Carlos Pato, MD, PhD(HC)

Henry Rutgers Professor of Behavioral Health

Executive Chair of the Departments of Psychiatry

Associate Director, Brain Health Institute

Vice President of Research, Training, and Academic Affairs in Behavioral Health and Addictions, University Behavioral Health Care

Current Leadership Roles

Dr. Pato holds several high-level academic and administrative positions, reflecting his expertise in both clinical practice and institutional strategy:

• Executive Chair, Departments of Psychiatry: Overseeing the strategic direction and clinical excellence of the psychiatry departments across the Rutgers system.
• Vice President – Research, Training, and Academic Affairs: Leading the integration of academic rigor and cutting-edge research within the Behavioral Health and Addictions service line.
• Associate Director, Brain Health Institute (BHI): Playing a pivotal role in the BHI, which serves as the hub for Rutgers University’s neuroscience research, fostering collaboration across departments to solve brain-related disorders.

Research and Impact

Dr. Pato is best known for his pioneering work in genomic psychiatry. Along with his long-time collaborator, Dr. Michele Pato, he has led some of the world's largest genomic studies on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Key Focus Areas:

• Population Genetics: Utilizing massive datasets to identify the genetic markers associated with severe mental illness.
• Diversity in Research: A staunch advocate for diversity in genomic studies, Dr. Pato has focused extensively on underrepresented populations to ensure that medical breakthroughs benefit all communities and that the critical scientific importance of ancestry informed genomic research is a major focus for the field.
• Translational Medicine: Bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient care to develop more personalized and effective treatments for psychiatric disorders.

Academic and Clinical Background

Prior to his tenure at Rutgers, Dr. Pato held leadership positions at several top-tier institutions, including the University of Southern California (USC) and SUNY Downstate Medical Center. His work is characterized by:

• Extensive Publication: He has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed articles and is frequently cited in the global scientific community.
• Collaborative Philosophy: He has fostered international partnerships to accelerate the pace of psychiatric research.
• Commitment to Education: Throughout his career, he has prioritized the training of residents and fellows, emphasizing the importance of a patient centered, research-backed approach to behavioral health.