Inspiring, selfless, dedicated and community driven are just a few words we would use to describe Dr. Scott Zeller, Chief of Psychiatric Emergency Services for Alameda Health System, San Leandro, CA, and a myeloma patient.
On April 21, 2015, as part of a ceremony referred to as the “Oscars of Mental Health” during the National Council for Behavioral Health’s annual conference, Dr. Zeller was awarded the National Doctor of the Year award for his groundbreaking work in revolutionizing emergency mental healthcare worldwide. Dr. Zeller has graciously donated his $10,000 prize to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation to help accelerate a cure for multiple myeloma.

The Doctor of the Year award is bestowed upon an individual who has achieved a lasting impact on their patients and community by inspiring and improving lives. His contributions continue to advance Psychiatric Emergency Services with a clinical framework now known as the Alameda Model. The protocols have proven to reduce delays to psychiatric care by more than 80% and unnecessary hospitalizations by more than 75% by delivering timely, quality care in a more appropriate setting.
Dr. Zeller was also awarded an additional honor, the Garland “Bo” Holloman, JR, MD Award for Outstanding Achievement in Advancing Emergency Psychiatry.
The Holloman award recognizes years of service and especially for his advocacy of patients and the profession, as well as his outstanding work with Project BETA and the now nationally known “Alameda Model.”
After winning the two prestigious awards back-to-back, Dr. Zeller said “It’s been quite a year. It is deeply humbling to be so honored by my colleagues.”
Dr. Zeller was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in February of 2012, after suffering four fractures in his lower spine. He had a kyphoplasty to repair his spine and for a while things weren’t looking very good for him.
He wasn’t responding to many of the different chemo trials and then Kyprolis came out (thank you MMRF!) and it was really effective. He’s happy to report he’s been in complete remission for over two years now. He’s loving life and so happy to be alive, and very thankful for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
Dr. Zeller attended the ceremony with his loving family who couldn’t be more proud of his accomplishments.
To read more about Dr. Scott Zeller:
The National Council 2015 Honorees
The National Council Press Release