Full Blog:

Dr Dorina Cadar

Name:
Dorina Cadar

Position:
Reader in Neuroepidemiology and Dementia
Brighton and Sussex Medical School

SSM member since:
2010

SSM committee roles:
ECR Chair (2013)
SSM Network Officer (2017-2018)
SSM Communications Chair (2019-2024)

Topics of interest:
Ageing; Dementia; Cerebrovascular health

How did your career in social medicine/population health begin?
My journey into social medicine began with a deep interest in understanding how the environment, particularly lifestyle behaviours, shapes cognitive ageing and dementia risk. During my PhD at the MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing at the University College London, I explored the longitudinal effects of health behaviours on cognitive decline using the 1946 British Birth Cohort. This formative experience laid the foundation for a career in neuroepidemiology, blending psychology, public health, and cognitive epidemiology to address real-world challenges around dementia and cognitive health.

What is your research area and what excites you most about it?
I specialise in neuroepidemiology, with a focus on cognitive ageing, dementia, and mental health across the life course. What excites me most is the interdisciplinary nature of this work, linking biological, social, and behavioural factors to understand complex ageing processes including neurodegeneration. I’m passionate about making research actionable, whether that’s through influencing policy, co-designing interventions, or translating findings into public-facing resources such as the ‘My Choice’ toolkit for dementia care.

How has SSM influenced your career journey and what have you got out of being an SSM member?
SSM has been integral to my career development and an extremely supportive environment outside of the immediate university network. From presenting early PhD findings at SSM conferences to chairing the Early Career Researchers subcommittee and later leading the Communications team throughout and after the challenging time of the COVID pandemic, I’ve grown within a supportive community that values collaboration and inclusivity. These experiences not only strengthened my academic network but also gave me opportunities to organise events and engage in leadership skills that have enriched my research and teaching. I worked with various SSM Presidents and Committee members who never stopped inspiring and providing excellent examples of leadership and mentorship.  More than anything, I built long-lasting friendships that are very precious in the academic world.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in social medicine/population health?
Stay curious and open to interdisciplinary learning. The most impactful research often occurs at the intersection of disciplines. Build a strong support network early on, find mentors you respect and resonate with, and collaborate with colleagues working in similar research areas of interest. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or apply for various funding opportunities, even if they feel slightly out of reach. Also, share your work widely; public engagement is not just a “university exercise” but a vital part of creating real-world change.

What have you gained most from the SSM Mentoring Scheme, either as a mentor or a mentee?
I was extremely fortunate to have had an incredible mentor through the SSM Mentoring Scheme who provided a much-needed sounding board during some of the more challenging episodes of my life and career. Having someone outside your own institution who offers a fresh, independent perspective is invaluable for maintaining a sense of clarity and balance. It served as a vital “sanity check” at times. I’m deeply grateful for the support I received over the years, and it’s shaped the way I now approach mentoring others. I’ve learned how to be more open to the views of others having different hats on, more empathetic, present, and constructive in supporting my mentees, drawing directly from the positive experience I had.

Tell us a (fun) fact about yourself that is unrelated to your career.
Long before I embarked on my academic journey, I worked for a local radio station, reading the morning news. What people didn’t know was that by night, the radio studio transformed into our unofficial party venue, complete with DJ sets, dancing, and a lot of questionable song choices. It was probably the most fun I’ve ever had at work….