William L. Anderson Chair in PTSD Research

The William L. Anderson Chair in PTSD Research (Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School) was created in 2013 to support work to "better understand, diagnose, treat and prevent PTSD" with Brian Engdahl, PhD as its first Holder. This $2 million gift created a permanent endowment in honor of William Lewis Anderson, a combat medic who died trying to save a wounded soldier on the battlefield in Italy during World War II.

Engdahl has served veterans for 40 years at the Minneapolis
VA Medical Center

VA Medical Center (VAMC)

. He joined the Brain Sciences faculty in 2007. Since 1980, he has worked on research initiatives to assess and treat veterans with serious disabilities, including
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A complex psychiatric syndrome that develops in response to trauma exposure. Individuals with PTSD experience intrusive recollections or reexperiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of trauma reminders, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. In addition, PTSD is associated with high rates of concomitant physical and mental health problems, increased health care use, and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Almost 7% of the general population and up to 30% of veterans meet lifetime criteria for PTSD. Indeed, PTSD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, representing a significant and costly public health concern.
. "It^aEURTMs an honor to be named the Anderson Chair in
PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A complex psychiatric syndrome that develops in response to trauma exposure. Individuals with PTSD experience intrusive recollections or reexperiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of trauma reminders, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. In addition, PTSD is associated with high rates of concomitant physical and mental health problems, increased health care use, and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Almost 7% of the general population and up to 30% of veterans meet lifetime criteria for PTSD. Indeed, PTSD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, representing a significant and costly public health concern.
Research," said Engdahl. "We hope to continue the great work done at the University of Minnesota and
VAMC

VA Medical Center (VAMC)

to help those who served our country but now are afflicted with
PTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

A complex psychiatric syndrome that develops in response to trauma exposure. Individuals with PTSD experience intrusive recollections or reexperiencing of the traumatic event, avoidance of trauma reminders, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. In addition, PTSD is associated with high rates of concomitant physical and mental health problems, increased health care use, and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Almost 7% of the general population and up to 30% of veterans meet lifetime criteria for PTSD. Indeed, PTSD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, representing a significant and costly public health concern.
and other life altering disabilities."