Maria A. Oquendo: The translational pathway from the elucidation of the biological contributions to suicide risk to the development of interventions aimed at preventing morbidity and mortality

Abstract

Dr. Maria Oquendo is Ruth Meltzer Professor and Chairman of Psychiatry at University of Pennsylvania and Psychiatrist-in-Chief at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. A summa cum laude graduate of Tufts University, she attended College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University and completed residency at Payne Whitney Clinic, New York Hospital, Cornell. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honors in medicine. Dr. Oquendo has used Positron Emission Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to map brain abnormalities in mood disorders and suicidal behavior. Her expertise ranges from psychopharmacology to Global Mental Health. She has over 500 peer-reviewed publications, an H-index 116 and 49,472 citations (Google Scholar). In terms of organizational leadership positions, Dr. Oquendo is Past President of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the International Academy of Suicide Research, the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP), and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Board of Directors. She is Vice President of the College of International Neuropsychopharmacology and has served on the National Institute of Mental Health's Advisory Council. Dr. Oquendo serves on Tufts University's Board of Trustees, serves on its Executive Committee and chairs Tufts’ Academic Affairs Committee. A recipient of multiple awards in the United States, Europe, and South America, most recently, she was honored with the Symonds Award (APA 2017), the APA's Research Award (2018), the Shockley Award (ACNP 2018), and the Glassman Award (Columbia University 2021). Dr. Oquendo has shared some of her thoughts and perspectives on her life and career.