Dr. Amy Swift, MD

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Committed to Improving the Lives of Individuals Struggling with Addiction

Dr. Swift, the esteemed Medical Director of Addiction Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York, has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry through her dedication to patient care, research endeavors, and leadership within the hospital.

In her role, she oversees all addiction services within the hospital, including inpatient and outpatient rehab/detox programs, outpatient dual diagnosis services, and admissions. She also plays a pivotal role in teaching courses on motivational interviewing to medical trainees.

When asked about her journey into psychiatry, Dr. Swift shared, “I started as a psych major in college and applied to a PhD program in forensic psychology. I was working on a Forensic Unit and realized that the MD role was more suited to me.” Her passion for helping individuals struggling with addiction led her to pursue a career in addiction psychiatry, where she has made a lasting impact on countless lives.

Pertaining to her educational pursuits, she earned her medical degree from the New York Medical College, and completed both her residency and fellowship at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Her decision to join Mount Sinai Beth Israel was driven by the supportive and collaborative environment she found within the institution. “I walked into MSBI as a med student and I never left,” she noted. “The residents liked each other and had relationships outside of work. The mentors were invested in trainees, and everyone enjoyed coming to work.”

As a leader in the field of addiction psychiatry, Dr. Swift’s research interests focus on the clinical implications of interventions for addicted patients. She is currently mentoring residents on various projects, including exploring the treatment of psychosis in methamphetamine users, addressing disparities in access to dual diagnosis care based on race, and examining the judicious use of benzodiazepines in the outpatient setting.

Outside of her demanding career, she finds solace in spending time with her three children and engaging in activities such as cooking, hiking, and socializing with family and friends. Her compassion extends beyond the hospital walls, as evidenced by her past involvement in fostering over 50 rescue dogs during her residency.

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