In what may be a first for the department, a father and son were honored June 20 at the Yale Department of Psychiatry’s annual commencement ceremony at the New Haven Lawn Club.
Lawrence Levenson, MD, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry, and his son, Jeremy Levenson, MD, a rising third-year resident and co-president of the Yale Psychiatry Residents’ Association (PRA), joined more than two dozen of their department colleagues in being honored with awards at the event.
Lawrence Levenson received the Outstanding Clinical Faculty Award while Jeremy Levenson was honored with the PRA’s Benjamin S. Bunney Award.
The ceremony marked the graduation of 25 residents from the Yale Psychiatry Residency Program.
The graduates are: Sarah Abdallah, MD; Taiwo Alonge, MD, MPH; Loay Alrojolah, MD; Nientara Anderson, MD, MHS; Robin Bonomi, MD, PhD; Sirikanya Chiraroekmongkon, MD; Joanna Chuang, DO; Dervin Cunningham, MD; Erin Davidowicz, MD; Paul Eigenberger, MD; Tova Gardin, MD, MPP; Nathan Gwilliam, MD; Marcus Hughes, MD; Sarah Jefferson, MD, PhD; Matthew Johnson, DO, MBA; Janet Adeola Keku, MD; Bradford Martins, MD, PhD; Michael McClurkin, MD, MPP; Eli Neustadter, MD, MSc; Samuel Sondalle, MD, PhD; Barbara Trejo Ortega, MD; Stephen Wemakor, MD; Sandhi Wijayaratne, MD; Stephanie Wu, MD; and Justin Young, MD.
“Our graduating residents and fellows provided outstanding care, engaged in scholarly activities, excelled as teachers and mentors for medical students, and worked to support the New Haven community,” said John H. Krystal, MD, chair of the Yale Department of Psychiatry. “They have also contributed to identifying the enduring legacy of racism within the department and ongoing efforts to make the department more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Upon graduating, these residents will continue to change the practice, science, and culture of psychiatry.”
Krystal urged the graduates to “get involved,” “work with incredible people,” and “be a change agent.”
“In whatever area that you work, do not settle for the status quo,” he said. “There are opportunities to shape the changes occurring around you. Stay informed. Get involved. Work with incredible people. And make the future.”
The department's Fellowship Programs held virtual graduation ceremonies on June 21. The following fellows graduated: