Congratulations to UPMC Award for Commitment to Excellence in Service (ACES) Honoree Vernon Nathaniel, MD

Please join us in congratulating Vernon Nathaniel, MD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry), who has received a 2025 UPMC Award for Commitment to Excellence in Service (ACES).

The prestigious award, received by less than 1% of UPMC staff annually, honors individuals who routinely go above and beyond.

Dr. Nathaniel is medical director of WPH’s Community Treatment Teams, which provides outreach and community-based mental health services to individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses. Comments from Dr. Nathaniel's ACES nominations included the following: 

“In my career I have worked with many doctors but none of the esteem of Dr. Nathaniel. I have never met a doctor with the level of humility, compassion, honesty, intellect, sensibility, kindness and approachability that he has.”

“The population we care for is of the most vulnerable. Many of our consumers have little or no family contact, but he has been a constant of theirs for 15 years. He knows all details of their lives, down to their favorite color and snack. His goal is not only to keep our consumers out of the hospital, but for them to also succeed in life. He understands the needs and care of schizophrenia in a way that strips away the stigma of the devastating disease.”

“His approach is rooted in compassion, recovery-focused care, and a deep respect for the lived experiences of those he serves.”

“Dr. Nathaniel is a true advocate for our clients. He consistently demonstrates deep compassion and empathy for those we serve. As a team member, he is approachable, supportive, and often anticipates needs before they arise, offering help in a way that feels both natural and reassuring. His positive outlook not only uplifts our clients but also encourages and motivates the entire team. He has a gift for helping us see the silver lining, even in challenging moments.”

“Dr. Nathaniel’s impact is especially evident in the lives of those he serves. … He played a pivotal role in supporting a new consumer on the Transitional Recovery Unit who was initially resistant to taking prescribed medication. Dr. Nathaniel reached out to the family, coordinated a meeting, and helped build a supportive network around the individual. Following the meeting, the consumer agreed to begin a long-acting injectable treatment and was successfully discharged to live at home with family.”

“It is a hard task to put how wonderful Dr. Nathaniel is into words. He is a rarity and a gem.”

Congratulations, Dr. Nathaniel!