60 Seconds With...Graham Blackman

Dr Graham Blackman is NIHR Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry and co-lead of a new Academic Psychiatry Working Group as part of the Department's People and Culture work.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF, AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO WORKING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD?

I’m an Academic Psychiatrist and my current research focuses on understanding the causes of psychosis to develop more precise diagnostic tools and effective treatments. The field is changing rapidly — our understanding of psychosis has advanced considerably in recent years, with several novel treatments on the horizon and a growing move toward personalised, data-driven care rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach. It’s an exciting time to be part of this shift.

I joined the Department in 2023 after nearly a decade at the Maudsley Hospital and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), where I completed my PhD and most of my clinical training. My first visit to the department  was over a decade ago as a junior doctor when I attended an Autumn School for Academic Psychiatry. I remember being struck by how approachable people in the department felt, and by the breadth of world-class research taking place. That experience planted a seed, and I’m delighted to now have the chance to contribute as a Clinical Lecturer and hopefully inspire the next generation.

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR YOUR WORK?

Through close collaboration between the University and the local NHS Trust, we’re launching a new evidence-based clinical pathway for patients experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The work includes incorporating standardised measures of symptoms, medication side-effects and therapeutic drug monitoring to help inform whether treatment is effective and support early switching if an alternative may be more suitable.

Alongside this, we’ll shortly be starting recruitment for the Baseline Biomarker Check (BBC) study — a naturalistic longitudinal study of patients with first episode of psychosis where we will evaluate a range of neuroimaging, cognitive and blood based biomarkers in being able to predict response to antipsychotic medication.

The long-term goal is to make evidence-based, personalised healthcare in psychiatry standard as it is in other areas of medicine. Bridging the gap between research and clinical practice has always been a passion, and Oxford offers a uniquely collaborative environment to make that a reality.

WHAT IS CURRENTLY AT THE TOP OF YOUR TO-DO LIST?

Right now, developing in house training to implement the new clinical pathway as well as finalising local approvals for the BBC study are the major priorities.

In parallel, I’m currently coordinating the development of international guidelines for the assessment of first-episode psychosis — a project that involves synthesising the existing evidence base and achieving consensus among a diverse group of experts from around the world. It’s an ambitious project, but one that could have real impact on how psychosis is managed globally.

Finally, I’m also helping to establish a departmental working group for academic psychiatrists, which I hope will provide a useful network, particularly for junior colleagues— having benefitted greatly from mentorship throughout my own training.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

A mix of curiosity, persistence, and generous mentors. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with people like Philip McGuire, Belinda Lennox, and Rob McCutcheon, who have all shaped my academic path and supported me through the ups and downs of clinical research.

Training as an academic psychiatrist can feel like a long and uncertain road, but it’s also immensely rewarding. I’ve learned that progress in psychiatry is rarely linear — patience, collaboration, and a sense of humour go a long way.

WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I’m inspired by clinicians and scientists who manage to bridge the gap between research and patient care without losing sight of the person in front of them. Their ability to combine scientific rigour with empathy is something I deeply admire.

I also draw a lot of inspiration from the students and junior researchers I encounter — I never fail to find their creativity, curiosity, and commitment energising. Through our new working group, I’m hoping this will help nurture the next generation of clinical academics.

IF YOU WERE NOT IN YOUR CURRENT JOB, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING?

If I wasn’t working in psychiatry, I think I’d be in health technology — finding ways to design tools that help clinicians and patients make better decisions. The intersection between technology, medicine, and human behaviour has always fascinated me.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR OR PLACE IN THE WORLD?

Summer in Italy — great food, beautiful weather, and a culture that values conversation, local tradition, and community in equal measure. It’s a reminder of how to live well — la dolce vita at its best.

IS THERE A QUOTE OR SAYING THAT YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW?

“Work hard and be kind.” Simple advice from Conan O’Brien, but it’s remarkable how far it gets you in academia — and in life in general.