About Me

Hi, I’m Dr. Alexis Paton — a medical sociologist and bioethicist who looks at how society, ethics, and healthcare all connect. I study things like how patients make decisions, why health inequalities exist, and how ethics shape the care people receive. My goal is to help make health systems fairer, more transparent, and better for everyone.

Alongside my academic work, I speak regularly in the media, write for the public, and co-host The Sick Society Podcast, where I unpack the social issues behind the headlines in health and medicine.

I believe health isn’t just about biology or medicine — it’s about people, communities, and the choices we make as a society. Through research, public conversations, and policy work, I try to bring that bigger picture into focus.

Mission Statement

My mission is to make ethics and health research practical, inclusive, and accessible — with a clear focus on reducing health and social inequalities. I believe meaningful change happens when we listen to the communities most affected, work in partnership, and translate complex ideas into clear, useful insights. Through community-led research, ethical guidance grounded in real-world practice, and collaborative approaches, I aim to help build a fairer, more compassionate healthcare system for all.

Guiding Values

Practical Ethics

I apply ethical thinking to real-life situations in healthcare and policy, making it useful and relevant for the people who need it most.

Community-Led Research

I centre the voices of patients, communities, and professionals in shaping the questions we ask and the solutions we create.

Equity & Inclusion

I am committed to identifying, challenging, and reducing inequalities in health and care — in both research and practice.

Clarity & Accessibility

I communicate in clear, plain language to make complex issues understandable and actionable.

Collaboration

I work across disciplines, sectors, and communities to create shared, ethical solutions to shared challenges.