CLEVELAND – In recognition of his tireless efforts in the field of psychiatry, University Hospitals Case Medical Center (UHCMC) is pleased to announce that multiple friends and supporters contributed $1.5 million to establish the Bipolar Disorders Research Chair in honor of its first incumbent, Joseph R. Calabrese, MD. Upon his retirement, the chair will be named in his honor.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Calabrese has remained a research vanguard with University Hospitals Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine while trailblazing treatment innovations directly responsible for improved mental health throughout the state, country and world. His exemplary work in psychiatry has set the benchmark in his field and has led to numerous academic and meritorious distinctions.
“This grassroots effort from the community speaks volumes for Dr. Calabrese and his dedication to providing the best in patient care,” said Fred C. Rothstein, MD, President of University Hospitals Case Medical Center. “The magnitude of his commitment is validated through this incredible show of generosity by so many.”
In 1989 Dr. Calabrese established the Mood Disorders Program at UHCMC and still serves as the program’s director. He also co-directs the National Institute of Mental Health-funded (NIMH) Bipolar Research Center at UHCMC that was created in 2003 with the help of a $2.7 million grant.
As a result of his accomplishments, he has received five NIMH/Federal research grants that have helped to improve clinical outcomes in underserved populations suffering from bipolar disorder. In 1998, Dr. Calabrese’s research resulted in FDA approval of Lamotrigine, originally a drug developed for epilepsy, for treatment of bipolar disorder.
Upon designating Dr. Calabrese as the first chair holder, Pamela Davis, M.D., Interim Dean and Vice President for Medical Affairs of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, said “Dr. Calabrese’s extensive history of leading research in the field of psychiatry is testament to the exemplary commitment he has made to his field. We are proud to count Dr. Calabrese amongst the faculty leadership of our academic medical center.”
In 2005, Dr. Calabrese served as the principal investigator in a national study of the antipsychotic drug, Quetiapine where it was found in short term trials to be an effective treatment option in manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder. The study encompassed 39 sites throughout the country and included 539 patients, the drug was later approved by the FDA for treatment use.
In 2006 Dr. Calabrese, was selected to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for his achievements in the field of psychiatry. He joins the prestigious ranks of past honorees such as Rosa Parks, Walter Kronkite, Muhammed Ali and Colin Powell.
Later that same year, Dr. Calabrese received a $7.1 million research grant from the Department of Defense to study the “Resilience and Risk Factors Associated with Combat-related Posttraumatic Psychopathology.” It is the first study ever sanctioned by the government designed to evaluate serious mental illness as well as normal post-deployment readjustment issues impacting military personnel, particularly Iraqi war veterans and their families. The award from the Department of Defense took effect in May of 2007.
“Dr. Calabrese has dedicated himself to his profession and exemplifies the qualities of those who have earned the honor of receiving an honorary chair,” said Robert Ronis, MD, L. Douglas Lenkoski Professor & Interim Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Case Medical Center. “This distinction further validates his ambassadorship to the field of psychiatry and to Case Medical Center.”