Awards & Professional Recognition
Throughout her career, Dr. Blaisdell-Brennan has been recognized for excellence in clinical care, organizational leadership, healthcare governance, medical education, mentorship, and service to underserved communities. National honors from the American Psychiatric Association—one of the world’s largest professional medical organizations dedicated to psychiatry—together with academic and professional recognitions, reflect a longstanding commitment to advancing healthcare quality, Native Hawaiian health, rural psychiatry, physician workforce development, and mental health equity. The recognitions below highlight milestones in a career dedicated to compassionate patient care, professional leadership, and public service.
Distinguished Fellow, American Psychiatric Association (2026)
The Distinguished Fellow designation is among the American Psychiatric Association’s highest honors. It recognizes psychiatrists who have made sustained and exceptional contributions through leadership, clinical excellence, teaching, scholarship, and service to the profession.
Rural Psychiatry Award, American Psychiatric Association A7 (2026)
Awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to psychiatric care in rural and underserved communities. The award honors leadership in expanding access to mental health services, strengthening the psychiatric workforce, and improving access to high-quality psychiatric care for rural and underserved populations.
Mental Health Equity Champion, American Psychiatric Association (2026)
Recognizes leadership in advancing mental health equity by promoting culturally responsive psychiatric care, reducing disparities in access to treatment, and improving outcomes for historically underserved communities.
American Psychiatric Association Resident Fellow Mentor Award (2024)
Recognizes exceptional commitment to mentoring psychiatry residents and early-career psychiatrists, fostering professional development, leadership, and excellence in the next generation of the profession.
Compassion in Medicine Award
John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaiʻi (1999)
Awarded to a graduating medical student who exemplifies compassionate, patient-centered care, professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to serving others.
Harvard College
Bachelor of Arts (cum laude)
Graduated cum laude, with distinction in recognition of outstanding academic achievement.
Kamehameha Schools Kapālama
Salutatorian, Class of 1980
Graduated as Salutatorian, recognizing one of the highest academic achievements in the graduating class and the honor of delivering the traditional salutatory address at commencement.
Selected Career Highlights
- Assistant Clinical Professor, John A. Burns School of Medicine
- 17 years of psychiatric practice at Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
- Past President, Hawaiʻi Psychiatric Medical Association
- President, American Psychiatric Association American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Caucus
- Nationally recognized for leadership in rural psychiatry, physician workforce development, and mental health equity