Aldons Chua shares the inspirational story of his career, which recently saw him receive a Society for Endocrinology Leadership Development Award. The Award is designed to recognise and nurture emerging talent, to help create the future leaders of endocrinology.
I am humbled by being the first nurse to receive a Leadership and Development Award from the Society for Endocrinology. This recognition is for my mentors, colleagues and patients who have supported and inspired me during my career.
REFLECTING ON MY JOURNEY
'From my first shift, I was captivated by the complexity of hormones and how this impacts our daily lives.'
My journey in endocrinology has been both challenging and rewarding.
As an overseas nurse in the UK in 2016, I was uncertain about my career path. After a year in acute care, I learnt that, as a nurse, you could specialise in endocrinology. This was thanks to my colleague and friend, who encouraged me to do a bank shift in the endocrine day unit. From my first shift, I was captivated by the complexity of hormones and how this impacts our daily lives.
I became an Endocrine Specialist Nurse at East Sussex NHS Trust in 2018. I joined the Society for Endocrinology and the European Society of Endocrinology, and attended any educational meetings I could. I remember my first travel grant application for the European Congress of Endocrinology in Lyon, France, in 2019. At that conference, I met my amazing mentor, who has been instrumental in my endocrine nursing development.
Over the years, I’ve focused on developing my professional qualifications, such as independent nurse prescribing and a Master’s in clinical research. I have also encouraged a spirit of collaboration and mentorship among my peers.
EMPHASISING MENTORSHIP
I believe that nurturing the next generation of endocrine nurses is vital for the advancement of our field. The Leadership and Development Award will be instrumental in honing my leadership skills and empowering early-career nurses through guidance, support and collaborative opportunities. As someone who benefited from a strong mentor–mentee relationship, I hugely advocate this approach. I should mention our London and Southeast Regional Network, where we ensure that nurses feel included, as many endocrine nurses are lone workers in their respective organisations.
CONTRIBUTING TO RESEARCH AND COMMUNITY
My research area of interest has been adrenal diseases, primarily adrenal insufficiency and hyperaldosteronism. This has allowed me to collaborate with leading experts to explore innovative treatments and improve patient care. I am eager to deepen my knowledge and to contribute to the field through these collaborative efforts as part of this programme.
Beyond the academic realm, I have sought to engage with the community to raise awareness about endocrine disorders. Through organising endocrine disease awareness days and speaking engagements at patient support group meetings, I have contributed to educating the public and colleagues outside endocrinology on the importance of hormonal health, emphasising prevention and early intervention, especially regarding endocrine emergencies such as adrenal crisis. This aspect of my work is incredibly fulfilling, as it allows me to connect my research with real-world situations.
LOOKING FORWARD
To me, leadership is not just about guiding others, it is also about continuous learning and being resilient. Through this Award, I aim to further cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment, exemplifying these values in every aspect of my endocrinology nursing practice. As I move forward, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I plan to continue my involvement in promoting professional development, and seek to create collaborative research initiatives that will push the boundaries in endocrine nursing.
ADVICE TO MY FELLOW ASPIRING NURSES
The application process may sound daunting at first, but it was rather straightforward. You just have to be clear and honest about why you want to be part of the programme, in accordance with your professional and personal goals. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from your mentor and colleagues, and especially from people at the Society for Endocrinology, to ensure you have completed the application properly.
ALDONS CHUA
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Endocrinology, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London
Acknowledgements: I thank my colleague and friend Maria Ravelo, for introducing me to endocrinology, and the Birmingham endocrinology team, led by Sherwin Criseno, for welcoming me during my first months. I’m deeply grateful to Professor William Drake for his support and to my mentor Dr Sofia Llahana for her unwavering guidance. Lastly, I’m thankful to all my patients who inspire and drive me every day.
Apply now for a Leadership and Development Award. Closing date 13 April 2026
