Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona Tucson

The C.H. William Ruhe, MD Award recognizes excellence in innovation, creativity, and successful implementation of new ideas that enhance continuing medical education (CME), graduate medical education (GME), or other professional learning in Arizona. This year, we are proud to present the award to the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona Tucson, under the leadership of Dr. Jordan Karp. In response to the mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, the department created three “Psychiatry for Non-psychiatrists: The University of Arizona Annual Updates in Behavioral Medicine for Primary Care” conferences. These conferences were designed to equip primary care providers with practical, actionable knowledge to manage mental health conditions in primary care settings. Over three years, the series awarded 1,320 CME credits to 372 attendees and gained attention in Psychiatric Times and The Arizona Republic.

The recorded sessions are freely available on the department's YouTube channel, continuing to serve as a valuable resource for medical professionals across Arizona. In 2024, the department continued to lead educational initiatives with two major events. The Southwest Forum on Difficult to Treat Depression brought together 12 internationally renowned experts and generated significant academic impact, including coverage in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry and an online resource center that has attracted over 100,000 unique visitors since its launch. Additionally, the Southwest Summit on Transference Focused Psychotherapy for Borderline and Other Personality Disorders featured a keynote from Stephan Doering, MD, and attracted global attention. Since 2021, the department's CME-eligible Psychiatry Grand Rounds has brought national and international thought leaders to Arizona, enriching local expertise with global perspectives.

Their free, CME-accredited series, including Addiction Medicine Grand Rounds, Perinatal Psychiatry Grand Rounds, and Behavioral Sleep Medicine Seminars, have expanded access to critical professional development across various specialties in psychiatry. Through these innovative and impactful educational initiatives, the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona has significantly enhanced physician competency, performance, and patient outcomes. Their continued commitment to addressing the mental health needs of Arizona’s medical community and the broader public is truly deserving of the C.H. William Ruhe, MD Award.