The role of glutamate in my professional life: from molecular neuroplasticity to the relief of suffering

This invited address is offered in celebration of the career of Dr. William T. Greenough, especially the mentorship aspect of this illustrious career. It details how glutamate has been a thread throughout my professional career, including in my training with Bill. Our investigations of the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in synaptic plasticity, specifically in relation to the fragile-X mental retardation protein, are described. I then discuss how glutamate has played a role in my current professional life as a psychiatrist working in palliative care. Finally, I end with some words about how the training I received from Bill has had, and continues to have, an impact on my professional development.