Psychiatry News Archive Featured in the Media JeffNEWS Jefferson Medical College

Michael J. Vergare, M.D., the Daniel Lieberman Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, has been named interim dean of the medical school effective December 12, 2007.

Dr. Vergare, who is also Chairman of Psychiatry at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network/Belmont Behavioral Health, will succeed Thomas J. Nasca, M.D., FACP, who is stepping down to become chief executive officer and executive director of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in Chicago. Dr. Vergare will also assume, on an interim basis, the title of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Thomas Jefferson University.

“A recognized expert in geriatric and administrative psychiatry, Dr. Vergare has been a longstanding advocate for integrating the education of medical students and residents into clinical environments,” said Robert Barchi, M.D., president of Thomas Jefferson University, in announcing the appointment. “I am delighted that Dr. Vergare has agreed to take on these responsibilities, and I am confident that he will work closely and effectively with Dr. Nasca and his staff to ensure a seamless transition in the dean's office.”

Dr. Vergare’s many honors include the Presidential Medal of the American Psychiatric Association, the Judicare Medical Services Award, the Philadelphia Psychiatric Society's Edward Lawlor Award and the Daniel Blain Award. 

He has been ranked by Philadelphia magazine as one of the top doctors in the region, and in 2007 he became the first psychiatrist to receive the Bell of Hope Award presented by the Mental Health Association of Southeast Pennsylvania.

Dr. Vergare's commitment to medical student and residency education is also evident in his numerous professional activities.  He is a member of the educational advisory committee of Jefferson Medical College, chairman of the graduate medical education committee of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and recently completed a term as vice president of the hospital’s medical staff.  In addition, he is a member of the residency Review Committee for Psychiatry for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and a member of the Council of Academic Societies of the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Dr. Vergare received a bachelor of arts degree in 1967 from LaSalle College and a doctor of medicine degree in 1971 from Hahnemann Medical College. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and a Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists and the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.