Applications for 2026/2027 are now OPEN. Eligible practices have been contacted directly (May 2026).
Trailblazer fellowships must be hosted by a practice whose IMD 2025 score is equal to or above 30. (The Fingertips: Public health data platform can be used to search and rank practices/PCNs within an ICS whose IMD 2025 score is ≥ 30)
To be added to the mailing list to receive updates for future Trailblazer opportunities, please email gpteam.cwth@nhs.net (approximate launch Spring 2027)
The Trailblazer scheme allows motivated, qualified clinicians (General Practitioners and wider workforce), to work in practices in areas of socio-economic deprivation. The aim is to develop the skills, knowledge, experience, and resilience to stay working in these challenging, but incredibly rewarding, environments and to help practices in under-resourced areas to recruit and retain clinicians.
CWTH is very proud to support the delivery of these NHS England – Midlands Primary Care Trailblazers Fellowships locally across Coventry & Warwickshire.
Trailblazer Fellows
Meera Pillai – Trailblazer
Edgwick Medical Centre
I am a GP based in a highly deprived area of Coventry. We face multiple challenges while providing health care and therefore I led several quality improvement projects, though not all have seen the desired results. I hope participation in the Trailblazer program will help me deliver improved outcomes for my patients in our practice.
Radha Gurung – Trailblazer
Arbury Medical Centre
I qualified as a General Practitioner in 2024 and currently work in Arbury Medical Centre in Nuneaton. Before entering general practice, I spent over years working in hospital medicine, gaining a broad range of clinical experience across multiple specialties. This diverse background has shaped my holistic approach to patient care.
I am excited to embark on the Trailblazer Programme, where I hope to explore innovative ways to better serve my patients and colleagues. With particular interests in diabetes and lifestyle medicine, I am keen to learn from a range of diverse opportunities and adapt my practice to enhance patient care and address health inequalities within the community.
Mohamed Hafsal – Trailblazer
Meridian Practice
After qualifying as a GP in 2024, I began working across two practices in Coventry, supporting patients from diverse backgrounds and areas of socio-economic deprivation. I am keen to use the Trailblazer Fellowship to explore new strategies to reduce health inequalities and make a lasting difference within the communities I serve.
Trailblazer Fellows Alumni
Mary Bronwen
Mary Bronwen – Trailblazer
Willenhall Primary Care Centre, Coventry
I qualified as a GP in 2024 and now work in North Warwickshire. Having come to medicine a little later in life and trained mostly part time alongside family life, I have enjoyed a varied career path with over 10 years in hospitals before landing in general practice. I am looking forward to embarking on the Trailblazer programme and hopefully finding new ways to better serve the people I work with. I have two children and enjoy getting outdoors, baking and all things crafty!
Charlie Averill
Charlie Averill – Trailblazer
Willenhall Primary Care Centre, Coventry
Being a Partner at my Practice in Coventry for 11 years has meant I have developed a deep sense of loyalty to my colleagues and our patients. As such I believe passionately as acting as an advocate for our patients and their community, which includes high levels of deprivation and the challenges and inequalities that are found therein.
I have particular interests in Substance Misuse and Mental Health and I would like to see the Fellowship open doors for this. However, I am most excited about seeing how it may explode into a number of strands that help me target my patient’s health inequalities.
Away from work I place emphasis on my own wellbeing, through family, hiking, attending gigs and questionably whilst supporting Port Vale.
Sarah Raistrick

Sarah Raistrick – Trailblazer
Willenhall Primary Care Centre, Coventry
I am a newly qualified GP I am a GP of almost 20 years, and after training and practicing in London I have been working in Willenhall, Coventry for the past 9.working at Sky Blue medical group in Coventry. I have worked in various medical departments in the southeast before joining the GP training program.
Dilraaj Nijjar

Dilraaj Nijjar – Trailblazer
Kenyon Medical Centre, Coventry
I’m a newly qualified GP having completed my medical training across Coventry and Warwickshire. I am familiar with the area and services. I want to use my fellowship year to focus on improving diabetes care across my practice and PCN.
Chikeluba Okoli

Chikeluba Okoli – Trailblazer
Woodend Health Centre, Coventry
I am a newly qualified GP working at Sky Blue medical group in Coventry. I have worked in various medical departments in the southeast before joining thI am a newly qualified GP Currently at Woodend Health Center in Coventry. I have previously worked in Emergency department and Urgent Treatment Center in London before joining the Coventry VTS for training.e GP training program.
Mina Ibrahim

Mina Ibrahim – Trailblazer
Sky Blue Medical Group, Coventry
I am a newly qualified GP working at Sky Blue medical group in Coventry. I have worked in various medical departments in the southeast before joining the GP training program.
Lizzie Murphy

Lizzie Murphy – Trailblazer
Engleton House Surgery, Coventry
I am a newly qualified GP having previously worked in emergency medicine for several years as a senior house officer in various emergency departments across the UK.
Amir Awan

Amir Awan – Trailblazer
City of Health Centre, Coventry
I’m a newly qualified GP and currently working at the ‘Dr Sani’s Surgery, in the City of Health Centre, Coventry. I previously worked in various Emergency departments in the Republic of Ireland at the Registrar level.
Sasha Darwazeh

Trailblazer Fellow
Woodside Medical Centre, Coventry
Sasha Darwazeh
Trailblazer FellowSasha Darwazeh
Trailblazer Fellow, Woodside Medical Centre, Coventry
Mai Elftise

Trailblazer Fellow,
Godiva Group Practice, Coventry
Mai Elftise
Trailblazer FellowMai Elftise
Trailblazer Fellow, Godiva Group Practice, Coventry
Colette Hancock

Trailblazer Fellow
City of Coventry Health Centre
Colette Hancock
Trailblazer FellowColette Hancock
Trailblazer Fellow, City of Coventry Health Centre
Catherine Tart

Trailblazer Fellow
Woodend Health Centre, Coventry
Catherine Tart
Trailblazer FellowCatherine Tart
Trailblazer Fellow, Woodend Health Centre, Coventry