Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences appointment notice

WHITBY, ON, Sept. 23 /CNW/ - Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tariq Asmi to the position of Vice-President, Regional Services and Dr. Philip Klassen to the position of Vice-President, Medical Affairs.

"We are dedicated to working with our community and healthcare partners to create a strong and integrated mental health care system to meet the increased demand of services," says Glenna Raymond , President and CEO. "These roles will provide key leadership to develop a collaborative approach to mental health care delivery, enhance partnerships and strengthen our capacity in research, education and specialized treatment."

Tariq joins the organization from the Growing Communities Healthcare Alliance where he was the Executive Director working extensively in partnership with hospitals, community mental health and social services to bring greater equity and fairness to Ontario's healthcare system.

As Vice-President, Regional Services, Tariq will work in collaboration with Ontario Shores stakeholders, service providers and the community to further the goal of developing an integrated mental health care system that delivers high-quality, patient-centred and equitable care.

Tariq has 20 years experience in Ontario's healthcare system. He spent over 10 years in a variety of roles within the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and six years as policy advisor to two Ministers of Health and Long-Term Care. He was also a director at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Tariq has worked in mental health services at the Ministry and was involved in earlier mental health system reform efforts.

Dr. Philip Klassen has been practising psychiatry for over 15 years. He joins Ontario Shores from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) where he is currently the Deputy Clinical Director and Associate Head (Education) for the Law and Mental Health Program. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Departments of both Psychiatry and Medicine, at the University of Toronto . An active researcher and well-published forensic psychiatrist, his areas of particular interest include violence risk assessment, clinical sexology, assessment of post-traumatic symptomatology, and assessment of professional misconduct.

In his new role, Dr. Klassen will be responsible for administrative and resource allocation within medical services, will oversee operational medical services delivery and contribute to program development. Dr. Klassen will work closely with medical and clinical leadership to support the organization's objectives within an evolving healthcare system and to ensure a sustainable and comprehensive network of services.

Tariq Asmi and Dr. Klassen will transition to their new roles in October.

About Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences:

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a leader in mental health care, providing a spectrum of specialized assessment and treatment services for people living with complex mental illness. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care, built on compassion, inspiration and hope. Ontario Shores engages in research, education and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental health care system.

For further information: or to set up an interview, please contact: Susan Nakhle Director, Communications and Public Affairs, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, [phone] ext. 6068, [email protected]