Ali is a licensed doctor from Iraq who arrived in the Netherlands in September 2019. He feels deeply concerned with the Corona situation and does not like sitting at home doing nothing, while there is a shortage of health personnel. “I love to work and I am happy to have found a job in healthcare, thanks to NewBees”.
Ali completed his medical training in general medicine and surgery in his home country of Iraq. When the situation there became too dangerous for him, he fled to Jordan where he lived for three years in very poor conditions. He was alone and had nothing. No money, no identity, no rights. Despite his difficult situation, Ali did a one year internship in a hospital in Amman, so he could learn and gain more experience. At the same time, he found ways to earn some money doing freelance jobs, drafting medical reports. “In Jordan I found out that nothing is impossible.” Ali came to the Netherlands in September 2019 through a resettlement process.
“In Jordan I found out that nothing is impossible.”
Before Ali is allowed to work as a medical practitioner in the Netherlands, he must pass several exams, such as the AKV test (general knowledge and skills test) and the professional aptitude test (BI test). The Dutch language is an important component of the AKV test. Ali follows an intensive language course at the VU in Amsterdam and studies tirelessly. He is ready to take the last part of the NT2 exam in December of this year (2020). “I am proud that it only took me one year to learn the language.”
“I am proud that it only took me one year to learn the language.”
The loneliness that Ali experienced upon arrival in the Netherlands is precisely what helped and strengthened him. In Jordan, he learned to turn his negative feelings into something productive. Even in that difficult situation, he found ways to earn money and to keep learning in an internship. Now that he is in the Netherlands, Ali continues on this path and keeps working hard to achieve his goal. The first milestone is already in sight: fully mastering the Dutch language. He has written down his dream on a piece of paper that is displayed on his fridge: ‘Ali Obaidi, BIG registered doctor’, it is his future business card. “I see it every day when I get up. It makes me feel good.”
Next week Ali will take the next step towards realizing his dream: he will start working as a healthcare assistant at the Zaans Medical Center. Ali is grateful for all the support he receives here. From the municipality, the neighborhood team, his language coach. And from Gert, our matcher in Zaanstad who introduced him to this job.
“If I can put a smile on someone’s face, I consider my day to be successful.”
Ali does not mind at all that he is not allowed to work as a doctor yet. He feels very concerned with the Corona situation and does not like sitting at home doing nothing while there is a shortage of healthcare personnel. “I love to work and I am very happy to have found a job in healthcare thanks to NewBees”. This job allows Ali to become an engaged and productive member of our society and to make a valuable contribution to the Dutch healthcare sector.
Additionally, it will help him understand the Dutch hospital: how nurses, patients and doctors interact, and how to work with patients. “I also want to learn the medical jargon.” Ali hopes to work in different departments and looks forward to providing his support to the nurses and the patients. “I know it will be a good experience. Besides, if I can put a smile on someone’s face, I consider my day to be successful. ”
