One of Scotland’s leading medical directors is due to receive a distinguished President’s Medal from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
It was announced at the College’s International Congress in Edinburgh this week, that Dr Arun Chopra will receive the award in a special ceremony in London later this year.
The medals are awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the profession.
Dr Chopra who is the medical director at the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland is an experienced consultant psychiatrist with a strong clinical background in general adult psychiatry, medical law and ethics.
He has worked in Scotland, England and New Zealand and has published research in mental health law.
The clinician was a member of the independent reviews of mental health law in England and Scotland. He has provided evidence to Committees at Holyrood and Westminster on mental health law and policy.
A previous recipient of the College’s Laughlin prize - awarded for the best performance in the College’s clinical examinations - he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Dr Arun Chopra, said:
"It is humbling to receive this honour which reflects the work of many of my colleagues at the Mental Welfare Commission in safeguarding the rights of people with mental illness and learning disability.
"I am grateful to the College for this recognition and to the patients, carers and colleagues I have worked with over the years. I’m looking forward to continuing this work."
Dr Jane Morris chair of RCPsych in Scotland, said:
"Congratulations to Arun who has contributed so much to mental health in Scotland and further afield.
"This award is hugely well deserved. He has made such a difference in his role at the Commission, having huge influence in representing clinicians and patients alike in both parliaments."
Dr Lade Smith CBE, president of RCPsych, added:
"I would like to take this opportunity congratulate Dr Arun Chopra for his outstanding achievements in promoting mental healthcare.
"His work with the College and the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland has been so impactful in raising the importance of mental illness.
"He has championed equity and equality in Mental Health services. His advice informed the Mental Health Act reforms in England and was invaluable."
For further information, please contact:
- Email: scotland@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Contact Name: RCPsych in Scotland
- Twitter: @rcpsychscot