Miloš has recently completed his psychiatric training and is now a psychiatrist working at the University Clinic of Psychiatry in Skopje, North Macedonia. Miloš has also been involved in several research projects. He is also a family man and proud father of a 4- year-old daughter. Where does he find time for all this? We asked him five super difficult questions about life, research, and…

Miloš, what got you interested in the IMPULSE study?

I would rather say Who got you interested rather than What, since my superiors, Prof Novotni and Prof Bajraktarov, were the ones who introduced me to the IMPUSLE study. After that, it was easy to find my place in our Macedonian team and in the whole IMPULSE family, as well. The biggest take for me of being involved in the study is the part when you meet like-minded people a.k.a. mental health professionals from the region and beyond, ultimately becoming richer not only in colleagues for life but friends.

What do you like about mental health research?

It is the research process itself. Discovering the literature on some topics of interest. Then, to “digest” that “ocean” of information, connect the dots and try to add something new to the existing evidence. The last thing that got me going was how to implement evidence-based practices in mental healthcare and how to make it accessible for our patients in need.

What is your experience with publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals?

Almost none J. That would be the short answer to this question. The longer one is that I had the chance to be involved in few scientific papers as a co-author. The submission of the paper is the easiest thing if you have done the previous tasks correctly. The hardest thing is to wait for an answer from a scientific journal whether they accept the paper or not. For one paper we have submitted, my teammates and I trained our patience for more than a year, waiting for the journal’s answer. However, more often, it is faster than this, no need to worry, I don’t want to discourage young researchers.

What do you enjoy doing when you aren't working?

Lately, I must admit I am struggling to find that leisure time for me. At least not in the same quantity as I had it, let’s say 3 years ago. However, it is spending quality time with my family and friends, building LEGO castles with my daughter, and teaching her how to ride a bicycle. One of the most enjoyable activities for me is playing tennis on a perfect sunny day. I had that two days ago, so I can’t complain honestly. Also not to forget, mowing the lawn is a perfect way to actively rest and relax.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Depends on how younger is my younger self :) I would definitely advise Miloš not to postpone things until the deadline. He will do it correctly and timely enough, with no doubts about it. Why work intensely on a task for days, not having a night of proper sleep, when you have the time to disperse that same work on a longer time frame. Therefore, when the deadline is there, rather than rushing sleeplessly, he will enjoy a glass of wine while watching some relaxing comedy show with his lovelier other half and go to bed feeling less stressed. The bottom line is not to postpone things, whether it is for work, family, leisure activities or something else.