The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) has selected Altha Stewart, MD, executive dean of the College of Medicine. Dr. Stewart, who grew up in South Memphis, will develop the "Everyone Has a Provider" program, an initiative that aims to meet unmet healthcare needs of the community by expanding access to healthcare to everyone in Shelby County.
Dr. Stewart, who also is senior associate dean for Community Health Engagement in the College of Medicine, will continue as an associate professor of psychiatry as well as director of the Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth, and chief of Social and Community Psychiatry for the College of Medicine. She is the founder and leads the Youth Advocacy Coalition.
Dr. Stewart recently completed a year as president of the American Psychiatric Association and is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in public sector and minority issues in mental health care and in the effects of trauma and violence on children. A graduate of Memphis public and parochial schools, she was a member of the first class of women admitted to what is now Christian Brothers University. She received her medical degree from Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia and completed her residency at Hahnemann University Hospital there.