LONDON/DOHA: Dr Yasser Saeed Khan, a British-Pakistani child and adolescent senior consultant psychiatrist based in Qatar, has been elected Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) MENA (Middle East and North Africa) Division with an overwhelming majority — securing 109 out of 140 votes cast.
Dr Khan, who spent 13 years working in the NHS in the UK, moved to Doha in 2017 to support the development of specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC).
He currently leads the service as Medical Lead, is the Program Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, and holds an academic appointment as Clinical Associate Professor at Qatar University’s College of Medicine.
As Vice Chair of the RCPsych MENA Division over the past three years, he has led a number of key initiatives. These include establishing the first MRCPsych CASC exam centre in the region (to begin in November 2025), launching regional projects in Palestine, Iraq, and Egypt, and organising conferences and symposia across the region in partnership with local providers.
Dr Khan has also prioritised trainee support—facilitating bursaries to attend the RCPsych International Congress, mentoring MTI applicants from countries such as Sudan, Egypt, and Yemen, and guiding members through successful Fellowship applications.
He told Geo News: “My vision as Chair is to continue strengthening the Division’s role as a hub of professional collaboration, research, and advocacy. I also plans to expand regional research and dementia alliances with a view to supporting sustainable development in mental health.”
“I am honoured by the support shown by my colleagues across the region,” said Dr Khan. “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.”
