Graham is a retired neurosurgeon who worked for many years as a consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Over this period he developed an interest in a group of disorders of the nervous system that include specific complications of spinal cord injury. Working with colleagues at the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries, Graham built up considerable experience in the management of these conditions. He continues to work, in an advisory capacity, with younger colleagues, including in the running of a special clinical interest group. He is also chairman of two other medical charities that deal with neurological disorders, the Ann Conroy Trust and the Midlands Neurosciences Teaching and Research Fund.