Messias was previously appointed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences—College of Medicine (UAMS). He was Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Professor of Psychiatry, tenured in the College of Medicine, Professor of Epidemiology in the College of Public Health, and Program Director for the Baptist-UAMS psychiatry residency program. He also founded and served as editor in chief of the UAMS literary journal “Medicine and Meaning.”
Messias received his M.D. from the Federal University of Ceará—Brazil and practiced family medicine in rural areas before moving to Baltimore. He completed a residency in general psychiatry at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Program, working at the leading Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. He also completed a residency in preventive medicine at Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health. Additionally, he earned his Ph.D. in Psychiatric Epidemiology and his M.P.H. at Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Messias has held academic appointments at Johns Hopkins University, the Federal University of Ceará, the Medical College of Georgia, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He also served as Vice President and Medical Director at Beacon Health Options Arkansas, overseeing the treatment of Medicaid recipients of behavioral healthcare in the state. In addition, Dr. Messias has lectured extensively on the topics of positive psychology/psychiatry and diversity, equity and inclusion.