The obituary notice of Dr Matthew SARGEANT

Matthew came to the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Wales College of Medicine as our first clinical fellow in psychiatric genetics in 1987, employed on our first MRC grant. His task was to identify families multiply affected by schizophrenia and persuade them to be clinically assessed and give blood samples for extraction of DNA . The study’s aim was to identify genes involved in the disorder and it was the first of its kind in Wales. As such it was a pioneering piece of work and in a sense laid the foundation for subsequent decades of work during which Cardiff became a world leading centre for psychiatric genetics. Matthews task was not an easy one however, requiring great tact and empathy as well as clinical acumen, and he carried it out brilliantly. During his three years in full time clinical research Matthew proved to be an exceptional colleague who will always be remembered for his decent kind hearted approach as well As for his prodigious memory and intellect.

I can't exactly remember when I first met Matthew but I suspect it was when we were both involved in PSI Cymru over 20 years ago now. This was a multidisciplinary group to expand access to psychosocial care for people with severe mental illness.

Every clinician has, I think, a small number of people who we model ourselves on, for different aspects of practice. Matthew was one of those people for me. From first meeting him I was struck by his polymathic intellect, boundless open curiosity about clinical matters, pluralism, and above all incredible humility and kindness.

Every time I saw or spoke to him he would regale me about the books he had read, his thoughts about something clinical, or an idea. His enthusiastic instructions to me to read certain things /authors were always taken up, and thanks to him I have been introduced to some less well known writers, enriching my clinical work and hopefully benefitting patients I see.

I did not see or speak to him often enough but the last time we spoke he was talking about some psychological phenomenon or other and, with characteristic humility, said that he would not presume to tell me about it in detail as he was not a clinical psychologist. I simply told him that it was my strong belief that he had read far more psychology than me!

We had talked this year about jointly writing a paper on human factors in inpatient mental health -sadly I will now not get to send him a draft but his principles will be in my mind when I write it.

My condolences to his family and friends. He will be terribly missed.

Matthew was one of the consultants I worked for in Merthyr Tydfil when I first arrived in Wales and I worked with him in various roles thereafter. He was one of the kindest people I knew and I always thoroughly enjoyed our wide-ranging and entertaining discussions. I have very fond memories of Matthew, it was a privilege to have known him and he will be greatly missed.

Matthew was in the Academic Department in Cardiff when I joined it in 1990. As others have noted, he was welcoming, warm and kind. We remained in touch after he became a consultant in West Wales, where he made a a sustained and excellent contribution to undergraduate teaching in psychiatry. He inspired many students over the years. I have many fond memories of Matthew and often appreciated his insights and humour. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Mathew will be missed by all of us at the School of Medicine at Cardiff University. Countless students were privileged to be taught and inspired by him. I will always remember, with fondness, many discussions regarding how and why we all learn. I will miss him.

I first met Matthew when he was a research fellow in the Cardiff University Department of Psychological Medicine and I was a visiting wannabe . He was friendly, encouraging, massively enthusiastic, thoughtful, helpful and altogether delightful. I found him just the same throughout subsequent years. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy to Matthew's family.

Very sorry to hear this. He was the first person I met in the academic dept back in 1990. He was always so kind.

Matthew worked in the department of Psychological Medicine in Cardiff when I arrived in 1988. He was warm, welcoming, friendly, and was a great colleague. I am very sorry to hear the sad news of his death and will always remember him with great fondness. My deepest sympathies to his family.

My Deepest Condolences to the family,
Dr Sargeant
made every minute of his life count. He will be missed by all who know him and his work
RIP
Jacqueline Palmer