By Tamara Leslie, Medical Student at New Anglia University, Anguilla
The NHS is amid a long-anticipated workforce crisis, and few areas are feeling the strain more acutely than general practice. A shortfall of over 4,200 GPs in England is just the start. Despite ministerial pledges and long-term workforce plans, the supply of newly qualified doctors fails to meet demand. Meanwhile, medical schools face rising dropout rates, with 43% of students now considering pausing or abandoning their studies due to financial hardship and burnout (BMA, 2024).
These statistics aren’t just figures in a government report; they represent thousands of students like me. Young people who entered medical school full of purpose only encountered a system that too often depleted rather than supported them.
I began my studies at a respected UK institution on the south coast. On paper, I was on the ideal path; strong academic credentials, a sound support system, and a clear goal of serving as a GP within the NHS. But within months, the cracks began to show. The pressure was relentless. And the cost, both financial and emotional, was overwhelming.
A Different Pathway
Faced with the prospect of abandoning my dream, I started looking for alternatives. That’s when I came across New Anglia University (NAU), a new but fully accredited medical school in Anguilla, a small Caribbean island. I was sceptical. But I was also curious. Could it really be possible to study medicine abroad, at a lower cost, with a better student experience, and still return to practise in the UK? The answer was yes.
NAU’s programme is built for the 21st-century student. With a curriculum designed by clinicians and educators from the UK, US, and Canada, the course is intensive, tech-enabled, and globally recognised. Students complete 20 months of pre-clinical training on campus, followed by clinical rotations in partner hospitals, including in the UK.
Most importantly, NAU’s model is built with student wellbeing in mind. With small class sizes, close mentoring, and an environment that promotes both academic rigour and personal balance, the difference is night and day from what I experienced back home.
Today, my lectures are held in purpose-built labs overlooking the ocean. Our professors know us by name. We are taught not only how to pass exams but also how to care for patients and for ourselves.
A Global Model with Local Relevance
At first glance, this may seem a world away from the NHS. But it’s not. The programme is accredited by international bodies, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, and recognised by both the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and FAIMER. NAU is not an offshore shortcut; it’s a legitimate alternative that complements, rather than competes with, UK medical education.
For government and public sector leaders grappling with GP shortages and overstretched training capacity, the implications are clear: we must broaden our definition of medical education pathways.
NAU graduates can return to the UK for postgraduate training, just like their UK-educated peers. With rigorous preparation, clinical placements aligned to UK standards, and growing partnerships with NHS Trusts, these students are part of a global solution to a local problem.
Cost, Capacity, and Common Sense
The numbers matter. A UK medical degree typically costs up to £12,000 per year in tuition alone, often resulting in totals of around £200,000, including accommodation and living expenses over 8-14 years. NAU, in comparison, offers a faster, four-year MD programme at a fraction of the cost. With student debt soaring and living costs increasing, this is a lifeline for many aspiring medics.
And it’s not just about saving money; it’s about avoiding loss. Every student who drops out of a UK programme is a missed opportunity in the NHS pipeline. Alternative models like NAU offer a pressure valve, one that could be formally integrated into workforce planning.
Imagine if students rejected by UK universities were directed towards accredited international options rather than left behind. Imagine if we saw global education not as a threat to standards but as a partner in national capacity-building.
Meeting Gen Z Where They Are
Generation Z is not afraid to question traditional routes. They value purpose, flexibility, mental health, and value for money. The traditional university model, which is long, expensive, and high-pressure, doesn’t always align with their expectations.
Institutions like NAU are listening. They provide high-quality medical education without compromising on wellbeing or accessibility. For students like me, it’s not about escaping the UK, it’s about finding an environment that supports our growth into competent, compassionate doctors.
A Future Worth Considering
There are lessons here for government leaders, NHS planners, and education policymakers.
First, we must acknowledge that the traditional medical education pathway is financially and mentally unsustainable for many students.
Second, we need to expand our understanding of legitimate routes to NHS employment, including those that start abroad.
Third, we must invest in supporting students throughout their training, wherever they are, because the end goal is the same: a resilient, well-staffed, and compassionate NHS.
Alternative models like NAU will not replace the UK system. But they can relieve pressure, reduce costs, and offer viable options to students who might otherwise walk away.
I’m one of those students who stayed on the path, just not the one I thought I’d be on. And in doing so, I’ve found renewed purpose, greater wellbeing, and a more straightforward route to NHS service.
For the future of British healthcare, that’s a conversation worth having.
Tamara is a British medical student currently studying at New Anglia University, Anguilla. She plans to return to the UK for clinical placements and postgraduate training within the NHS. For more information, visit www.newanglia.com
Recent Comments