The Donald Black Teaching and Clinical Excellence Award

The Donald W. Black Clinical and Teaching Excellence Award was established to honor Dr. Donald W. Black’s more than 40 years of exceptional contributions to psychiatric service and education. This award was established by the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists (AACP) to honor senior psychiatric clinicians who have demonstrated sustained excellence in patient care, teaching, and professional service. The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals whose clinical commitment, educational leadership, and advocacy efforts have meaningfully advanced the practice of psychiatry and improved the care of patients. The award highlights the importance of exemplary clinicians who integrate clinical expertise with education, mentorship, and service to the profession.

The Process for Selecting Awardees

This national award recognizes senior psychiatric clinicians who have consistently provided high quality patient care and have served the profession with distinction at the local, national, or international level. Award recipients are selected based on their outstanding contributions as teachers and mentors to trainees, colleagues, or junior faculty members, as well as their effectiveness as advocates for the advancement of psychiatry. Selection is conducted by an Awards Committee within the AACP. The award is announced to the membership and formally presented at the AACP Annual CME Conference, which is currently held in partnership with Medscape.

The Form of the Award

The recipient of the Donald W. Black Clinical and Teaching Excellence Award receives an engraved glass award in recognition of their clinical, educational, and professional achievements. The presentation takes place at the AACP Annual CME Conference and serves as a formal acknowledgment of the awardee’s contributions to patient care, teaching, mentorship, and the broader field of psychiatry.