A medic who had to rebuild his life and career in Britain has returned to work after volunteering at the University Hospital of North Tees gave him a route back into healthcare.
Ahmed Bakheet, who now lives in Stockton-on-Tees, had worked as a radiographer and completed a master’s degree in diagnostic medical ultrasound before conflict and persecution in Sudan changed the course of his life.
After being granted refugee status in June 2025, joined Helpforce’s Volunteer to Career programme at North Tees. He started as a assistant before moving into radiology, where colleagues recognised his clinical background.
The placement gave Ahmed recent NHS experience, professional references and a chance to rebuild confidence in a healthcare setting. He has since secured work as a sonographer and now performs advanced pregnancy scans.
The programme is designed to help volunteering become a practical bridge into healthcare careers. Ahmed’s experience also points to the skills that medically qualified refugees can bring when there is a supported route back into practice.
: North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. Read Ahmed’s full story.