John Spollen, M.D.
Dr. John Spollen is a professor of psychiatry at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where he has built a distinguished career in teaching, clinical care, and academic leadership since joining the faculty in 1999.
Spollen served as Vice Chair for Education in the UAMS Department of Psychiatry from 2004 to 2022. From June 2021 to February 2022, he stepped into dual leadership roles as Interim Chair of the department and Interim Director of the UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute. A nationally recognized psychiatrist, he has also held numerous clinical and administrative leadership positions within the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, including Chief of the Mental Health Clinic, Deputy Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health, and Director of the system’s Electroconvulsive Therapy and Ketamine Program.
Nearly two decades ago, Spollen led development of the initial curriculum for medical students at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus, laying the groundwork for the College’s expansion into the region. He went on to serve as the College’s Dean for Northwest Arkansas in 2023, leading numerous efforts to expand and enhance UAMS academic programs across Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Building on that work, Spollen now serves as Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the College of Medicine.
Spollen’s contributions to medical education have earned wide recognition, including the UAMS Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence, the UAMS College of Medicine Master Teacher Award, and the Gold Sash Award, among many others. He has also been active nationally in medical education leadership, serving as president of the Association of Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry.
Spollen received his medical degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and completed his psychiatry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina.