Mission
The Douglas Utting Foundation is a family foundation established in 1985 in memory of Douglas Utting, who struggled with depression for many years before taking his own life. Many of the taboos associated with depression and related disorders are now being addressed thanks to increased awareness and resources.
The foundation currently funds the Douglas Utting Fellowship for Studies in Depression at the Department of Psychiatry of the Jewish General Hospital, in association with McGill University. This fellowship promotes the training of highly skilled clinician researchers dedicated to developing better ways of helping patients suffering from severe mental health problems, particularly depression.
The foundation also supports the presentation of the Douglas Utting Medal. The medal is presented annually, alternating between doctors and community groups, who actively promote awareness of depression and/or treatment or research of depressive disorders. The recipient also presents a lecture to which the public are invited (when possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic).