Max has worked for Oxford Health since starting psychiatry training in 2023, consistently providing exceptional care while balancing clinical work, on-call shifts, psychotherapy cases and exams. Now a third-year core psychiatry trainee, he joined the Early Intervention in Psychosis Service in February 2026 and has quickly become an integral member of the team.

Max said:

“I am very grateful to Daniel for nominating me for this award, and to colleagues I have worked with over recent years. Winning feels like a recognition of the way I have tried to practice psychiatry as compassionately and honestly as possible over my career so far. At times, long days or night shifts can challenge my faith in our ability to each make a difference, but this award and my work with patients each day reminds me that this is possible and essential.”

The nomination

Max was nominated by his colleague Consultant Psychiatrist for Oxfordshire Early Intervention Service Daniel Maughan.

Daniel commented:

“Max always ensures that he is accessible when needed and completes his work to an exceptional standard. This is demonstrated by his ability to thoughtfully complete assessments for psychosis which are often very challenging and complex, discuss his thoughts openly with patients, seek the opinion of colleagues in the Multidisciplinary Team and complete subsequent follow up and paperwork, all in an efficient manner.

“I have particularly noticed Max’s commitment to always keeping the patient’s experience in the centre of his mind. This means he always makes space to acknowledge patient’s feelings, or what a recent diagnosis or treatment may mean for a patient. Also, he carefully considers the communication needs of patients, for example taking into consideration whether adaptions might be needed if a patient is autistic.

“He has been instrumental and highly supportive in an innovative project being developed in our team around protocolising the medical treatment of first episode psychosis. Providing clinical feedback that has changed the project’s direction and feasibility.

“Max prioritises the wellbeing of his colleagues and demonstrates an awareness of the overall functioning of the team that is well beyond what I would expect for his grade. He also finds time for teaching students with the team.

“Recently a student provided feedback to us saying how their placement ‘was so enjoyable that I’m really starting to consider psychiatry as a career’ and personally thanked Max for his role in teaching.

“Max firmly believes that in order to help patients we also need to consider the wider system and family around them. This means that he always makes an effort to prioritise clear communication with carers, whilst balancing this with issues around confidentiality and the wishes of individual patients. When carers are overwhelmed or upset, Max makes space for their concerns and validates their feelings and experiences, and we have seen how grateful patients and family have been for his care.

“I believe that Max’s ability to simultaneously hold multiple competing perspectives and demands on his time makes him an excellent doctor and exceptional person. He is humble and hardworking, and I believe he should be recognised for upholding the values of Oxford Health.”