Pedro Ruiz, M.D., executive vice chairman and director of clinical programs in the Miller School's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, was honored with the American Psychiatric Association's Distinguished Service Award for 2010 on Monday.

Bestowed in New Orleans at the annual meeting of the world's largest psychiatric association, the award recognizes Dr. Ruiz's significant contributions and dedication to the field of psychiatry, which "have improved the care of patients and ennobled the profession.''

"I am delighted, honored and pleased for the recognition given to me by my peers,'' said Ruiz, who served as the association president in 2006-2007. "I also think that this award brings honor and recognition to the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.''

Internationally known for his work in psychiatric education, cross-cultural psychiatry and health services research, Ruiz completed his residency training at UM/Jackson decades ago and recently returned to UM to oversee clinical services and assist Charles Nemeroff, M.D., Ph.D., Leonard M. Miller Professor and chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, recruit other top-notch faculty. He has authored more than 600 publications, and co-edited Substance Abuse: A Comprehensive Textbook. Now in its fifth edition, the publication is the most respected textbook in the field of substance abuse.

Prior to his return to the University, Ruiz was a tenured professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Previously, he was professor and vice chair of psychiatry and assistant dean at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, and professor and vice chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Now president-elect of the World Psychiatric Association, Ruiz also has served as president of the American College of Psychiatrists, The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and the American Association for Social Psychiatry.

Born in Cuba, he attended the University of Havana and completed his medical school education at the University of Paris in France. He finished his graduate training in general psychiatry at UM/Jackson in 1968.