By Tim Taylor
Nov. 6, 2018 | LITTLE ROCK — G. Richard Smith, M.D., has been named chairman of the Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and director of UAMS’ Psychiatric Research Institute.
Smith served as chairman of the Department of Psychiatry from 2001 to 2013, during which he oversaw the design and construction of the Psychiatric Research Institute, which opened in 2008. He was named dean of the UAMS College of Medicine and executive vice chancellor in 2013, a position he held for two years before stepping down to become a professor of psychiatry, medicine and public health.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to once again work with the faculty and staff of the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute and the Department of Psychiatry,” said Smith. “There are many exciting challenges and opportunities in our field today and it is a privilege to join with these outstanding professionals to bring the best treatment to our patients and their families, train the next generation of clinicians and scientists, develop new knowledge in our field, and to be of service to our state.”
A native of Jonesboro, Smith received his bachelor’s degree in chemical biology from Rhodes College in Memphis. He graduated from the UAMS College of Medicine in 1977. He completed his residency in psychiatry at UAMS and continued his training with a fellowship in psychiatry and internal medicine at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, before joining the UAMS faculty in 1981.
“Dr. Smith has dedicated his career to UAMS and ensuring the very best psychiatric care for Arkansans,” said Christopher T. Westfall, M.D., executive vice chancellor of UAMS and dean of the College of Medicine. “His visionary work to integrate research, education and clinical care in the Psychiatric Research Institute has had a profound impact on the patients we care for today as well as those who will receive even better care by the psychiatrists and scientists we train for the future. Dr. Smith is an exceptional leader and ensures continued strong momentum for our psychiatric programs.”