Since 2000, I have researched responses to domestic violence and abuse in general practice, community pharmacy, sexual and reproductive health services, and the third sector. My research skills are built upon extensive experience of working as a general practitioner and neurologist in Russia and volunteering in domestic abuse charities. After obtaining my PhD in Psychology in 2011, I secured a post-doctoral fellowship from the UK Royal Society and joined the Domestic Abuse and Health Group within the Centre for Academic Primary Care at Bristol Medical School.
My research has progressed from a biomarker study with survivors of domestic violence and abuse to evidence syntheses, development and evaluations of domestic violence programmes in general practice, and development of a domestic violence programme for community pharmacy. Since 2019, I have been leading a programme of research on trauma-informed primary care and community mental healthcare. My research has informed policy on trauma-informed systems and training on domestic violence and abuse in general practice and community pharmacy.
I am committed to improving experiences and outcomes for all patients and healthcare providers through developing evidence base for trauma-informed healthcare. The principles of trauma-informed care inform my communication and leadership style across research projects, teaching activities and leadership roles. My goal is to continue developing as a compassionate leader who focuses on relationships through careful listening to, understanding, empathising with and supporting other people, enabling them to feel valued, respected and cared for, so they can reach their potential and do their best work.