Simon Gilbody FMedSci, Professor of Psychological Medicine and Psychiatric Epidemiology, Hull York Medical School
Simon Gilbody is Director and founder of the York Mental Health and Addictions Research Group (MHARG). He is a leading clinical epidemiologist and population health scientist.
His research draws upon his clinical background; having studied Psychology before completing training in Medicine, Psychiatry and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
He holds a Higher Doctorate (DSc) in Clinical Epidemiology from the University of York and is an NIHR Senior Investigator and Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci).
email: simon.gilbody@york.ac.uk
Our 60-second interview with Simon:
Could you please tell us what work you do in the field of mental health?
I am interested in finding out what works, and importantly what provides good value for money for the NHS. I am particularly interested in talking treatments and things that can be delivered at scale or to prevent mental ill health.. I also look at health inequalities and, in particular, why people who use mental health services experience such poor physical health and what can be done to remedy this.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
I really enjoy drawing on my clinical & public health experience. This informs the research we do by combining the best scientific methods with the perspectives of those who use mental health services.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
Getting funding and building a team! It is a challenge but also a joy getting often quite large and diverse groups of people who share a common purpose to jump together and bid for an award.
What impact do you hope your work is having - or can potentially have?
My dream is to ensure that mental and physical health are always on the same page. You absolutely cannot consider one without the other. I’m also really keen to reduce the stigma around mental health problems. I try to do all I can to advance these two ambitions and things are starting to change.
Could you share with us some advice that you follow for your own mental health?
Do something every day. Try to plan things a little and don’t leave everything to chance. Don’t smoke, drink in moderation, try to do a bit of exercise. Get a good night’s sleep. Also try not to vote for governments that pursue policies that make societies more unequal!