Robert O. Pasnau, M.D.

Dr. Pasnau, a native of Mason City, Iowa, attended the University of Illinois on a full scholarship. During his time there, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa before earning his M.D. from the University of Illinois Medical School in 1959. He went on to complete an M.S. in Psychiatry from the University of California in 1963. His medical training included an internship at the University of California, San Francisco, followed by a psychiatric residency at the University of California, Los Angeles, from 1960 to 1964.

A dedicated member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), Dr. Pasnau was elected President of the Southern California Psychiatric Society in 1975. He held key leadership roles throughout his career, including serving as Chair of the Councils on National Affairs and Internal Organization, as well as being a member of the Joint Reference Committee and the Board of Trustees. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected APA Vice President in 1982 and later served as President from 1986 to 1987.