Robert La Bril

Born and raised in NYC, Robert acquired his general Psychiatry residency training at Columbia University, College of Physicians & Surgeons on site at Harlem Hospital where he was the recipient of the “2019 Outstanding Research Award.” He currently serves as a SAMHSA Minority Fellow for the American Psychiatric Association and Fellow on its Council of Psychiatry and Law. Prior to residency, Robert studied medicine at Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine. During medical school, Robert was given the “Wright Family Endowed Scholarship” by his medical school, highlighting his interest and passion for Psychiatry. While in medical school he was awarded the Eli Lilly Endowment “Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Grant” that he used to co-organize the conference entitled: “Healing From a Broken Place: Supporting Trauma Survivors through Collaboration of Ministry and Mental Health Providers.” Robert’s commitment to Spirituality & Health has its roots in his prior theological training. He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and was a co-moderator for its Association of Latino/a, Hispanic American Seminarians. While pursuing his theological education, Robert completed a Clinical Pastoral Experience summer course working as a student chaplain at Yale New Haven Hospital. Right before going to seminary, he spent several exciting weeks in South Africa conducting wholistic health workshops for children and adolescents. Robert completed his undergraduate degree at SUNY at Buffalo majoring in philosophy while conducting research in molecular biology as a Ronald McNair Scholar. His interests include trauma, forensics, health disparities, and collaborations between faith and health professionals to improve the well-being for faith leaders and their communities. He has published in medical, social science, and theological journals; and has presented at regional and national conferences. In his free time, Robert enjoys having fun with his children, playing video games, and watching Star Wars!