The Leaders Plus NHS Fellowship has been far more than a professional development programme. It has been a source of clarity, courage, and community during one of the most pivotal stages of my life. It helped me see that I can lead, grow, and thrive — not despite being a parent, but alongside it.
When I look back at the year since completing the Leaders Plus NHS Fellowship, what stands out most is how much has shifted not just in my career, but in how I see myself as a leader, a clinician, and a parent. I returned from maternity leave to clinical work during this period, stepping into life as a new parent while also working less than full time for the first time. It was a moment of transition that could easily have felt overwhelming, but the Fellowship gave me the tools, confidence, and mindset to navigate it with purpose.
Finding My Confidence Again After Leave
Coming back to work LTFT (Less Than Full Time) required a complete rethink of how I managed my time, energy, and expectations. I had to rebuild confidence, learn to prioritise differently, and set clearer boundaries both for myself and for others.
The Fellowship played a crucial role in this. I became more intentional about what was realistic within my contracted hours and more disciplined about protecting my wellbeing.
One of the most practical changes was learning to stop checking emails outside of work. It sounds small, but it transformed my ability to be present at home and more focused at work.
Rethinking What Leadership Means for Me Now
Before the programme, I often felt that leadership and ambition were things that had to be put on hold during early parenthood. The Fellowship challenged that belief completely.
I learned that leadership isn't a single style or a fixed identity, it's adaptable. Understanding this helped me lead more authentically, whether in clinical teams or at home as a parent. And my view of ambition shifted too. I no longer see it as something incompatible with caring responsibilities. Instead, ambition can evolve and grow alongside family life.
This mindset shift had real, tangible impact. Despite still being in specialty training and working part time, I felt confident enough to apply for an acting-up consultant role. I also applied for substantive consultant posts and was offered two!
Being able to choose the role that aligned best with my values and family life felt like a milestone I wouldn't have reached without the Fellowship.
Learning How to Make Work and Family Coexist
One of the biggest changes has been how I approach balance. I now protect my time more intentionally, focusing on being present rather than being constantly available. Working part time means making conscious choices about where to focus my energy, and I've learned to let go of guilt when I can't meet every demand.
My career and my family life no longer feel like competing forces; they sit alongside each other in a way that feels grounded and achievable.
The Fellowship helped me move away from a model of "always on" towards one of sustainable contribution.
Starting to See a Future That Feels Possible Again
My next step is completing my registrar training and moving into the substantive consultant role I've accepted. Longer term, I hope to continue developing my passion for medical education, with aspirations to take on roles such as site tutor, Training Programme Director, or even Director of Medical Education.
On the family side, I feel more confident about the future. I no longer believe that growing my family must come at the expense of my career. The boundaries, leadership identity, and clarity I've gained mean I feel equipped for whatever transitions come next.
Could this be your year?
If Alina's story resonates with you, the Leaders Plus NHS Fellowship could be the support you've been looking for.
Apply for the Fellowship Applications close 30 June 2026