Clinical Psychologist Dr Elena Olgiati’s Research Success

Elena Olgiati’s Research Success

Clinical Psychologist Dr Elena Olgiati has been successfully accepted onto a London-wide post-doctoral research scheme at London South Bank University funded by Health Education England (HEE). The scheme is only open to clinicians at Band 7 or above who already have a PhD in a clinically relevant field. Elena’s PhD is in Clinical Medicine Research, which she studied for in the Department of Brain Sciences, at Imperial College London.

HEE will help Elena to prepare a competitive research application to submit to the National Institute for Health Research, so that she can develop a career that combines clinical practice with academic work.

Elena works on Devonshire ward in our Brain Injury Service, and she will develop a project that will benefit patients in disorders of consciousness and their families. Her on-site supervisor is Dr Sarah Crawford, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist. Elena will explore novel avenues to promote recovery in patients with the most complex and severe brain injuries, in parallel with ways to help their families navigate the difficult circumstances around diagnosis and prognosis.

Dr Crawford said “I am delighted that we have someone with Dr Olgiati’s research skills in our clinical team at RHN. Her work is important for broadening our evidence base in working with patients in disorders of consciousness, and in supporting their families.”

Elena said, “I feel privileged to have been selected for this scheme, which is supporting me in my progression to become a Clinical Lecturer, giving me the time and the resources to refine my research ideas. I feel energised by the opportunity to join a cohort of fellows who are as passionate as I am about incorporating research into the clinical practice, for the benefits of patients within RHN, the NHS and beyond.”

Elena’s success adds to the RHN’s reputation as a centre of excellence for research and also carries a financial reward for the RHN of £5,000.