A radiography academy built on real NHS experience
Imaging HQ Academy was founded to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and leadership development in healthcare.
Founder Story
Meet Afra Sulfikher
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi into a family of medical professionals from all backgrounds, my actual professional journey began in India, where I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Medical Imaging from Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai. My early years were tough but later evolved into a rewarding leadership career within the NHS. Along the way, I have been privileged to work alongside outstanding colleagues, support learners, mentor professionals, and contribute to service development whilst finding my way towards my postgraduate degree from the University of Edinburgh and Birmingham City University, where I eventually qualified as a CT Head Reporting Advanced Practitioner.
As an NHS Radiology Service Lead, educator and mentor, I am passionate about helping healthcare professionals realise their potential. My work extends beyond clinical leadership into education, workforce development and professional advocacy. I currently serve as Chairperson of the Women’s Wing of the Professional Alliance of Indian Radiographers (PAIR), a special interest group with the Society of Radiographers (SoR), where I support initiatives that encourage leadership, collaboration and professional growth.
Alongside my leadership role, I am undertaking a PhD from a prestigious UK University, reflecting my commitment to advancing knowledge and improving practice through research. Imaging HQ Academy brings together these experiences to create a supportive learning community where professionals can build confidence, develop leadership skills, and achieve meaningful career progression so that you don’t have to tread the difficult path that I once did!
WHAT I BRING TO IMAGING HQ ACADEMY
Imaging HQ Academy has been created to bridge the gap between education, professional development and real NHS practice.
Every programme is designed using practical leadership experience, clinical expertise and workforce development knowledge gained through working within the NHS.
Rather than focusing purely on theory, our learning equips professionals with the confidence, behaviours and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s healthcare environment.
Whether you are beginning your NHS journey, preparing for career progression or developing as a healthcare leader, our programmes are designed to support meaningful and lasting professional growth.
AREAS OF EXPERTIES
NHS Leadership & Service Management
Leading complex diagnostic services and multidsciplinary teams.
Clinical Education &
Designing practical learning that builds confidence and supports career progression.
International Workforce Integration
Supporting internationally educated professionals into NHS practice.
International Workforce Integration
Supporting internationally educated professionals into NHS practice.
Mission
To support internationally educated radiographers with practical guidance, evidence-informed education, and professional development that enables successful careers within UK healthcare.
Vision
To become a trusted global learning community where healthcare professionals build confidence, leadership skills, and long-term career success.
Core Values
To ensure no healthcare professional has to navigate the difficult career journey alone by providing mentorship, education, and real-world leadership experience.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT YOU
Heathcare Proffesionals
Career coaching, leadership development, NHS preparation and professional education.
Heathcare Organisations
Workforce development, leadership programmes, service improvement and bespoke education solutions.
International Partners
International workforce integration, NHS induction programmes and healthcare education consultancy.
MY PHILOSOPHY
Education should be practical, leadership should
be compassioante and every healthcare professional should have access to opportunities that helpthem thrive. My goal is to help others grow, but to inspire confidence, develop future leaders and support meaningful improvements in
healthcare through education, collaboration
and lifelong learning.
countries of work experience
I’ve worked with a variety of colleagues from varied and diverse backgrounds which has rendered me with a deep understanding of different cultural elements, expectations, challenges and support required. This first-hand experience has enabled me to create my own grounded pathways for integration into any new healthcare environment.
India
Experience working in multiple and diverse healthcare environment.
UAE
Specialised in advanced clinical practice by working with multiple private and government entities.
UK
Appointed to senior leadership role in the NHS. Commenced and on-going PhD. Appointed as the chairperson for the Professional Alliance of Indian Radiographers, a special interest group within the Society of Radiographers