The perspective I bring to the leadership of the Johns Hopkins Schizophrenia Center is rooted in my background as a psychiatrist. My clinical experience motivates my search to find causes and better treatments for the individuals and families who suffer from this debilitating illness.

We have assembled here in the Schizophrenia Center a broad and deep pool of expertise in the Hopkins tradition that integrates patient care, research, and public health. Our Center includes a clinical division that consists of an inpatient unit and outpatient clinics with a distinctive clinical approach. Furthermore, our Center functions an important core for clinical and basic science research that looks for origins, mechanisms, and better treatments from a variety of scientific angles. In particular, the research division of our Center is actively linked to a multi-departmental coalition called the Johns Hopkins Initiative for Medical Innovation and NeuroDiscovery (Johns Hopkins iMIND). Finally, our professional educational programs reach undergraduates, residents, fellows, our peers, and the general society, including an annual public symposium.

My role is similar to an orchestra conductor, trusting my musicians and striving for balance among all the instruments. I see my job as one to support and facilitate the talent that surrounds me.

Thank you for your interest in our work.

Sincerely,
Akira Sawa, M.D., Ph.D.