Faculty

Congratulations to Christopher Dobbelstein, MD on his receipt of an Excellence in Patient Experience Award from UPMC. Dr. Dobbelstein is one of only 50 providers selected from more than 7,000 physicians and advanced practice providers within the medical center to receive this honor. The awards are based on patient ratings and are presented to top UPMC providers in recognition of their dedication to the population...

Nadine Melhem, PhD is an internationally recognized expert on how genetic predisposition and childhood stressors may impact biological processes in the brain to cause early onset depression and suicidal behavior. Her earlier work included adapting an instrument for measuring complicated grief in children that has been used clinically worldwide and collaborating with her colleague, David Brent, MD, included an...

Pierre Azzam, MD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, began his career in Pittsburgh as a psychiatry resident at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital in the Academic Administrator-Clinician Educator (AACE) Track, and subsequently completed a clinical fellowship in Consultation Liaison (CL) Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital. Since his recruitment to the Department of Psychiatry faculty, Dr. Azzam has...

Congratulations to Roger Haskett, MD on his recent receipt of a Lifetime Achievement Award for Academic Psychiatry from the Pittsburgh Psychiatric Society, The Society presented the award to Dr. Haskett in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of academic psychiatry and to the organization. Dr. Haskett began his career at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine as a Professor of...

Susanne Ahmari, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, has been recognized by the One Mind organization for her groundbreaking research exploring the mechanisms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The honors were announced at the Scientific Symposium at the 24th Music Festival for Brain Health that took place September 15th in Rutherford, California. Dr. Ahmari was presented with the One Mind Rising Star...

The Department of Psychiatry is mourning the recent passing of esteemed colleague James Perel, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Pharmacology. Dr. Perel was a gifted scientist and teacher who was devoted to advancing pharmacologic treatments for psychiatric disorders and training the next generation of clinician educators and academic scientists. Dr. Perel held academic appointments at New York University...