Philip Leissner has defended his PhD thesis
Philip Leissner in discussion with his opponent, Professor Kai Kahl. Photo: Luciana Hamamoto Terceiro
Congratulations to Philip Leissner, who has successfully defended his PhD thesis Anxia Corda: Anxiety and related constructs as predictors and outcomes in the cardiac population.
– It feels really good to finally be done and to have managed to tie together all loose ends, says PhD Philip Leissner with a big smile.
Increased psychological expertise in cardiology
Philip Leissner's thesis defence took place on 19 September, in Humanities Theatre, Uppsala. Photo: Luciana Hamamoto Terceiro
Philip Leissner’s thesis explores how anxiety and other aspects of mental health can influence the development of cardiovascular disease, and how cardiovascular disease in turn can affect mental health.
– It is important for this group of patients that healthcare professionals recognize the connection between mental health and cardiovascular disease, says Philip Leissner. In my thesis, I also emphasize the importance of being specific about which psychological symptoms are being addressed.
He hopes that his research will draw greater attention to the need for psychological expertise in cardiology.
– I believe that more interprofessional collaborations are needed, as well as greater inclusion of psychologists in the daily work at clinics treating patients with cardiovascular disease. Ultimately, it is about improving patients’ health.
A time of joy
Looking back on his PhD studies, Philip reflects with happiness.
– Overall, it has been a very positive experience to be a PhD student, he says. I’ve had a lot of fun. Of course, there have also been challenges, for instance when different interests within a research project have been hard to align. In those situations, I’ve focused on finding solutions that allow the project to continue moving forward.
Continued research
Now, after the dissertation, a holiday trip to Spain awaits. Following that, Philip will start a new position shared between the U-CARE research group and the research group Cardiovascular Psychology. In this role, he will continue working on projects related to the link between mental health and cardiovascular disease, as well as in a project testing a psychological support programme for parents of children treated for cancer.
– I am looking forward to getting involved in the new projects, says a happy Philip Leissner.
Miro Anter
Learn more
Philip Leissner was supervised by: Professor Erik Olsson (main supervisor), Professor Claes Held (co-supervisor), and Associate Professor Elisabet Rondung (co-supervisor).
Learn more about Philip Leissner's thesis defence and dissertation