Medical Society of Virginia Foundation honors early career pediatric psychiatrist
At the annual Salute to Service Awards, Dimal Shah, M.D., received the Service by an Early Career Physician Award.
The 22nd annual Salute to Service Awards, sponsored by the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV) Foundation, recognized physicians from across the Commonwealth for their commitments to patient care, education, research and mentorship. Among the honorees was Dimal Shah, M.D., assistant clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and program director of the child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship program.
Shah, who joined the faculty in 2021, received the Service by an Early Career Physician Award. He is an active member of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association and has received numerous recognitions for his commitment to dedication to advocacy, education and leadership throughout his career.
Colleagues describe Shah as kind, adaptable, resourceful and forward-thinking, with a passion for making mental health care accessible to patients and their families. Kelsey Delph, M.D., a child psychiatrist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry, said Shah is always “pushing the envelope” and looking for ways to make improvements in advocacy, research, clinical care and training. Robert Findling, M.D., chair of the Department of Psychiatry, added that Shah immediately comes across as likeable, personable and thoughtful.
“But he’s more than just liked,” Findling said. “He is profoundly respected for the way he carries himself, the way he dedicates himself to others so selflessly. It’s just remarkable.”
Through his advocacy work, Shah said he has learned that many people lack a deep understanding of psychiatry and mental health — but they want to learn more.
“They just don’t know who to turn to, and as an advocate, you can be that person,” Shah said. "That’s what I’ve found through a lot of my advocacy work, institutionally, locally, statewide and federally, where I can help promote mental health on a different playing field.”
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