David M Benedek

David M Benedek serves as Professor of Psychiatry & Neuroscience at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) School of Medicine and Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS). Previously Chair of the Department of Psychiatry until 2023, he maintains active research and clinical leadership roles within military psychiatry.

His educational background includes:

• B.A. in Art History from the University of Virginia (1987)
• M.D. from USUHS (1991)
• Psychiatry Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (1995)
• Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (1998)

Dr. Benedek's research centers on traumatic stress response mechanisms, with dual expertise in neurobiological pathways and epidemiological patterns of PTSD. His work bridges forensic psychiatry applications in military operational settings and disaster response frameworks, particularly examining intervention efficacy for combat-related trauma. This interdisciplinary approach integrates neuroscience with practical military healthcare delivery systems.

Analysis of his 2010-2017 publications reveals consistent focus on PTSD pathophysiology and military mental health, with increasing emphasis on biomarker research (BDNF, telomere dynamics) and transdiagnostic treatment approaches. His scholarly output demonstrates strong alignment with military operational needs, featuring contributions to APA practice guidelines and large-scale epidemiological studies like Army STARRS.

His distinguished awards include:

• Defense Superior Service Medal (2016)
• Legion of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
• American Psychiatric Association's Roeske Award for Medical Education Excellence
• Lieutenant General Claire Chennault Award for Military Psychiatry
• Order of Military Medical Merit (2009)

Dr. Benedek has directed major research initiatives including the National Capital Area Integrated Clinical Study Site for INTRuST and serves as USUHS site lead for Soldier Health Outcomes Study-B within Army STARRS-LS. His educational leadership encompasses directing the Military Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship Program and receiving the APA's highest teaching honor. Current research focuses on optimizing professional practice environments while advancing forensic psychiatry applications.

He maintains dual leadership in research centers: as CSTS Associate Director at USU and former Director of Walter Reed's Center for Forensic Behavioral Sciences, driving integration of traumatic stress research with clinical forensic practice.