Alexandre Y. Dombrovski, MD
Board-Certified Psychiatrist
Dr. Alexandre Y. Dombrovski is a board-certified psychiatrist and partner at Pittsburgh Psychiatry. He is also a Professor of Psychiatry and the Pittsburgh Foundation Professor in Brain and Mind Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He takes care of patients with difficult-to-treat depression, anxiety, neurocognitive disorders such as dementia and attention deficit/hyperactivity.
Clinical Expertise & Approach
Dr. Dombrovski’s clinical practice is informed by his research on how people learn, adapt, and make decisions under uncertainty. By investigating the underlying brain computations that drive behavior, he brings a neuroscientifically grounded perspective to his clinical work.
He helps patients understand their symptoms through the lens of learning theory and decision-making. A major theme in his practice involves helping patients navigate the "exploration/exploitation dilemma"—the tradeoff between sticking with familiar routines versus taking risks to find potentially better options. By applying these insights, Dr. Dombrovski helps patients understand how their learning styles shape their mood, influence their behavior, and explain difficulties they may experience in social interactions.
Education, Training, and Awards
Dr. Dombrovski earned his medical degree with distinction from the Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy. He completed his residency in Psychiatry—serving as Chief Resident—and a fellowship in Geriatric Psychiatry at Western Psychiatric Hospital, University of Pittsburgh. He has been a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2007.
Throughout his career, Dr. Dombrovski has been recognized for his contributions to clinical research and education. He is an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI). His honors include the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Research Award, the NCDEU New Investigator Award, and awards for outstanding teaching and mentorship at Western Psychiatric Hospital.
A note from Dr. Dombrovski
"I listen to my patients and work with them patiently following a strategic, scientific approach. I help people realize their potential in life by removing the obstacles. My patients and I work together as we decide on priorities and choose among treatments. I am maximally transparent about the promise and potential side effects of any treatment."
"My practice is informed by my research on how people learn, adapt, and make decisions and my clinical approach is grounded in the scientific study of the human brain. I help people understand their problems through the lens of modern scientific theory and current knowledge of our brain and behavior."