People

The researchers, clinicians and staff behind the Program in Health and Society.

Leadership and program management

Leadership

Walter Bockting, PhD
Director, Program in Health and Society, New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia Psychiatry
Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry and Nursing), Columbia University
Research Scientist, New York State Psychiatric Institute
Program Director, Columbia-Doctors Gender & Sexuality Program

Dr. Bockting is a Clinical Psychologist and the Director of our program. He is an internationally known expert in gender, sexuality, and health research as well as in the mental health and psychosocial adjustment of children, adolescents, adults, and their families. He has published more than one-hundred articles in peer-reviewed journals. Bockting is a past president of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and a past president and Fellow of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality. His work at CUIMC focuses on combining research, clinical practice, education and training, and innovative policy development to promote the health of individuals and communities.

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Program management

Renato Barucco
Manager, Program in Health and Society
Research Scientist, New York State Psychiatric Institute

Renato manages the program, bringing extensive expertise in research, clinical services, and program administration. His work focuses on communication, community engagement, accessible public writing, and the development of culturally responsive education and cultural competency training curricula. He supports meaningful collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, and diverse communities. Contact Renato for program-related inquiries at the link below.

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Steering committee

Christoph Anacker, PhD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurobiology (in Psychiatry), Columbia Psychiatry
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Cristiane Duarte, PhD, MPH
Ruane Professor for the Implementation of Science for Child and Adolescent mental Health (in Psychiatry), Columbia University Irving Medical Center
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Roberto Lewis-Fernández, MD
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Columbia Psychiatry
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Ana Florence, PhD
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry), Columbia Psychiatry
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Elizabeth Ford, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Columbia Psychiatry
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Robert Klitzman, MD
Professor of Psychiatry (in Sociomedical Sciences) at Columbia University Medical Center
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Matthew Lebowitz, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry), Columbia Psychiatry
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Susan Tross, PhD
Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology (in Psychiatry), Columbia Psychiatry
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German Velez, MD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center
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Lexie Wille, PhD
Assistant Professor in Medical Psychology, Columbia Psychiatry
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Affiliated faculty and staff