UF Department of Psychiatry

05/28/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Ludmila De Faria on becoming the new Florida Psychiatric Society President!
We are excited to see the continued impact of her leadership in psychiatry and mental health.

Please join us in officially welcoming Dr. Ludmila De Faria as our new FPS 2026-2027 President!

Dr. Ludmila De Faria is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Florida who brings her intersectional perspective to her clinical, educational and research work in the field. She was born in Brazil and immigrated to Florida 35 years ago. She is the current President of the Florida Psychiatric Association, Chair of the Council on Women’s Mental Health of the American Psychiatric Association and a member of the American College of Psychiatrists and the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry. Dr. De Faria has received many awards, including an APA Presidential Commendation in 2022 for her work in Women’s Mental Health, the Jeanne Spurlock Social Justice Award (Association of Women Psychiatrists, 2023), the INSPIRE Award (from the American Medical Women’s Association, 2023), and the Alexandra Symmonds Award (APA, 2024).

We are looking forward to great year with Dr. De Faria leading the way!

05/27/2026

Sharing this incredible research from Dr. Carol Mathews and her team exploring the genetic causes of OCD and chronic tic disorders like Tourette syndrome. This landmark study opens new possibilities for future treatment and care. 🧠💡

05/27/2026

We are proud to share that Dr. Andres Pumariega has received the Dr. Pedro Ruiz Award in Social Psychiatry from the American Society of Hispanic Psychiatry. This award celebrates his dedication to supporting diverse and underserved communities through impactful scholarship and service. Congratulations Dr. Pumariega on this incredible achievement!

The award was celebrated at the ASHP “Noche de Honor” during the 2026 Annual APA Meeting. https://www.americansocietyhispanicpsychiatry.com 🏆

05/14/2026

AAAS - The American Association for the Advancement of Science featured MBI researcher Dr. Czerne Reid in a member spotlight for advancing science communication at one of the world's largest scientific societies. She helps members translate complex research into accessible public-facing communication.

“Science isn’t just a thing that people do in a lab. [It’s] an integral part of society and an integral part of life. Science communication and public engagement, they’re critical as that sort of connector between science and society and helping people to make better decisions for their lives and their future, and really the future of the planet,” said Reid.

Learn more: bit.ly/433SwC2

05/08/2026

Congrats to Dr. Vas and the UF HealthStreet Bystander Overdose Action Team (B.O.A.T.) on their University of Florida Superior Accomplishment Award!

This year, 20 University of Florida College of Medicine and University of Florida College of Medicine - Jacksonville faculty and staff were recognized with Superior Accomplishment Awards for excellence in their fields. Congratulations all, and thank you for your dedication and positive impact on our community!

See the full list of winners at https://news.drgator.ufl.edu/2026/04/16/superior-accomplishment-awards/.

05/08/2026

We’re proud to see our PGY2 Dr. Ashley Bourne, sharing her story!💚

Her book, Resident, Interrupted, offers an honest and important perspective on resilience, setbacks, and mental health in medical training.

Thank you to the UF Health Science Center Libraries for hosting this meaningful conversation!

During Mental Health Awareness Month we reflect on the author talk we hosted with Ashley Bourne for her book “Resident, Interrupted”. Her powerful story describes the challenges she faced after failing to match for residency. Thank you, Ashley and those in attendance! University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries

05/07/2026

Exciting new research from Dr. Carol Mathews out of the McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida is helping advance personalized medicine in the treatment of depression. The findings highlight the potential of genetic testing to help guide antidepressant treatment decisions.

Read the Inside Precision Medicine article: bit.ly/3Ra2jUm

When DNA makeup was taken into account, patients prescribed SSRIs had higher rates of remission from depressive symptoms at six months, according to results from a national clinical trial co-led by MBI researcher Dr. Carol Mathews.

While further study is needed, Mathews said, “these findings are encouraging that genetic testing could provide a key to help doctors choose the most appropriate antidepressants for their patients.”

Read the Inside Precision Medicine article: bit.ly/3Ra2jUm

05/06/2026

Congratulations to our April Psychology Trainee of the Month, Dr. Justin Han! Thank you for all you do and for the impact you make every day. We're proud of you! 👏🌟

05/05/2026

Congratulations Dr. Aleksandar Obradovic for Best Other Research Winner
"Evaluation of the Major Genetic Polymorphisms of CYP4505 for Achieving Better Pharmacotherapeutic Options" at the Florida Psychiatric Society's John E. Adams RFM Poster Competition!

05/01/2026

18 neuroscience investigators, including psychiatry faculty Amanda Elton, Ph.D., and Barry Setlow, Ph.D., presented their latest research findings supported by the McKnight Brain Institute of the University of Florida Accelerator Program at the MBI Accelerator Data Blitz Wednesday evening.

Eighteen neuroscience investigators presented their latest findings from research made possible by the MBI Accelerator Program, which has provided over $2 million in seed awards to bolster new extramural applications and collaborations.

“What you’ll see across our program is how much it highlights the breadth of research in neuroscience and neuromedicine that we have here at UF, said MBI Director Dr. Jennifer Bizon.

Read more: bit.ly/3OWW05Y

04/27/2026

It was an exciting weekend at Florida Psychiatric Society's Spring CME Meeting & Expo! We're proud to share that Dr. Ludmila Barbosa De Faria is the new FPS President, taking over the position from Dr. Almari Ginory. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow Dr. Aleksandar Obradovic also won Best Poster in the John Adams Poster Contest. Congratulations to you both and to all our trainees who presented posters at the conference! 🧠🐊