A serendipitous turn led to a remarkable journey in headache and neuromodulation nursing, carving out a path that would establish Susie Lagrata as a pioneering figure in the field. Her career began with a solid foundation in Adult Nursing, earned from Wesleyan University in the Philippines in 1996. In 1999, like many Filipino nurses seeking broader horizons, she ventured to the United Kingdom, unaware that her pursuit of opportunities would eventually make her a recognized authority in this specialized area of healthcare.
Today, Susie serves as an Advanced Headache Nurse Practitioner at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, part of the University College London Hospitals (UCLH) NHS Foundation Trust. Over the years, she has pursued a range of post-graduate qualifications, including a Master of Headache Disorders at the University of Copenhagen in 2018. In 2021, she embarked on her PhD journey at University College London, further solidifying her commitment to evidence-based practice and innovation. Additionally, she is a registered independent non-medical prescriber, an essential qualification that grants her the ability to prescribe medications within her scope of expertise.
Susie’s dedication to advancing headache care has garnered significant recognition. She was awarded the Top-Quality Patient Care Award in 2016 and received the 2022 Royal College of Nursing Award for her pioneering nurse-led services in the United Kingdom. She has expanded access to care in areas previously dominated by medical practitioners, including multiple cranial nerve block clinics and Botox clinics for chronic migraine. “My journey into headache and neuromodulation nursing was serendipitous,” she explains. “Initially, I was unaware of the complexities and impact of headache disorders until I encountered my first patient with chronic migraine when I arrived in the UK in 1999. This piqued my interest and ignited my curiosity.”
Her achievements extend beyond clinical practice. She has served as a topic-specific member of the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, influencing national policy and best practices in headache management. She currently sits on the Education Committee of the International Headache Society, contributes as a guest lecturer at London Southbank University, and is a Board Member of the International Forum for Headache Nurses. Alongside these roles, she has presented at both national and international conferences, earning the Best Scientific Presentation in a scientific tournament in Belgium in 2024. Over the last 16 years, Susie has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers, solidifying her status as a prominent leader in her specialty.
Asked about how her Filipino heritage shapes her practice, Susie reflects on deeply ingrained values of compassion, resilience, and community. “My Filipino heritage has profoundly influenced my approach to patient care and leadership,” she says. “Growing up in a community that values compassion, resilience, and respect has shaped how I connect with patients and colleagues.” She underscores the importance of humility and collaboration, particularly when mentoring colleagues or advocating for underrepresented voices in healthcare. Drawing on the Filipino spirit of bayanihan—community cooperation—she strives to foster supportive environments that empower both patients and healthcare teams.
Yet her journey has not been without obstacles. “One significant challenge has been the limited recognition of headache nursing as a specialised field,” she explains. Many still regard headaches as a trivial ailment, undermining the need for dedicated resources and specialists. Through persistence, data-driven advocacy, and measurable results from her nurse-led clinics, Susie has demonstrated the tangible benefits of tailored headache care. She also mentions impostor syndrome as a personal hurdle, especially when speaking at international conferences or representing her field on prestigious panels. “I overcome this by focusing on the positive impact my work has on patients and the profession,” she says. “I draw strength from the support of colleagues, mentors, and the wider nursing community.”
For Filipino nurses aspiring to excel in advanced practice and specialized roles, Susie offers practical advice rooted in lifelong learning, exploration, and grounded values: “First, embrace lifelong learning. Advanced practice and specialisation require a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, so pursue opportunities for professional development… Don’t be afraid to venture into less traditional fields. Finally, stay grounded in the values of compassion and resilience that are innate to our Filipino heritage.” She believes in the power of forging new paths, much like she did with her pioneering nurse-led headache services. Moreover, her experience demonstrates how a nurse can embody the four pillars of nursing—clinical practice, research, education, and leadership—by pushing boundaries and innovating within the profession.
Susie’s story exemplifies how determination, cultural sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centred care can redefine what is possible in healthcare. From her early days as a curious nurse in the Philippines to becoming a decorated advanced practitioner in one of the UK’s leading neurological institutions, she shows how one person’s passion can drive systemic change. By advocating for specialized training, influencing policy, and mentoring the next generation, Susie continues to shine a spotlight on headache and neuromodulation nursing—ultimately improving quality of life for countless patients worldwide.
