Amanda Williams, M.D., a psychiatrist based in the Montgomery area, assumed the role of president of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama during the organization's annual meeting held on April 13.

Dr. Williams is the founder and proprietor of Gardenia Cove Mental Health, a practice dedicated to offering support to individuals and families grappling with psychological challenges and mental health disorders. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Williams is actively involved in various medical bodies, including the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the Office of Women’s Health Steering Committee. Moreover, she plays a crucial role in supervising and guiding medical students throughout their psychiatry rotations, having previously served as the clerkship director for the UAB Montgomery psychiatry rotation.

Reflecting on her dedication to patient care, Dr. Williams said, “There’s years of training, residency and a lot of stress with being a physician, and the only reason you do it is because you really care about your patients. The best moments for doctors come when they are close with their patients, facing health challenges as a team, and supporting patients on their journey back to good health. That makes every moment of training and the long hours completely worth it.”

Prior to assuming the presidency, Dr. Williams served as the president-elect of the Medical Association, operating under the guidance of outgoing President George Koulianos, M.D.

Dr. Williams earned her medical degree from the University of South Florida and pursued her training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. During her tenure there, she held the position of chief resident of inpatient services and completed a fellowship in Community Mental Health. In 2018, she furthered her academic pursuits by completing the Auburn University Physician Executive MBA program.