International Health Humanities Network Membership

Dr Sara Watkin Biography

Sara is fascinated by the effect of cultural influences and illness narratives on health behavior, and the use of the creative arts to achieve shifts in perception. She is an Honorary Physician to the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine.

She completed her post-graduate training at The London School of Contemporary Dance, trained in Psychiatry and General Practice in Glasgow and London (whilst the Osteopath for Cirque du Soleil and London Studio Centre), and returned to Scotland in 2006. Whilst a GP in Irvine Welsh’s home territory Sara questioned traditional medical assumptions regarding how early childhood experiences shape one’s mind, personality, relationships, and nervous system throughout life. She was appointed as Medical Adviser to Scottish Adoption and Barnardo's Scotland, and joined the Board of Directors at North Edinburgh Arts.

Sara developed her interest and expertise in chronic pain, with support from Lorimer Moseley and David Butler ("Explain Pain"). She uses narrative, metaphor and imagery to help people process trauma, understand their pain, and develop healthy relationships and resilience.

Sara believes that the new computerized GP language of payment-linked boxes is a barrier to therapeutic relationship exchanges. She is committed to a bio-psychosocial model, effective multidisciplinary team working, and creative, culturally sensitive assets-based approaches to community health.

Sara was the GP for the women in HMP Edinburgh, remains on the SWGWO and CPG Families Affected by Imprisonment, and spends the rest of her clinic time as an independent GP and Osteopath.