Jeffrey S. Flier (right), Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Harvard University, presents a citation to John Kelly, the inaugural Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry in the Field of Addiction Medicine. Image: Suzanne Camarata Photography
Jeffrey S. Flier (right), Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Harvard University, presents a citation to John Kelly, the inaugural Elizabeth R. Spallin Professor of Psychiatry in the Field of Addiction Medicine. Image: Suzanne Camarata Photography
Harvard Medical School Dean Jeffrey S. Flier recognized John Kelly as the inaugural incumbent of the Elizabeth R. Spallin Professorship in Psychiatry in the Field of Addiction Medicine in a ceremony at HMS’s Gordon Hall of Medicine.
“John, you are an outstanding member of our faculty, an exceptional researcher, a skilled clinician and a very deserving inaugural incumbent for this great honor,” said Flier.
Kelly is the founder and director of the Recovery Research Institute, the program director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service and associate director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
His clinical work and research has focused on addiction treatment and the recovery process. He is particularly interested in the effectiveness of mutual-help groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, alongside formal care.
The professorship was established by anonymous donors and named for Kelly’s mother, who was a registered nurse.
“We are particularly grateful to the anonymous donors for making today’s celebration possible,” said Flier. “During my time as dean, I have been amazed by the number of donors who choose to give significant gifts to Harvard Medical School anonymously.
“The quiet philanthropists we thank today are demonstrating great confidence that Mass General, HMS, Dr. Kelly and all future incumbents of this professorship will continue to advance the field of addiction medicine while maintaining the high standard of care that patients have come to expect from Mass General’s addiction programs,” said Flier.
Other speakers at the ceremony included Massachusetts General Hospital President and HMS Professor of Health Care Policy Peter Slavin, and Mass General Psychiatrist-in-Chief and HMS Stanley Cobb Professor of Psychiatry Jerrold Rosenbaum.
Upon Kelly’s retirement, the professorship will be renamed the John F. Kelly Professorship in Psychiatry in the Field of Addiction Medicine.
“It is a fitting tribute that will stand in perpetuity and forever support faculty incumbents at Mass General in John’s good name,” said Flier.
