Borenstein Has New Post at Leading Research Foundation

The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF), which for over a quarter century has awarded nearly $300 million in research money to more than 3,300 scientists, has named a chief medical officer. He is Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D.

“We are honored to have such a distinguished psychiatrist as our chief medical officer,” BBRF CEO Benita Shoba said in a November 7 press statement. “Dr. Borenstein has vast knowledge of mental health from multiple viewpoints—as a psychiatrist, an academic, a TV host, and as a writer and editor.” He will serve as a BBRF spokesperson as well as a scientific/medical editor for BBRF publications, she said.

Borenstein, a graduate of Harvard University and New York University School of Medicine, is an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, host of the PBS television series “Healthy Minds,” editor in chief of Psychiatric News, and chair of the APA Council on Communications. He is also a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine and chair of the Section of Psychiatry at the academy. He has also served as president of the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems.

“I am honored to join the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation and assist the foundation in its mission of funding research to find improved treatments and cures for psychiatric illnesses,” Borenstein said in an interview. “At this time, when funding for research is becoming more scarce, the mission of BBRF is even more crucial. My work at BBRF, which will include educational outreach to the public, donors, and prospective donors, has perfect synergy with my work at Psychiatric News, Columbia, and the "Healthy Minds" public television series.” ■