Table of Contents
Doha, Qatar — In a landmark achievement for regional mental health leadership, Dr Yasser Saeed Khan, a senior British-Pakistani consultant psychiatrist based in Qatar, has been elected Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division. He secured an overwhelming majority with 109 out of 140 votes cast, reflecting strong support from psychiatric professionals across the region.
A Career Dedicated to Mental Health in the UK and MENA
Dr Khan began his medical journey in the UK, spending 13 years within the National Health Service (NHS), where he focused on child and adolescent mental health. In 2017, he relocated to Doha, Qatar, to play a key role in building specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
Currently, he serves as:
- Medical Lead of CAMHS at HMC
- Program Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
- Clinical Associate Professor at Qatar University’s College of Medicine
His leadership in both clinical and academic realms has earned him recognition for bridging medical practice, education, and policy.
Visionary Leadership as Vice Chair
Over the past three years, Dr Khan served as Vice Chair of the RCPsych MENA Division, where he spearheaded several transformative initiatives:
- Established the first MRCPsych CASC exam centre in the MENA region (set to launch in November 2025)
- Launched regional projects in Palestine, Iraq, and Egypt
- Organised academic conferences and symposia in collaboration with local healthcare providers
Dr Khan has also been a strong advocate for the next generation of psychiatrists, actively supporting trainees and international applicants. His efforts include:
- Facilitating bursaries for trainees to attend the RCPsych International Congress
- Mentoring Medical Training Initiative (MTI) applicants from Sudan, Egypt, Yemen, and more
- Guiding psychiatrists through successful Fellowship applications
A Collaborative Vision for the Future
Speaking to Geo News, Dr Khan outlined his goals as Chair:
“My vision as Chair is to continue strengthening the Division’s role as a hub of professional collaboration, research, and advocacy. I also plan to expand regional research and dementia alliances with a view to supporting sustainable development in mental health.”
He emphasized his commitment to inclusivity and capacity-building across the MENA region, aiming to ensure that psychiatry develops as both a scientific discipline and a compassionate practice in underserved areas.
“Honoured by the Support”
Expressing his gratitude for the trust placed in him by peers across the region, Dr Khan said:
Hungary Probes Possible Biological Attack After Foot-and-Mouth Outbreak
“I am honoured by the support shown by my colleagues across the region. I look forward to working together to build on our shared achievements and to ensure the Division continues to grow as an inclusive and progressive force in psychiatry.”
His election marks a significant moment for British-Pakistani professionals in global medical leadership and reflects the growing role of Qatar as a hub for psychiatric and medical innovation in the MENA region.
