John O. Gaston, M.D.

2013 Solomon Carter Fuller Award Recipient

Lecture Title: Policy to Practice: Challenges for Effective Mental Health Care

Dr. Gaston embarked on his professional journey following the completion of his medical education and residency training at Yale University. His primary focus has been on enhancing the mental well-being of African Americans through his roles in teaching, clinical practice, and administrative leadership. Currently, he holds the position of Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Gaston's past roles include serving as Director of the Residency Training Program and as Medical Director of the CORK Institute on Alcohol and Other Addictive Disorders.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gaston has held various influential positions within the American Psychiatric Association (APA). These include serving as the Area 5 Representative to the Assembly, the Black Caucus Representative to the Assembly, Chair of the Minority Committee, and a member of the APA PAC Board of Directors. He has also been actively involved in APA committees, notably as Chair of the Committee of Black Psychiatrists and as a member of the Bylaws Committee. Dr. Gaston has further contributed to the field as a past president of the Georgia Psychiatric Physicians Association. In recognition of his significant contributions, he was honored with the Solomon Carter Fuller Award in 2013 and is also an APA Life Member.