Dr. Heidi Bausch Ryan — Clinical Psychologist & Director, Chair of the Mental Health and Addiction Philanthropic Advisory Council, University of Minnesota

In this episode, Major John Donovan sits down with Dr. Heidi Bausch Ryan to explore the changing landscape of recovery for veterans, service members, and their families. Drawing from her leadership at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Ryan discusses cutting-edge research in addiction neuroscience, the growing emphasis on integrated care for mental health and substance use disorders, and how philanthropy fuels innovation in treatment.

Key Topics Covered

• The mission and work of the Mental Health and Addiction Philanthropic Advisory Council
• Breakthroughs in brain imaging and addiction neuroscience
• Why mental health and addiction must be treated together
• How strategic funding accelerates progress in research and care
• The staggering economic and human toll of substance use disorder in the U.S.
• Shifting toward whole-person, integrated care for co-occurring disorders
• Building “HERO” recovery capital: Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism
• The power of community, mentorship, and never facing recovery alone

Resources & Links

• University of Minnesota’s Medical Discovery Team on Addiction
• Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain