A Lifetime of Advocacy: Dr. Michael Trew on Psychiatry, Policy, and Peer Support

In this episode of As I, A Peer, we’re honoured to welcome Dr. Michael Trew, a distinguished psychiatrist whose career has spanned over four decades. Dr. Trew’s journey in mental health began with his education at the University of Saskatchewan, Calgary, and Manchester, leading to his certification as a psychiatrist in 1982. His dedication to the field saw him leading the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service at Foothills Medical Centre and serving as Alberta’s Chief Addiction and Mental Health Officer during the province’s response to the 2013 southern Alberta flood.Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Trew’s work has profoundly shaped policies on the opioid crisis, ethics in psychiatry, and suicide prevention. His leadership extended to serving on boards such as Distress Centre Calgary and CMHA Calgary, where he played a vital role as a director and chair. In 2024, he retired, leaving behind a legacy of advocacy, innovation, and unwavering compassion for those struggling with mental health challenges.Join us as we dive into Dr. Trew’s remarkable career, his perspectives on peer support, and how lived experience continues to shape the future of mental health care.