DUBAI: A Syrian refugee has finally realized his life dream to become a doctor, graduating in London 10 years, four countries and 21 homes since he first started his training.
Dr. Tirej Brimo, now 27-years-old, was 17 when he first attended medical school in Aleppo, Syria, London daily the Evening Standard reported.
But when the civil war broke out in 2011 – just 10 months before he was due to graduate – he was forced to flee.
He moved across the Middle East, traveling through Lebanon, but he became separated from his family.
Brimo spent time in Egypt, where he twice attempted to finish his course but had to leave.
He eventually arrived in the UK four years ago, and continued in his efforts to finish his training by applying to every medical school in the country, but was rejected.
Some of the schools even suggested he retake his A-levels – the exam taken by 17-year-olds in British high schools. But his persistence finally paid off when St. George’s hospital in south London offered him a place on the five-year course. He was able to join the third year.
He was interviewed by Dr. Philippa Tostevin, the university’s medicine course director and reader in surgical education.
“I interviewed Tirej when he applied to St. George’s and I did not hesitate to offer him a place. I remember the passion for medicine that he demonstrated at that interview and I am so proud of what he has achieved. I am truly delighted to see him graduate this year,” Tostevin told the Standard.
Dr. Brimo says he now wants to specialize in emergency medicine or trauma surgery.
“Now I know what pain is, I am so ready to start my new role as a doctor and I am so ready to look after others’ loved ones. I promise I will do it with a heart full of love and a smile full of hope,” he explained.
He has since been joined by his mother, brother and sister in the UK — a country which he said welcomed him, gave him love and believed in him.
“I feel attached to (Syria and the UK) and want to contribute to both of them. One day I might go somewhere where there is war because I understand how difficult it is to lose everything at once, and how important it is to have someone be compassionate toward you. But that wouldn’t compromise the love I feel toward the British community,” he told the newspaper.
He is now working as a junior doctor at County Hospital in Stafford.
Syrian refugee finally qualifies as doctor in London, 10 years after starting course in Aleppo
Syrian refugee finally qualifies as doctor in London, 10 years after starting course in Aleppo
Sydney man jailed for mailing reptiles in popcorn bags
- The eight-year term handed down on Friday was a record for wildlife smuggling, federal environment officials said
SYDNEY: A Sydney man who tried to post native lizards, dragons and other reptiles out of Australia in bags of popcorn and biscuit tins has been sentenced to eight years in jail, authorities said Tuesday.
The eight-year term handed down on Friday was a record for wildlife smuggling, federal environment officials said.
A district court in Sydney gave the man, 61-year-old Neil Simpson, a non-parole period of five years and four months.
Investigators recovered 101 Australian reptiles from seized parcels destined for Hong Kong, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Romania, the officials said in a statement.
The animals — including shingleback lizards, western blue-tongue lizards, bearded dragons and southern pygmy spiny-tailed skinks — were posted in 15 packages between 2018 and 2023.
“Lizards, skinks and dragons were secured in calico bags. These bags were concealed in bags of popcorn, biscuit tins and a women’s handbag and placed inside cardboard boxes,” the statement said.
The smuggler had attempted to get others to post the animals on his behalf but was identified by government investigators and the New South Wales police, it added.
Three other people were convicted for taking part in the crime.
The New South Wales government’s environment department said that “the illegal wildlife trade is not a victimless crime,” harming conservation and stripping the state “and Australia of its unique biodiversity.”
