This award is given to a psychiatrist who has made significant contributions to the development of an area of psychiatric research. 


David Mischoulon, MD, PhD, DLFAPA

Dr. David Mischoulon completed his undergraduate education at Haverford College and received his MD and PhD (Biochemistry) degrees from Boston University School of Medicine, graduating in 1994. He completed residency in adult psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in 1998, serving as Chief Resident in Psychopharmacology. He later received additional training in hypnosis and medical acupuncture. David has continued his prolific career at MGH over the past 27 years, now serving as Director of the Depression Clinical and Research Program (DCRP) and the Joyce Root Tedlow Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Mischoulon’s research has focused on various areas of depression, including psychopharmacology and complementary and alternative medicine. His research on omega-3 fatty acids has been funded by NARSAD, NCCAM/NCCIH, and the NIH. He mentors researchers from all over the world. He has published more than 360 articles, a textbook on natural medications, and a guide to treatments of depression. He has been an invited speaker at various sites around the country and internationally. He is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

In addition to his research activities, Dr. Mischoulon teaches and supervises MGH/McLean psychiatry residents and Harvard medical students, and lectures in various MGH/Harvard continuing medical education programs. He serves as Director of Training in the MGH Clinical Trials Network and Institute (CTNI), where he educates research clinicians on the proper administration of diagnostic instruments in clinical trials. He also cares for patients through the DCRP clinical practice and is regularly sought out for consultation regarding management of treatment-resistant depression and use of complementary therapies for psychiatric disorders.

As one of his nominators writes, “I am recommending Dr. Mischoulon because of his impact, generativity, and creativity. Dr. Mishoulon has been responsible for many clinical innovations in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. These include the application of natural and herbal remedies, acupuncture, medical devices [e.g., cranial electrical stimulation], and heat as treatments. He has also developed novel strategies in the management of special populations such Spanish and French speaking patients, patients with comorbid medical
conditions, and the utilization of medications for substance abuse such as acamprosate and naltrexone as potential antidepressant agents. He has served as mentor to over 30 doctoral level professionals who have gone onto successful, independent clinical research careers.” A second nominator adds, “We are fortunate to have so many talented psychiatrists in Massachusetts and it may be difficult to identify who should be honored. I believe that Dr. Mishoulon is unique because in addition to his evident accomplishments as a physician and researcher, he is also a wonderful colleague who has never lost his commitment to the community.”

In recognition of his outstanding achievements and dedication, the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society is proud to honor Dr. David Mischoulon with the 2025 Outstanding Psychiatrist Award for Research.

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