Jitender Sareen

BSc, MD, FRCPC

Jitender Sareen earned a Bachelor of Science degree at The University of Winnipeg in 1991. He then completed a Bachelor of Science degree in medicine (anaesthesia) and a Doctor of Medicine degree at The University of Manitoba, before completing a Research Fellowship at the University of California and becoming a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada in Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba.

Sareen is the Medical Director for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) Mental Health Program and is the department head of psychiatry at the University of Manitoba. He is a professor of psychiatry in the departments of psychiatry, psychology and community health sciences at the University of Manitoba. Sareen also teaches, supervises students, and maintains his practise — and holds many current appointments in his area of expertise for organizations such as The Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club and Veterans Affairs Canada.

Sareen is a world leader in mental health research. Since 1997, he has published more than 300 peer-reviewed articles and publications in the areas of traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, Indigenous suicide, psychiatric neuroimaging, and military mental health.

Part of his research focusses on improving people’s access to mental health care by using innovative ways to deliver care and treatment — such as via internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy, telephone-based care, and large classroom-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy.

Among many research grants, Sareen has held Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grants on military mental health as well as First Nations suicide prevention. He has also worked to examine the impact of trauma and post-traumatic stress among Canadians. As well, Sareen was the Winnipeg site co-principal investigator for the Mental Health Commission of Canada's Research Demonstration Project in Homelessness and Mental Health.

Through his work, Sareen identifies people and populations that are vulnerable and in crisis, and finds ways to offer help. He has increased the understanding of mental health issues and has made major contributions to the prevention of suicides, while creating positive change within the health care system. Sareen’s impact has been felt both within his profession and on many communities.

The University of Winnipeg Alumni Association is proud to recognize Dr. Jitender Sareen as the recipient of its highest honour, the Distinguished Alumni Award.