I am a consultant psychiatrist and visiting professor to the University of Chester with a special interest in post-traumatic stress disorder.

At the time of my Fellowship I was a junior medical officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and my award allowed me to join a joint services expedition to the Elephant Island Group, Antarctica to explore biological and geological issues. My study focused on plankton and fish parasites. There were 16 of us, all servicemen.

Apart from scientific exploration, the expedition was designed to develop leadership skills and it proved to be inspirational for personal and group development, as well as providing an opportunity to take part in a great adventure which I found to be life-changing. It certainly had a profound effect on the direction of my medical career. I moved on from general medicine to psychiatry and helped to develop trauma treatment services in the military and then, after leaving the RAF, in 'civvy street' with veterans, police and emergency personnel.

I am in no doubt that the expedition, in all its aspects, sharpened my resilience and empathy for others. I think of the Fellowship often and draw upon the lessons learnt in my work.