International healthcare workers at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust will have the opportunity to share their journeys with their communities with the help of the trust’s podcast series.
Organised in partnership with the #StayAndThrive programme, which focuses on creating the conditions for internationally educated staff to thrive in their personal and professional lives whilst progressing in their careers, the ‘International Care Collective’ (ICC) podcast breaks down the stories behind international recruits’ routes into the NHS.
The first episode was released in October 2025, with a total of seven episodes currently available online, the latest of which was launched on Tuesday 6 January.
Clinical professionals, including a Therapeutic Radiographer, nuclear medicine technologists and a radiologist, share their experiences and advice on creating foundations, making new recruits feel welcome, and building belonging in departments.
'To give them a voice'
Samuel Elliott-Olechnowicz, senior multi-professional practice educator at University Hospitals Sussex (UHS) explained that the project emerged from his desire to give a voice to all the professionals who came to the UK.
He said: “For many years, when the term ‘international recruitment’ was mentioned, there was a strong focus on nursing. I wanted to give a voice to all our other wonderful professionals from overseas who have joined us from other countries.”
The series will give staff a chance to share their pathway into the NHS, the personal and professional challenges they faced along the way, and their hopes for future progression. Listeners will get a chance to get involved, learn from their experiences, and consider that same journey with more confidence, Sam added.
'Resilience, patience and purpose'
A successful Innovation funding bid with NHS England’s #StayandThrive Community of practice in November 2025 enabled the purchasing of the equipment necessary. UHS’ Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) team was also pivotal in the creation of the podcast.
One of their recent episodes focuses on Sara Hashmi, a Therapeutic Radiographer from Pakistan, and her story of “resilience, patience, and purpose”.
(Video: Interview with Sara Hashmi, via the ICC podcast)
Sam explained: “Beyond showcasing inspiring stories, the podcast has strengthened community bonds, broken down professional silos, and promoted cultural understanding. It has also supported retention by helping internationally educated staff feel valued and connected. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong engagement on YouTube and podcast platforms.
“Creating the International Care Collective podcast has been one of the most rewarding projects of my career. It’s more than a podcast—it’s a community-building initiative that celebrates diversity, fosters inclusion, and gives our internationally educated colleagues the recognition they deserve. Hearing their stories firsthand has been inspiring, and I’m proud that this platform is helping others feel confident about joining and thriving in the NHS.”
Find out more about the podcast, and watch the latest episodes, online here.
(Image: Interviewees and members of the podcast team at the launch event, via UHS NHS Foundation Trust)