Dr Kraam set up an award winning community forensic CAMH service, which became a regional FCAMHS in Yorkshire and Humber. He has experience as medical manager at Clinical Director and Deputy Medical Director level, and has extensive experience in managing research as Associate Medical Director for Research and has been involved in writing the trust’s research strategy as Deputy Medical Director. In 2020 he was appointed as the Clinical Research Network’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Speciality Lead for Yorkshire and Humber. As an honorary senior lecturer at University of Leeds he has also been involved for over 16 years in undergraduate medical student teaching, which included Mental Health and Research Modules. He has been involved as Principal Investigator in the worldwide largest randomised controlled trial on conduct disorder comparing multi-systemic therapy with treatment leading to publications in major psychiatric journals (e.g. Lancet Psychiatry, Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry). He is currently a Co-Chief Investigator for an RFPB funded pilot trial in the secure estate.
“Health and care professionals may often find it daunting to take their first step to include research in their career, but I’m a big believer that there is no such thing as a bad idea. Be brave and say what you think.”
Even if the idea itself does not lead directly to a research project, it can be the vital flint needed to spark off other ideas. You can always learn from the things that may not go to plan.
Dr Kraam has shared his two principles for others wanting to pursue a career in research on the NIHR website.