Former American Psychiatric Association (APA) president and current president and CEO of Sheppard Pratt Health System, Steven S. Sharfstein, M.D., is being recognized by fellow members for displaying high ethical standards in decision-making on critical, heated issues during his presidency, which later shaped pieces of our nation’s history.
President of the APA from 2005-06, Sharfstein’s leadership quickly became associated with fighting against the potential misuse of psychiatry. Among many issues addressed, his involvement in three major and largely controversial decisions shaped his time in office and psychiatry today:
1. Interrogations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba: Despite great pressure and opposition from our nation’s civilian and military leadership, Sharfstein, after a 2005 visit to the prison alongside the U.S. surgeon general and other health leaders, concluded that it was not ethical for psychiatrists to participate in the questioning of the imprisoned terrorist suspects at Guantanamo. Following this statement, the Department of Defense proceeded to work with psychologists, not psychiatrists.
2. Same-Sex Marriage: After observing the significant mental health issues that can result from federal and state officials not allowing this right, Sharfstein led the assembly to make what was at the time a highly controversial decision to back civil marriage for same-sex couples.
3. Safety of Psychiatric Drugs in Opposition to The Church of Scientology: Tom Cruise’ 2005 publicity tour for the movie, ‘War of the Worlds’ quickly turned into a tour for the promotion of Scientology, including Cruise’s decision to speak out against the reality of mental illness and condemn the use of psychiatric drugs. Cruise even publicly criticized Brooke Shields for taking Paxil for postpartum depression. Sharfstein, and many other APA members, quickly spoke out against this dangerous notion, affirming that these drugs are safe and effective. As Sharfstein said on a ‘Today Show’ appearance, “Mr. Cruise might be a halfway decent actor, but in terms of playing doctor, he is totally irresponsible.”
Sharfstein accepted the Profile of Courage award – which is given up to once per year – during a plenary session at the November Assembly.
About Sheppard Pratt Health System
About Sheppard Pratt
Sheppard Pratt is the largest private, nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, developmental disability, special education, and social services in the country. A nationwide resource, Sheppard Pratt provides services across a comprehensive continuum of care, spanning both hospital- and community-based resources. Since its founding in 1853, Sheppard Pratt has been innovating the field through research, best practice implementation, and a focus on improving the quality of mental health care on a global level. Sheppard Pratt has been consistently recognized as a top national psychiatric hospital by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 years.