April 28, 2016
Dr. Nasreen Khatri, researcher with the Rotman Research Institute (RRI) at Baycrest Health Sciences received Ontario’s 2016 Leading Women, Building Communities Award for her contributions to her community.
The award, administered by the Ontario Women’s Directorate and the Minister responsible for Women’s Issues, is given out annually in celebration of women and girls who “demonstrate exceptional leadership in working to improve the lives of others in their communities.” Candidates are nominated by their local Members of Provincial Parliament and chosen based on the following criteria: helping to break down barriers and encouraging women and girls to get involved in non-traditional careers; championing or actively promoting issues such as equality, diversity, healthy equal relationships; preventing violence against women and girls; reducing racism and discrimination; encouraging women and girls to participate in any part of public service; acting as a positive role model by mentoring, coaching, leading events or organizations; and providing a positive example to women and girls in their communities.
In awarding Dr. Khatri, both Premier Kathleen Wynne and Tracy MacCharles, Ontario Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues, said she was being recognized for her “remarkable insights into mental health and reducing the stigma of mental health issues” and “the enormous impact of her work” as a psychologist and gerontologist at Baycrest. Premier Wynne nominated Dr. Khatri for the award.
“Dr. Khatri’s ground-breaking work in the area of mental health is having a profound impact on the lives of so many people who are affected by anxiety, depression and dementia,” said Premier Wynne. “She is an outstanding leader and role model and I am delighted to see her receive this recognition for her many professional and personal contributions to our community and province.”
On the occasion of her award, Dr. Khatri said: “I feel so honoured to receive the 2016 Leading Women, Building Communities Award from the Government of Ontario. I am grateful to Premier Wynne, my family, friends, colleagues and students for everything they have given me and without whom I would surely not be receiving this award. I couldn’t be prouder to represent Baycrest and the Rotman Research Institute, which I feel has been my second home since I joined in 2004.”
As a registered clinical psychologist, Dr. Khatri specializes in the assessment, treatment and research of mood and anxiety disorders. From 2004 to 2012, she led the Mood and Related Disorders Clinic and founded the Cognitive Behaviour Therapy service at Baycrest. In 2012, Dr. Khatri joined the Rotman Research Institute, a cognitive neuroscience institute affiliated with the University of Toronto, where she studies how depression impacts the aging brain and the link between depression in mid-life and the subsequent onset of dementia. In addition to her research and private practice, she consults on workplace mental health issues to the public and private sector. Dr. Khatri is a member of the Board of Trustees of The Psychology Foundation of Canada, the Women’s Brain Health Initiative Advisory Group and the Bell Community Fund Advisory Committee.
About The Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest
The Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health Sciences is a premier international centre for the study of human brain function. The primary research focus is on memory and the executive (frontal lobe) functions of the brain, both in normal aging and in the presence of diseases and conditions which affect the brain, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. World-renowned scientists at the institute promote effective care and improved quality of life of the elderly through research into behavioural changes associated with the aging process.
About Baycrest Health Sciences
Baycrest Health Sciences is a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging. As an academic health sciences centre fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest provides an exemplary care experience for aging clients combined with an extensive clinical training program for students and the Rotman Research Institute, one of the world’s leaders in cognitive neuroscience. Through its commercial and consulting arms, Baycrest is marketing its sought-after expertise and innovation to other healthcare organizations and long-term care homes, both in Canada and internationally.
For media inquiries:
Jonathan MacIndoe
Baycrest Health Sciences
416-785-2500 ext. 6579
jmacindoe@baycrest.org