Beginning a professional doctorate in health or social care often feels like stepping into two worlds at once. On one side lies the familiar territory of practice, with its routines, values, and ethical demands. On the other sits the more abstract terrain of scholarly inquiry, where assumptions are examined, concepts debated, and meaning constructed. The challenge for many practitioner-scholars is learning to live productively at this intersection, navigating between practice and academia while maintaining integrity in both.

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 launches a new 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.