Mark George

Mark George, MD, is an Endowed Chair (Layton McCurdy Endowed Chair in Psychiatry) at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. A South Carolina native, he returned to Charleston in 1995 to establish MUSC's brain imaging division and brain stimulation laboratory.

His educational background includes:

• Medical Degree: Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine (1985)
• Residency: Medical University of South Carolina Medical Center (1990)
• Fellowship: National Institute of Mental Health (1995)
• Fellowship: National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, London (1991)

Dr. George is a world expert in brain stimulation and depression treatment, pioneering two FDA-approved therapies: transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression (2008) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for treatment-resistant depression (2006). His research focuses on using neuroimaging and neuromodulation to understand depression and develop novel treatments. He has published over 400 scientific articles, edited six books, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Brain Stimulation: Basic, Translation and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on personalized depression treatments, TMS parameter optimization, neuromodulation safety, and applications for conditions including PTSD, stroke recovery, and long COVID. His work consistently bridges computational modeling, clinical trials, and neuroimaging to advance precision neuromodulation.

His scientific recognition includes:

• NARSAD Klerman Award (2000) and Falcone Award (2008)
• WFSBP Lifetime Achievement Award (2007)
• U.S. News & World Report 'Medical Pioneer' designation (2009)

Continuously NIH-funded since his fellowship training, Dr. George directs the MUSC Center for Advanced Imaging Research (part of the SC Brain Imaging Center of Excellence). His lab investigates combined TMS/VNS approaches, neural plasticity mechanisms, and novel applications for addiction and neurological disorders. Future work focuses on at-home neuromodulation devices and personalized treatment protocols.