A consultant psychiatrist who works for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) has been awarded a prestigious Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of Psychiatrists for his outstanding contributions to the study, prevention and treatment of mental illness.
Professor Mohammed Al-Uzri, who is also an associate medical director with LPT, was one of only three honoured with the accolade at a ceremony held by the college to welcome new members last month.
Mohammed said: “This is a great honour for me to be recognised by my peers and one of the most respected professional bodies across the world for mental health. I share this honour with colleagues and patients who have provided me with opportunities to address the needs of people with mental illness.
“I am grateful that LPT have supported me with my voluntary work at the Royal College of Psychiatrists.”
The Royal College of Psychiatrists is the professional medical body responsible for supporting psychiatrists throughout their careers from training through to retirement, and in setting and raising standards of psychiatry in the United Kingdom.
The Honorary Fellowship award is the highest accolade that the college can give members and is presented to individuals who have demonstrated a distinguished service to psychiatry throughout their careers.
Mohammed has been the Presidential Lead for International Affairs for the college since 2020 and subsequently led the implementation of the first international strategy of the college.
His extensive experience has helped to support international mental health development during the global impact of Covid-19.
This recognition reflects an outstanding career in psychiatry including the success in enhancing the international work of the college and collaboration with international organisations.
Within LPT Mohammed is leading work on innovation and governance and working as part of the Trust’s mental health assertive outreach team, who provide specialist care for individuals with enduring mental illness who struggle to engage with mainstream services.
An honorary professor at the University of Leicester, he teaches medical students and junior doctors, and promotes research in mental health. Through his work with the university, he has also led an award-nominated programme to modernise undergraduate medical education in Iraq since 2010.
Angela Hillery, chief executive of LPT, said: “I am so pleased to hear of this Honorary Fellowship for Prof. Al-Uzri which is one of the most valued achievements in psychiatry. We are very proud to support him with his ongoing work with the Royal College of Psychiatrists.”