Dr Ishaq Pala Wins National Award for Leadership in Medical Education

Dr Ishaq Pala has been honoured with the College Tutor/Department Education Lead of the Year award at the Medical Education Leaders Awards, recognising his outstanding contribution to inclusive medical training and professional development within the NHS.

Dr Pala has gained national recognition for his work as International Medical Graduate (IMG) and Differential Attainment Lead, where he has championed initiatives designed to support doctors arriving in the UK from overseas. Through his leadership, he has helped establish new standards for inclusion, mentorship, and professional development, setting what many colleagues describe as a national benchmark for supporting international doctors in the healthcare system.

One of his most impactful initiatives has been assisting new NHS starters with essential resources and financial support during the early stages of their careers. The programme has helped many international doctors settle into the NHS with greater confidence and stability.

Dr Pala also developed an IMG support framework that has been recognised nationally and featured as an exemplar by NHS England for its role in addressing differential attainment and improving training outcomes.

Award organisers praised him as “an outstanding leader who has transformed the IMG experience.” His vision, compassion, and practical initiatives continue to strengthen support systems for doctors across the NHS