Known globally for his groundbreaking work in the areas of trauma, addiction and human development, physician Dr. Gabor Maté will bring some of his insights and knowledge to the TRU campus on Feb. 11.
His lecture, which will be held between 7 p.m and 8:30 p.m at the TRU Grand Hall, is titled The Hungry Ghost: A Biophysical Perspective on Addiction, from Heroin to Workaholism. It will explore the ways trauma and stress reshape behaviour and imprint themselves on the mind and body. An extension of his career-spanning work, Maté will invite audiences to rethink common misconceptions and narratives surrounding mental health and healing.
Maté has many years of experience in the field of addiction and trauma, spending two decades in family practice and palliative care, followed by another decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients struggling with mental health and addiction issues. He went on to publish five books, which have since been published in over 40 languages. His 2009 international bestseller, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction, won the 2010 Hubert Evans Award for Best B.C. Non-Fiction Book. His next book, Hello Again: A Fresh Start for Parents and Their Adult Children, is scheduled for publication later this year.
The bestselling author is also a globally renowned speaker and has made numerous international speaking appearances. His insights offer nuance and depth to complex issues, weaving together scientific research, case histories and personal experience to present broad perspectives on healing and empowerment. For his authorship and significant contributions to the medical field, Maté was awarded the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian distinction, as well as the Civic Merit Award from his hometown of Vancouver.
Maté’s presence at TRU will be another landmark moment for the university community, giving students, staff and faculty access to an acclaimed contemporary voice in the field of health and substance use. The event offers an opportunity to learn outside the confines of a classroom, engage in wider conversations and broader perspectives, and foster a space for critical thought and nuance.
The talk is made possible by TRUSU’s Common Voices Lecture series, which is held annually by the union to give the TRU community free access to acclaimed thought leaders and speakers. The series has brought other distinguished voices over the years, including Canadian author and activist Naomi Klein, English anthropologist Jane Goodall, and Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood.
Demand for the event is anticipated to be high, with limited availability for those who wish to attend in-person. Alternatively, interested parties could also attend virtually. Both options are completely free.
Registration opens on the 14th of January and is expected to sell out soon. For more details, you can visit the TRUSU websitehere.