معرفی
Yang Jae Lee is an Assistant Professor Adjunct in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and a Resident Physician completing his training in 2025. He founded Empower Through Health, a 501(c)3 organization providing medical care to 70,000 people and psychiatric care to over 400,000 people in Uganda.
His educational background includes:
- MD from Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (2021)
- AB in International and Area Studies: Development & Biology from Washington University in St. Louis (2016), graduating Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude
Dr. Lee's research focuses on diminishing mental illness stigma and developing robust mental healthcare systems through community structures in rural low-income countries, particularly in Uganda's Busoga region. His work integrates traditional healing practices with biomedical approaches, creating culturally appropriate interventions including theatrical performances and radio programming to address mental health challenges.
His publications reveal a consistent pattern of innovative research methodologies applied to mental health in resource-limited settings, with increasing emphasis on implementation science and sustainable community-based solutions. The work demonstrates growing influence in global mental health research with multiple high-impact publications in the last three years.
Dr. Lee's significant recognition includes:
- Laughlin Fellowship (2024) from the American College of Psychiatrists
- Diversity Leadership Fellowship (2024) from the American Psychiatric Association
- Emerging-Generation Award (2024) from The American Society for Clinical Investigation
- Thomas P. Detre Award in Translational Neuroscience Research (2023)
- Seymour L. Lustman Resident Research Award (2023)
As Executive Director of Empower Through Health, Dr. Lee has established equitable educational opportunities for Ugandan and American pre-doctoral students while building infrastructure for a global mental health hub. His leadership has secured research funding and community partnerships that extend beyond traditional academic boundaries.
Dr. Lee leads collaborative research teams comprising Ugandan healthcare providers, community leaders, traditional healers, and Yale researchers, creating a sustainable model for mental healthcare delivery that respects local knowledge systems while incorporating evidence-based practices.
