Altha Stewart, MD, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), is the new president of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Stewart is the first African-American to lead the more than 37,000-member organization since its founding in 1844. The APA sets policy, establishes practice guidelines, and represents the field of psychiatry nationally and internationally.

She also serves as the director of the Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth at UTHSC as well chief of Social and Community Psychiatry at UTHSC.

Dr. Stewart grew up in South Memphis, graduated from public and parochial schools in the city, and was among 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 did her residency at Hahnemann University Hospital there.

She is a nationally recognized expert in public sector and minority issues in mental health and in the effects of trauma and violence on children.