Building a new life in the NHS: Dr Madhuja Nath on her path to becoming a GP

We caught up with Dr Madhuja Nath. An aspiring international GP training completing her training in Shropshire.

When Dr. Madhuja Nath walks into Bridgnorth Medical Practice for her morning clinic, she brings with her the experience of having practiced medicine thousands of miles away in India. Her calm, confident approach with patients reflects not only her clinical expertise but also a personal journey that has taken her from the vibrant city of Kolkata to the heart of general practice in rural Shropshire.

For Madhuja, the move was more than a change of country, it was a journey of growth, courage and self-discovery.

“It was always my dream to be trained in a system that’s globally recognised,” she says. “The NHS was my first choice.”

Born and raised in West Bengal, India, Madhuja completed her schooling there before moving to Russia to study medicine. After graduating, she returned home, passed the Indian medical licensing exams and spent two years working as a resident doctor. But her ambition extended beyond national borders.

“I wanted to experience a healthcare system that not only had strong clinical standards but also offered opportunities for personal and professional development, so I started preparing for the PLAB exams. After passing PLAB 1 and 2 I finally got my registration.”

A leap across continents

Arriving in the UK in December 2021 with no family or friends nearby, Madhuja found herself navigating every detail of new environment independently - from renting her first flat to buying her first kettle.

“When I came to the UK, I didn’t have any support. I didn’t know anyone here. Finding accommodation, setting up a bank account, even buying basic essentials - everything had to be done by myself. Those first few months were definitely challenging, but slowly everything started to feel more comfortable.

“People started reaching out, offering guidance and advice. From colleagues at the practice to Lead Employer, I feel supported, and the unfamiliar started to feel like home.”

Although English had been her first language at school, Madhuja found that understanding accents also took time.

“I used to call it being ‘accent-deaf’,” she laughs. “Unless I looked directly at someone, I sometimes couldn’t catch what they were saying. Over time, as I interacted more with colleagues and patients, that improved a lot.”

Learning how the NHS functions - both professionally and culturally - was another challenge.

“Understanding expectations, processes and even small day-to-day things took time. Once I understood those, everything became much smoother.”

From hospitals to the heart of the community

Madhuja began her UK career at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, rotating through various specialties in medicine. While she enjoyed the fast pace of hospital life, she was drawn to the continuity and variety of clinic-based work.

“I really liked the clinic-based approach - the same-day assessment units for example. I liked the variety of seeing different kinds of cases.”

After more than two and a half years in secondary care, she made the leap into GP training which represented a completely new experience.

“In India we don’t really have an equivalent of general practice, so I didn’t have that exposure before. It felt like a risk, but I had enough experience in the NHS to know how the system worked. I wanted to give it a try.”

She started her GP training in April 2024 and is now an ST2 based at Bridgnorth Medical Practice.

“I was quite intimidated at first because I’d never worked in a GP setting. But the support I received from my Clinical Supervisor and mentors was fantastic. Within a few months, I was comfortable with the systems, referrals and how everything worked digitally.”

Her hospital rotations - emergency medicine, psychiatry, and obstetrics & gynaecology - gave a strong foundation that still shapes her day-to-day practice.

“Emergency medicine was something I already had experience in from India, so I felt confident there. Psychiatry was new but fascinating, and I learned so much that I now apply in GP.  The same with obstetrics and gynaecology - reflecting back, all of those rotations have made me a better clinician.”

The appeal of general practice

“What really attracted me to GP was the variety,” Madhuja explains, “I didn’t want to narrow myself to one niche specialty. In general practice you can build your own areas of interest while seeing a huge range of cases. I also value the continuity, following patients over time, building relationships and seeing how your care makes a difference.”

That continuity of care, she says, is what makes general practice so rewarding – albeit there are a few challenges to contend with along the way.

“Nothing is more satisfying than seeing your patient’s progress and knowing your input has helped. That continuity adds to your experience and your confidence as a doctor.

“The biggest challenge for most GPs is the consultation time. It’s difficult when patients have multiple issues, especially with long-term conditions. You can’t always address everything in ten minutes and that can be hard for both doctors and patients.”

Becoming the GP she wants to be

As her training continues, Madhuja is already thinking about the doctor she hopes to grow into - one who patients can trust and connect with on a personal level.

“In the future, I want to be the kind of GP that patients see as approachable, someone they know is a safe space where they can speak openly without hesitation. That kind of trust makes consultations more effective and meaningful.

“I also want to maintain good continuity of care by being able to check in on patients, see if treatments are helping and adjust where needed. That’s the GP I aspire to be.”

Looking ahead

Madhuja is working towards completing her training and achieving her CCT in August 2027. Alongside this, she is developing special interests in mental health and dermatology - two fields that she finds particularly rewarding.

“For now, my main goal is to complete training successfully, but whenever there’s an opportunity to attend a conference or work alongside a GP with a special interest, I always take it. It helps me build a picture of where I want to go next.”

Reflecting on her journey so far, she credits the support of her supervisors, mentors and the wider NHS community.

“Everyone has been so supportive, from my colleagues in practice to my dealings with Lead Employer. Even when I needed help with things like employment letters or visa documents, the response was always quick and helpful.”

Now firmly embedded in her training and community, Madhuja feels both proud of how far she’s come and excited for what lies ahead.

“The move to the UK wasn’t easy, but it’s been worth it,” she reflects. “I’ve grown as a doctor and as a person. Every day I’m learning and every day I’m reminded why I wanted to be part of the NHS.”