Alexander Kantchelov Receives Nyswander-Dole Award at AATOD National Conference.

First presented in 1984, the Nyswander-Dole award recognises extraordinary work and service in the field of opioid addiction treatment.

Alexander is known to us all, particularly for his membership of the board of directors of Europad and President of the Bulgarian section of the society. He is a past winner of the Europad Chimera award for his contribution to opiate addiction treatment.

Dr Kantchelov graduated from the Medical Academy, Sofia in 1991 and since 1993 his professional career has focused on working in the addictions treatment field. In 1995 he was the physician at the first MMTP that opened in Bulgaria, from 2000 to 2003 - Head of the Methadone Maintenance Program and Deputy Director of the National Centre for Addictions in Sofia. For the last 6 years Dr. Kantchelov has been entirely devoted to developing and extending methadone treatment in Bulgaria. Since 1999 he has invested sustained professional efforts to promote and develop methadone maintenance treatment among the professional community and the decision and policy makers at the Ministry of Health. Dr. Kantchelov has also developed the National Training Program and Specialized Course for methadone treatment professionals, that  was approved officially by the Minister of Health. The program provides professionals with comprehensive training and is aiming to ensure that the future methadone programs in Bulgaria will start, develop and maintain in tune with the highest standards of quality clinical practice.