Elite Migrants: South Asian Doctors in the UK

Book excerpt: This book makes a major contribution to the community cohesion literature and adds a new dimension to our understanding of community cohesion in the UK. Previous research in this area has remained overly focused on the experiences of low/semi skilled migrants. The author provides an analysis of her funded empirical research that investigated the first time the integration experiences of overseas-trained South Asian doctors in three different UK geographical locales. She reflects on their experiences from the point of migration to settlement in the UK society and describes this elite group as existing somewhere between privilege and marginalisation. The book highlights how identities are more plural than discourses of belonging often allow. “In this excellent work of scholarship, Farooq provides us with a rich and insightful account of the experiences of a remarkably important migrant group – South Asian doctors who came to Britain to work in the NHS. This rich and multifaceted work provides a vital and engaging account of this remarkable group. Essential reading for anyone interested in the role of migrant workers in the NHS, and in the experiences and challenges faced by migrants settling to Britain during the 1960s and 1970s.” – Robert Ford, Professor of Political Science, University of Manchester, UK “Dr Farooq’s research into the lives and contributions of South Asian doctors working in NHS GP practices in the North of England is insightful as well as timely. Her work examines the complex intersections between class, race and migration. The analysis are supplemented with some wonderful quotes by the doctors on how they responded to their migration journeys, and adapted to their local communities and the changing demands of working within the NHS. The research provides a unique insight into the experiences of different generations of South Asian GPs who contributed so much to our local communities. – Tarani Chandola, Professor of Medical Sociology, University of Manchester, UK “Often seen as a uniquely British institution, the NHS is really an international institution where international medical graduates, international nurses and migrant labour have contributed to it its values, its identity and its purpose. Yasmin Farooq, together with her contemporary Julian Simpson who both worked with me to document this history will ensure that future historians will acknowledge and recognise the hidden contribution of these architects and pioneers to British Society and the International NHS.” – Aneez Esmail, Professor of General Practice, University of Manchester, UK . Contents Foreword by Aneez Esmail Preface and Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: The Context of Migration Chapter 2: Navigating the UK Medical System upon Arrival Chapter 3: Understanding Entrepreneurship within the General Practice Chapter 4: Integration and Sense of Belonging Chapter 5: Experiences of Racism and Coping Strategies Chapter 6: Discussion and Conclusions