Fellowship of the College is awarded as a mark of distinction to psychiatrists who have been Members (MRCPsych) for at least ten consecutive years and who can demonstrate significant impact in advancing mental health care, supporting the profession, and working collaboratively with patients, carers and partner organisations.
Dr Salim Matta, Cygnet’s Medical Director for the North Region, was one of those elected. He described the honour as deeply meaningful.
“I’m truly honoured and delighted to have been elected to the Fellowship of The Royal College of Psychiatrists,” he said. “This recognition means a great deal to me. It reflects not only my professional journey, but also the support, encouragement, and collaboration of the many colleagues, mentors, teams, and patients who have shaped my practice along the way.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our field and remain committed to advancing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care, supporting the next generation of clinicians, and promoting wellbeing across our communities. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. I look forward to continuing the work together.”
Dr Matta oversees clinical leadership across Cygnet’s northern services and has long championed high standards, professional development and patient-centred practice.
Also awarded Fellowship is Dr Azmathulla Khan, Medical Director at Cygnet Hospital Harrow. Dr Khan completed his general psychiatric training through the St George’s Psychiatric Training Scheme, followed by roles in medium secure services at Springfield Hospital and later in Learning Disability Psychiatry through the North London Higher Training Scheme. He went on to serve as a Consultant Psychiatrist at Barnet, Enfield and Haringey NHS Trust.
He joined Cygnet Hospital Harrow in 2017 as Consultant Psychiatrist for the Spring Centre and in January 2020, he was appointed Medical Director for Cygnet Hospital Harrow and Cygnet Lodge Kenton.
Reflecting on his Fellowship, Dr Khan said: “I am honoured to share that I have been awarded a Fellowship of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
“My sincere thanks and gratitude go to the inspiring colleagues, mentors, and teams who have supported and guided me throughout my career. Any achievements I have made are a reflection of their generosity, collaboration, and shared commitment to high-quality care.
“I remain dedicated to continuing my professional development and contributing to the advancement of psychiatry for the benefit of the patients, carers and communities we serve.”