Now a fully qualified member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Huw undertook a five-year medical degree at Cardiff University. He then completed his foundation and psychiatry training in South Wales. He loves making a difference to the lives of his patients and is always spoilt for choice on how to spend his spare time.
Dr Huw says:
"From my first day at Cardiff University, I really enjoyed both my studies and student life. After that, I stayed in Wales for my foundation training and then decided to focus on psychiatry. I completed my specialty training across two health boards in South Wales.
"My favourite part of this training was my six‑month rotation in Psychiatry of Intellectual Disabilities. I loved the holistic, multi‑disciplinary approach, which is very detail‑focused, and I found it incredibly rewarding. But the best part was the patients - they never failed to make me smile. That experience is what led me to specialise in Psychiatry of Intellectual Disabilities.
"During my training, the support I received was superb. I’d say supportive seniors are one of the biggest positives of training in psychiatry. Consultants are very hands‑on and provide regular supervision and feedback. They put real emphasis on your development, which means you get lots of opportunities to build skills outside of psychiatry, such as research, teaching, management and leadership.
"I completed my training in 2022, and I am now a Consultant in Psychiatry of Intellectual Disabilities covering Rhondda Cynon Taf. I love my job as the combination of passionate colleagues, the wonderful families and patients I work with makes everything worthwhile. What I love most about being a psychiatrist is the chance to make a real difference. It’s a privilege to work in partnership with patients, their carers and families, and to help them lead more fulfilling and functional lives. Alongside my clinical work, I’m passionate about promoting psychiatry as a fulfilling career, and I’m committed to helping develop the psychiatrists of the future.
"Working in psychiatry has also shaped me as a person - I’m happier, more grounded, and more self‑aware because of it.
"Living in Wales is the icing on the cake. Being based in Bridgend means I’m only half an hour away from the buzz of two major cities; Cardiff and Swansea - as well as beautiful countryside and beaches. But the best thing of all is the people. Welsh people are so kind and welcoming, and the close‑knit communities here are something quite special. I know so many colleagues who planned to work in Wales only briefly, but absolutely fell in love with it and have never left."