This week I realised I can’t believe it has been five years since Dr Davies passed away. I came across this page after googling his name, and it has been comforting to read the memories others have shared about him. I only spent a short period (around 5-6 months) working alongside Dr Davies at a hospital in Leeds in the months leading up to his passing. He joined as a locum consultant on a ward where I had just started as a newly qualified pharmacist. During a difficult time in the covid pandemic, lacking confidence, and still learning what it meant to be a healthcare professional, Dr Davies could not have been a better consultant or mentor to learn from. I learned more in that short time – about bedside manner, evidence-based practice, and truly patient-centred care – than I could have elsewhere over years. His infectious character, patience, and kindness transcended the ward. When he introduced himself as ‘Mike the Psych’, I remember doubting whether his approach would work on the ward – but I was completely wrong. Within weeks, both staff and patients loved him. He earned universal respect through his honesty, humanity, and willingness to go…

Dr Davies, what a legend with our medical students who would tentatively venture up to the ward, unsure what their psychiatry placement would bring. Mike would break the ice with a welcoming, quirky and amusing quote or joke, then get them stuck in with whatever was happening. I remember one time he called me aside, insistant that I attend an urgent ward meeting, only to find that the meeting consisted of a bunch of pizzas that he had bought in for the whole team. Such a kind and caring man. Sincere condolences to your family. Alexa…

It was a true privilige to work with a man of such unique character. He was always happy to support our research & make more positive differences to peoples lives. I always looked forward to coming to ward 33 knowing I would be made to feel welcome. He was great fun as well as being a great psychiatrist. I’ll miss him…

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Mike’s premature passing. He was enormous fun to work with, but also very supportive to me on occasions when we worked together. It was clear when we were assessing his patients together for detention that he took the responsibility with the utmost seriousness and trod carefully when restricting the liberty of those under his care. Others have remarked on his detailed knowledge of the Mental Health Act and generosity of spirit in sharing his clinical experience with others. He will always be a lively figure in my memory and I hope that the many warm remembrances shared by friends and colleagues here provide comfort to his family. He will remain ‘woven into the stuff of other men’s lives’ through the impact he made on us all.  …

My contact with Mike during his work on Ward 33 was brief, however his pragmatism, compassion, time for the service user we were supporting, sense of humour and colourful waistcoat left a positive impression.  With best wishes and sincere condolences to his friends and family….

I got to know Mike as a colleague but then more closely as we worked together to help a couple of patients with complex difficulties. Mike’s humanity, compassion and willingness to work hard to get the best outcomes for this patients became obvious to me. He did not shy away from expressing controversial thoughts but rooted as he was in scientific evidence and humanity, this meant that even when in conflict with his team, he won their admiraiton and respect. This was especially remarkable (and I speak from experience) given that he managed an in-patient unit and was a locum (albeit a long-term one). He would often drop by in my office en route to his own and he was always generous with his time and thoughts. His wisdom was always palpable and comes through readily in his WhatsApp interactions that many have alluded to. His contributions in our journal clubs were very illuminating and demonstrates his vast knowledge, but he was never ostentatious about his intellect and in fact was always warm, kind and fun-loving making one feel at ease instantly. Rest in peace, Mike….

I got to know Mike more recently thanks to Rajesh Jain layer he chaired a session we conducted for a global audience  My brief friendship with him was a wonderful opportunity to get to know a kind hearted individual He will be missed My condolences and prayers that his family have the strength to cope with this enormous loss…

I worked with Mike on ward 33 when i was clinical lead for the in reach service. He was the most caring and compassionate gentleman who was very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He was also a joker and took great pleasure in making people laugh. When he and Mohammed left they both took me out to lunch as a thank you for my input to the team. Mike will be missed greatly by both staff and patients he was a true gem rest in peace Mike and deepest sympathy to his family 💔💔💔…

Met Dr Davies in one of the WhatsApp group and he was a kind and thorough gentleman. I came to know through others who knew him personally that he was the same offline too.  My condolences to Dr Davies’ family and hope they have the strength to face this loss. Kind Regards Raghu.  …

It was indeed an encounter to meet and know you. You were a light to so many people including, your family, friends, professionals and of course your patients. You were a giver, never a taker. You sought to find a solution to help people, even when other professionals may have disagreed with you; you stood firm. I valued your profession opinion, albeit we had our tug of war at times. I was blessed to know you on a personal level, you told me how much you wanted Natalie and Sean to be pregnant, I found out that your wish was granted with the birth of Orla, you must have been so joyful as only a grandparent can know. Your team at the hospital valued you, but it was Mohamed Shokry who became so important to you, you valued him as a friend and felt protective of him. I remember you saying Mohamed’s knowledge was greater than yours. Mohamed said the same about you, I can only conclude that you learned from each other but didn’t realise it at the time. You told me how proud you are of all your boys and relished in their achievements. It was so…

Having worked with Dr D for a few months I was fortunate to get to know such a fun, charismatic, inspiring and generous guy. He was not only a mentor to me but also a role model too and taught me so much about psychiatry –  inspiring me to strongly consider a career in the field. I foundly remember his stories whilst being treated to steak and chips for our team lunchtime outings. He will truly be missed! What a legend!…

I was heartbroken to hear about the death of my friend and colleague Dr Michael Davies. He was an extraordinary psychiatrist and mentor who taught me so much during my 8 month stint on ward 33. Mike was a much loved character who kept the ward staff plied with takeaways, lotto tickets and dirty jokes. His obscenely bright socks birthed our matching sock tradition. Patients trusted and respected him, and with good reason. He knew the Mental Health Act in astonishing detail, and was always careful never to infringe people’s liberties except when strictly necessary. Many people were brought back from the brink of suicide or out of the tangle of psychosis thanks to his efforts. Rest in peace Mike x…