Ezra E.H. Griffith, M.D.

2001 Solomon Carter Fuller Award Recipient

Lecture Title: Authentic Representation, Belonging, and the Narrative of Self-Identification

Dr. Griffith's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University, followed by a medical degree from the University of Strasbourg Faculty of Medicine in France. He honed his expertise through a residency in psychiatry at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and African American Studies at Yale University, with an honorary Doctor of Science degree conferred upon him by the Morehouse School of Medicine in 2001.

With a prolific career spanning forensic psychiatry and cultural psychiatry, Dr. Griffith has made significant scholarly contributions, boasting around 200 academic articles, chapters, and commentaries, along with 13 books to his credit. His recent works delve into ethics and performative narrative, advocating for human dignity as a pivotal factor in fostering therapeutic social environments. As an editor and author, his publications include "Ethics Challenges in Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology Practice," "Belonging, Therapeutic Landscapes, and Networks," and "Race and Excellence: My Dialogue with Chester Pierce."

Beyond academia, Dr. Griffith has demonstrated exemplary leadership in healthcare settings. He served as the Director of the Connecticut Mental Health Center from 1989 to 1996, followed by roles as Deputy Chairman for Clinical Affairs and Deputy Chairman for Diversity and Organizational Ethics at Yale's Department of Psychiatry. His extensive editorial roles include a 20-year tenure as editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, along with serving as president of the association. Recognizing his outstanding contributions, Dr. Griffith has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Solomon Carter Fuller Award in 2001, the Isaac Ray Award in 2010, and the Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Award in 2023.