VI native Dr Derrick Gordon has made history by becoming the first Black, male psychologist to be appointed as a full professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine in the department’s 96-year history. Photo: VINO/ File

Dr Gordon, who directs the Research, Policy, and Program on Male Development at The Consultation Centre and the Division of Prevention and Community Research, has had secondary faculty appointments at the Child Study Centre and the Yale School of Public Health. In addition, he is the inaugural Deputy Chair for Community Outreach and Engagement, Yale Department of Psychiatry. Photo: Internet Source

Dr Gordon, who directs the Research, Policy, and Programme on Male Development at The Consultation Centre and the Division of Prevention and Community Research, has had secondary faculty appointments at the Child Study Centre and the Yale School of Public Health. In addition, he is the inaugural Deputy Chair for Community Outreach and Engagement at the Yale Department of Psychiatry. 

According to a release, Dr Gordon has shown that he is a national leader in adult and young adult men’s health and well-being, particularly among underserved populations and his integrated programme of research, community consultation, and clinical triage seeks to guide state and local policy to advance health and well-being and reduce disparities. 

Expertises contribute to department success 

It added that, through his scholarship and practice, Dr Gordon seeks to expand the knowledge base for behavioural health interventions and other programmatic approaches to address the needs of underserved populations.

His work has led to over 80 academic, peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and technical reports; numerous regional, national and international speaking engagements and academic consultations; and expert media presentations.

In addition to his academic success, he has been instrumental in supporting the development of the next generation of scholars and clinicians through mentorship and sponsorship as they navigate into their professional roles. 

Critical model

As a native of Long Look in the Virgin Islands, Dr Gordon acknowledges that his success is because of direct and indirect support and is rooted in the solid foundation built by the giants who have preceded him. These giants, he said, have modelled how hard work and perseverance can and do lead to positive outcomes. 

In 2018, he was one of two Yale psychiatry professors appointed to two transition committees.

With this recent achievement, Dr Gordon hopes that his success will serve as a critical model for others rising within departmental and academic ranks.

The release further stated that this promotion to Professor acknowledges Dr Gordon’s exemplary work at multiple levels to influence policy, practice, and the engagement of community members in enhancing well-being and reducing health disparities of underserved individuals.