For many students considering studying medicine abroad, one of the biggest questions is:
“What happens after graduation?”
For Dr Aista Subha, the answer was clear. After graduating from Plovdiv Medical University in Bulgaria, she successfully entered the NHS through the Gateway Programme, completed her competencies, secured her CREST sign-off, and is now progressing through GP Specialty Training (GPST) in the UK.
Her journey demonstrates that with determination, preparation, and the right support, studying medicine in Europe can lead directly to a rewarding medical career in the NHS.
Meet Dr Aista Subha
Dr Aista Subha graduated from Plovdiv Medical University in 2019 after beginning her medical studies there in 2013 immediately following her A-Levels.
Today she is a GP Specialty Trainee (GPST2) within the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Deanery, having successfully navigated the transition from an international medical graduate to an NHS doctor.
Reflecting on her early ambitions, she explained:
“I came straight after my A-level. I was pretty young, 18, fresh off the boat, and I was ready to become a doctor.”
Why She Chose to Study Medicine at Plovdiv Medical University
When Dr Subha enrolled in Bulgaria, there were very few graduates ahead of her who had already returned to the UK.
Unlike today’s students, she did not have a large network of alumni to guide her through NHS applications or postgraduate training.
Looking back, she described feeling uncertain about the path after graduation:
“We didn’t have any seniors who’d gone through the UK programme. We were absolutely lost.”
Despite that uncertainty, she completed her degree and became one of the first graduates to benefit from a new NHS initiative designed for European medical graduates.
Joining the NHS Through the Gateway Programme
Before graduating, Dr Subha attended one of the first British Medical Careers Conferences where the Gateway Programme was introduced.
She became part of the programme’s very first cohort.
The NHS Gateway Programme was designed to help doctors graduating from EU medical schools gain structured junior doctor experience equivalent to Foundation Years while working towards their CREST (Certificate of Readiness to Enter Specialty Training) requirements.
She secured her interview before graduation and was due to begin work in March 2020.
Starting Her NHS Career During COVID-19
Unfortunately, March 2020 coincided with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of entering a normal healthcare system, Dr Subha found herself starting work during one of the most challenging periods in NHS history.
Despite the uncertainty, she persevered.
By April 2021, she had successfully achieved her CREST sign-off, enabling her to apply for UK specialty training. She then applied for GP training in December 2021 before beginning the programme in August 2022.
Why the Gateway Programme Was the Right Choice
For Dr Subha, the Gateway Programme offered security and structured development during a critical transition into UK practice.
She highlighted several major advantages.
Guaranteed Employment
The programme provided two years of guaranteed NHS employment, allowing her to gain experience while earning an income and planning her future.
Working Alongside Fellow Plovdiv Graduates
One unexpected benefit was being placed alongside close friends from medical school.
She recalled one memorable moment:
“Three Plovdiv graduates ran the entire gastro ward for Margate.”
Having familiar colleagues nearby created an invaluable support network during the adjustment to NHS practice.
Extensive IMG Support
The programme included a structured induction period with shadowing before independent clinical responsibilities began.
For one month she shadowed an experienced SHO without nights or weekend shifts, helping her build confidence before taking on full duties.
Support for Portfolio Development
The programme also assisted with appraisals, portfolio building and progression towards CREST completion—key milestones for international graduates seeking specialty training in the UK.
The Challenges of Being Part of the First Cohort
Dr Subha is also honest about the difficulties she experienced.
Because the programme was brand new, many NHS colleagues were unfamiliar with it.
She joked:
“I was going around saying, ‘I’m a Gateway doctor, hello, nice to meet you.’ And they said, ‘What is a Gateway?’”
She also emphasised that experiences varied between hospitals and trusts.
Some graduates loved their placements, while others chose to leave early.
Her advice is that students should research hospitals carefully and understand that outcomes depend heavily on local support and personal initiative.
Applying for GP Training in the UK
After completing Gateway and obtaining her CREST certificate, Dr Subha successfully applied for GP Specialty Training.
She prepared for the MSRA (Multi-Specialty Recruitment Assessment) using PassMed and believes her NHS experience was instrumental in helping her perform well.
According to her:
“My two years experience in the NHS was actually very vital in me doing quite well in the exam.”
Receiving a £20,000 Targeted Recruitment Incentive
Dr Subha also secured a place through the Targeted Enhanced Recruitment Scheme (TERS).
This programme provides financial incentives for trainees willing to work in historically under-recruited or underserved areas.
She received a £20,000 recruitment payment, describing it as a valuable opportunity for trainees considering these regions.
What GP Training Actually Looks Like
Her GP training has included rotations across multiple specialties including:
- Community leadership and public health
- ENT
- Paediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Palliative Care
She also participates in Integrated Training Posts (ITPs), combining hospital placements with regular GP clinics.
Her typical week includes:
- Running GP clinics
- Hospice ward work
- Home visits
- Portfolio development
- Formal teaching sessions
- Community health inequality projects
This diverse experience has strengthened both her clinical skills and understanding of holistic patient care.
Why She Ultimately Chose General Practice
For Dr Subha, choosing GP wasn’t about finding an easier pathway.
Instead, it reflected changing personal priorities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, her father became critically ill and required intensive care admission.
The experience made her reassess what mattered most.
She explained:
“I realised that I’m going in to save so many lives, but I haven’t even had time to see my family.”
That perspective helped guide her decision toward general practice, where she felt she could balance meaningful patient care with family life.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
One particularly honest part of Dr Subha’s presentation focused on imposter syndrome.
She admitted that after entering NHS practice, she questioned her own abilities despite her training and qualifications.
Her advice to current students is simple:
- Accept that imposter syndrome is common.
- Know your professional limits.
- Continue learning.
- Trust your medical education.
She also reassured students studying abroad by praising the standard of education she has seen from current Plovdiv students and expressing confidence in their clinical knowledge.
The Importance of Support Networks
Outside medicine, Dr Subha credits much of her success to maintaining strong friendships and interests beyond work.
Her closest friends from Plovdiv Medical University remain an important part of her life years after graduation.
She encourages future doctors to build a support system and maintain hobbies that help them through the pressures of medical careers.
Advice for Future Medical Students Considering Europe
Looking back on her journey from an 18-year-old arriving in Bulgaria to a GP trainee in the NHS, Dr Subha believes every student’s path will be different.
Some graduates may choose Foundation-style routes, others may enter specialty training through alternative pathways, but success depends on understanding your own goals and proactively seeking opportunities.
Her story demonstrates that graduating from a European medical university can provide a clear route into UK medical practice when combined with dedication, resilience, and careful planning.
Thinking About Studying Medicine Abroad?
Dr Aista Subha’s journey shows that a medical degree from Plovdiv Medical University can lead to a successful NHS career, postgraduate training, and long-term professional development in the UK.
From becoming part of the very first Gateway Programme cohort to progressing through GP Specialty Training, her experience is proof that studying medicine in Europe can open doors to rewarding opportunities back home.