The International Care Collective podcast

In this special Factual Friday episode of The International Care Collective Podcast, we're delighted to welcome back Mark Doblas, Lead for International Retention at NHS England's #StayAndThrive programme, for an update on the work taking place to support internationally educated colleagues across the NHS.Mark shares the latest developments within the international retention space, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing internationally educated staff, and highlights why support must extend far beyond recruitment. Passionate about ensuring colleagues feel valued, included, and empowered throughout their careers, Mark explains how the #StayAndThrive programme is helping NHS organisations create environments where international staff can truly flourish.This snapshot discussion explores the importance of belonging, equitable support, career development, and well-being, and reinforces a simple yet powerful message: supporting internationally educated colleagues is not just the right thing to do; it's everyone's responsibility.Whether you're an internationally educated healthcare professional, a manager, educator, or workforce lead, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the NHS's most important workforce priorities.To find out more about Stay and Thrive and the great work they are doing, please follow their social media channels or visit here: NHS England — North East and Yorkshire » Stay & Thrive

In this episode, Natsai Happiness Mushaninga shares her remarkable story of relocating from Zimbabwe to the UK and building a career that combines compassionate midwifery practice, leadership, and advocacy. Since arriving in 2023, Natsai has supported countless women and families while also championing the well-being and development of internationally educated healthcare professionals.As a Fellow with the NHS England #StayAndThrive programme, she is committed to helping colleagues find their place within the NHS and empowering them to realise their full potential. Through her story, Natsai offers a powerful message to anyone considering a move to the UK: believe in yourself, embrace new opportunities, and never be afraid to chase your dreams.An inspiring conversation about purpose, resilience, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Looking after others starts with looking after ourselves.In the first of our special Factual Friday Bonus episodes of The International Care Collective Podcast, Sam is joined by Eloise O'Shea, Health, Wellbeing and Engagement Administrator at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, to explore the wide range of support available to NHS colleagues.From mental health and wellbeing services to financial support, physical wellbeing initiatives, staff networks, and signposting resources, Eloise shares practical information designed to help colleagues access the support they need throughout their NHS career. The conversation also explores how well-being services can play a particularly important role for internationally recruited colleagues as they settle into a new workplace, community, and country.Passionate about creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff, Eloise discusses the work of the Health and Wellbeing Team, celebrates the incredible achievements of NHS colleagues, and shares advice on where to turn when additional support is needed.Whether you're new to the NHS or have worked within it for many years, this informative episode is packed with helpful insights, resources, and reminders that support is always available.

Welcome to a brand-new series of The International Care Collective Podcast.In our opening episode, we meet Mohamad Fontenele, a dietitian who arrived in the UK in February 2025 and joined the NHS just one month later. Mohamad shares his experience of relocating to the UK, what he loves about living here, and how becoming part of the NHS has allowed him to support people when they need it most.Passionate about making a difference, Mohamad reflects on the pride he feels in his role and the personal and professional growth that comes from caring for others. He also discusses the contribution that internationally educated professionals make to both the NHS and wider society, offering an inspiring message of hope for anyone considering a similar journey.A heartfelt conversation about opportunity, belonging, and building a new life in the UK. Prefer to watch? Follow and subscribe on YouTube by clicking below: The International Care Collective - Podcast - YouTube

🎙️ Mic check… we’re back! 🩵Season 2 of The International Care Collective Podcast arrives on 27 October 2026, and we can’t wait to welcome you into the conversation!Expect more stories, more laughter and more chances to meet the incredible international colleagues helping shape our healthcare community. We’re talking identity, belonging, starting again and everything that makes us human with honest conversations and plenty of heart.Whether you’re joining us on your commute, popping us on while making dinner or watching with a cuppa, there’s a place for you here. 🌍☕🎧 Listen and follow on your favourite podcast platform:https://podfollow.com/1845314796📺 Prefer to watch? Subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNE5dZul1O6fkUNNFxKyAqgHit follow, tell a friend and join us for Season 2!Because together we’re better.We’re humans before anything else, so be kind and be human. 🩵

A few days ago on social media, we shared the news that The International Care Collective Podcast had been long-listed in the Impact Category at the British Podcast Awards .To say we were surprised would be an understatement.What started as an idea to create a space where internationally educated healthcare professionals could share their stories has grown into a truly global community. We’ve had the privilege of hearing inspiring stories of resilience, courage, kindness, belonging and professional achievement from colleagues across healthcare and around the world.This recognition is not just for our team. It belongs to every guest who has trusted us with their story, every listener who has tuned in, every organisation that has supported us, and every person who has shared an episode with a colleague or friend.Now, voting has opened for the British Podcast Awards Listeners’ Choice Award in partnership with Spotify .If you’ve enjoyed the podcast, found value in the conversations we’ve shared, or believe in the importance of celebrating the contribution of internationally educated healthcare professionals, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.You can vote here:Listeners' Choice VoteWhatever happens next, I remain immensely proud of what our team has built together and of the community that has formed around these conversations.Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far.Season 2 is coming this autumn, and we can’t wait to share it with you.