Elliot S. Gershon

Elliot S. Gershon
Born(1940-06-05)June 5, 1940
Alma materHarvard College
Harvard Medical School
Scientific career
FieldsPsychiatry, Human genetics
InstitutionsUniversity of Chicago

Elliot S. Gershon (born June 5, 1940) is an American psychiatrist and human geneticist. He is Professor of Psychiatry and Human Genetics at the University of Chicago. He previously served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago from 1998 to 2003 and as Chief of the Clinical Neurogenetics Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).[1]

Early life and education

Gershon received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard College in 1961 and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard Medical School in 1965.[1]

Career

Gershon began his research career at the National Institute of Mental Health, where he later served as Chief of the Clinical Neurogenetics Branch from 1984 to 1998.[1] In 1998, he joined the University of Chicago as Professor of Psychiatry and Human Genetics and served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry from 1998 to 2003.[1]

He held a NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Grant from 1998 to 2006 and received the 1996 Falcone Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Affective Disorders Research.[2]

Research

Gershon’s research has focused on the genetic and biological basis of major psychiatric disorders, particularly bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. During the 1970s and 1980s, he conducted family and linkage studies examining the heritability of affective and psychotic disorders.

He co-authored a 1976 publication with Frederick K. Goodwin and David L. Dunner that contributed to early clinical distinctions within bipolar spectrum disorders.

Honors and awards

Gershon received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Psychiatric Genetics in 2006.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Elliot S. Gershon, MD". University of Chicago. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  2. ^ "Elliot S. Gershon, M.D." Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. Retrieved 2026-02-16.
  3. ^ "Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients". International Society of Psychiatric Genetics. Retrieved 2026-02-16.