Today, I’m joined by Mr Alwyn Abraham, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at University Hospitals of Leicester, medical educationalist, healthcare leader, and Chair-Elect of World Orthopaedic Concern.
Alwyn reflects on nearly four decades in medicine, from his early training at Edinburgh Medical School to leading large multidisciplinary teams under extreme pressure. He shares candid insights into what he wishes he had learned earlier about managing himself, relationships, and the human side of leadership.
Our conversation explores what it truly means to lead under sustained stress, including Alwyn’s experience of leading over 90 clinicians through the COVID-19 pandemic. He speaks powerfully about leading by example, moral courage, availability, and why you cannot force people to change — but you can influence how they think.
We also discuss collaborative working across disciplines, the importance of psychological safety and feedback in training environments, and how Alwyn’s global health work in Ethiopia reshaped his perspective on leadership, service, and values-based practice.
Finally, Alwyn reflects on adult development, self-authorship, and the shift from external validation to internal conviction - moving from being a “spark” to becoming a “flame” in one’s professional life.
This is a rich and reflective conversation about compassionate leadership, humility, and sustaining purpose in complex healthcare systems.
🎧 Listen if you’re interested in:
• Leading teams under pressure
• Clinical leadership beyond technical expertise
• Psychological safety and feedback cultures
• Global health perspectives on leadership
• Developing conviction and values as a senior clinician
Reflective Practice Questions
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