Goldstein was awarded a Presidential Citation for extensive and significant contributions to clinical neuropsychology for over 60 years.
Goldstein was born and raised in New York City as well as completed his undergraduate and masters’ studies in psychology at City College of New York and served a two-year tour of duty in the Army. Goldstein was always interested in the brain, and that interest was cultivated by Kurt Goldstein at City College. Goldstein went on to the University of Kansas, where as a Dr. Martin Scheerer student he received his PhD in clinical psychology.
After graduating, Goldstein took a position at the VA in Topeka as a research psychologist and was a faculty member at the Menninger School of Psychiatry. In 1975 he moved his research program from Topeka VA and Menninger Clinic to the Pittsburgh VA where he continues to work today as a Senior Career Research Scientist. He is also a Professor of Psychiatry at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine and Professor in the Department of Psychology.
Goldstein is well known for his continued and extensive scientific contributions to neuropsychology. With more than 350 refereed and articles, books and other scholarly publications, his research record is remarkable, not only with regard to his productivity, but also with regard to the significance and scope of his contributions.
For example, his book “Assessment of Brain Damage: A Neuropsychological Key Approach” (1970), is the first clinical neuropsychology textbook published in English. Goldstein was among the first to conduct systematic neuropsychological work examining alcoholism and schizophrenia. He was also at the forefront of the neuropsychological rehabilitation movement and published one of the first books on the topic “Rehabilitation of the brain damaged adult” (1983). Goldstein continues an active research program at the Pittsburgh VA.
In 2015, the VA honored his many years of service with the Department of Veterans Affairs Service Award for 60 Years of Service. He is one of two who have been president of the International Neuropsychological Society, National Academy of Neuropsychology, and Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (Division 40) of the American Psychological Association (APA). He has also served in various leadership roles including as representative for Div. 40 to the APA Council of Representatives; a founding editor of Neuropsychology Review and an editorial board member for many scientific journals such as JINS and Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology; and as one of the first examiners for the American Board of Professional Psychology- Clinical Neuropsychology. He is a fellow of National Academy of Neuropsychology, American Psychopathological Association, and the APA Divisions 12, 18, and 40. His contributions have been widely acknowledged and examples include the Distinguished Lifetime Contribution to Neuropsychology Award, Nelson Butters Award, and the Distinguished Service Award from the National Academy of Neuropsychology, the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary’s Award, and the International Neuropsychological Society Distinguished Career Award.
Based on these extensive and significant contributions to clinical neuropsychology for over 60 years, it is with great honor that Goldstein be presented with the American Psychological Association’s Presidential Citation.