Dr. Potash’s work has focused on research regarding the genetic basis of mood disorders. He is the principal investigator on two major grants from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) aimed at studying the genetics of bipolar disorder and the epigenetics of stress and depression, respectively. Dr. Potash is also Co-Chair of the Bipolar Disorder Task Force within the National Network of Depression Centers and Secretary of the Genetics Section of the World Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Potash is a graduate of Yale College.  Following graduation he served in the Peace Corps in West Africa. He completed his master’s degree in public health at John Hopkins, as well as his medical school and residency training. He served on the faculty at Hopkins for 13 years before moving to Iowa. Dr. Potash returned to Johns Hopkins as Director of Psychiatry and Psychiatrist-in-Chief in 2017 and is now serving as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry.