Pursuing a PhD has been a long-cherished goal, one I have carefully nurtured since graduating in 2012, shaped by years of clinical experience, educational milestones, and personal growth. In March 2025, that dream officially began when I embarked on my journey as a part-time PhD student while working as a full-time lecturer in adult nursing and raising my 10-month-old daughter.

My research stems from a deep desire to improve patient care. Having worked in neuro-intensive and cardiothoracic critical care units, I have often been struck by the quiet suffering of comatose patients, unable to respond but still present and deeply affecting the lives of their families. I have always asked myself: What more can we do to support their recovery? I aim to contribute to their recovery and support their families during this emotionally challenging time.

Seven years ago, during my arranged marriage in India, I told my husband that I would only say yes if he supported my dream of pursuing a PhD one day. He agreed, and he has stood by that promise ever since. Today, that long-held dream is finally taking shape. I am taking my first steps into doctoral research while guiding my baby through hers. Balancing a full-time academic role, part-time PhD study, and parenthood has been challenging yet deeply fulfilling, offering emotional growth and vital lessons in adaptability and time management. At times, the journey has felt overwhelming, but the unwavering support from those by my side has been a steady source of encouragement, reminding me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacles that come my way.

From India to Edinburgh: Laying the Groundwork

The journey to this point has had its ups and downs, but it has been incredibly rewarding. During my time at MCON, MAHE, India, I conducted a feasibility study that served as a proof of concept, showing that my vision could be adapted to work within the NHS. In India, I was on familiar ground: I understood the system, knew the people, and could feel the pulse of the place.

Later, I moved to Manchester, where I gained significant experience working within the NHS. That period was instrumental in deepening my understanding of the UK healthcare system. Subsequently, securing a lecturer position at ENU marked a pivotal moment, bringing with it exciting opportunities. It was the first concrete leap toward achieving my long-term dream. However, relocating once again meant starting over in a new city, and doing so without existing networks felt like learning to swim in open waters. I was determined to pursue my dream of conducting impactful, practice-based research, knowing that the path ahead would require persistence, dedication, and hard work. And, amidst that uncertainty, my colleagues at ENU became my lighthouse. They pointed me in the right direction, introduced me to the right people, and reminded me that support systems can bloom even in unfamiliar soil.

In the first few months of my new role as a lecturer, I focused on connecting with key members of the Nursing Subject Group and establishing my professional ties within the NHS. Through ongoing conversations with my supervisors and NHS colleagues, I developed the initial plans for my PhD project and gained invaluable insights into clinical practice, which helped shape the direction of my research from the outset. I am proud to now hold an honorary Advanced Research Fellow position with NHS Lothian, giving me clinical access to conduct my study and build relationships that strengthen my research foundation.

Celebrating Milestones

One achievement I am particularly proud of is the successful registration of my systematic review protocol on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), marking an important early milestone that has given me a strong sense of accomplishment. I also submitted an abstract of the protocol for a poster presentation at the Scottish Intensive Care Society Conference 2025, which has been accepted. Additionally, I have been selected to present at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh in July and August 2025 on the topic “The Power of Familiar Voices for Coma Patients.” These milestones have not only motivated me but also served as powerful reminders of how far I have come, despite the challenges I have faced. They continue to shape my growth as both a researcher and a presenter. I am eager to learn to tailor my message to different audiences, navigate nerves, and build confidence in sharing my work publicly.

Challenges and Adaptation

One unexpected hurdle involved the lack of support for screening patients’ hearing function in NHS Lothian, a crucial element of my research. Despite reaching out to various departments and professionals, I found that the limited resources, manpower, and equipment made this task particularly challenging. Initially, I was uncertain about the impact this would have on my research. However, with the advice of my supervisors and clinical advisor, I shifted my approach and decided to confirm patients’ hearing abilities through GP notes, health records, and family discussions rather than direct screenings. This change resolved the issue and taught me the importance of flexibility, resourcefulness, and most importantly, a pragmatic research approach. It was an important reminder that research rarely follows a straight path, and the ability to adapt and find creative solutions is imperative.

Upon reflection, my PhD journey has unfolded differently than I originally envisioned. While unexpected delays, such as my pregnancy and adjusting to life as a mother, slowed the process of securing a part-time PhD student role at ENU, I am now looking ahead with renewed focus. I never imagined starting my PhD with my daughter by my side; it has often felt like climbing a mountain with my baby in my backpack. These experiences have taught me that both life and the PhD journey can be unpredictable, and that learning to be flexible and adaptable is of paramount importance.

Teaching and Research: A Delicate Balance

As a new lecturer, I am learning to balance my academic responsibilities with research commitments. Teaching has allowed me to develop prioritisation and time management skills that benefit both my research and academic growth, and I find great fulfilment in interacting with students. I have also gained a deeper understanding of my research as I work to distil complex concepts into digestible content. It has been rewarding to share my passion for research with students and see how those interactions enrich my learning.

Growing as a Scholar

Writing abstracts, registering protocols, and presenting my work have provided valuable insights into academic writing. With each new experience, I have refined my communication style, gained confidence, and learned how to structure my research to be clear, concise, and accessible to academic audiences. I am excited to continue developing my research proposal and dive into my systematic review in the coming months, while honing my writing process and seeking feedback from my supervisors.

Community and Connection

Staying connected with the research community has been essential. Through Postgraduate Research (PGR) seminars, PhD induction sessions, I have gained feedback, found encouragement, and expanded my academic network. I also secured an opportunity to present my initial PhD plans to the Scottish Critical Care Interdisciplinary Research Liaison (SCCIRL) Group, a profound opportunity to gain feedback from experienced researchers.

Looking Ahead

The journey to a PhD is rarely linear. There are moments of triumph, exhaustion, joy, and self-doubt. But every step forward, whether big or small, brings me closer to contributing meaningfully to patient care and clinical research. With the support of my supervisors, colleagues, and family, I move ahead with confidence. I look forward to sharing more of this journey and hope that, in doing so, I inspire others walking a similar path.

Acknowledgment

Special thanks to my PhD supervisors, Dr Gosha Wojcik and Professor Cathal Breen, for their continued guidance and support as well as thoughtful feedback and encouragement on this blog post.