By: Grace Huff
The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at the University of Florida is pleased to announce that Dimitry S. Davydow, MD, MPH, FACLP, has been appointed to the prestigious Lauren and Lee Fixel Chair, effective October 8, 2025.
Davydow currently serves as Vice Chair for Clinical Operations in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Florida. As a board-certified psychiatrist, he brings a distinguished background in clinical care, teaching, mentorship, and research that spans multiple institutions, including Johns Hopkins University and the University of Washington.
Davydow’s interest in the brain began early on in medical school, when he was captivated by both the complexity of the brain and the personal stories of his patients. He was torn between neurology and psychiatry, but ultimately chose psychiatry for its unique blend of neuroscience and human experience.
His research journey was shaped by the mentorship of the late Wayne Katon, MD, of the University of Washington, whose rigorous approach to studying the intersection of mental and physical health left a lasting impression on Davydow. Over the course of his career, Davydow has published more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and has contributed to three textbook chapters exploring how psychiatric conditions, cognitive impairment, and medical illnesses intertwine.
“Being named the Lauren and Lee Fixel Chair is an incredible honor,” said Davydow. For Davydow, this recognition is less about what he has already accomplished and more about what lies ahead. It motivates him to push further with his team at the Fixel Institute to improve the understanding and treatment of brain diseases.
The endowed chair position will support Davydow in advancing research on how faulty brain circuits contribute to psychiatric symptoms, with a focus on developing targeted treatments for patients living with neurodegenerative conditions. He is particularly excited to collaborate with UF’s world-renowned deep brain stimulation (DBS) program, bridging psychiatry and neurology to answer some of the most pressing questions in brain health.
Beyond research, Davydow is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and clinicians. “Teaching and mentoring keeps you on your toes,” he explained. “Since I was the beneficiary of incredible mentorship, it’s my responsibility to pay it forward.” He encourages young researchers to cultivate inquisitiveness and perseverance, qualities he views as essential to discovery.
Looking ahead, Davydow hopes his work will not only benefit patients through improved quality of life and functioning but also inspire students and colleagues to continue building on the progress made at the Fixel Institute.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Davydow finds inspiration in music, hiking, and time with his family. A musician himself, he once played bass guitar in a Seattle-based rock band that recorded an album now available to stream on multiple platforms. His creative pursuits mirror the balance he strives to maintain between scientific rigor and personal passion.
To honor this milestone, a recognition reception will be held on Tuesday, October 21, before a presentation from Davydow.
With deep gratitude, we thank Lauren and Lee Fixel for their generosity in endowing this chair and for their unwavering commitment to advancing research and care in neurological and psychiatric health.