Abstract
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is pleased to award the College Citation to Professor Gin Malhi, for his outstanding service to the College and for his significant contributions to improving the quality of psychiatric knowledge and practice, both in Australia and New Zealand, and internationally.
Professor Malhi is Chair of Psychiatry at the University of Sydney and Head of Department at Sydney’s Royal North Shore Hospital (RNS). He is also an Associate Director of the University of Sydney Kolling Institute and a senior consultant psychiatrist in the Northern Sydney Local Health District.
In 2007, he established the CADE Clinic at RNS; and as the Executive and Clinical Director, he has helped to develop the clinic’s international reputation for world-leading research and clinical expertise in the assessment and treatment of patients with complex bipolar disorder.
Professor Malhi is the immediate past Chair of the Australasian Society of Bipolar and Depression Disorders, and is recognised internationally as an authority on neuroimaging in bipolar disorders. As a Chief Investigator on successive National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Program Grants since 2003, his exceptional research in this area has led to insights into the neural circuitry and psychopathology of mood disorders. He has published over 400 papers in international refereed journals and more than 20 books and book chapters.
In 2010, Professor Malhi was appointed as Editor of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (ANZJP) after extensive experience on editorial boards of numerous international journals and 5 years as Editor-in-Chief of Acta Neuropsychiatrica. Professor Malhi has brought significant energy and drive to the role, and under his leadership the ANZJP has been totally revised and updated, with the introduction of new sections and features. He has elevated the international standing of the journal considerably, and it now receives a significant number of submissions from researchers in Europe, North America and Asia; whilst continuing to ensure that the needs of local psychiatrists are met. He has also sought to foster an interest in scientific publishing amongst future researchers, through his own research funding, and by establishing formal positions for registrars and early career psychiatrists on the ANZJP editorial committee.
Professor Gin Malhi with immediate past President Dr Murray Patton
In addition to the major contributions made to College life as Editor of the ANZJP, Professor Malhi has also been heavily involved in training and examination activities, and in several College projects to develop Clinical Practice Guidelines in psychiatry. As a member of the Committee for Examinations (2005–2007), he was actively involved in the development of a new examination process for overseas-trained specialists seeking Fellowship of the RANZCP. In 2003–2004, Professor Malhi was a key member of the working group that developed the College’s guidelines for the treatment of bipolar disorders; and since 2013, he has chaired the expert working group developing the RANZCP ‘Clinical practice guideline for mood disorders’. These guidelines will be a unique contribution to psychiatric literature; and will reflect an exceedingly comprehensive and thorough examination of psychiatric diagnosis and practice, for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorders.
Despite Professor Malhi’s extraordinary commitments, he has maintained an active clinical practice; and he contributes enthusiastically to the education of medical students, doctoral candidates and trainee psychiatrists.
Professor Malhi is held in the highest regard by the College and is a most worthy and meritorious recipient of the RANZCP College Citation.
Presented on the occasion of the College Ceremony in Brisbane, on 4 May 2015.