Karen M. Hand
About Karen M. Hand
Karen M. Hand is a psychiatrist and adjunct professor at McMaster University, with extensive experience in community mental health and assertive community treatment teams. She serves on the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board and the Ontario Review Board, focusing on issues related to mental health and decision-making.
Current Work at McMaster University
Karen M. Hand serves as an Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry at McMaster University. She has held this position since 2013, contributing to the academic and clinical training of future psychiatrists. Her role involves teaching and mentoring students in the field of psychiatry, drawing on her extensive experience in various mental health settings.
Professional Experience in Psychiatry
Karen M. Hand has a diverse background in psychiatry, having worked in multiple institutions across Ontario. Her roles include serving as a psychiatrist at Homewood Health Centre, Thresholds Homes and Supports, and various hospitals such as Brockville Psychiatric Hospital and Cambridge Memorial Hospital. She has also been involved in community mental health through her work with the Waterloo Region Assertive Community Treatment Team.
Involvement with Ontario Consent and Capacity Board
Karen M. Hand is a member of the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board. This board addresses matters related to consent to treatment, capacity assessments, and substitute decision-making. Her involvement reflects her commitment to ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care and that their rights are upheld within the mental health system.
Education and Qualifications
Karen M. Hand earned her medical degree (MD) from Memorial University of Newfoundland, completing her studies from 1974 to 1986. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC). Her educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary for her extensive career in psychiatry.
Membership in Professional Boards
In addition to her role on the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board, Karen M. Hand is a member of the Ontario Review Board. This board oversees cases involving individuals who are found not criminally responsible or unfit to stand trial due to mental disorders, highlighting her involvement in critical aspects of mental health law and policy.