Dr. Mark Gold, M.D., is a trailblazing figure in addiction and psychiatry, known for his transformative contributions across multiple medical fields. With over 1,000 peer-reviewed publications and 30,000 academic citations, his work has left an indelible mark on the medical community. Dr. Gold is a founding member and director of the McKnight Brain Institute and is celebrated for modernizing addiction medicine training. His pioneering research on opioid dependence led to groundbreaking theories on addiction and withdrawal, and he discovered the effectiveness of alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, such as clonidine and lofexidine, in easing withdrawal symptoms. Collaborating with colleagues, he revolutionized addiction psychiatry by introducing evidence-based care and medication-assisted treatments. His insights have advanced opioid use disorder treatments and expanded our understanding of cocaine’s impact on dopamine and addiction. As a visiting professor, editor, and researcher, Dr. Gold continues to influence the field of translational neuroscience.

Dr. Sarah Y. Vinson, M.D., is a leading expert in adult, child & adolescent, and forensic psychiatry. She founded the Lorio Psych Group and Lorio Forensics, providing mental health care and forensic consultation. Dr. Vinson serves as the Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine and is an Adjunct Faculty member at Emory University. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Medicine with specialized training at Harvard and Emory, she is a sought-after speaker and advocate. Her work focuses on trauma, equity in mental health care, and the intersection of psychiatry and the justice system. Dr. Vinson has received numerous honors, including the APA Jeanne Spurlock Minority Fellowship Alumna Achievement Award.