Libsyn Directory

Leading the Way 15: Giving leadership a go, with Dr Chakrapani Vasudevan

Release Date: 09/30/2026

Building Capacity 2: Alternative research pathways

RCPCH Podcasts

In the second episode of our Building Capacity: Past, Present and Future series, recorded at the RCPCH Trainee Research Network National Conference in Stafford, we explore stepping outside of standard training routes. Dr Leila Ellis of the Trainee Research Network speaks with Dr Sharna Shanmugavadivel and Dr Priyen Shah about how their careers have developed beyond the conventional clinical academic route.  They discuss finding opportunities, mentors and how research experience can open doors into areas such as policy, artificial intelligence and health technology. Sharna and...

Building Capacity 1: Routes to get involved in research

RCPCH Podcasts

In the first episode of our Building Capacity: Past, Present and Future series, recorded at the RCPCH Trainee Research Network National Conference in Stafford, we explore some of the different ways paediatricians can become involved in research.  Dr Leila Ellis of the Trainee Research Network speaks with Professor Will Carroll, Professor Damian Roland and Dr Jon Elliot about the current child health research landscape and why research should be part of everyday paediatric practice. They discuss the importance of building research capacity beyond traditional academic centres, how...

Leading the Way 15: Giving leadership a go, with Dr Chakrapani Vasudevan

RCPCH Podcasts

How can we manage major career transitions? How do we ensure colleagues get the support needed to succeed? In this final episode of our series on leadership conversations, Dr Jonathan Darling speaks with Dr Chakra Vasudevan about his work in medical education, patient care and supporting others. From training in India to his move to the UK, to his current role as Head of School in Yorkshire and new RCPCH Officer for Recruitment, Chakra shares the experiences and lessons that have influenced his approach to leadership and professional development. ...

Leading the Way 14: Leading through improvement, with Dr Yincent Tse

RCPCH Podcasts

How can you use your voice to enact impact? In the penultimate episode of our Leading the Way series, Dr Jonathan Darling, our recently departed Vice President for Education and Workforce, speaks with his successor, Dr Yincent Tse, a paediatric nephrologist. The two share valuable insights into leadership, quality improvement and the positive mindset needed to create lasting change. Jonathan and Yincent discuss the importance of saying ‘yes’ to opportunities, but also knowing when it is time to move on. Yincent encourages leaders to talk to as many people as possible and to...

Child health research 2: Getting started and finding support with, Professor Will Carroll

RCPCH Podcasts

How can paediatricians get started in research alongside clinical work? This RCPCH podcast is the second in of our series on Research and Child Health. In this episode Davide, a College staff member from the Research and Evidence Team, is joined by Professor Will Carroll, respiratory paediatrician and previous Officer of Research at the College. The two discuss how paediatricians at any level can get started in research alongside a clinical role. Will shares his experience in building research infrastructure for issues regarding children and young people in district general hospitals....

Leading the Way 13: Leading change, with Dr Nadeem Moghal

RCPCH Podcasts

How can we build services that better understand population needs? In this episode, Dr Jonathan Darling speaks to Dr Nadeem Moghal, Director and Chief Medical and Innovation officer at Strasys. The discussion moves beyond traditional leadership theory and focuses on the practical realities of leading in complex environments, particularly where transformation and service improvement are required. The two explore the challenge of building better services in increasingly complex systems. Using the example of paediatric services, Nadeem discusses the fragility that can exist within healthcare...

Understanding the RCPCH Assessment Review - changes to workplace-based assessments

RCPCH Podcasts

Want to know more about the RCPCH’s Assessment Review particularly what, why, when and how it’s going to affect you? This podcast episode aims to do just that by bringing together some of the College faculty who have been involved through the planning, development and pilot stages. Dr Cathryn Chadwick, outgoing Vice President for Training and Assessment, Dr Josh Hodgson, Chair of the RCPCH Trainee Committee and Dr Sarah Hallett, Trainee Representative for Assessment at the RCPCH, discuss proposed changes to workplace-based assessments which are designed to better reflect real clinical...

Leading the Way 12: The quiet power of SAS doctor leadership, with Dr Kumar Swamy

RCPCH Podcasts

Representing around 30% of the medical workforce in the NHS, SAS doctors are essential to delivering high-quality care. Yet their role is still evolving in terms of recognition and development. In this episode, Dr Jonathan Darling, who has recently completed tenure as RCPCH Vice President for Education and Professional Development, speaks with Dr Kumar Swamy, neonatology specialist and RCPCH SAS Joint Chair about how the RCPCH SAS committee works to amplify the impact and recognition of SAS doctors through consistent and persuasive messaging. The two discuss how leadership rarely begins...

Child health research 1: Digital health technologies, with Professor Paul Dimitri

RCPCH Podcasts

How can we use digital technology to address children's physical and mental health needs and shift from reactive to anticipatory, personalised care? This episode is the first of a series on research and child health and discusses the role of technology in transforming child health. Professor Paul Dimitri, Director of Research and Innovation at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and paediatric endocrinology consultant talks with Nish Talawila Da Camara, Head of Research and Evidence. Paul outlines how digital tools, data and artificial...

Influencing the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act

RCPCH Podcasts

How does the College combine paediatric and policy expertise to influence legislation? Professor Andrew Rowland, Officer for Child Protection, talks about our work with colleagues from RCPCH and NSPCC. The UK Government introduced the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill in 2024. This proposed measures to improve information sharing between services, strengthen safeguarding, reform children’s social care and raise standards and protections in schools. This received Royal Assent in early May 2026. Andrew invites Elizabeth Collin, RCPCH Public Affairs and Campaign Manager and Joanna...

More Episodes

How can we manage major career transitions? How do we ensure colleagues get the support needed to succeed?

In this final episode of our series on leadership conversations, Dr Jonathan Darling speaks with Dr Chakra Vasudevan about his work in medical education, patient care and supporting others.

From training in India to his move to the UK, to his current role as Head of School in Yorkshire and new RCPCH Officer for Recruitment, Chakra shares the experiences and lessons that have influenced his approach to leadership and professional development.

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast relates only to the speaker and not necessarily to their employer, organisation, RCPCH or any other group or individual.

About Chakra

Chakra is a Consultant Neonatologist based at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is currently Head of School in Yorkshire, after being a Training Program Director there for several years. He is also the new RCPCH Officer for Recruitment and previously served as the Officer for Education.

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