. Over time, she worked as a resident doctor and contributed to the middle-grade rota in a leadership capacity.
Dr Layas said: “I was always keen to pursue dermatology and eventually I secured my current role at Grimsby, with a specialty interest in dermatology alongside acute medicine.
“Starting as an FY1 allowed me to build strong relationships across the hospital. I knew who everyone was, and that network helped me grow. The knowledge and training I gained during those early years were invaluable. I work with a wonderful team – I call them my second family. I always tell them they can contact me at any time.”
Dr Layas hopes her journey will inspire others.
She added: “I want to share my story to highlight the success of an overseas woman in medicine. I hope it encourages other international colleagues to consider joining our Trust.” Her colleagues recently surprised her with a special celebration at work to mark her well-deserved promotion.