Wayne Fenton, MD was a director at the National Institute of Mental Health. He played a pivotal role in shaping effective clinical trials for mental illness. His understanding of what mattered in the real world informed NIMH research programs fostered initiatives that promoted practical and effective mental health treatments.

Dr. Fenton also develop a middle school curriculum designed to reduce the stigma about mental illness. After participating in the curriculum more kids endorsed a statement that they would seek help if they thought they had a mental illness. This was an important initiative targeting an important age group.