The journey into becoming a psychiatrist is often shaped by unique experiences that guide professionals toward their chosen specialty. For Amid Anand, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Elysium’s Gateway Recovery Centre, this path began in India as an elite athlete, where he encountered firsthand the intense highs and lows of competitive sports, only to realise a glaring gap in mental health support for athletes. This personal experience, suffering a concussion whilst playing Cricket led to months of struggles, served as a turning point, inspiring a mission to integrate mental health care into the world of sports.
With this vision in mind, the journey took a new direction in the UK, where as a Junior Doctor, Amid participated in advanced training in psychiatry. Experiences across learning disability, general adult and forensic psychiatry further solidified his knowledge and understanding of psychiatry. Through dedicated clinical work and further specialisation in neuropsychiatry, Amid qualified as a Consultant Psychiatrist in 2017, marking a pivotal moment in his career and the start of his journey at Elysium Healthcare. Today this journey continues as he focuses on patient led care at Elysium healthcare, with incredible success stories across multiple sites in his 8-year career with us, whilst in his spare time also continuing and contributing to his passion for mental health in sport.
Take us back in time, when did you passion and interest for Psychiatry start?
My journey into psychiatry began in India after completing medical school. As a junior doctor, I gained experience across various specialties, including neuropsychiatry, neurosurgery and paediatrics. During my time in neurosurgery, I observed how complex psychiatric cases were often referred to specialists, sparking my interest in the field. The intricate connection between neurological conditions and psychiatric presentations fascinated me, laying the foundation for my future career.
Beyond that, sports played a significant role in my life. As an elite athlete in India, I experienced the highs and lows of competitive sports but noticed a huge gap as there was little to no mental health support for athletes. This became personal when I suffered a severe concussion whilst playing cricket and struggled with concentration issues for nearly six months. With no guidance or support available, I later reflected on the importance of mental health care in sports and became determined to bridge this gap.
With a growing passion for psychiatry and a vision to integrate mental health into sports, I moved to the UK to further my training. Over 10 months, I worked across learning disability and general adult psychiatry, refining my skills and confirming my commitment to the field. My journey then led me to forensic psychiatry, where I received invaluable mentorship that encouraged me to stay connected to my passion for sports psychiatry.
I completed my PLAB exams and undertook clinical attachments and internships to gain hands-on experience in the UK healthcare system. My core and higher psychiatry training took place in Manchester, providing me with a strong foundation to specialise. Given my background in neuropsychiatry, I extended my training by six months to deepen my expertise further. In July 2017, I completed my Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT), officially qualifying as a consultant psychiatrist.
After a short break, I joined Elysium Healthcare in October 2017, beginning the next chapter of my career.
What attracted you to work for Elysium healthcare?
My initial goal was to work in neuropsychiatry, but opportunities in the NHS, particularly in the Northwest area, were very limited. There was only one outpatient-based psychiatry job available at the time, with no other opportunities in the region. Determined to find a way forward, I reached out to a Medical Director at Elysium, who was incredibly helpful. He connected me with Dr. Professor Huck to see if there were any openings in the Northwest and I was fortunate enough that, at that time, an opportunity arose. I was invited for an interview and that’s how I ended up joining Elysium.
My first role was at our secure women’s site, located in Elysium’s Arbury Court, Warrington. I was fortunate to work with an excellent team, and the multidisciplinary team there was fantastic. As a new Consultant, I needed a lot of support, and they provided just that. They were always ready to assist with any questions or challenges I faced, and we worked together to ensure patient recovery remained the focus of our work. The complexity of the cases we managed was challenging, but we achieved some great outcomes. I appreciated the degree of freedom I had to make treatment decisions within my scope, which allowed me to handle these complex patients effectively.
After my time at Arbury Court I was given the opportunity to work at Saint Mary’s Hospital, focusing on their secure services, including acquired brain injury. This was a great fit for me given my experience in neuropsychiatry. I’m thankful to the hospital director, clinical leads and regional medical director for offering me this opportunity. Following that, I moved to Gateway Recovery Centre, where I’ve been for the past two and a half years. My role here is split between low secure services and a specialist neurodevelopmental rehab service, working with patients with complex forms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The last few years at Gateway have been incredibly rewarding. The team has been brilliant, and the hospital has been supportive, creating an environment where I’ve been able to thrive and continue growing in my career. It’s been a fantastic experience and I look forward to continuing my journey here.
Is there a case with a service user you have worked on at Elysium that stands out the most?
Working in secure mental health services comes with its challenges, but every so often, a case stands out and one that reaffirms why we do what we do. One particular case involved a patient with severe and enduring mental illness, whose extreme beliefs had led to significant breakdowns in relationships, particularly with NHS consultants. She had struggled to trust those around her, making her treatment journey especially complex.
At a pivotal moment, she expressed a strong desire to see her newborn grandchild which was the one glimmer of hope in her life. However, the Ministry of Justice denied her leave, even within the hospital grounds, deeming it a security risk. Recognising how vital this was to her wellbeing, I escalated the case to senior officials, emphasising that without this, her progress might stall entirely.
Beyond her request for leave, we faced another major challenge – her resistance to take clozapine, a medication that could potentially change her life. Despite her reluctance, it became increasingly clear that clozapine was the best option for her long-term recovery. However, at the time, there was no established policy for administering intramuscular (IM) clozapine within Elysium. Determined to find a solution, I collaborated with senior clinicians, the Medical Director and external specialists to draft a new policy. After extensive discussions and presentations, we laid the groundwork for its implementation.
When the patient finally asked me, “When are we starting clozapine?” I knew we had turned a corner. She ultimately opted for oral clozapine, and the transformation was remarkable. Over time, she transitioned from medium secure to low secure care and was eventually discharged—something that had once seemed impossible.
A chance encounter with her before her discharge left a lasting impression. She told me, “I wish I had taken clozapine earlier. I could have left secure services years ago.” Her words reinforced the impact of persistence, collaboration, and patient-centred care.
This case was a turning point, not just for her but for our approach to treatment. Developing new policies and pushing boundaries in patient care is never easy, but when the result is a life changed for the better, it makes every challenge worth it. Across Elysium, countless colleagues have similar stories and these stories highlight the profound difference we can make in the lives of our service users.
A chance encounter with her before her discharge left a lasting impression. She told me, “I wish I had taken clozapine earlier. I could have left secure services years ago.” Her words reinforced the impact of persistence, collaboration, and patient-centred care.”
What advice would you give to someone starting out in psychiatry? And why should a Psychiatrist join Elysium?
My journey in psychiatry has been nothing short of amazing. When considering career opportunities, it’s important to think about what you are passionate about and whether the right support is available around you in order for you to grow, whether it’s a mentor, internship or company you are working for. I initially joined Elysium for a neuropsychiatry role, but after discussions with my interviewers and senior colleagues, it was suggested that I start in a medium-secure unit before moving into a more complex role. That guidance was invaluable, and I truly appreciated how my career progression was considered from the start.
One of the standout aspects of my journey has been the unwavering support I’ve received. From day one, my manager encouraged my academic ambitions, offering study leave and opportunities to pursue further qualifications, including my MSc. This support wasn’t limited to my immediate role—it extended to my passion for sports psychiatry as well. I was able to attend the first-ever sports psychiatry event organised by the International Olympic Committee, which was a major milestone. Whenever I needed time off for additional training or research, my requests were met with understanding and flexibility. It reinforced the idea that professional development is truly valued.
The working environment at Elysium has been exceptional. My colleagues are not just skilled professionals but also incredibly supportive individuals who are always willing to lend a hand. Whether it’s career guidance, assistance with cases, or even personal support, the sense of camaraderie within the team is evident. Help is always available, and that makes all the difference.
Looking back, my experience has been one of continuous learning and encouragement. Having the ability to explore different areas of psychiatry, receive additional training, and be part of a team that genuinely wants you to succeed has shaped my career in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I’m deeply grateful to my mentors, senior managers and colleagues for playing a role in my professional journey.
My advice is to find a workplace that nurtures ambition and provides the right tools for growth transforms a job into a fulfilling career. For anyone considering a future in psychiatry, having the right support can make all the difference, and I have been fortunate to experience that firsthand.
If you are considering a new opportunity, Elysium offers more than just a workplace—it provides a supportive, versatile and enriching environment where you can grow, learn, and truly make a difference. Whether you’re starting out, looking to develop your expertise, or aspiring to take on leadership roles, Elysium offers a culture of respect, professional development, and collaboration.
If you value a career where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to shape the future of mental health care, Elysium could be the perfect place for you. With opportunities to progress, access to exceptional learning resources, and a team that genuinely has each other’s back, it’s a company where your passion and dedication will be valued.
To view all our Psychiatry vacancies, please click here.