Ronald Cowan

Ronald Cowan is the Harrison Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. He completed his medical degree at Weill Cornell Medical College and residency in Psychiatry at Harvard-affiliated hospitals (Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital). His academic career spans institutions like Harvard and UT Memphis, with a focus on psychiatry, neurobiology, and addiction research.

• Weill Cornell Medical College - MD (Medical Degree)
• Harvard Medical School - Psychiatry Residency

His research explores:

• Neurobiology of motivated behavior in psychiatric disorders
• Addiction mechanisms related to substances like MDMA (Ecstasy)
• Pain perception in Alzheimer's disease and dementia
• Sex/gender differences in pain modulatory systems

Recent publications emphasize pain neurophysiology in aging populations, integrating fMRI and psychophysical assessments. His work also addresses ethical challenges in studying cognitively impaired adults.

• American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Certification
• Harrison Distinguished Professor award

Professional memberships include the American Psychiatric Association, Society for Neuroscience, and College on Problems of Drug Dependence. His clinical focus covers depression, LGBTQI mental health, and evolutionary psychiatry.