Appointment of Chair of Psychiatry and Human Behavior

Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023

TO: All UMMC Faculty, Staff and Students
FROM: Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Dean, School of Medicine
SUBJECT: Appointment of Chair of Psychiatry and Human Behavior

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mark Ladner as UMMC’s new chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior in the School of Medicine, effective Aug. 7.

Dr. Ladner, currently professor, vice chair of clinical affairs and division chief of adult psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, is succeeding Dr. Sara Gleason, who has served as interim chair of psychiatry since April 1, 2022. I want to express my sincere thanks to Dr. Gleason for her valued leadership of the department, even after taking on the role of assistant vice chancellor for clinical affairs as of July 1.

Dr. Ladner has a record of outstanding service to the Medical Center as well as to many other health care institutions throughout Mississippi. He received his medical degree in 1992 from the UMMC School of Medicine and also completed his residency at the Medical Center, serving as chief resident.

His career treating mental health disorder has included positions at Madison County Medical Center, Hinds Behavioral Health Services, Psycamore Psychiatric Programs and the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center. He also operated a private psychiatric practice at St. Dominic Hospital. 

The co-author of several research publications in a variety of professional journals, Dr. Ladner is a former president, secretary and treasurer of the Mississippi Psychiatric Association, which he now serves as a member of its executive council and chair of the membership committee. He has dozens of professional presentations to his credit, including many at state and regional conferences.

Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, he is also a member of the American Psychiatric Association, Southern Psychiatric Association, Mississippi State Medical Association, Central Medical Society and American Association of Chairs of Departments of Psychiatry. He serves as a member of the Consumer Advisory Board for Bipolar Biobank Research with the Mayo Clinic.

At UMMC, his leadership experience is extensive. He is a member of the Credentialing Committee, Faculty Review Committee for Medical School Applicants, Professional Practice Evaluation Committee, Opioid Task Force, Trainee Professional Development and Wellness Committee, Psychiatry Residency Program Evaluation Committee, Resident Awards Committee and Resident Curriculum Committee.

A member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Dr. Ladner has been recognized numerous times for his achievements in the clinic and in the classroom. In January 2020, he received the Trailblazer Teaching Award from the School of Medicine for his exemplary skills as an educator.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Ladner as he assumes his new role. I look forward to continue working with this proven leader.

Thank you.