Department of Psychiatry
This is an extraordinary time in the history of Psychiatry. Exciting advances in neuroscience are being translated into clinical practice at a rapid rate. New medications, new diagnostic neuroimaging techniques, and the genetics of mental illness are among the several directions in which our field has progressed. Several psychotherapies, including cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal therapies, have also become more effective because of new research underpinning them.
The Department of Psychiatry at University Tennessee Health Science Center is at the forefront in teaching and training for practice based on both modern neuroscience and psychotherapy. Our faculty is working on research projects in neuropsychiatry, the genetics of schizophrenia, sexual abuse, family relationships in personality disorders, and clinical trials of new medications. Opportunities for our residents and students to participate in these areas are strongly supported.
The basis of our field is clinical work. Our affiliation with Methodist University Hospital, the Lakeside Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, the VA Medical Center, Memphis Mental Health Institute and The Regional Medical Center allows our faculty, residents, and students to work with a wide array of patients in many different clinical settings using a variety of practice models. Our primary duty is to serve those patients, while adding to the knowledge base supporting improved care. The close personal attention given to residents by our faculty helps to create the highly trained graduate of our program.
UTHSC’s Altha Stewart Becomes First African-American President of the American Psychiatric
Association
Memphian Altha Stewart, MD, took office as president of the American Psychiatric Association at the close of the APA’s 2018 annual meeting May 9, vowing to promote collaboration among members and across medical specialties, increase mentoring and leadership opportunities for the next generation in the profession, and improve access to mental health care for all.
An associate professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Dr. Stewart is the first African American to lead the more than 37,000-member organization since its founding in 1844. The APA sets policy, establishes practice guidelines, and represents the field of psychiatry nationally and internationally. Read More
Dr. Stewart has also been named by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to serve on a new state task force on school safety. The 16-member School Safety Working Group had its first meeting in Nashville Thursday. Read More
Psychiatry Student Interest Group Network