The Psychology Service of VA Connecticut Healthcare System is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Psychologist Awards.
These prestigious awards recognize exceptional contributions in clinical care, education, and scientific advancement. The winners are selected through a peer nomination process and evaluated by a committee consisting of the previous year's awardees.
This year's awardees are:
- Distinguished Psychologist in Education: John Sellinger, PhD, director of clinical health psychology at VA Connecticut Healthcare System and assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. Sellinger is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the education and training of future psychologists.
- Distinguished Psychologist for Scientific Advancement: Robert Pietrzak, PhD, MPH, director of the Translational Psychiatric Epidemiology Laboratory at the National Center for PTSD at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and professor of psychiatry and public health at Yale School of Medicine. Pietrzak is honored for his groundbreaking research and significant advancements in the field of psychiatric epidemiology and veteran mental health.
- Distinguished Psychologist in Clinical Care: Heather Cochran, PhD, a psychologist at the Newington Campus of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. Cochran is honored for her exemplary work and commitment to providing exceptional clinical care to veterans.
"We are delighted to recognize Drs. Cochran, Sellinger, and Pietrzak for their outstanding contributions to clinical care, education, and scientific advancement at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System," said Steve Martino, PhD, chief of psychology at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and professor of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. "These awards are a testament to their commitment to serving the needs of our veterans and advancing the field of psychology."