Nursing is often described as a calling built on dedication, resilience, and the desire to uplift others. Few embody these qualities as naturally as Dr. Paul John Alegado. As a senior academic at the University of Worcester’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, he has not only advanced in his career but has also helped reshape nursing education in the United Kingdom. His work pushes for greater diversity, inclusivity, and recognition of the Filipino nursing experience on a global stage.
A global academic journey
Dr. Alegado’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to education and global engagement. He holds a PhD in Comparative Education and has taught in multiple countries before settling in the UK. Before his move, he was a research fellow at the International Network on Gender, Social Justice, and Praxis at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and a lecturer at Beijing University of Technology. He also served as a teaching fellow in a PhD program at Beijing Normal University.
During his time in China, he received notable recognitions, including the ‘Most Outstanding International Scholar’ award from Beijing Normal University in 2020. His academic pursuits were further supported by scholarships and grants from the Chinese Scholarship Council and the Gu Ming Yuan Research and Education Grant. These experiences broadened his perspective and deeply influenced how he now approaches nursing education and leadership in the UK.
Representation and advocacy in nursing education
Moving to the United Kingdom opened new opportunities but also highlighted familiar challenges. As one of the few Filipinos working in academia, Dr. Alegado immediately recognized the need for stronger representation. “There are very few Filipinos in academia in the UK, and I believe in the power that representation holds,” he shares.
In addition to his academic role, he serves as the Executive Secretary and West Midlands Regional Director of the Filipino Nurses Association UK (FNA-UK). Through this platform, he supports Filipino nurses adjusting to the UK healthcare environment. He has organized academic writing workshops in key cities such as Birmingham, Leicester, Cardiff, Oxford, and Belfast, giving internationally educated nurses (IENs) the tools to thrive in higher education. He also helped develop a pre-arrival module for international student nurses (ISNs), ensuring they feel supported even before stepping foot in the country.
Beyond practical support, his research tackles some of the most pressing issues in healthcare. From exploring the effects of anti-homosexual laws on Ugandan refugees to addressing the struggles faced by international students in UK universities, Dr. Alegado’s work goes beyond theory—it influences policies and sparks meaningful change.
A multi-awarded nurse leader
Dr. Alegado’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was named ‘Overseas Nurse of the Year’ at the Nursing Times Awards and secured a Silver award for ‘Educator Nurse of the Year’ at the British Journal of Nursing Awards 2025.
His insights and research contributions are published in respected journals, including the British Journal of Nursing, Nursing Standard, and Educational Philosophy and Theory. With 16 published articles and more than 100 citations to his name, his scholarship is helping shape the future of nursing education. He is also an officer in the Migrant Members Standing Committee (MMSC) of the University College Union, where he advocates for the fair treatment and recognition of migrant nurses.
In Birmingham, he is a known mentor among international nurses, offering informal coaching clinics that cover everything from interview skills to workplace guidance and academic support for those pursuing Level 7 qualifications.
Lessons for Filipino nurses
Having built a career across different continents, Dr. Alegado offers advice to Filipino nurses looking to grow their careers internationally.
First, he says, don’t fear starting over. “I had just completed my PhD and was in a great university in Beijing when I had to restart my career in the UK as a theatre practitioner,” he recalls. It wasn’t easy, but persistence opened new doors.
He also encourages nurses to take chances. “Whether it’s applying for a promotion, stepping into leadership, or pursuing further studies—you have nothing to lose, only to gain,” he says.
Leadership, he reminds, is not about titles. “Every act of care and mentorship matters,” he emphasizes.
Continuous learning is also crucial. “Nursing requires continuous learning—not just for patients, but for ourselves and the future of the profession,” he advises.
Finally, he urges Filipino nurses to stay grounded. “Your Filipino heritage, experiences, and values are your strengths,” he affirms, encouraging nurses to embrace their roots as part of their journey toward success.
More than a scholar, Dr. Alegado is a mentor, advocate, and a tireless voice for internationally educated nurses. His efforts to diversify nursing curricula, support migrant healthcare workers, and contribute to meaningful research are helping shape a more inclusive and representative future for nursing.
Through his leadership, he inspires Filipino nurses everywhere to step forward, find their voice, and make a lasting impact—not just within their hospitals or schools, but across the entire healthcare community.
