Dr. Stephon Proctor is a distinguished clinical psychologist and informatics specialist who bridges pediatric mental health care with cutting-edge technology solutions. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine and serves as Senior Fellow at the Penn Institute for Biomedical Informatics. His dual expertise originates from a PhD in Clinical Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University in 2011 and advanced training in Biomedical Informatics at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Proctor directs his clinical and research efforts from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia where he serves as Clinical Director of EHR Platform, strategically positioning himself at the convergence of behavioral health care and digital health innovation.
Dr. Proctor has pioneered innovative applications of artificial intelligence in pediatric mental health settings, particularly through his leadership in implementing large language models within electronic health record systems to alleviate clinical documentation burden. His research includes developing a framework for evaluating the value of generative AI in healthcare, which was presented at the 2024 AMIA Annual Symposium, establishing methodological rigor for assessing AI implementations in clinical contexts. His clinical expertise focuses on evidence-based treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, disruptive behavior disorders, and anxiety disorders in children, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, parent management training, and exposure-based interventions. The integration of his clinical psychology background with biomedical informatics has created unique opportunities for improving care delivery while maintaining therapeutic integrity and patient safety.
Beyond his technical contributions, Dr. Proctor champions collaborative approaches that engage clinicians, patients, and technology specialists in co-designing healthcare solutions that address authentic clinical challenges. His work emphasizes reducing administrative burden on clinicians to maximize direct patient care time, particularly in resource-constrained pediatric mental health settings where demand often exceeds capacity. As a recognized thought leader in clinical informatics, he frequently shares insights through academic presentations and media appearances, including discussions on the Nerd MDs Podcast about AI applications in patient communications. Dr. Proctor continues to develop and refine AI-assisted tools that enhance clinical workflows while preserving the essential human elements of therapeutic relationships, positioning him at the forefront of next-generation healthcare delivery innovation.
