—Toronto, ON, September 25, 2016—

Last night the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) welcomed Dr. M.S. Renuka Prasad as its new CPA President.

Dr. Renuka Prasad is a clinical professor of psychiatry with the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Psychiatry, and a consultant psychiatrist for Saskatoon Health Region.

With a busy clinical practice primarily focused on geriatric psychiatry, Dr. Prasad also undertakes ongoing liaison work in nursing and care homes in the community. He was instrumental in the development of the Senior Mental Health Team, which was the first of its kind in Saskatchewan, and has undertaken a lead role in the development of the geriatric psychiatry division.

“It is a significant honour and privilege to serve as CPA’s new President,” said Dr. Prasad. “Public interest in mental health is at a historic high, and psychiatrists need to act together to make real and meaningful change to mental health policy and service delivery in Canada.”

Dr. Prasad has also been involved in developing and maintaining standards for procedures, such as electroconvulsive therapy, introducing rTMS therapy for the first time in Saskatchewan, and for contributing to the development of a multidisciplinary team approach to the delivery of care for patients and their families.

A graduate of the University of Mysore, Dr. Prasad completed psychiatry training in the United Kingdom with rotations at St. Crispin Hospital and Royal Liverpool University Hospital, and in 1985, became a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych). Following receipt of a diploma in geriatric medicine from the RCPsych two years later, Dr. Prasad was a consultant geriatric psychiatrist in East Yorkshire, where he was involved in the development of services for functionally ill persons over age 65 as well as an assessment unit for memory and behavioural problems.

The Canadian Psychiatric Association is the national voice for Canada’s 4,700 psychiatrists and more than 900 psychiatric residents. Founded in 1951, the CPA is dedicated to promoting an environment that fosters excellence in the provision of clinical care, education and research.