Dr. William Lawson, MD, PhD, DLFAPA, is a nationally and internationally recognized psychiatrist, author, and leader in advancing health equity. As the Founder and Director of the Institute for Reducing Disparities, LLC, he has dedicated his life to addressing racial and ethnic disparities in mental health diagnosis, care, and treatment. With academic appointments at George Washington University and the University of Maryland, and emeritus roles at Howard University and Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Dr. Lawson continues to shape policy, research, and education across generations of medical professionals.

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Lawson has authored more than 200 publications and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the National Medical Association, where his leadership strengthened the journal’s reach and scholarly impact. His groundbreaking book, African American Health: Peeling Back the Layers for a Vision of the Future, examines systemic inequities in healthcare while offering evidence-based solutions for a more inclusive and just medical future.

Dr. Lawson’s work has earned him prestigious awards, including the American Psychiatric Foundation Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health, the Jeanne Spurlock Award, and the Solomon Carter Fuller Award from the American Psychiatric Association. His leadership extends beyond academia, he has presided over major professional bodies, including the Washington Psychiatric Society, Black Psychiatrists of America, and Mental Health America’s DC chapter.

A sought-after keynote speaker and panelist, Dr. Lawson brings decades of wisdom, compassion, and scientific rigor to discussions on diversity, inclusion, and mental health reform. His mission is clear: to close the gap in health outcomes and ensure that every community has access to high-quality, culturally competent mental healthcare.