The Ikwunga Wonodi Social Justice and Health Equity in Psychiatry Award is now open for application submissions. The Wonodi Award honors a Resident, Fellow, or Early-Career Psychiatrist who has demonstrated distinction in advocating for human rights and equity in psychiatric care for people with severe mental illness from historically marginalized and underserved communities through teaching, research, clinical work, and/or public health advocacy. 

Award Guidelines

• Recipients of the Dr. Ikwunga Wonodi Award must be current Maryland Psychiatric Society members who are Residents, Fellows, or Early Career Psychiatrists within seven years of completing their training.
• In addition to clinical, research, and education excellence, nominees should show evidence of advocating for human rights and equity in psychiatric care for people with severe mental illness from historically marginalized and underserved communities and exemplify Dr. Wonodi’s passion for uplifting others. Examples include:
  • Exemplifies a holistic and culturally responsive approach to patient care in clinical practice.
  • Engages in impactful advocacy efforts at the local, national, and international levels: legislative initiatives, community outreach programs, and public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting mental health equity and reducing stigma.
  • Advocates for the needs of marginalized communities within healthcare systems, striving to dismantle barriers to access and promote inclusivity in psychiatric services.
  • Enacts innovative teaching methodologies that integrate cultural competence and social justice principles into psychiatric education.
  • Participates in research projects that shed light on the systemic disparities that exist in access to mental health services among underserved populations.
• It is not required for applicants to identify as ethnic minorities; however, African Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Asian-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are especially encouraged to apply.

Click here to view the Ikwunga Wonodi Award Application Guidelines. 

The deadline to apply is December 14, 2026. A winner will be announced prior to the Annual Meeting in April 2027. Any questions can be directed to jhritz@mdpsych.org.