UCLA's Dr. Enrico Castillo Honored as National Academy of Medicine Emerging Leader

In a significant recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to mental health equity, Dr. Enrico Castillo, an esteemed assistant professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at UCLA, has been designated as an Emerging Leader by the prestigious National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This prestigious honor places him among an elite group of just ten rising stars selected for the 2023-2024 class of the NAM Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine Program, an initiative designed to foster the development of the next generation of leaders in health and medicine.

Dr.

Castillo's selection underscores his profound impact and dedication to addressing one of the most pressing challenges in contemporary healthcare: disparities in mental health care. His innovative research primarily focuses on improving access to and quality of mental health services for populations that are traditionally underserved, with a particular emphasis on racial and ethnic minoritized groups.

Through a sophisticated blend of quantitative methods, Dr. Castillo meticulously dissects the complex roots of health disparities, working tirelessly to develop and evaluate interventions that are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and equitably distributed.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr.

Castillo is an active and invaluable member of the UCLA Depression Grand Challenge, a bold, multidisciplinary initiative aimed at understanding, preventing, and treating depression on a global scale. His work within this challenge further exemplifies his commitment to transforming mental health outcomes, leveraging collaborative efforts to push the boundaries of scientific discovery and clinical application.

A proud alumnus of UCLA, Dr.

Castillo completed his medical degree at the institution before pursuing his residency training at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He further honed his expertise through postdoctoral training at Columbia University, where he also earned a master’s degree in public health.

This robust academic and clinical background has equipped him with a unique perspective, allowing him to bridge the gap between rigorous scientific inquiry and practical, real-world solutions in mental health care.

Since joining the UCLA faculty in 2021, Dr. Castillo has rapidly become a beacon of innovation and advocacy.

His research is not merely theoretical; it is deeply embedded in the mission to inform and influence health policy and practice, striving to create a more just and equitable mental health landscape for all. His efforts resonate powerfully with the NAM program's goals, which seek to empower leaders who can navigate and solve complex health challenges through collaborative action and visionary thinking.

This latest accolade adds to a growing list of distinguished honors for Dr.

Castillo, including the American Psychiatric Association-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (APA-SAMHSA) Minority Fellowship. He has also received multiple awards from the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training, recognizing his exceptional contributions to psychiatric education and training.

These recognitions collectively highlight his consistent dedication to excellence and his unwavering commitment to advancing mental health science and care for the betterment of society.

Dr. Castillo's journey as an Emerging Leader with the National Academy of Medicine promises to amplify his voice and influence, fostering new collaborations and enabling him to further champion health equity initiatives.

His work is a testament to the power of dedicated research and compassionate care in shaping a healthier, more inclusive future for mental health worldwide.