A trainee doctor has been recognised for his contributions to child and adolescent psychiatry.
Dr Sundar Gnanavel, who works in children and young people’s services at Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), was awarded Postgraduate Clinical Trainee of the Year by the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH).
The award recognises those who are at the forefront of the advancement of child and adolescent mental health research and practice.
Sundar was nominated for the award by a former consultant supervisor. Five people were shortlisted in the category which saw nominations from across the globe.
The judging panel was made up of members of the ACAMH, many of whom are renowned and acclaimed child psychiatrists and psychologists.
On winning the award, Sundar said: “I was excited as it is such a prestigious award. it’s good to have recognition of my contributions to child and adolescent psychiatry research and policy making, both nationally and globally.”
Sundar is a higher trainee in child and adolescent psychiatry. He is based at Alnwood, an inpatient unit at St Nicholas Hospital in Gosforth. Alnwood provides medium secure inpatient assessment and treatment for young people up to 18 years who have complex mental health needs, including those with a learning disability.
This is not the first time Sundar has won an award. He has also been recognised by the Royal College of Psychiatry, the World Psychiatric Association and the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry, to name a few.
The ACAMH aims to raise the standards in the understanding and management of child mental health issues. The organisation is committed to sharing information and best practice through a network of professionals dedicated to creating a difference.
CNTW is a leading provider of mental health and disability services in the North East and north Cumbria.