Last month, Gene Usdin, M.D., stepped down as book review editor for Psychiatric Times. Usdin, a member of PT's editorial board, has been involved with the publication almost since its inception.
PT ran its first book review in the December 1989 issue. Starting with the January 1990 issue, Usdin became the editor of "Book Fair" in which six books were reviewed. In January 1993, the section was renamed "Book Reviews." Two years later, the book review section became a regular department.
Senior psychiatrist emeritus in the department of psychiatry at Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans and clinical professor emeritus of psychiatry at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Usdin has edited 17 books, served on the editorial boards of 14 journals, written numerous articles and book chapters, and was chair of the editorial board for the journal Hospital and Community Psychiatry. In addition to his editorial contributions, he has received many awards, including the Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Psychiatrists for Outstanding Contributions to and Achievements in American Psychiatry. Usdin served as president of the American College of Psychiatrists as well as several other prominent professional organizations. In 1998, he was awarded an American Psychiatric Association Special Presidential Commendation. The following year, his wife, Cecile, was posthumously awarded a similar commendation, making them the only couple to be so honored by the APA.
Usdin was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 10th Annual U.S. Psychiatric & Mental Health Congress in Orlando, Fla. When PT spoke with him shortly afterward (February 1998), Usdin shared his thoughts on the award: "Receiving Psychiatric Times' Lifetime Achievement Award in the latter years of my professional career serves as gratifying recognition of my achievements."
While Usdin's contributions to the book review section will be missed, he will continue to support and guide PT in his role as editorial board member.
