By Jason Burton, MD
On behalf of the Psychiatric Society of Virginia, it is an honor to present the Career Achievement Award to a man who truly defines the term, Dr. James Levenson.
Dr. Levenson’s journey in medicine ranged from medical school at the University of Michigan, followed by an internal medicine internship at the University of Oregon, a psychiatric residency at the University of Colorado, and a consultation-liaison psychiatry fellowship at Westchester County Medical Center.
He has since become a titan in our field, serving as Chair of the Division of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Ethics Committee Chair, and Vice-Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at VCU.
His CV is, quite frankly, staggering. He has published hundreds of papers and authored the textbooks we all keep on our shelves, including,
- The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychosomatic Medicine
- Clinical Manual of Psychopharmacology in the Medically Ill
- Psychiatry Essentials for Primary Care
From his work on the DSM-5 to his various roles at the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Levenson’s influence isn’t just local—it is global.
Despite the titles and the international acclaim, Dr. Levenson is, above all, a generous mentor. He is the kind of leader who makes everyone around him better. From the medical student on his team, to the fellow he is mentoring, he takes the time to teach all the learners. He is always thinking of others, always teaching, and always giving his time.
Dr. Levenson is an extraordinary clinician, a brilliant educator, and a tireless ambassador for our profession. We are incredibly blessed to have him here in Virginia.