Hi Everyone,
Since I started the post on current health psychology activities, I thought
it was about time I shared my own activities with members.
I found a passion for health psychology throughout my Masters and I really
could not get enough of the subject area. I enjoyed everything about it and
knew it was where my future career lay. It was initially my plan to go
straight into stage 2, but circumstances led me to a PhD position with
Cranfield University. Cranfield University is not known for health
psychology, but is in the process of setting up a health department; it is
quite exciting to be apart of this initiative, although it does mean that I
have to be extra proactive in networking with other health psychologists who
I can discuss my interests with.
My PhD is focused on the exploration of the influence of health evaluation
methods on adjustment (and thus quality of life) in breast and prostate
cancer. I am in the process of developing my own health evaluations
instrument, which though in its early stages is a challenge I am thoroughly
enjoying. I am hoping that by the end of my PhD any findings will be able
to be applied to a quality of life intervention for which the hospital I am
in collaboration with already has funding for.
Like Fiona, it has always been my aim to do my stage 2 in conjunction with
my PhD, but I have not yet taken this step. My current supervisor (who was
also my Masters supervisor) is currently going for chartership and it may be
that once she has achieved this I will have the opportunity to do my stage 2
with someone who knows my work well. In the meantime, it is always very
helpful to hear from others who are taking the PhD and stage 2 route, so
please do keep sharing your experiences.
I am really looking forward to seeing your posters and attending your talks
at the health psychology conference. I am sure you will all do fantastic.
Just remember it is a learning experience! Also, perhaps some of you could
give me some advice once you have done it :0)
Best Wishes,
Nicola Davies
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