10/06/2026
The Governor’s Institute is deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Dr. Stephen A. Wyatt, a longtime friend and champion of addiction medicine, who passed away on September 22, 2026, while traveling abroad with his wife and family.
Dr. Wyatt was a valued advisor and supporter of the Governor’s Institute. He served on the Institute’s Advisory Council for many years and was a recipient of the Dr. Frederick B. Glaser Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the field and his commitment to improving the lives of people affected by substance use disorders.
His impact extended far beyond North Carolina. Dr. Wyatt was a past president of the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine, Director of the MAHEC Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship, a Co-PI and Clinical Expert for the SAMHSA Provider Clinical Support System, and an adjunct clinical faculty member at UNC. He also co-chaired the development of the ASAM Guidelines for Office-Based Opioid Treatment and was instrumental in efforts to reopen osteopathic addiction medicine certification.
For those who knew him, however, Dr. Wyatt was much more than an accomplished physician and leader. He was a generous teacher, a thoughtful colleague, a mentor, and a friend. His quiet leadership, deep expertise, and genuine dedication to patients and the people he taught touched countless lives.
The Governor’s Institute is grateful to have known and worked alongside Steve for so many years. His loss is deeply felt throughout the addiction medicine community and by all of us who were fortunate to call him a friend.
Our hearts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all who loved him. His contributions to our field - and the people he helped along the way - will not be forgotten.
