Dr. Sarah Hollingsworth Lisanby Leaves NIMH for New Journey

In addition to her extramural contributions, Dr. Lisanby founded and directs the Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit within the NIMH Intramural Research Program. This interdisciplinary research initiative is dedicated to exploring the mechanisms underlying noninvasive neuromodulatory treatments, aimed at creating safer and more effective personalized interventions for conditions such as treatment-resistant depression and autism spectrum disorder. Notably, Dr. Lisanby has pioneered magnetic seizure therapy as a rapid-acting treatment for depression, showcasing her commitment to advancing innovative therapeutic approaches. With over 330 publications to her name, she is widely recognized as a leading authority in the field of neuromodulation.

Dr. Lisanby also contributes her expertise to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Neurological Devices Advisory Panel and has held significant leadership positions in various professional organizations. This includes her role as Chair of the American Psychiatric Association Task Force, which focused on revising the practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), and her position as President of the International Society for ECT and Neurostimulation. Prior to her impactful work at NIMH, she also served on the NIMH Board of Scientific Counselors, further solidifying her influence in the field.

Throughout her career, Dr. Lisanby has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, recognizing her contributions to the field of mental health. These accolades include the Distinguished Investigator Award from the Brain Behavior Research Foundation, the Max Hamilton Memorial Prize from the Collegium Internationale Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum, the Gerald R. Klerman Award from the National Depression and Manic Depression Association, and the Eva King Killam Research Award from the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. Each of these honors reflects her relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation in mental health research.

Before joining NIMH, Dr. Lisanby was the J. P. Gibbons Professor of Psychiatry at Duke University and made history as the first woman to be appointed Chair of the Duke University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. As a board-certified psychiatrist, she holds dual B.S. degrees in Mathematics and Psychology, along with an M.D. from Duke University. Her extensive educational background and leadership experience position her as a formidable figure in the field of mental health.

The contributions and leadership of Dr. Lisanby in the realm of mental health research and treatment will be profoundly missed at NIMH. Her unwavering passion for improving mental health outcomes, commitment to pioneering research, and visionary leadership have set a high standard for those who follow. As she embarks on this new chapter at ASU, we wish her continued success in her endeavors to advance the field of medicine and engineering.