Michael Peterson, MD, PhD

  • Psychiatry (Inpatient Hospitalist)

About

Michael Peterson, MD, is a UW Health psychiatrist and the director of hospital psychiatric services at University Hospital. He’s also a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Dr. Peterson cares for patients who are in the emergency department or have been admitted to the hospital. He provides consultations and treats patients with acute and complex psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Peterson specializes in psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and other medical causes of psychosis. He has a research interest in the connections between sleep and psychiatric disorders.

He approaches patient care the way he would want his friends and family to be treated. Dr. Peterson believes that it is critical to hear the patient's story and concerns so he can understand where they are coming from, and how to best help them. He explains that this is particularly important in the field of psychiatry where there is still significant stigma and lack of access to care.

Outside of work, Dr. Peterson enjoys spending time outdoors, including cycling, cross-country skiing and hiking.

I am passionate about treating some of the most prevalent and severe conditions that affect people's lives and trying to understand some of the many unanswered questions about how the brain functions.

Languages spoken
  • English
University affiliation

Education & credentials

Board certifications
  • Psychiatry
Medical School
  • Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
Fellowships
  • University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI
Residencies
  • University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison, WI