My name is Philippe Hwang and I am currently completing my MSc. in Psychiatry (Year 1), and I am this year's CMH VP Finance. I have had a passion for mental health and improving the discussions and impressions of mental health in the community thereby reducing the burden on those suffering from mental illness. The goals of CMH align closely with my own, which is to discuss, critically appraise, and disseminate information promoting better mental health and encouraging access to mental health resources for the benefit of all those in the community. To that end, the work for my Masters is currently looking at the impact of comorbidities (co-occurring illnesses) when Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is diagnosed and treated in the community in order to improve outcomes for the children who may not be receiving optimal treatment. 

For me, collaborative mental healthcare involves all allied healthcare professionals as well as any informal caregivers who may be able to act as advocate and supporter for the patient's wellbeing from all perspectives. This requires open communication, discussion, and above all an understanding of the shared goals of care in order to provide the best options and approach for a patient.