Altha J. Stewart, MD, associate professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), was named a Memphis Legend by the Healing Center Baptist Church in Memphis . The Oakhaven-based church is led by Bishop William Young and his wife, Pastor Dianne Young.
The recognition goes to someone that has put Memphis on the map in their area of expertise. “Dr. Stewart was selected because she is a Memphis native that returned to this community to make it better,” Pastor Young said. “We also considered the respect that she has gained across the country as well as being elected the first African American female president of the American Psychiatric Association.”
Dr. Stewart grew up in South Memphis, graduated from public and parochial schools, and was among the first class of women admitted to Christian Brothers University. She received her medical degree from Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia, and did her residency at Hahnemann University Hospital there.
Dr. Stewart is a nationally recognized expert in public sector and minority issues in mental health care, and in the effects of trauma and violence on children. She was recruited to UTHSC in 2015 by David Stern, MD, vice chancellor for Health Affairs for Statewide Initiatives, to lead establish the Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth. The center aims to reduce the number of young people in the juvenile justice system by addressing the trauma and exposure to violence that often contribute to their behavior.