What is your background and your current role?
I’ve been working in psychology for almost 20 years now – most of that time as a clinical psychologist with cancer patients at St Vincent’s University Hospital.
One of my main areas of interest is psycho-oncology, where cancer patients access mental health support alongside their medical treatment. About two years ago, I took up a full-time academic role at UCD.
Can you explain a bit more about psycho-oncology?
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A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just impact someone physically – it can also take a major toll mentally and emotionally on the individual and their families.
Anxiety, depression and trauma are common, and these issues can interfere with a patient’s ability to tolerate and complete their medical treatment. Psycho-oncology is all about providing integrated, wraparound care to ensure the best-possible outcomes.
It’s about treating the whole person, not just the disease. I’m proud to say that we now have psycho-oncology services at each of Ireland’s eight cancer centres.
Your research also looks at health inequities faced by marginalised populations. Tell us more.
One of the big examples is when people living with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, develop cancer.
The data show that their life expectancy could be shortened by up to 30 years compared to people in the general population receiving cancer care.
This can be down to barriers accessing routine preventive healthcare, like cancer screenings, and then difficulties in getting diagnoses and complying with treatments such as chemotherapies over time. I see this mortality gap as a violation of human rights.
What have you been researching to help?
We know from international evidence that having a dedicated “navigator” who can help these patients navigate the fragmented healthcare system and overcome system barriers can make a transformative difference.
So we are gearing up to run a trial in Ireland to test it here, and we recently held a policy dialogue event with clinicians, policymakers and patient groups, to make people more aware of what can be done.
You also work with the LGBTQ+ community on health equity issues. What do you explore there?
Many people in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly older adults, have lived for years in secrecy and shame due to the historical criminalisation of homosexuality.
That internalised stigma can make them very hesitant to engage with the healthcare system. We also see higher rates of mental health issues and substance abuse in the LGBTQ+ community. I work with LGBT Ireland to address disparities and push for more LGBTQ-affirming care.
What is the most rewarding aspect of research for you?
I think it is seeing the real-world impact of the research. Knowing that the evidence we generate can translate into tangible, positive outcomes for patients is what keeps me going.
Navigating the complexities of the healthcare system and the policy landscape can be daunting, and you need to win hearts as well as minds to move the needle on policies, but when you see the difference it makes, it’s incredibly fulfilling.
Can you tell me a bit about how you like to spend your free time?
I’m a big fan of sea swimming. There is something meditative and restorative about being in the water. I also spend as much time as I can in our camper van – our rescue dog Kitty loves it too! She is a half-Scottish deerhound. She has been a wonderful addition to our lives, and getting out with her is a great way for me to unwind and recharge.
