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At this year’s American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Conference, Tami Benton, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Executive Director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), was welcomed as AACAP’s 36th president for the 2023-2025 term. Dr. Benton, who has been practicing for more than 30 years, is a beacon of commitment and passion in the realm of children's mental health, and her presidency promises to usher in an era of transformation and will focus on her theme of “Bringing the Village to the Children.”
Dr. Benton remarked on her new position, "I am profoundly honored to serve as AACAP's president. My theme, informed by decades of practice, AACAP membership, and the insights shared by our community, will be centered on enriching children's mental health. I look forward to collaborating closely with each member of AACAP to realize our shared vision.” 
Her dedication to children's mental health is evidenced by her extensive involvement with and accomplishments within AACAP. Dr. Benton has held numerous pivotal roles, including AACAP’s president-elect, councilor-at-large, secretary, and co-chair of the HIV Issues committee, among others. She was the recipient of AACAP’s Virginia Q. Anthony Outstanding Woman Leader Award and the Jeanne Spurlock Award for Leadership in Diversity and Culture.
Dr. Benton is not only recognized for her work within AACAP but for her exemplary leadership and guidance at CHOP in the behavioral and mental health space and for nurturing diverse physician leaders and the next generation of experts in pediatric and mental health care. This has laid the foundation for partnerships between communities and academic centers, which are essential in eliminating disparities in the field.
Dr. Benton succeeds the 35th President, Warren Ng, MD, and wishes to express gratitude for his mentorship, support, and pioneering “Capturing Belonging” initiative. As she embarks on her presidential term, she anticipates building on the momentum of AACAP and forging a brighter future for children's mental health.
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Contact: Kaitlyn Tivenan, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 267-426-8614 or tivenank@chop.edu