Francis Atwoli’s son Lukoye Atwoli is now in the league of very exclusive medical practitioners after he got elected as an international fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) on Thursday, January 12.
In a statement released by the Aga Khan University Medical College on Thursday, January 12, Atwoli will be joining the association that has more than 36,000 members worldwide.
"Prof Luke Atwoli, Dean at Aga Khan University (AKU) Medical College in East Africa has been elected as an international fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA),
"APA is the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 37,000 physician members. Congratulations!," read the statement in part.
Lukoye, who serves as the Dean of the Aga Khan University Medical College in East Africa, will be joining the association known for continually supporting the diagnosis and treatment of patients with mental illnesses including substance use disorders as well as supporting prevention and research.
He is the former Dean of the Moi University School of Medicine.
Additionally, he leads and participates in mental health research locally and globally.
He is also a member of the World Health Organisation (WHO) World Mental Health Surveys Consortium, which is the leading collaborative project in psychiatric epidemiology globally.
His election to the fellowship of the APA places him in a familiar space as the association equally acts as an advocate for psychiatrists and their patients.
The purpose of the APA is to advance the field of psychiatry through many different activities. For example, they may provide funding for research or students, or arrange for professional development and educational opportunities for professionals in psychiatry.
His Fellow Status
According to the organisation, Fellow Status is an honour that reflects one's dedication to the work of the APA and signifies their allegiance to the psychiatric profession.
To become a fellow, one is recognized by colleagues in the Association as a member of a very select group.
Equally, all newly appointed Fellows are publicly recognised at the Convocation of Distinguished Fellows, which is held every year during APA's Annual Meeting.
Members of the association receive a lapel pin in recognition of their status.
The association was founded in 1844 by a group of 13 superintendents from the then-24 mental hospitals in the United States.
