In 2024, The Hanoon Foundation supported graduates from medical schools in Palestine, particularly from Gaza, to help cover the costs of their clinical attachments and the PLAB 2 exam. We recognise the significant challenges junior doctors, especially those from Gaza, face due to the ongoing war, and are committed to easing some of their burdens.
The PLAB 2 exam, costing £981, is a Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA) that evaluates clinical abilities, professional knowledge, and behaviours. So far this year, we have supported eight doctors from Gaza, providing them with the vital opportunities needed to progress in their medical careers.
Testimonials
1. Testimonial from Ahmad
Ahmad, a Palestinian doctor from Gaza, completed his PLAB exams and secured registration with a license to practise in the UK. After leaving Gaza due to the war, he travelled to the UK and undertook a clinical attachment in Acute Medicine at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital from July to September 2024. During the attachment, Ahmad gained valuable experience, including:
- Observing how senior clinicians assess and manage acutely ill patients.
- Attending educational sessions within the NHS.
- Learning how consultants conduct ward rounds and make treatment decisions.
- Gaining insight into effective doctor-patient communication in challenging situations.
- Familiarising himself with the NHS electronic health systems for patient management.
- Observing and assisting with discharge plans and collaborating with radiologists for scans.
- Becoming familiar with various departments within Acute Medicine, such as the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) and Same-Day Emergency Care (SDEC).
Although Ahmad faced financial difficulties due to the war in Gaza, he is thankful for the opportunities and financial support that have helped ease his burdens and facilitate his transition into his new role in the UK.
2. Testimonial from Qossay
“I am one of the newly graduated doctors from Gaza. I had scheduled my PLAB 2 exam for May 2024, but due to the war, I was unable to take it. I survived the war after losing my home completely, and I managed to rebook the exam with what little money we had left.
Now, I am in the UK, preparing for my exam, which is approaching soon. The financial support will help immensely. As you know, my family is still in Gaza, and I cannot return or leave the UK for another place. I must stay here, covering rent and food expenses until I can secure a job. It’s a heavy burden, but your support has eased it a bit.
Alhamdulillah, and thank you.”
Qossay
3. Testimonial from Abrar
“I am a medical doctor from Gaza, Palestine. I successfully passed the PLAB 1 exam in 2022, and I am pleased to share that I have recently passed PLAB 2 as well.
Unfortunately, my financial situation has been quite challenging. During a period of displacement, I served as one of the primary caregivers for my extended family of 14, which significantly depleted my savings. Furthermore, since 7th October, I have not received my monthly salary, adding further strain to my finances.
I applied for this financial aid to assist with the costs of the PLAB 2 exam and verification fees. Receiving this support has greatly alleviated my financial burden, allowing me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial concerns.
Thank you once again for your assistance. I am hopeful that this support will enable me to continue my journey towards a successful medical career in the UK.”
Abrar
4. Testimonial from Batoul
“I was working as a resident doctor in internal medicine in Gaza. Unfortunately, the war caused me to lose my job and forced me to evacuate last March. I had booked my PLAB 1 exam before the war, but I had to use my savings to fund my journey to the UK afterward. Your financial aid has been incredibly valuable, as I was struggling financially due to rent and GMC registration fees last week. Your support has significantly eased my financial burdens.
Currently, I am doing a clinical attachment, which will help me secure a job more easily as soon as possible. Receiving this aid has had a profoundly positive impact on my studies and career prospects.”
Batoul
5. Testimonial from Waseem
“Dear Hanoon Foundation Team,
I am a medical graduate from the Islamic University of Gaza, Class of 2022. After completing medical school, I finished my internship year at Al-Shifa Medical Complex in June 2023. Following this, I began working as a general practitioner in the Emergency Department from July to October 2023. During my internship, I passed the OET exam and scheduled my PLAB 1 exam for November 2023. However, with the onset of the recent conflict, all aspects of life in Gaza were deeply impacted. I had to postpone my exam and dedicated myself to voluntary work as an emergency doctor at Al-Awda Hospital until I was able to evacuate to Egypt in April 2024.
Despite financial challenges, I managed to rebook and pass my PLAB 1 exam. However, the cost of booking PLAB 2 was beyond my means. Seeking assistance, I reached out to your esteemed organisation, and with your generous support, I was able to secure a seat for PLAB 2.
This support has been invaluable in helping me progress toward full GMC registration. PLAB 2 is a critical step towards this goal, bringing me closer to advancing my medical career and specialising. This opportunity means a great deal to me, especially during these difficult times in my homeland.
With heartfelt gratitude,”
WASEEM
6. Testimonial from Wafaa
“I am a medical graduate committed to advancing my career in the United Kingdom. Pursuing the qualifications required for licensure has been financially challenging, particularly due to the difficult conditions affecting my home in Gaza.
This financial aid has been a lifeline, alleviating the financial stress that once weighed heavily on my journey. Now, I can focus fully on preparing for my exams without the constant worry of funding. This support brings me closer to realising my dream of practising medicine in the UK, where I hope to gain the knowledge and skills needed to one day return and serve my community.”
Wafaa
7. Testimonial from Dana
“I was in my internship year when the war started, flipping my world upside down. I was fortunate to escape to Egypt in April 2024; however, I found myself struggling to start a new life from scratch, having escaped with only the clothes I was wearing.
As a doctor just beginning my professional life in such circumstances, the cost of this exam was a heavy burden. Receiving this financial aid has alleviated a significant source of stress, allowing me to focus fully on studying and preparing for the exam rather than worrying about how to afford it. Without this support, I would have certainly postponed this crucial step, which would delay my progress in my career.
I am incredibly grateful for your generosity, and I hope that one day, once I am established in my career, I can pay it forward and help others in need. Thank you for making a difference during this critical time in my life.”
Dana
8. Testimonial from Abdalrahman
“I am a 26-year-old Palestinian doctor. I worked as an emergency doctor during the war, and then I became a primary care doctor at a medical point in the Rafah shelter. I managed to evacuate from Gaza and successfully booked the PLAB 1 exam. Now I am preparing for the PLAB 2 exam, and the support I received from you has helped me greatly in completing my journey toward GMC registration.”
Abdalrahman