Kay Polidano

I am a medical sociologist and Lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Malta. My research interests include illness experiences, chronic conditions, mental health, and health services. I am particularly passionate about public involvement in research and the co-production of knowledge.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Sociology from the University of Malta and an MSc in Sociology and Social Policy from the University of Amsterdam. I later moved to the United Kingdom to pursue my doctoral studies, focusing on the mental health needs of young people undergoing stoma surgery. I received my PhD from Keele University’s School of Medicine in March 2020. Following this, I joined the ECLIPSE programme at Keele University for my postdoctoral research. This global health program aimed to reduce stigma and improve the patient journey for people with cutaneous leishmaniasis in underserved communities in Brazil, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka. During this time, I developed a strong interest in the sociocultural dimensions of health and in community engagement. This experience deepened my understanding of health and illness, highlighted the value of applied health research, and made me appreciate the joy of working in an interdisciplinary team.

In 2022, I returned to Malta and took up my current role in the Department of Sociology. I currently coordinate the MA in Health, Medicine and Society, a programme that explores the practice of medicine and the experience of health and illness within a broad sociocultural and geographical framework. Alongside this, I continue to pursue research on public engagement and co-production, particularly in the context of chronic conditions, mental health, and, more recently, genomics.

I’m enthusiastic about building connections with fellow CHaL members to deepen my understanding of the intersection between culture, health, and illness. In particular, I’m eager to learn from those researching mental health and illness in various sociocultural settings. 

Email: kay.polidano@um.edu.mt

Affiliation: University of Malta, Malta