Kenneth Z. Altshuler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Z. Altshuler
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| Born | April 11, 1929 Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
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| Died | January 6, 2021 (aged 91) |
| Known for | Pioneering in studying mentally ill patients with deafness and advancing mental health care in Dallas |
| Spouse(s) | Ruth Sharp Altshuler |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Deaf mental health care, Geriatric psychiatry, Psychoanalysis |
| Institutions | Columbia University UT Southwestern Medical Center |
Kenneth Z. Altshuler (born April 11, 1929 – died January 6, 2021) was an American doctor. He was a psychiatrist, which means he helped people with their mental health. He also studied the human mind deeply as a psychoanalyst. Dr. Altshuler was a respected professor. He led the Psychiatry Department at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
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Early Life and Schooling
Kenneth Z. Altshuler was born on April 11, 1929. His hometown was Paterson, New Jersey. He graduated from Cornell University in 1948. At 23, he earned his M.D. degree in 1952. This was from the University at Buffalo, School of Medicine.
He completed an internship at Kings County Hospital Center. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. He left the Navy as a Lieutenant (J.G.) in the Medical Corps. After his military service, he trained further. He specialized in psychiatry and psychoanalysis. This training took place at the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research.
His Work and Contributions
In 1973, Dr. Altshuler joined the faculty at Columbia University. There, he focused on important research. He studied mental illnesses in deaf patients. He also worked in geriatric psychiatry, which helps older adults with mental health.
From 1973 to 1977, he managed psychiatry education. This was at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York. In 1977, he moved to Texas. He became the head of the Psychiatry Department. This was at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
Under his leadership, the department grew a lot. The number of full-time doctors increased greatly. He also helped raise a lot of money. These funds supported new research centers. They also helped create special positions for professors. He retired in 2019. He was then named a Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry. This means he was still a respected professor even after retiring.
Dr. Altshuler held many important roles. He was a director for the National Board of Medical Examiners. He also led the American Association of Chairs of Departments of Psychiatry. Later, he became president of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. In 1999, Governor George W. Bush appointed him. He served on the board for the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation. He also helped many local charity groups.
Personal Life
Dr. Altshuler had three children from his first marriage. Their names are Steven L. Altshuler, Lori L. Altshuler, and Dara Altshuler. He also had six grandchildren. In 1987, he married Ruth Collins Sharp. She was a well-known helper of communities.
Dr. Altshuler and his wife were very active in Dallas. They were known for their civic engagement. They also gave a lot of money to good causes. This included donations to UT Southwestern. After his wife passed away in 2017, he created two funds. These funds support mental health research and education. They are called the Ruth & Ken Altshuler Fund and the Kenneth Z. Altshuler Fund.
Dr. Altshuler passed away on January 6, 2021. He died from problems caused by COVID-19. This happened during the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Altshuler received many awards for his work:
- Merit Award from the National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis.
- An honorary doctorate from Gallaudet College for the Deaf.
- A special award from the American Psychiatric Association. This was for his work with deaf patients in New York.
- Another special award from the American Psychiatric Association. This was for his work in community mental health in Dallas.
- Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Buffalo School of Medicine.
- Trail Blazer Award from the Dallas Community Mental Health Center.
- Wilson Award in Geriatric Psychiatry.
- Psychiatric Excellence Award from the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians.
- Texas Star Award from the Texas Mental Health Association.
- Outstanding Psychiatric Award from the North Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians.
- Prism Award from the Dallas Mental Health Association.
Several places were named in his honor:
- The Psychiatric Out-Patient Clinic of Dallas Community Mental Health Center.
- The Psychiatric Unit of Zale Lipshy Pavilion.
- The University of Texas at Dallas Callier Center for Communication Disorders. They created an annual award in his and his wife's name.
- The Metrocare Services established the Altshuler Center for Education and Research.
- Dallas County Mental Health and Mental Retardation renamed one of its clinics. It is now the Kenneth Z. Altshuler Mental Health Clinic.
See also
- Ruth Sharp Altshuler
- Lori L. Altshuler
