Orygen’s executive director, Professor Patrick McGorry, has been awarded the 2019 Society of Biological Psychiatry’s Humanitarian Award in recognition of his dedicated service and advocacy for mental illness.
The award recognises the crucial contributions of those whose efforts have had a visible and public impact on people experiencing mental ill-health.
Professor McGorry said the award came as a surprise and a huge honour. “I feel truly privileged and I thank the Society of Biological Psychiatry for recognising my work in this way,” Professor McGorry said.
“What makes this award so special to me is that the main motivation for my work, whether it be in research, in the clinic or in policy and system reform, has always been humanitarian, and not about papers, grants etc.”
“I accept this award knowing that there is so much more to be done. As I have done throughout the whole of my career, I will continue with passion and energy to work tirelessly to get a fairer deal and better outcomes for young people with mental ill-health and their families.”
Professor McGorry is a world leader in the area of early psychosis and youth mental health and pioneered the early intervention model of care for young people with first episode psychosis. His passionate advocacy for better treatment models and outcomes for young people with mental illness is acclaimed both nationally and internationally and continues to be at core of the work that he does.