Professor David Clarke appointed Monash Health Program Medical Director for Mental Health

Eminent psychiatrist Professor David Clarke has officially been appointed Monash Health Program Medical Director (PMD) for Mental Health.

A highly respected academic psychiatrist and clinician, David has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to Monash University and Monash Health over the last 25 years.

David has significant expertise in the areas of depression, depression in the presence of physical illness, and psychological factors contributing to the physicall illness (or psychosomatics).  His research has clearly defined subtypes of depression in the medically ill, in particular, identifying and describing the phenomena of demoralisation.

“David has made a significant contribution to the role since his interim appointment in April 2014,” said Siva Sivarajah, CEO, South East Sector, Monash Health. “He has already commenced important work reviewing and redesigning the Program’s service model and service delivery.”

David’s work on forms of depressive illness in the medically ill has greatly advanced the discipline of consultation-liaison psychiatry.  His expertise was welcomed by beyondblue, where he served as research advisor for several years.  

“In accepting the appointment of Program Medical Director for Monash Mental Health, David is directing his energy and focus on the quality of care of our patients with mental illness, the training delivered to mental health clinicians and the wellbeing of our mental health service,” said Professor David Kissane, Head of Psychiatry in the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health.

“Monash Health is indeed fortunate to have his leadership and committed care.”