Read Dr. Dutt’s story, and discover more about her move into a permanent role within the NHS .
An acquaintance…
“It all started with a message from Mr. Jack Mann on LinkedIn…
I was a Consultant Respiratory Physician in TATA Medical Centre in Kolkata, India. I got a message from Bespoke Medical Solutions, from Jack to be precise, asking, “Do you want to work in the UK?”
The answer to this question in my mind was immediately a yes, but I had no idea how to go about it, as I had never been to the UK and did not know the requirements at all. Jack mentioned in one of his messages that I would need a GMC registration as a pre-requisite to work in the UK...
After getting my GMC…
It was through the MTI scheme in Tier 5 visa that I got my GMC registration completed. Then to strengthen my CV, I worked on my reference letters from Canada, India and my FRCP degree, and also the multiple medical papers that I was writing.
November 2019: I became a Senior Respiratory International fellow… but I knew I wanted to go to the next level - the Consultant level - because that was what I had been doing for the last 10 years, since 2010.
A Bespoke Consultation…
As I was looking for a breakthrough, I wrote a message to Jack again with my CV. We exchanged numbers and he mentioned that one of his team members would get back to me.
“The next call I got from Bespoke Medical Solutions changed my life… for the better. ”
I spoke to Mr Oliver Bawtree. He was like a jewel in the crown. He asked me what exactly I was looking for in this new job.
I mentioned that I was looking for a proper work-life and personal-life balance. Looking for a place where I could grow in my career and a unit which would support me through my CESR Application and through my immigration.
To cut a long story short, I was looking for a position where I could settle, with my little one who was just 4 years old.
A Bespoke Plan…
January 2020: I had never spoken to Oliver before, but he came across as a very professional, warm, and understanding person who really wanted to be sure that he was choosing the right options for me, not only for the temporary jump but also for the long run. Within a couple of conversations, he realised what I was looking for. He understood that I was a single mother managing a toddler and wanted security for him and for myself, and to slowly and steadily grow professionally, as well as financially.
Interviews…
Over the first interview, the Clinical Lead appeared to be very straight forward, warm, and asked me my interests: ILD/EBUS/Lung Cancer/Lung transplant was my answer. She immediately mentioned that they were looking for a person who could help them with exactly this combination, along with general respiratory medicine.
Indeed, it was a perfect match… Thanks to Oliver for the pick.
March 2020: a face-to-face interview. I was new to the UK, and knew nothing about travelling around. I did not drive and I had my toddler son at home with my 65 year old mother. Essentially, I had to go to the interview and come back the same day. As I was thinking about all these logistics, Oliver promptly said,
“I will take you to the interview, and drop you home…”
I cant thank him enough for that gesture, he did not have to do it.. he went out of his way to help me. The interview itself went very well. It seemed like we got the job!
“I never felt that I was alone, it was always a joint effort. Oliver and myself working together hand in hand through the entire process.”
And then the COVID lockdown took place… However, after only a few weeks of this and we finally had the offer letter.
Relocation Process…
Oliver was very clear that we needed the CoS first, as soon as possible. I did my bit of writing to the Home Office about switching visas from the UK. For the CoS, we worked together on getting clearance certificates from Canada and India, having to make trips to London for this even in Covid times.
It was only because of Oliver’s persistent effort that I got the CoS on time, before 31st July 2020, otherwise I could not have applied for the visa switch. At this time India was flooded with covid cases and going back to India for a visa with my little one would have been absolutely impossible. Oliver literally saved the day by requesting for the HR to issue the CoS ASAP.
If this was not enough, he sent me a list of all the schools in the new city, so that I could apply in time and keep a place for my little son, and luckily out of one of these schools we did get a placement.
“By this time Oliver had actually become a friend I could trust.”
August 2020: I handed over my notice.
Financially, Oliver helped me understand the payment break-throughs, the pay slips, as well as the relocation policies. I am blinded with numbers, as most Doctors are, so I trust him totally with that. He is my “go to” person with pay slips.
New job…
Today, I am very happy and content with my new role as a Respiratory Consultant.
I am doing my job independently with a lovely team to work with. I am doing what I always wanted to do, no compromises because of being an international medical graduate. I am getting support for submitting my CESR application and for my clinical work.
My son is very happy with his new school and I am relieved as a parent for that. Luckily we have family and friends here too, so the social support is really helpful.
All I want to say to Oliver and Bespoke is …
