Dr. Rachel Grimminck for demonstrated leadership, commitment to psychiatric education, excellence in clinical teaching and humanism in practice.
Dr. Alexander McGirr completed his residency just two years ago but already he has dedicated fifteen years to psychiatric research. He also has over sixty peer reviewed publications in top-ranked journals in psychiatry and neuroscience, the vast majority as first author. At the University of Calgary, where he is an assistant professor, he leads a pre-clinical research program which uses animal models to study brain circuitry changes after stress as well as a clinical research program that uses non-invasive neurostimulation for depressive disorders. Dr. McGirr has already made a lasting contributions in several research areas of psychiatry, including personality vulnerability for suicide. His data challenged the notion that suicide is the result of a hyper-reactive stress response. These findings have changed psychiatry’s understanding of suicide.
Dr. Alan Bates was recognized for the exemplary work that he has accomplished early in his career in the domains of clinical practice, research, education and advocacy. Dr. Bates is currently the Provincial Practice Leader for Psychiatry at the BC Cancer Agency, leading 15 psychiatrists across six sites. He also created a consultation liaison psychiatry service for all inpatient units at the BCCA, and developed Provincial Psychosocial Oncology Rounds. His advocacy work and community involvement with the Vancouver Street Soccer League is another reason he is most deserving of this award.
Dr. Mark Sinyor was awarded the inaugural Early Career Achievement in Psychiatry Award for the exemplary work that he has accomplished early in his career in the domains of clinical practice, research, education and advocacy. His research and progressive work on suicide epidemiology and prevention has made him a leader in the field, and in turn, an advocate for suicide prevention programs for Canada’s youth. He was also recognized for his commitment and dedication to teaching future psychiatrists.
