PAUL CHARLTON Senior Orthotist, Peacocks Medical Group.
Did you grow up in the North East or did you decide to relocate here in later life?
I was born 500 yards from St James Park and 200 yards from the then Newcastle Brewery. I’ve always lived in the west end of Newcastle. I grew up in Benwell and then East Denton and following the loss of my father, at the age of 13, I went to boarding school. However, I was always keen to get home to Newcastle and I joke that everyone in my year ended up speaking with a Geordie accent. I also endeavoured to convert the school from rugby to football.
What do you think it means to be a business person in the North East of England?
We are a very friendly bunch in the North East and there is always someone readily available to offer guidance or support. Unsure of my career path, I was incredibly lucky to discover orthotics, which is the most wonderful profession. Bringing clinical and engineering knowledge together to create biomechanical solutions to medical problems, satisfies my always curious mind. The fact I work with great people makes it all the better.
I was very fortunate that my mentor, employer and immediate past chair of Peacocks Medical Group, Colin Peacock, was a crusader within the industry. He helped create the profession which was in its infancy when I started as a trainee orthotist.
Where do you like to eat out in the region?
I really like the food at Riverbeat, an Asian tapas restaurant and it fits in with why I love Newcastle. It’s the old river police station overlooking the quayside and bridges.
Are the people really friendlier?
I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming many visitors to our city over the years and love the comments they have on the friendliness and the passion of the people they meet. All of which I take for granted but am very proud of.
What do you think is the best view in the North East?
The view from the rooftop of Greys Monument. It is definitely worth a visit.
Have you any experience of working elsewhere and how did it compare?
Working at Peacocks Medical Group has led to me being asked to speak and teach across the country, eventually delivering clinics to the National Hospital for Neurology. My enthusiasm to speak and share information, also led to me taking the chair for the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics in the late noughties. Fortunately, I was able to do all of this while still living in Newcastle, where I am married and have the most fantastic family who I’m incredibly proud of and who help keep me sane!!
