Completing a professional doctorate invites reflection not only on the research itself, but also on the journey of becoming a different kind of scholar. This post continues an article series where professional doctorate graduates reflect on their journeys. Each article offers a candid look back at the challenges, shifts in identity, and lessons learned along the way, providing insight and encouragement for those currently undertaking or considering a professional doctorate.
This article in the series is written by Dr Pippa Hales. Dr Pippa Hales is the Chief Allied Health Professional at Royal Papworth Hospital and completed her Professional Doctorate at Anglia Ruskin University. Her research focused on the identity of the Allied Health Professions (AHP), and she is committed to developing AHP talent, advancing leadership, and translating research into better outcomes for patients.
Doing a Professional Doctorate (and what it did to me)
Why a professional doctorate
I started a Professional Doctorate because something didn’t sit right. As a Chief Allied Health Professional (AHP) in the NHS, there is knowledge about our individual professions, but almost nothing about who we are together. That gap mattered to me.
I didn’t want to leave practice to “do” research, I wanted research to sharpen practice. The structure of the Professional Doctorate enabled this symbiosis, letting me explore my own field rigorously while staying anchored to reality and keeping my research honest.
Love Hate
I loved the experience. It felt creative and, if I’m honest, a bit self-indulgent at times. I was very aware of the privilege of having that space to think. At times though it was also hard, frustrating and a few tears were shed. You need to be prepared for it to be uncomfortable. You are learning so many new things, language, concepts, philosophy, methods, while everything is still blurry. I eventually stopped trying to make it tidy and soon learned to trust the process. I let the chaos have its space, knowing it would slowly all click into place.
Healthy Habits
I learned to be disciplined. The rule that saved me was simple. I had to do 25 minutes a day. Anything that moved my work forward counted, that could be replying to a supervisor, reading a paper, writing a paragraph. Most days the 25 minutes turned into an hour or two. If I’d aimed for “an hour” from the start, it wouldn’t have happened. Little and often beat grand intentions.
Grounded Theory, grounded practice
Finding a community around my methodology was really helpful. Writing groups helped me build momentum, but a Grounded Theory group helped me build my understanding and application. It gave me a safe space to ask questions, learn and test ideas. Finding your people is key as you’ll need your cheerleaders when things feel tough as well as supportive critique.
The thesis and the person it made
My findings speak to what it means to belong to AHP as a collective and they are already having an impact on practice. But the other product of this journey was me. I have come out the other side with sharper judgement, a steadier writing practice, an ability to read and process large amounts of information at pace, a habit of reflexivity, I’m quicker to question assumptions, clearer about evidence, and so many other skills that continue to surface in my practice.
For anyone considering a Professional Doctorate
You don’t need perfect clarity to begin. You need a practice you care about, questions you can’t shake, and a habit you can sustain. Expect to feel lost. Expect highs and lows. Expect the work to change you in ways that will keep paying off long after the viva.
Want to read more Looking Back articles? Find them here: The looking back series.