Nicholas Fabiano: Removing the divide between physical and mental health

Emerging researcher Nicholas Fabiano, a psychiatry resident at the University of Ottawa, is committed to bridging the historical divide between physical and mental health. After a broken bone from arm wrestling that required surgical repair and led to nerve damage, he discovered firsthand how physical trauma impacts mental wellbeing – and how exercise can aid recovery of both body and mind. Dr. Fabiano's journey sparked his research into lifestyle interventions for mental health, with a focus on the therapeutic potential of exercise for depression. His recent work includes meta-analyses on exercise and suicide risk alongside practical frameworks helping clinicians “prescribe” exercise for patients with depression. Through active science communication and interdisciplinary collaborations spanning nephrology, cardiology, and ophthalmology, Nicholas advocates for an integrated approach recognizing the profound interconnection between physical and mental wellness. In this Genomic Press Interview, he reflects on his path in medicine, challenges the artificial separation of mind and body, and shares evidence-based guidance for implementing lifestyle interventions in psychiatric care.