College of Medicine

With the new year, the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine (BSSM) congratulates Dr. Heather Flynn, PhD on her new role as Interim Chair.  Flynn completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at FSU in 1996, and subsequently rose to associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School.  She joined the FSU College of Medicine in 2011 and has served as Vice Chair since 2018 as the plan for her to succeed retiring Chair Les Beitsch was put into place.

Flynn's accomplishments include serving as Vice Chair for Research, developing and directing the FSU Center for Behavioral Health Integration (including the mood and anxiety center), and leading the effort resulting in Florida State attaining membership in the National Network of Depression Centers (NNDC).  This culminated with the 2020 establishment of FSU BehavioralHealth at Apalachee Center.  It is the clinical arm of the FSU Mood and Anxiety Center of Excellence, and one of 27 national centers of excellence providing access to cutting-edge research to advance the understanding of behavioral health and best-practice treatments. 

Dr. Flynn has made numerous contributions to our educational and research programs,” College of Medicine Dean John P. Fogarty said.  “She is an outstanding clinician, teacher, and role model for students and is highly respected within her faculty, the university, and the community.  I have every confidence that she has the background and skills for this role.”  More...