Suzan Song, MD, Mph, PhD
About Suzan Song, MD, Mph, PhD
Suzan Song, MD, MPH, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at The George Washington University, specializing in child mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings. She has advised U.S. government agencies and conducted extensive research on forcibly displaced youth and families across various countries.
Current Position at The George Washington University
Suzan Song serves as a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at The George Washington University. She has held this position since 2022, contributing her expertise in child and adolescent mental health. Prior to this role, she was an Associate Professor and Division Director of Child/Adolescent and Family Psychiatry from 2016 to 2023. Her work focuses on addressing mental health issues within vulnerable populations.
Education and Expertise
Suzan Song has an extensive educational background in medicine and public health. She earned her M.D. from The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Additionally, she holds an M.P.H. from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a Ph.D. from the University of Amsterdam. Her training includes a Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Stanford University and a Post-doctoral fellowship in Community- and family-centered care for survivors of war torture at Stanford/Palo Alto Veterans Affairs.
Research and Policy Contributions
Suzan Song has conducted significant research and policy work focusing on forcibly displaced youth and families, including former child soldiers in various countries such as Sierra Leone, Burundi, and Syria. She has advised the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Office for Victims of Crime on child mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings. Her contributions extend to providing testimonies for Congressional briefings on trauma-informed care and global mental health.
Publications and Editorial Work
Suzan Song co-edited the book 'Child/Adolescent & Family Refugee Mental Health: A Global Perspective' in collaboration with the senior mental health adviser to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. This publication reflects her commitment to advancing the understanding of mental health issues faced by refugee families and children. Her research and insights are recognized in various academic and professional circles.
Professional Experience and Recognition
Suzan Song has held various positions in the mental health field, including Medical Director at Alternative Family Services and AACI/Center for Survivors of Torture. She has been recognized annually as a Washingtonian Best Doctor since 2016. Additionally, she is frequently invited as a keynote speaker and trainer at prestigious institutions, including Google and Harvard, highlighting her influence in the field of mental health.