BSMS > About BSMS > Alumni > Alumni in focus Dr Chrissy Jayarajah

Alumni in Focus - Dr Chrissy Jayarajah

Dr Chrissy Jayarajah (BM BS 2008)

A photograph of Dr Chrissy Jayarajah, who is smiling towards the camera in mid-close up.

Chrissy was in the very first cohort at BSMS, starting in 2003 when the medical school opened. She is a Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist and Chair of the Perinatal Subspeciality Advisory Committee at the Royal College of Psychiatrists. She reflects on the 20 years since starting at BSMS and her research interests in perinatal OCD and global women’s reproductive health, including her book on the subject – which is due to come out later this year!

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a proud alumni from the first cohort to enter BSMS in 2003, graduating with the first batch of students in 2008.

I am a full time NHS Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist, working in Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, and Clinical Lead for Perinatal Mental Health services in Central and North West London. I also have a role at the Royal College of Psychiatrists as Chair of the Perinatal Subspeciality Advisory Committee, developing the postgraduate curriculum in perinatal and infant mental health.

Where would you like your career to take you next?

Good question! I feel I am at a bit of a crossroads as I have been a Consultant for seven years (it’s been a non-stop wild ride since starting at BSMS at 18 years old!). Ideally, I would like to continue my clinical practice but make time for my research interests in perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and global women’s reproductive health. I’m also finalising my first book on perinatal OCD, due to come out this year, and would love to write more.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

On my medical elective in Sri Lanka I got to spend a lot of time with my late grand uncle, Dr Tony Gabriel, who was a gifted man and the country’s first cancer surgeon. I remember telling him about my detailed five, 10 and 20-year life plan, and he just turned to me in his wisdom and said: “My dear child, why don’t you just try and get through medical school first.” It was a valuable lesson that I’ve carried through my life, about focusing on the present moment and to take life one step at a time.

What do you feel passionate about in your role? And what are your hopes for the doctors of tomorrow?

I love my job so much because I am able to support women and their families at such a pivotal moment in their lives. Although things have improved, there is still a lot of stigma around mental health, beliefs on being the “perfect mother” and the high expectations we place on women in general. Perinatal psychiatry can be challenging as women can become very unwell quickly with conditions such as postnatal depression and psychosis, but they can also make a very good recovery with the right support available.

My hope for new doctors is that they continue to cultivate their communication skills and compassion-focused care, which is often the first thing to go when feeling overwhelmed and/or under appreciated (particularly in the current NHS climate). You can learn all the theory and pass all the exams, but patient bedside manner is an art form, and BSMS have such a good foundation in this.

What was the best thing about studying at BSMS?

It was such a small and personal medical school – around 100 in our cohort – and we had a wonderful, close connection with both staff and students. I also completely took it for granted living by the sea; it was such a special time in my life.

Who or what has inspired you most in life?

So many to mention, but I would have to say my husband, who I met a few months after I graduated, and our two beautiful girls aged four and two. My family keep me grounded through all the drama medicine can throw at you.

BACKGROUND IMAGE FOR PANEL

What's your favourite memory from your time at BSMS?

Other than hazy memories tottering on the seafront in the early hours after nights out at Casablancas?! The first ever Halfway There Ball was a definite highlight – watching our Dean and professors dance to Kanye West's “Gold Digger” has now become a core memory etched in my subconscious!

Describe BSMS in three words

Inspiring, special, avant-garde!

Have you got a message for the medical school in its 20th anniversary year?

Thank you for everything you taught me, not only in medicine but about life. You were breaking barriers as the new kid on the block 20 years ago, so continue to blaze the trail!