Dr. Zamir: Road From Studying Medicine in Romania to Becoming a Doctor in the UK

This is Dr Zahir Zamir, one of the brightest examples of students graduating from medicine abroad and later returning to the UK to practice medicine. Dr Zamir walks us through his journey and how Medlink Students can help you study medicine in Europe.

Dr Zamir’s journey began in 2013 when he initially applied to the University of Carol Davila in Bucharest to study medicine. However, the bureaucracy, admission process, and entrance exam were very complicated. Unfortunately, Zamir and 5 other UK applicants he met at that time in Bucharest weren’t successful.

Not long after, Zamir met Sam, a student from the University of Craiova in Romania. He helped Zamir and his fellow students secure a place at the university. They all made the journey to Craiova and began life there as medical students.

Zamir was excited to enrol in the medical faculty because he was finally able to start his journey into his dream course. Despite being worried at the start, he quickly settled in. Zamir enjoyed the new culture and teaching style in Eastern Europe and met many international students.

During his 6 years of studying medicine in Romania, he was honoured to be appointed head of the English section as the university noticed he was always helping other students. Students had all sorts of issues and queries because they were in a new environment in Europe – it was a new country and a new language. Zamir felt it was a really rewarding experience to help international students. Many students appreciated his guidance. They were thrilled that every year, they were getting closer to becoming doctors.

The lectures and labs were fully taught in English, and the professors were very knowledgeable, friendly, and experienced! Zamir noticed Eastern European professors regularly provided students with extra support outside of university hours, which proved very helpful to him and his colleagues. For example, optional Anatomy workshops at the weekends or clinical skills workshops such as suturing classes in the evenings. By year 3, they began clinical rotations in the hospitals. It was electrifying to have first-hand experience with patients.

Most patients were old and did not speak much English, but by then, Dr Zamir had naturally picked up common local language keywords. However, teachers always translated what the patients were saying into English so international medical students could understand. They would then discuss the patient’s symptoms and problem-solve the diagnosis.

After 6 years of studying his dream course, Zamir passed all his exams and graduated as a doctor of medicine in 2018. He and his colleagues had a fantastic graduation ceremony alongside their families, teachers and colleagues. They were all thrilled to have reached what they had always dreamt of. They were now doctors, confident in their clinical skills because the course was very clinically oriented. They spent their last 3 years seeing patients daily at the university hospital.

“Looking back, those 6 years passed like a breeze because, despite a few challenges, it was a really enjoyable and insightful experience full of self-growth.” - Dr Zamir says.

In 2019, he returned to the UK and applied for registration with the General Medical Council by simply filling in a form online. Then, he was invited for an interview to prove his identity. He only brought his university certificate and passport to the interview. He was eligible for a foundation year 2 doctor position. However, Zamir decided to apply and obtain a Foundation year 1 post because he felt that one extra year of training would benefit him in getting more clinical experience and learning more about the standard operating procedures in the NHS. Working as a doctor for the NHS has been a phenomenal feeling for Zamir. He has been a critical factor in the front lines of changing the lives of hundreds of NHS patients. He did what he loved, and he felt fulfilled.

Looking back, Zamir was initially nervous about leaving home and settling into a new country with new surroundings. He did not know what to expect—a new language and a new culture. However, he settled quickly alongside many international students from all over the globe who were on the same path as him.

During medical school, he saw new students struggling every September as they entered university. Zamir and a few of his colleagues took it upon themselves to help and guide the students who wish to make the same journey as they did abroad through our organisation, Medlink Students. They wanted to streamline the process and make it as stress-free as possible so newcomers could secure their place and enjoy their experience to its full potential.

We at Medlink Students are a combination of doctors, medical students, and full-time professionals who will help you along your journey to becoming a doctor or dentist, no matter where you come from or where you study in Europe. We also provide full ongoing support from the moment you approach us up to the time you graduate as a doctor and begin work in any country you choose worldwide. This involves any help you require to register as a licensed doctor in that country.

We look forward to speaking to you about studying medicine or dentistry and helping you find the most suitable university for you abroad. We’d love to share our guidance, tips and advice with you.

“I can’t wait to help YOU start YOUR journey and fulfil YOUR dreams just like I did mine.” - Dr Zamir

Hundreds of students trust us yearly as we help them secure their seats abroad.

This is your year. This is your time now.