Psychiatry News Archive Featured in the Media JeffNEWS

Michael J. Vergare, M.D., Daniel Lieberman Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network/Belmont Behavioral Health is being honored with the 2007 Bell of Hope Award by the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Dr. Vergare is the first psychiatrist to receive this honor, which recognizes an individual, organization, foundation or corporation for significant contributions benefiting those facing the challenge of mental illness.  The award salutes those who bring hope to the struggle through their words, resources, products, research or advocacy efforts.

Dr. Vergare is being recognized for his long-standing work in the field of mental health education and research that focuses on providing improved care to those who suffer with mental illness, as well as his dedication and activities in the mental health community.

“His commitment and dedication to the field of psychiatry and continuing improvements to the study of mental health make him a most worthy recipient of the Bell of Hope,” said Joan Erney, J.D., Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

Some past recipients include the late Governor of Pennsylvania Bob Casey, former New Jersey Senator Richard Cody and cable show host Susanne Roberts.

Dr. Vergare is board-certified in general psychiatry, as well as in geriatric and administrative psychiatry. He has been awarded the Presidential Medal of the American Psychiatric Association, of which he is a Fellow, and the Judicare Medical Services Award.   He is also a Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists and the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, an honorary Fellow of the Philadelphia Association for Psychoanalysis and an elected member of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry.                                                                                                                  

Locally, Dr. Vergare chairs the Governor’s Advisory Committee for Mental Health and Mental Retardation.  He has served as president of the Philadelphia Psychiatric Society and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society and as President of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania.   

Nationally, Dr. Vergare serves on the National Advisory Council of the Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.   He also serves on the board of the American Association of Psychiatric Administrators, American Association of Chairs of Departments of Psychiatry and the Alliance of Academic Medical Centers.  He is a member of the Residency Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and a representative to the Council of Academic Societies of the American Association of Medical Colleges.

He has been ranked by Philadelphiamagazine as one of the top doctors and psychiatrists in the region.  Dr. Vergare received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967 from LaSalle College, Philadelphia, and a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1971 from Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia.