New Professor of Psychiatry for Hull York Medical School

Professor Christina van der Feltz-Cornelis, is to join Hull York Medical School and the University of York as Professor of Psychiatry and Epidemiology

Professor Christina van der Feltz-Cornelis, world-renowned mental health researcher, is to join Hull York Medical School and the University of York as Professor of Psychiatry and Epidemiology.

Christina registered as psychiatrist and psychotherapist in 1992 and as an epidemiologist in 1996. She completed her doctorate (MD/PhD 2002) on Psychiatric consultation for patients with somatoform disorder in general practice in the EMGO+ Instituut at VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam. She takes a population approach to mental health, and conducts large epidemiological studies, clinical trials and reviews of trials to promote effective, efficient and equitable mental health services. Her work focuses on common mental disorders such as somatic symptom disorders, depression and anxiety, and the promotion of mental and physical health amongst those with combined chronic medical conditions and mental disorders, such as, for example, diabetes and depression.

She says, 'I am very much looking forward to joining Hull York Medical School and working with the Mental Health and Addiction Research Group (MHARG) at the University of York. The Group has a strong reputation for their work and I hope to contribute to their continued success. I also look forward to collaborating with the local NHS trust as a Honorary Consultant'.

Christina joins the School from Tranzo, Tilburg University in the Netherlands where she holds an endowed Chair for GGZ Breburg as full Professor of Social Psychiatry. Her research draws on her clinical background and as a mental health researcher, clinician, manager and educator she has published extensively and been recognised internationally for her work.

In 2013 she was awarded the status of International Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in recognition of significant contributions to Psychiatry. In 2014, the Clinical Centre of excellence for Body, Mind and Health (CLGG) at GGz Breburg which she founded and still directs obtained the award of clinical excellence from the Foundation TOPGGZ. Her research has included several EU funded projects aimed at suicide prevention as well as the first trials to date of Psychiatric consultation and collaborative care in the Netherlands, for Medically Unexplained Symptoms, depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders - the results of which have influenced the Dutch College of General Practitioners (NHG) Guidelines and the practice of mental health care in the Netherlands. As well as influencing guidelines her work has been reported in the media and on health related websites.

Professor Una Macleod, Dean of Hull York Medical School, believes her appointment will strengthen the School and University’s expertise in this area and signify their commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of patients within the region. She says: 

In the UK one in four adults and one in 10 children will experience a mental health problem each year. We need high quality research in this area to improve the experience and outcomes for patients as well as raise awareness and understanding amongst communities. Christina brings with her a wealth of experience particularly in the field of medically unexplained symptoms, return to work in mental disorders, and suicide prevention. She joins a vibrant team of clinical researchers who have a growing reputation for their work and are already making a difference to the lives of those patients suffering with mental illness.