In recognition of her contributions to psychosomatic medicine/consultation-liaison psychiatry and her proven track record as a mentor, Lydia Chwastiak, MD, MPH, FAPM, was chosen for the 2017 Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine (APM) Foundation Research Professor Award. Dr. Chwastiak’s most important work has been to draw attention to the health disparities experienced by persons living with serious mental illness. Her current NIH-funded research involves the development and evaluation of innovative Collaborative Care interventions for diabetes and depression in low- and middle-income countries, and also for vulnerable populations living with serious and persistent mental illness in the US. As a Research Professor, Dr. Chwastiak will help several early career researcher mentees by providing face-to-face mentoring at the APM’s annual meeting as well as a year-long mentoring connection.

Launched in 2016, the APM Foundation Research Professor Program was developed in memory of Wayne Katon, MD, a prominent faculty member in our department for over thirty years and APM president from 2012-13. Dr. Katon mentored young psychiatrists and researchers across the country, and inspired countless junior faculty across several UW departments, including Dr. Chwastiak. His memory lives on in his mentees, and it is truly fitting that Dr. Chwastiak receive this award