Claire de Oliveira
Claire de Oliveira holds several positions across the world.
She is a senior scientist and senior health economist at the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; an associate professor at the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto; a senior adjunct scientist in the Mental Health and Addictions Program at ICES, and an honorary senior lecturer at the Hull York Medical School at the University of York.
In addition to her academic appointments, she currently serves as a board member of the International Health Economics Association and as a member of the international editorial board of the British Journal of Psychiatry.
She holds a Licenciatura in economics from the University of Oporto in Portugal and a MA and a PhD in economics from McMaster University in Canada.
Our 60-second interview with Claire:
What do you do in the field of mental health?
I’m an academic and undertake research to understand how we can improve care for individuals living with mental illness. This mainly involves analysing data to answer specific research questions within the field of mental health economics.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of my work is the opportunity to learn more about the field of mental health.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
Some of the most challenging or complicated aspects of this work include obtaining funding to undertake my research and dealing with administrative work.
What impact do you hope your work is having- or can potentially have?
I truly hope that my work can make an impact in terms of informing mental health care policy and ultimately improving the lives of individuals living with mental illness.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
There are a few things I follow for my own mental health; these include spending time with family and friends, going on walks to clear my mind, and seeking professional care, when needed.