“Every woman deserves to address her physical and mental health concerns without hesitation.”

GP trainee and international medical graduate (IMG) reflects on her time in training, her aspirations to see better access to women’s health services and her hope to encourage her colleagues to “remain determined and truly love what they do.”   

Born and raised in Bahrain, Dr Melissa Alvares relocated to Tajikistan to pursue an MBBS before moving to the UK to join the NHS in 2021. She explains: “Living in these countries broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures and backgrounds. Moving to the UK from there was both exciting and challenging; however, having my family here in the UK made the transition much smoother. While I encountered various challenges when I began my journey in the NHS, I consistently felt supported as an IMG doctor. Trusts, alongside Lead Employer, have started introducing IMG-specific inductions, which I find particularly beneficial for newcomers to the UK. Every challenge I've faced so far has contributed to my current position, and for that, I am truly grateful. It's important not to allow any hurdles to stop you from achieving your primary goals.” 

Starting her journey by taking non-training roles to familiarise herself with the NHS system, Melissa then developed a keen interest in women’s health, which sparked a desire to pursue this as a special interest. She said: “I have diligently worked towards earning the Diploma in Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (DFSRH) and obtained the LOC IUT, a qualification for fitting coils as a contraceptive method, and I am now focused on gaining competency in fitting subdermal implants.

“As a dedicated professional in the field of women's health, I aspire to see healthcare services for women become more accessible and welcoming in the years ahead, whether it involves menopause support, TOP clinics, or sexual and reproductive health services. Every woman deserves to address her physical and mental health concerns without hesitation and should feel empowered to seek assistance whenever necessary.”

Melissa firmly believes that “no one can stand in your way, but you” and shares her words of encouragement to anyone currently pursuing or hoping to pursue a GP training programme. She said:

“I wholeheartedly embrace the idea of striving for excellence, a motto from The New Indian School in Bahrain, my secondary school, which continues to inspire me. It's never too late to learn. I often remind my colleagues of this and encourage everyone to strive to learn something new each day, no matter how small. If you find yourself passionate about a subject, chase it wholeheartedly. There’s so much more waiting for each one of you.

“As a GP trainee, I want to inspire all my colleagues to remain determined and truly love what they do. There’s a reason you chose your speciality, and these years will pass by in the blink of an eye, so seize the opportunity and, most importantly, enjoy the journey.”