Dr. Jon Lehrmann appointed Interim Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine

This memo is from Jonathan I. Ravdin, MD, Dean and Executive Vice President

May 26, 2010 College News - As you know, Dr. Laura Roberts will be leaving us after seven years of marvelous leadership to assume the Chair of Psychiatry at Stanford University. I am pleased to announce that Dr. Jon Lehrmann has accepted our offer to serve as Interim Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, effective September 1, 2010.

This is a two year appointment; we will conduct a national search in FY12 and utilize FY11 to address clinical program development needs for this large and important department while we complete a number of other ongoing Chair searches (Otolaryngology, Neurology and Medicine).

Jon is a graduate of MCW, completed his Residency and Chief Residency in Psychiatry at MCW, and completed a one year VA leadership development in 2002. Jon joined the faculty in 1999 and is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry.

His leadership and program development experience includes: Acute Care Program Manager (Managed Mental Health Inpatient Unit and Mental Health Consultation-Liaison Service at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center) Mental Health Division from 1996-2005; Division Manager, Mental Health Division at the VA Medical Center since January 2009; Director of Junior Clerkship from 1995-1998; Associate Director of Residency from 1998-2005; Director of Residency Training 2005-2009 in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health.

He has received numerous awards for educational excellence and service including: Golden Apple Faculty Teaching Award in 1997, 1998, 2008; APA Nancy Roeske Teaching Award in 1997; Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey “2000 Humanism In Medicine Award” at the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2000; Junior Faculty Development Award, Association of Academic Psychiatry, sponsored by Glaxor-Smith-Kline, international award given to five outstanding junior faculty members to assist in their academic development annually in 2002; and in 2008 and 2009 the Distinguished Service Award, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

His research interests are in the pharmacologic treatment of bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and psychiatric education. Jon has participated in numerous clinical trials; has lectured broadly in his area of research expertise and medical education and has provided a high level of MCW, VA, and Community Service.

Please join me in congratulating and supporting Dr. Lehrmann in this new leadership role. I’m very confident that he will provide superb leadership for the department faculty, trainees, and programs while being a contributor to the overall leadership efforts at MCW.