The International Care Collective podcast

What does it mean to create a healthcare system where everyone feels seen, heard, and included?In this episode, our host Sam Elliott-Olechnowicz speaks with Blerta Ilazi, ReSTORE Programme Lead and Health Inequalities Educator, about her journey from Kosovo to a career of more than 25 years in the NHS. As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner specialising in health inclusion, Blerta is committed to tackling health inequalities and advocating for equitable care for all.Blerta discusses the opportunities she has found in the UK, why she is passionate about supporting underrepresented communities, and the role refugee healthcare professionals play in strengthening the NHS. An inspiring conversation about courage, opportunity, and using your voice to make a difference.To find out more about the amazing work Blerta and everyone at the ReSTORE Programme do, visit the links below:Restore Website: ReSTOREInstagram: ReSTORE Sheffield InstagramLinkedIn: ReSTORE LinkedIn Admin PageFacebook: ReSTORE Facebook Page

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

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.

In the extended version of this episode, we revisit Sibghat (Sib), a Nuclear Medicine Technologist from Pakistan who arrived in the UK on 4th May 2024 and began his NHS career at University Hospitals Sussex on 14th May 2024. Moving to a new country and stepping into a different healthcare system was both exciting and challenging, but for Sib, it quickly became one of the most meaningful chapters of his life.Sib shares what he loves most about working in the UK — the culture of compassion, teamwork, and respect that defines his department. His role in Nuclear Medicine blends advanced imaging with human connection, supporting accurate diagnoses while helping patients feel at ease during moments of uncertainty.For Sib, this work is more than technical; it’s a privilege to be part of a patient’s journey, to bring kindness into clinical moments, and to collaborate with colleagues who share the same values. In this episode, he reflects on his transition, growth, and sense of belonging at UHSx, hoping his story inspires others and celebrates the diverse journeys that strengthen the NHS.🔊 Whether you’re considering a move to the UK, working in healthcare, or simply curious about the impact of international professionals, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.**Since recording, Sib has now attained a promotion within the same department and continues to #stayandthrive **

In what was the final episode of season 1 of , we bring you a story of extraordinary resilience, conviction, and leadership. In this Extended Bonus Edit of what was the final episode of the season1 of The International Care Collective‪ , we bring you a story of extraordinary resilience, conviction, and leadership. Our guest, Justine Musiime, is a Physiotherapist and, at the time of recording, an AHP Clinical Fellow for ‪NHS Englandbut her path to this achievement was far from easy.Originally from Uganda, Justine faced more obstacles than most: visa complications, broken job role promises, and countless challenges that internationally educated professionals often endure behind the scenes. Yet with every setback, she powered forward—driven by purpose, courage, and a deep passion for the patients and colleagues she serves.Today, Justine stands as a powerful advocate for international AHPs, championing fairness, equity, and visibility for globally trained professionals across the NHS. In this episode, she opens up about the barriers she overcame, the lessons she learned, and the strength it took to keep moving when the road ahead felt uncertain.Her story is more than a personal journey—it is a testament to perseverance, community, and the transformative impact of international healthcare workers within the NHS.As we close the season, Justine’s episode embodies the heart of this series: honesty, hope, and the incredible journeys of those who leave home to care for others.