Thursday, 22 September 2011
The College enjoyed huge success at the
World Psychiatric Association (WPA) elections in Buenos Aires
yesterday (21 September).
I have great pleasure in telling you
that Professor Dinesh Bhugra, our immediate Past President, is
now the President Elect of the WPA. I am also delighted
to let you know that Dr Afzal Javed was elected Secretary General,
and Professor Linda Gask was re-elected as as the WPA Zonal
Representative for Western Europe. These are fantastic
achievements, and I'm sure you will all join me in offering all
three of them our congratulations.
In standing as a candidate for President of
the WPA, Dinesh identified six work intentions. These were:
1. Patient and
Carer Empowerment: Patients and their carers must be
involved in developing educational and informational materials. I
will work tirelessly towards creating partnerships with patients,
families and professionals to achieve full access to
non-stigmatising services.
2. Service
Development and Quality Improvement: My strengths in
working with stakeholders and policy makers enable me to develop
training and policies on quality improvement. I will ensure the WPA
provides guidance and standards which are culturally appropriate
and resource relevant.
3. Training
and Education: Extensive experience in teaching and
training undergraduates and post-graduates enables me to build on
improving recruitment and retention into psychiatry. WPA
must provide web-based, appropriate learning. I will aim
to establish teaching and training hubs to deliver education and
training in different regions.
4. Policy
Development: I recognise that support in policy
development must be the aim of WPA. I strongly believe that we must
attain it and will ensure that adequate support is available to
societies and individuals. Quality control of services irrespective
of the health care system will be an essential step forward. Our
patients deserve the best services.
5.
Professionalism and the future of the profession:
At a time of economic downturn there is a threat to the profession.
WPA must emphasise Unique Selling Point of what we do. My
publications and writings indicate my commitment to this and I will
work to ensure the profession’s voice is heard at the highest
levels. This is the key function of the WPA and justifies the
existence of the organisation.
6.
Transparency/Ethics: As doctors we belong to the
noblest profession with the highest ethical standards. I will work
towards delivering transparency and high ethical standards within
the organisation.
On behalf of the College, I wish
Dinesh, Afzal and Linda all the best in their new roles.
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