1979, April; Born in Voorburg, The Netherlands

And lived in Sassenheim, South Holland for 3 years until 1982.

Pre-School in Norway; 1982-Feb 1984

Due to my father's work with Shell we moved to Stavanger, Norway.

The British School in the Netherlands; 1984-1990

A British school with an international pupil base, including a proportion of Dutch pupils. At the time, lived in Wassenaar, South Holland.

Walton Elementary, Coquitlam, Vancouver

Following my parents separation, I went with my father to Coquitlam, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Schooled for a year at Walton Elementary.

Banchory Academy; 1991-1997

Highers - maths, english, physics, chemistry, biology
CSYS - physics, chemistry, biology

Following our move to Aberdeen, attended schools in Banchory. Began in primary 7 before completing standard grades, highers and CSYS (certificate of sixth year studies) at Banchory Academy.

University of Glasgow; 1997-2003

Studied medicine at Glasgow University, a 5 year degree. In between years 3 and 4 I undertook an intercalated degree in physiology, ostensibly to enhance my CV. Began university life in Dalrymple Halls of residence before living in a variety of shared flats in the area.

Junior House Officer (JHO/internship); 2003-2004

Following graduation, the system at the time was to work an obligatory 6 months in medicine and 6 months in surgery, known as the junior house officer or pre-registrarion house officer year (this has since been extended to two years with more varied experience and titled foundation years). Involved working in gastrointestinal as well as vascular surgery, general medicine and the stroke unit.

Senior House Officer (SHO) - psychiatry; 2005-2008

Following an extra 6 months of medical locum work, I began higher training in psychiatry at the Argyll & Bute hospital, Lochgilphead, on the West coast of Scotland. This involved jobs in general adult, rehab, old age and intensive care psychiatry as well as a broad psychotherapy experience. I then trained at Dykebar hospital, Paisley doing 6-month posts in general adult/community mental health team, psychotherapy and child & adolescent psychiatry. Following this I worked for six months in forensic (criminal) psychiatry at Leverndale hospital. I passed the Royal College of Psychiatrists membership examination to gain the letters MRCPsych and completed training to become an Approved Medical Practitioner (AMP), or Section 22 Approved.

Specialist Registrar / ST4 psychiatry; 2008-present

Following the changes that came along with Modernising Medical Careers, I obtained a higher training number to complete my psychiatry training in the West of Scotland. Previously entitled registrar, the final three years of training prior to becoming a consultant are entitled ST (or specialty trainee/specialty registrar) 4-6. Currently based at the Southern General Hospital, Glasgow with work also at the Brand Street Resource Centre. Conducting research in speed of onset of antidepressants, the placebo response with special interest work in trauma therapy (currently EMDR).