to the NHI debate and other healthcare policy issues .
Can you tell me about a challenging period in your career or a project that presented significant obstacles , how you overcame these and what you learned from the experience ?
In 2011 , I received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder that led to hospitalisation for treatment . This experience taught me a valuable lesson : self-care is a prerequisite for caring for others effectively . It also heightened my awareness of mental health matters , particularly among young individuals . It is distressingly common to witness the repercussions of mental health challenges among students and young professionals , occasionally resulting in devastating consequences . Therefore , it is crucial to emphasise the importance of reaching out for help and support .
What aspects of health economics do you find most interesting and why ? Are there specific research areas or questions that personally drive your work and keep you engaged in the field ?
I am currently researching family health and development , focusing on the broader aspects of social and societal well-being , not just economic factors . My passion lies in studying “ deaths of despair ” which includes alcohol and drug disorders , and suicide and suicide ideation . These are all firmly rooted in mental health concerns . Specifically , my study focuses on young adult men aged 18 – 29 , including those transitioning from education to work , aiming to understand their lived experiences of despair and poor mental health .
Maintaining a balance between a leadership role , academic research and a personal life can be challenging . How do you manage to find such a balance ?
You have to try to make time for other people . One must also make time to unwind . It helps to have someone to keep you on track – not necessarily a life partner but friends or family . Seek support and use it , but be willing to support others , it is also good for your health .
Collaboration often plays a significant role in academia . How do you build and maintain relationships with colleagues , students , and staff ?
Over time , I have learned that people are very different and have different perspectives on things — not just in academia but at all levels in life . Understanding and respecting those perspectives helps you gain respect for others . I often have to put a “ leash ” on my mouth , wait and listen and not just respond . Also , learn from other people . Keep learning throughout your life .
What are your aspirations for the future , both regarding your personal career and the Chair ’ s growth ?
My goal in this research chair is to expand capacity in health economics and to develop individuals in health economics and related fields to ensure that our work is impactful . Having a vision is crucial for this task . And , it is a significant accomplishment even if you achieve parts of this vision .
If you were to look back on your career , what advice would you give to your younger self , students and people in general ?
If I were to look back to when I was a student at university 30 years ago , I must admit that my worldview was narrow . I was in South Africa and I did not really think bigger and broader , whereas young people today are in a privileged position where they can think and do “ big ”. As the saying goes : “ Go big or go home ”. And , always strive to make a difference . To inspire me , I often look at the screensaver on my computer . I slightly changed Mahatma Gandhi ’ s famous quote from “ Be the change you want to see ” to “ Be the magic you want to see ”.
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