Correctional Medical Services Names Forensic Psychiatrist VP of Behavorial Health

ST. LOUIS, MO, March 10, 2011 (Press-News.org) Correctional Medical Services Inc. (CMS) - the nation's leading provider of correctional health services—named Michael Champion, M.D., as Vice President of Behavioral Health. Dr. Champion will oversee all behavioral health programs that CMS implements nationwide which includes psychiatric medical services, mental health counseling and chemical dependency treatment.

"Dr. Champion brings a level of expertise and experience to this position that is unmatched across the correctional healthcare industry," said Jack Davidson, M.D. and Chief Medical Officer of CMS. "As a forensic psychiatrist he is specifically trained to understand and manage the convergence of behavioral healthcare and the justice system. His leadership will add significant value to the programs we deliver to our correctional system clients."

Dr. Champion has served as CMS Regional Director for Psychiatry in New Mexico since 2007 and will retain that responsibility in his new position. He began his career in correctional health services in 1987, working in jails and prisons, and has a seasoned understanding of the correctional health care environment. "I am very excited about this opportunity," said Dr. Champion. "CMS demonstrates a real commitment to quality care and I look forward to working with our behavioral health teams nationwide to enhance the strength and breadth of the programming that we offer." He further noted, "I believe that my forensic training has given me a clear appreciation of the complex issues that impact the systems where we provide care and a detailed understanding of the context in which that care is delivered. I am eager to put my experience to work on behalf of CMS' clients."

Dr. Champion's professional expertise includes both civil and criminal forensic psychiatry with an emphasis on correctional mental health care, treatment of the behaviorally disordered offender, the psychological impact of segregation and the forensic risk assessment of violence and suicide. Dr. Champion graduated from the University Of North Carolina School Of Medicine, trained in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and trained in forensic psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, studying the interface of law and medicine at Yale Law School. He continues to be involved academically and currently holds a faculty position at the University of New Mexico School Of Medicine.


About Correctional Medical Services, Inc (CMS)
Correctional Medical Services, Inc. (CMS), a national leader in correctional healthcare services, provides comprehensive, accountable, cost-effective services to correctional systems. CMS delivers a full suite of medical, dental, pharmacy and mental health services to nearly 280,000 incarcerated individuals in 19 states. Learn more at http://www.cmsstl.com