Professor Dinesh Bhugra is Emeritus Professor of Mental Health and Cultural Diversity at King’s College, London. He was Dean (Lead Educational Officer) of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2003-2008) and then President of the Royal College (2008-2011). He was Vice-Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges with remit for education for doctors of all grades and specialities. During this period he led on College’s campaign for Fair Deal for people with mental illness. He established strategy for public mental health. As President of the World Psychiatric Association he led on development of 20 Position statements and various other initiatives including Bill of Rights for people with mental illness (signed by 60 organisations) and a campaign for social justice for people with mental illness to support this. As President of the BMA (2018-2019) he led on a large survey of mental health and well-being of medical students globally, a campaign for equity between physical and mental health and Medicine’s social contract. So far, he is the only British Asian for having been President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and of the World Psychiatric Association. He chaired the Board of Trustees of Mental Health Foundation (2011-2014) and is on the Boards of Psychiatry Research Trust and Sane charities. He is currently Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chair of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust since 2014. In 2017 he was placed #1 in public sector professionals in FT-Outstanding Awards. In 2018, he was voted international Global Champion on mental health in an international poll. He has published widely with over 500 papers, 175 chapters and edited and written 37 books three of which have been translated into Japanese and Chinese and two have won awards. This year two of his books have been shortlisted in the BMA psychiatry book of the year award. Appointed CBE, he has been awarded 10 honorary degrees from international universities. He continues to champion the cause of people with mental illness.
