Charles Prudhomme, M.D.

Dr. Charles Prudhomme, an African American physician and psychoanalyst, began his career in psychiatry in the 1930s. He made history by becoming the first African American to hold elected office in the American Psychiatric Association, serving as its vice president from 1970 to 1971. Known for his dedication to underserved communities, Dr. Prudhomme taught at Howard University College of Medicine, where he played a key role in establishing the first psychiatric program at the student health service in 1947. He also facilitated Black nurses training at St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

As a board member of the District of Columbia Mental Health Association, Dr. Prudhomme initiated a program to provide psychiatric care for Washington, DC, residents who could not afford it. Additionally, he was a founding member and the inaugural president of the Alliance for Psychiatric Progress, a group of Black psychiatrists focused on addressing mental health challenges in inner-city Black communities.

From 1962 to 1965, Dr. Prudhomme served with the Peace Corps, selecting volunteers for missions in Niger, Togo, and Sierra Leone and ensuring their cultural adaptation. He also advocated for young Black individuals to develop scientific writing skills, encouraging the National Institute of Mental Health to fund programs for training them in scientific reporting.

Throughout his career, Dr. Prudhomme held various roles within the APA, including vice president, member of the Board of Trustees, Ethics Committee, APA Task Force of Black Psychiatrists, and Committee on Public Policy. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was honored with the APA's Distinguished Service Award in 1985.