News

Ben Lee Named Visiting Professor at University of Florida

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

We're excited to share that our chair, Hochang Ben Lee, MD, has been named a visiting professor at the University of Florida's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Funded by Florida's Behavioral Health Teaching Hospital Bill, this visiting professorship will support Florida's efforts to develop programs that increase the behavioral health workforce in the state of Florida as well as improve access to psychiatric care for its citizens. 

Dr. Lee will be providing valuable mentorship to junior faculty while informing the development and expansion of Consultation-Liasion Psychiatry clinical programs at the University of Florida, including: 

•    Providing valuable mentorship to junior faculty in the UF Division of C-L Psychiatry.
•    Strategizing with key stakeholders within the UF Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences on initiatives to expand psychiatric service provision in cost-effective ways.
•    Fostering collaboration between the UF Division of C-L Psychiatry and the UF Organ Transplant and Oncology Divisions on clinical and research programs.

Blue Elevator Renovations

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Beginning 9/30, we will begin an upgrade of the Blue Elevators in the Mental Health and Wellness wing. This project will take approximately six months. 

During the project, only one car will be replaced, leaving the other car operational. We will be starting with a replacement of the right elevator car which is expected to take 12 weeks before moving on with replacing the left car. 

During this project, please expect delays in response times from the elevator. For people needing access between the basement to the first floor of Psychiatry, please be aware of the elevator in the 8100 hallway.

William (Bill) Brien Named Assistant Director of Business Administration in Addictions & Geriatric Divisions

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

On October 1st, William (Bill) Brien will start in the role of Assistant Director of Business Administration in our Divisions of Addictions Psychiatry and Geriatric Mental Health and Memory Care. This position will support the fiscal management and administrative operations of both Divisions, including the following: 

• The Addiction Psychiatry Division’s academic and clinical components which include all the Strong Recovery clinics (Opioid Treatment Program, Substance Use in Primary Care, Adult Chemical Dependency, and Adolescent/Young Adult)  
• The Geriatrics Mental Health and Memory Care Division’s academic and clinical components which include Older Adults, Memory Care, Alzheimer and Dementia Care, Capacity Clinic, and Telepsych Program

Bill’s experience includes years of management including serving in senior leadership roles at several human services and healthcare organizations. During this time, he has enjoyed “working with good people who do meaningful things that positively impact others.” Most recently, he was at the Children's Institute as the Director of Finance and Administration. His prior work included implementing strategies and projects with medical practices to support their transformation toward patient-centered care models. This work included mentoring and coaching practice leaders and staff; team building; selecting and implementing quality initiatives and developing the capacity to use data to drive improvement. Earlier in his career, he worked in behavioral health at Rochester Regional Health and served as an Executive Director of two non-profit organizations.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from William Penn College and master’s degree from the State University of New York College at Brockport. Bill also studied health policy at D’Youville College and has received training in Organizational Leadership and Lean Six Sigma. Bill enjoys basketball, golf, and riding his bike along the Auburn Trail. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Tina, their two daughters and six grandchildren.

We are very excited to have him as part of the Adult Ambulatory Services Administrative team!  

New Psychiatry Division Emphasizes Addiction Research, Education

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

The Department of Psychiatry is tackling the dramatic rise in mental health and substance use disorders with the creation of an academic Division of Addiction Psychiatry to expand care and bolster research and education.

UR Medicine’s nationally recognized Recovery Center of Excellence is housed within this new division and leading the way by implementing hot-off-the-press addiction prevention strategies while partnering with rural communities across the country to increase support and prevent opioid overdoses, said Division Chief Caroline Easton, PhD (pictured at right). 

Blending cognitive behavioral therapies with cutting-edge digital tools will fortify our programs for patients, scientists, and learners as we collaborate with the NIH and FDA in developing more evidence-based digital tools to promote access to care for clients with addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

“Using the biopsychosocial model, we’re strengthening our holistic care for clients with substance use and other addiction disorders by offering wrap-around services with translational research components,” Easton said. She joined the faculty earlier this year and also serves as the department’s director of digital therapeutics. (Learn more about Easton here.)

Faculty, fellows, and interns will study standard and emerging treatment approaches including motivational enhanced therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, biofeedback, music and art therapy, and mindful meditation, along with Afro-centric interventions and programs for Spanish-speaking individuals. Patients may benefit from a comfort robot and interactive avatar-targeted therapies.

“Establishing a division dedicated to addiction psychiatry builds upon our legacy of leadership in psychiatric medicine and care,” said Hochang B. Lee, MD, (pictured at right) chair and the John Romano Professor of Psychiatry. “The innovations in care, research and education continue our legacy of supporting tomorrow’s leaders in the field.”

The new division will encompass all outpatient addiction services and programs, some of which will shift from the Community Psychiatry Division. However, there will be no visible change for patients, as clinical care remains under the Strong Recovery brand.

Easton and Myra Mathis, MD, (pictured at right) director of the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, are working to increase enrollment to meet the growing demand for substance use disorder interventions. 

The department, which recently celebrated its 75^th anniversary, leads one of Monroe County’s two opioid treatment programs, has the region's only ACGME-accredited addiction psychiatry fellowship and, with the Warner School, developed an advanced certificate program in substance use disorder counseling. And, working with the regional psychology consortium, the division trains five psychology interns at clinical sites.

“We’ll be able to attract top talent because we have a unique and sophisticated system to support their career advancement,” Mathis said.

University Honors Two Teams, One Individual from Medical Center with Meliora Awards

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

The University of Rochester recently honored the 2024 recipients of the President’s Staff Awards at a reception at Helen Wood Hall on June 27. The annual President’s Staff Awards—the Meliora Award, Witmer Award for Distinguished Service, Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award, and the Staff Community Service Award—recognize employees whose innovative leadership, dedication, and sustained contributions have had a positive impact on the University of Rochester and the community. A new digital display on the River Campus and at the Medical Center will also recognize the winners.

Read More: University Honors Two Teams, One Individual from Medical Center with Meliora Awards

Hispanic American Champions Changing the Landscape of Health Equity

Friday, September 13, 2024

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15, highlighting the vast contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of our country. Telva Olivares, MD was among the  Hispanic American champions highlighted by the Center for Community Health & Prevention for making a positive difference in community-identified priority health issues and inequities impacting the Rochester and Finger Lakes region. These changemakers are just a handful of Hispanic American leaders moving the needle across our institution. 

Read More: Hispanic American Champions Changing the Landscape of Health Equity

How To Deal with Political Stress

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

UR Newsroom: Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide Anthony R. Pisani, PhD, offers tips on managing stress during election seasons.

Read More: How To Deal with Political Stress

Caroline Easton: Integrating AI and compassion in addiction therapy

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Family values lead to technological innovation for a Rochester professor transforming addiction psychiatry.

A professor of psychiatry and the academic division chief of addiction psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, she’s merging cognitive behavioral therapy with cutting-edge digital tools to provide holistic care for those battling substance abuse. Her desire to give back, combined with the limitless potential of AI, is already making an impact, with a long runway of promise ahead.

Read More: Caroline Easton: Integrating AI and compassion in addiction therapy

New Leadership in Adult Inpatient Services

Friday, September 6, 2024

​​​Please join us in welcoming Kyle Rodenbach, MD to his new role as Medical Director of our Adult Inpatient Services.

Dr. Rodenbach attended medical school at the University of Rochester, graduating in 2016. He completed residency training at UPMC in Pittsburgh in 2020. Following graduation, he was an attending at the Univ of Wisconsin Madison on an inpatient psychiatric unit while also providing ECT and consult services, and teaching residents and students. Dr. Rodenbach joined our department last year where he became a valued member of the CPEP team as an attending working with high acuity patients. With his interest and experience in working with acutely and severely mentally ill patients as well as teaching, he transitioned in March of this year to the inpatient service as Associate Medical Director and teaching attending to the resident team. His passion, experience, and commitment to caring for those we serve and educating our residents make him an invaluable asset to our inpatient team and the Adult/Acute Psychiatry Division.

High Stakes, Higher Risks: Can Sports Betting Be Addictive?

Thursday, September 5, 2024

UR Medicine Newsroom: Dr. Myra Mathis, Clinical Chief of the Addiction Psychiatry Division and Medical Director of Strong Recovery, provides warning signs of gambling addiction and how to help yourself or others. 

Read More: High Stakes, Higher Risks: Can Sports Betting Be Addictive?

EAP Blog | Back to School: Preventing Bullying at School

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

School starts this month. Many parents worry about bullying in school. In the new EAP blog post, read steps that may help a child build confidence in speaking and develop resilience. 

Read More: EAP Blog | Back to School: Preventing Bullying at School

Two New Starts in Psychiatry

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

We are excited to announce two new additions to our department! 

Paula VanMinos, EdD has joined Psychiatry as the Assistant Director of Business Administration for Education and Faculty Affairs. In this new role, she will oversee all administrative operations and the teams supporting our education/training programs such as the Skills Lab and the Psych Tech Group. She will also have oversight of the Faculty Support Office operations and team. Paula joins us from Jordan Health, where she has been the Finance and Grant Administration Director since 2021.  She also has previous administrator experience working for UMRC at Highland Family Medicine and the Finance department. Paula obtained her Doctor of Education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership from the University of Rochester Warner School of Education in 2014. We are thrilled to now have Paula with her expertise in the role.  She will work directly with the department’s Associate Chair of Education, Tziporah Rosenberg and the Associate Chair of Faculty Affairs, Carol Podgorski.  Please join me in welcoming Paula back to URMC and to the Department of Psychiatry. 

Shaun Lewis is our new Sr. Customer Technology Specialist starting 9/1/24.  In this role he will oversee the Skills Lab and supervise the Psych Tech Group.  Shaun comes to us from URMC's Learning and Development department where he was the Sr. Analyst Programmer/Internet and Digital Technology Program Manager since 2022 and in other tech support roles since 2013. Shaun obtained his Bachelor of Art in Music Industry from the State University of New York College at Oneonta.  He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of audio/visual technology as well instructional design. Shaun will be a part of the Education arm of the department and will report directly to Paula. Please join me in welcoming him to the Department of Psychiatry. 

School Year Stress: Acing the Back-to-School Season

Friday, August 30, 2024

UR Medicine Newsroom: The beginning of the school year brings busy schedules, routine adjustments, and—for many—lots of stress. Being prepared, mindful, and having the necessary tools to organize your family routines can help reduce your stress and anxiety.

Read More: School Year Stress: Acing the Back-to-School Season

2024 URMFG Innovation Grantees: Creating Deaf Equity in Behavioral Health Assessment

Friday, August 30, 2024

The Deaf population reports higher rates of behavioral health problems including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Rochester, NY is home to one of the largest Deaf communities in the world but, even here, Deaf individuals still struggle for access to healthcare.

UR Medicine promotes biopsychosocial care via routine screenings outside of behavioral health clinics (e.g., primary care); however, these screenings are only available in written English and Spanish, excluding many Deaf patients given the community median reading level of 4th grade.

Deaf patients are less likely to receive routine screenings due to communication barriers, and the lack of measures available in American Sign Language (ASL). In addition, relevant Deaf cultural factors (e.g., acculturative stress) are rarely assessed nor integrated into care.

Despite URMC being a leader in Deaf health, ASL-translated behavioral health screening measures are not available and are needed to improve identification, referral, and intervention for our Deaf patients. This gap represents an opportunity to optimize care for Deaf patients that could also serve as a model nationwide to reduce health disparities. This quality improvement project will develop an ASL behavioral health assessment toolkit. 

Health Equity Pilot Awards Fund Research Projects Focused on Violence Prevention and Caregiver Support

Friday, August 23, 2024

The Office of Health Equity Research’s “Pilot Studies in Health Equity” award supports research in the Office’s key community-identified priority areas: safe and healthy housing, prevention of mental health and substance use disorders, prevention of gun violence, prevention of re-incarceration, and prevention and management of chronic diseases.

This year, the Office of Health Equity Research (OHER), part of the Center for Community Health & Prevention (CCHP) at the University of Rochester Medical Center, is proud to fund two research projects in these critical areas.

“We are excited to offer these awards for the second year and to be able to support such meaningful research that will impact our community for years to come,” said Edith Williams, MS, PhD, director of the CCHP and founding director of OHER.

Intergenerational Mentoring to Promote Healthier and Safer Communities

Violence and the resulting trauma are leading causes of morbidity and mortality across the lifespan, disproportionately impacting under-served, urban communities. For older adults, violence in the community can lead to isolation and loneliness, which are often linked to a decreased quality of life and overall well-being. With funding from the Pilot Study in Health Equity Award, Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD, principal investigator (PI) and Kimberly Van Orden, PhD (Co-I and mentor), will work to reduce community violence by promoting intergenerational social connection.

Nichols-Hadeed is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry (URSMD) and co-directs both the Firearm Injury Prevention Program and Geriatric Forensic Psychiatry Program. Van Orden leads the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Helping Older People Engage (HOPE) lab, co-directs the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, and directs the Department of Psychiatry’s CSPS NRSA T32 fellowship.

 Their project, “Intergenerational Mentoring to Promote Healthier & Safer Communities,” is grounded in academic-community partnership, with scientific and clinical expertise in healthy aging, community-partnered research, and community violence prevention. Goals include developing an intergenerational “Community Conversations” program aimed at older adults and youth, creating training manuals and training experiences for older adult mentors, refining curriculum, and piloting the program to examine effectiveness.

The funding provided by OHER will build on existing work supported by a Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM award) and established community partner relationships to ensure sustainability and responsiveness to community needs.

“We are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to continue this work and bring more attention to the importance of healthy aging across the lifespan while addressing the prominent health crisis of community violence,” shared Nichols-Hadeed. “We look forward to being able to share what we learn with our community.”

Building Social Connections for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia from Underserved Communities

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are 6.9 million Americans living with dementia in the United States (2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures). The majority of persons with dementia are cared for by unpaid family members. Health inequities and the lack of access to clinical care and support can make caregiving more challenging for Black caregivers from underserved communities. With limited support, these caregivers may experience significant social disconnectedness and loneliness that is often associated with negative physical and mental health.

Sandhya Seshadri, PhD, MA, MS (PI), assistant professor of Neurology and associate director of research in the Neuropalliative Care division of the Department of Neurology, Paula Amina Alio, PhD, (Co-I) professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and associate professor of Clinical Nursing in the School of Nursing, and Benzi M. Kluger, MD, MS, the Julius, Helen and Robert Fine Professor of Neurology (Co-I) will use funds awarded by the OHER Pilot Study, co-funded by the University of Rochester Aging Institute (URAI), to build social connections and decrease social isolation and loneliness among Black caregivers by developing an intervention that is scalable across marginalized Black communities.

The project, “Building Social Connections for Caregivers of Persons with Dementia from Underserved Communities,” aims to:

• Understand the social needs, and experiences of isolation and loneliness among Black caregivers of persons living with dementia.
• Co-develop an intervention, entitled “Congregational Compassionate Care (CCC) for Black caregivers of persons living with dementia.”

Also involved in the research is community partner Reverend Phyllis Jackson, RN, founder of the Interdenominational Health Ministry Coalition. At the community level, faith-based institutions and churches have historically played an important role in addressing public health issues and providing support to Black families. These groups, however, have not been involved in partnerships with researchers in the design and implementation of interventions to support caregivers of persons living with dementia. A large focus of this project will be the collaboration between healthcare researchers and congregations, fostering a sense of ownership of the intervention among community and congregational leaders.

“The Interdenominational Health Ministry is excited to participate in this project,” shared Reverend Jackson. “The more compassionate care we can provide Black and Brown caregivers who are struggling with these issues, the better positioned we are to help them maintain their mind, body, and spirit wellness. This project is ministry in action for us.”

“We are delighted to receive the OHER Pilot Study award,” said Seshadri. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to address the issues of social isolation and loneliness among dementia caregivers in the City of Rochester. By collaborating with Reverend Jackson, we will be best prepared to develop an intervention that meets the needs of these caregivers and well poised to apply for funding for a larger study through the National Institute of Health’s National Institute on Aging.”

“The UR Aging Institute is delighted to partner with the Office of Health Equity Research to fund new research initiatives in support of aging and health equity,” shared Annette (Annie) Medina-Walpole, MD, URAI director and chief of the Division of Geriatrics & Aging.

“Both pilot grants illustrate the importance of social connections in older adults. With the ever-rising number of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, improving social connections and combatting loneliness in caregivers is both timely and critical. Ms. Nichols-Hadeed’s research around building social connections through an intergenerational program to prevent community violence is equally important to URAI and will no doubt have a lasting impact.”

Health Equity Research Core Investigators affiliated with OHER are eligible to apply for these pilot grants. The grant program is currently co-sponsored by OHER, the University of Rochester Aging Institute, and the Environmental Health Science Center/Institute of Human Health and Environment. 

The Pilot Studies in Health Equity award will open again in January 2025. OHER can fund up to five proposals depending on participating co-sponsors and the merit of applications received. Researchers interested in affiliating with OHER are encouraged to contact oher@urmc.rochester.edu.

John "Jack" McIntyre, MD Receives 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Earlier this spring, Dr. John "Jack" McIntyre, MD was presented with the URMC Department of Psychiatry's 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award. Dr. McIntyre graduated from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1967 and completed his residency in the URMC Department of Psychiatry in 1973 followed by a fellowship in Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky. Dr. McIntyre has published research in multiple periodicals including The American Journal of Psychiatry, Schizophrenia Research, and The American Journal of Psychiatry. 

"Dr. Jack McIntyre embodies the essence of compassionate and insightful psychiatric care," says Hochang Ben Lee, MD, John Romano Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry, "Jack embodies Rochester Psychiatry, and his footprints looms large across all mental health services in our region. His work as the President of the American Psychiatric Association (1993-1994) also reflected his profound dedication and unwavering commitment to mentally ill patients' well-being. Jack has been a standout alumnus and advocate for UR Psychiatry for decades. His innovative approach and empathetic nature are truly inspiring and invaluable to both fellow alumni and current trainees." 

Read More: John "Jack" McIntyre, MD Receives 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

Enhancing care with Proactive Integrated Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (PICLP)

Monday, August 19, 2024

Ben Lee, MD, was a member of the Home Study team to assess the effects of enhancing older inpatients’ care with Proactive Integrated Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (PICLP).  Read the full article below. 

Sharpe, M., Walker, J., van Niekerk, M., Toynbee, M., Magill, N., Frost, C., ... & Yousif, M. (2024). Proactive integrated consultation-liaison psychiatry and time spent in hospital by older medical inpatients in England (The HOME Study): a multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Psychiatry.

Read More: Enhancing care with Proactive Integrated Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (PICLP)

A New Chapter for Kate Cerulli

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

​As of July 1st, Kate Cerulli, JD, PhD retired from her role as Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Susan B. Anthony Center. During her 20+ years with our department, she founded the Laboratory of Interpersonal Violence and Victimization and the Healing through Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law Collaborative while shaping our current focus on translating scientific research into practical solutions for those facing challenges in meeting their social determinants of health. As she moves into semi-retirement and a part-time role with Mt. Hope Family Center, we hope you join us in congratulating Dr. Cerulli on this new chapter! 

Panic Attacks vs. Heart Attacks: Understanding the Differences

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

UR Medicine Newsroom: Can a panic attack feel like a heart attack? Oftentimes, yes. Panic attacks are alarming because the symptoms can mirror a life-threatening heart attack.

Read More: Panic Attacks vs. Heart Attacks: Understanding the Differences

Incorporating Reliable and Ethical AI into Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

Monday, August 12, 2024

UR Medicine Newsroom: Caroline Easton, PhD, professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), has leveraged AI to fine-tune an app that uses avatar coaches to guide patients through cognitive behavioral therapy. 

Read More: Incorporating Reliable and Ethical AI into Medical Diagnosis and Treatment

BHP Blog: Managing Anxiety Related to World Events

Friday, August 9, 2024

Behavioral Health Partners Blog
By Marianne Wink, RHIT, CPC, CRC (retired)

There have been many critical events in the past years that have us all on edge. You are not alone in managing thoughts and anxiety related to the effects of the pandemic, the multiple wars in other countries, or politics. These events affect all of us in different ways. The important thing is to understand what you can control and what you cannot. The following suggestions may help you gain and retain perspective in your everyday life in order to reduce anxiety.

Read More: BHP Blog: Managing Anxiety Related to World Events

Rochester Review: Doctors, patients, algorithms, and avatars

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Clinicians, computer scientists, and ethicists are working across the University of Rochester to incorporate reliable and ethical AI into medical diagnosis and treatment.

Caroline Easton, PhD is the Medical Center’s academic chief of addictions psychiatry and director of digital therapeutics for the Department of Psychiatry. Her use of AI in therapies illustrates one facet of AI’s transformative power in medicine and health care. This story appears in the summer 2024 issue of Rochester Review, the magazine of the University of Rochester.

Read More: Rochester Review: Doctors, patients, algorithms, and avatars

YoUR Support Team wins the 2024 Meliora Award

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

The YoUR Support Team wins the 2024 Meliora Award, recognizing their exceptional contributions to staff well-being since their inception in 2013. The team, consisting of approximately 25 volunteers, offers emotional support to staff experiencing work-related trauma, known as Second Victim Syndrome, through a structured, multi-layered approach. Adapting the Critical Incident Stress Management framework, they provide interventions such as "demobilize, defuse, and debrief" tailored for healthcare settings. Their work spans various departments, ensuring no staff member feels isolated after critical incidents. Demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and accountability, the team shares their model regionally and nationally, contributing to conferences and publications. They embody URMC’s ICARE values by promoting inclusion, compassion, and respect, fostering a supportive work environment, and enhancing staff resilience and well-being.

Photo: L-R, University President Sarah Mangelsdorf, Janine Rowe (Co-leader, YoUR Support), Jaclyn Wilmarth, (Co-leader, YoUR Support), and Kathleen Gallucci, University Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

A Bittersweet Transition

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

​It is with mixed emotions that we share that Steve Fasone, Founding Director of our Psychiatry Technology Group, has made the very exciting decision to retire this summer, winding down his full-time time with us on July 26, 2024. 

Some words from Tziporah Rosenberg, PhD and Patrick Seche, MS, CASAC: 

It’s not hard to feel at least a LITTLE better about this departure when you see his face light up about moving closer to family, leaning into his most important role as grandfather, and his appreciation of the wisdom that all good things eventually must give way to other goodness. 
 
I’ve heard spontaneous platitudes about his imprint on the very fabric of this Department, grief about how we will manage without him and his many gifts, and plenty of stories that I will be sure we save for when we celebrate this milestone with him. Steve started at the University in 1981 and worked with the Medical Center Media team (the group now known as the Center for Experiential Learning) until 1993. And after a brief time out of state, he returned to Rochester, and joined our Department in 2000. I’m sure he singlehandedly (or rather, with his expert team!) saved us all from Y2K. 
 
To say “his impact on our Department is indelible”, is an enormous understatement. He has visioned, supported, built, installed, maintained, staffed, produced, polished, updated, refined, modernized, designed, tested, re-tested, and, honestly, perfected countless efforts spanning Education, DICE, Office of Mental Health Promotion, and all of the major events, to-do’s, conferences, and celebrations of our Department as a whole. He has partnered across departmental boundaries, supported scholarly and educational efforts through our Skills Lab and every one of our training programs, mentored work-study students, supervised and mentored a robust staff of talented technicians and generous and talented humans over the years. He has been perhaps among the most unsung heroes across all of our Department’s core missions, a masterful educator, team member, and all-around MVP. 
 
All the ways we do what we do now with technology, with relative ease and routine, are because of Steve and his leadership. Among his many gifts has long been to take something seemingly complex and flustering and bringing even the most fearful end user or teacher or presenter along to a place of confidence. He has been ahead of the curve countless times, has served as a trendsetter to others across the Medical Center, and has been a simply exemplar innovator, for which we are all unimaginably lucky. 
 
We will be hosting a celebration for Steve to honor his contributions and upcoming transition later in July. And while part of him may know how loved he is, I encourage you to connect with him to let him know it. We are delighted that he has also agreed to do some TAR work after he leaves Rochester and as we endeavor to bolster our Psych Tech group with some new members.

Celebrating Graduates at Key Day

Monday, July 1, 2024

In June, we celebrated Key Day, our annual ceremony highlighting our newest class of graduates from our education programs. In addition, we also recognized several trainees and faculty/staff/ and friends for their work in research, care, and education respectively.

A big congratulations to all those graduating this year! We're so excited to have been part of your journey and can't wait to see your next steps!

Residency Receives Special Endowed Gift

Friday, June 28, 2024

Thanks to the visionary generosity of Teresa Miller, MD, ’83M (Res) and John Goeke, the Dr. Teresa R. Miller Psychiatry Resident Wellness Fund was recently established in the Department of Psychiatry. “Feeling grateful for my training as a psychiatry resident at the University of Rochester, John and I decided to make this gift to provide support for the next generation of practitioners,” says Miller. “My residency was instrumental in teaching me the importance of the mind-body connection which I have integrated into my private practice over my entire career.” The intent of this thoughtful gift is to enhance the well-being of current and future generations of psychiatrists, and contribute to healthier, more resilient mental health practitioners.

The proceeds from the endowment are intended to allow psychiatry residents to attend the annual Mindful Practice in Medicine Retreat developed by the University of Rochester’s Ronald Epstein, MD and Mick Krasner, MD which Miller attended in 2019. She felt it gave her and the other healthcare practitioners in attendance opportunities to bond over the stresses of practicing medicine. They also acquired tools to restore equilibrium and allow them to flourish. This year, two residents attended the Retreat, one of whom was Liliana Luna-Nelson, MD, who remarked, “The Mindful Practice in Medicine Core Workshop was inspiring, restorative, and transformative. I continue to revisit daily what we explored there. It profoundly informs my personal and professional life with more grace, flexibility, and empathy towards patients, colleagues, and myself.”

Department Chair, Ben Lee, MD shared, “I am deeply grateful for this insightful contribution Terry and John have made to support our young trainees for generations to come. I feel that knowing someone is caring for and thinking about their well-being will be an incredible boost to morale.”

Miller was supported throughout her career by Goeke’s involvement as a partner and office manager in her practice. He adds, “By providing resources and support for psychiatry residents to cultivate mindfulness and prioritize their own wellness, we are not only investing in their individual well-being but also in the quality of care they will provide to their patients throughout their careers.”

About creating the endowment, Miller expressed, “This whole process has been illuminating for me and has helped me stay connected to the University of Rochester, which is very important. My hope is for those who might benefit from it. I am excited that it will continue for generations to come.”

In turn, the Department of Psychiatry is grateful for Miller and Goeke’s generosity and their unwavering dedication to the future of mental health care. This endowment represents a commitment to the holistic health of those who dedicate their lives to the well-being of others. It's a testament to the belief that by nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of psychiatry residents, we can create a ripple effect that positively impacts countless lives.

Golisano Children’s Hospital Opens New Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

On June 26th, we cut the ribbon on the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center, the region's FIRST walk-in mental health clinic for young people! 

Thank you to the Brighter Days Foundation and many donors who contributed to this center, which will provide care for children and adolescents 18 and under without a prior appointment. Thank you also to West Herr Ford of Rochester for their donation of a dedicated vehicle for children and families identified by the triage team as lacking transportation to the clinic.

Missed the ribbon cutting? You can view the recording here! 

The center officially opens on July 15th! Learn more about the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center here or check out some of the local news coverage of this event! 

• URMC Newsroom 
• First Pediatric Mental Health Clinic in Upstate NY Opens Its Doors
• Golisano Children’s Hospital Opens Region’s first Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care
• New Pediatric Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center Comes to Rochester
• 'The Only One in Our Region': First Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Opens in Upstate New York
• New Mental Health Urgent Care Clinic for Children Will Accept Walk-ins
• URMC Opening Region's First Walk-in Mental Health Urgent Care Center for Kids in July
• Walk-in Mental Health Clinic for Kids to Open at Golisano Children’s Hospital
• Pediatric Mental Health Center at URMC Seeks to Support Children at a Time of Crisis

2024 Creatively Connecting Summer Showcase

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Thank you for joining us for the 2024 Creatively Connecting Summer Showcase. Sponsored by the Department of Psychiatry Residency Program featuring performances from members of the Department of Psychiatry. 

Registration for July Sessions of 2024 Summer Brown Bag Series Now Open

Monday, June 24, 2024

Registration is now open for the July 10th – 31st sessions of our 2024 Summer Brown Bag Series. Join speakers every Wednesday starting at noon throughout the summer to learn about inequities surrounding our communities through a diverse lens. CEU and CMEs are available. 

Read More: Registration for July Sessions of 2024 Summer Brown Bag Series Now Open

Representing UR Medicine Mental Health and Wellness at the Stroll for Strong Kids

Friday, June 14, 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Golisano Children's Hospital's Stroll for Strong Kids or contributed to our Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness's fundraising efforts

Together, we raised $2,333.70 to support mental health services for youth in our community. This was the 10th anniversary of having our Behavioral Health Activities Station at the event. Thanks to the creativity of staff, faculty, and parent volunteers, we had wonderful activities related to this year’s theme of Pirates and Mermaids - including Treasure Box Coping Kits and Under the Sea Sensory Bottles. 

 

 

Our Firearm Injury Prevention Program (FIPP) team also joined the Stroll in support of preventing firearm injury and safe firearm storage

Join your Mental Health Colleagues at the Pride Parade on July 20th

Friday, June 14, 2024

URMC encourages broad institution-wide attendance at the Pride Parade this year. Sign up to attend the Pride Parade in Rochester on July 20 and support our LGBTQ+ community.  Members of the URMC community will line up between 9:30 and 10:30 and march at 11. Free swag items will be available. Hope to see you there!

Read More: Join your Mental Health Colleagues at the Pride Parade on July 20th

Can Adults Have ADHD?

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Untreated and undiagnosed ADHD can lead to everyday struggles. UR Medicine’s Michael Scharf, MD, explains how ADHD symptoms vary from childhood to adulthood and shares the best ways to seek diagnosis and treatment as an adult.

Read More: Can Adults Have ADHD?

Michelle Russo Joins Psychiatry Education Team

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Michelle Russo to Psychiatry and our Education team as our new Administrator for Graduate Medical Education (GME) and Undergraduate Medical Education. In this role, she will support and oversee the coordinators of our GME/LCME programs, interfacing with and supporting our training directors from a regulatory and reporting perspective, liaising with our GME office, our Department administration, the Associate Chair for Education, as well as ensuring the health, vitality, and growth of our GME team. 

Michelle joins us after developing her skills in several GME programs, most recently the Cardiothoracic Surgery program here at URMC, as well as Pediatrics. She also comes with program management experience, a deep desire to learn and contribute to our Departmental learning environment, and a highly effective interpersonal and relational leadership style. 

URMC Psychiatry Research Highlighted in Conferences

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

• A December 2023 publication, "Heterogeneity of Response to Methylphenidate in Apathetic Patients in the ADMET 2 Trial," coauthored by Anton Pjetur Porsteinsson, MD was recently awarded the 2024 Publication of the Year Award by the International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Neuropsychiatric Syndromes PIA. The team is invited to present their work is invited during the in-person PIA Day in Philadelphia in July. 
• Tyler Fleming, DO, MPH presented at the American Academy of Psychodynamic Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis a roundtable entitled 'The use of the novel and musical in psychodynamic formulation in graduate medical education'.
• Arielle Sheftall, PhD's presentation on discrepancies in reporting between parents and youth on suicidal behavior was recently accepted for the biennial European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behavior. She will be presenting at the conference in Rome in August.
• Jennifer West, PhD presented at the annual American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association meeting in Denver on Project RISE: Reduction in secondhand smoke exposure for patients with craniofacial differences. (first author Colette Stenz, PsyD).
• Jennifer West, PhD, Kristin Holderle, PhD, and Wendi Cross, PhD recently presented at the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers in Albuquerque "From crisis to community commitment: A three-part social justice initiative."
• Jennifer West, PhD and Micheal Scharf, MD also were co-authors on a poster presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in Toronto in May: Addressing social determinants of health in youth and young adult victims of firearm violence. (first author Crystal Craig)
• Jennifer West, PhD and Kristin Holderle, PhD  presented at the biennial conference of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers in Albuquerque a poster, "From crisis to community commitment: A three-part social justice initiative"
• Myra Mathis, MD co-presented two sessions at the American Psychiatric Association's Annual Meeting:  "Telemedicine and Addiction Treatment: The potential implications for marginalized populations (In Relation to the Ryan Haight Act)" and "Pregnancy & Buprenorphine: To offer or not offer, that is the question"
• Ellen-ge Denton, PsyD, MS will be chairing the upcoming Youth Suicide Research Consortium Fifth Annual Conference. This year's theme is Youth Suicide Research Among Understudied Groups Around the Globe: Insights, Directions and Opportunities. Click here to register for this free event! 

In addition to these faculty achievements, Sungsu Lee, MD, PhD, Grace Ro, MD, and Jaewon Lee, MD, MPH, residents in our Psychiatry Residency Program, presented at the American Psychiatric Association's Annual Meeting in May. 

Last but not least, Dakota Daniels and Allan Sikh, Human Subjects Research Coordinators at the Sheftall Lab, presented at the Suicide Research Symposium in late April, the ABCT student conference, and the Youth Suicide Research Consortium Conference.

New Program Will Promote Firearm Safety as a Public Health Issue

Monday, June 3, 2024

Firearm Injury Prevention Program (FIPP) will provide gun safety education to the community

A newly established UR Medicine program led by Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD & Jennifer West, PhD, will collaborate with healthcare providers, community agencies, and residents across Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region to find effective ways to prevent suicides and other intentional or accidental injuries and deaths related to firearms.  

Read More: New Program Will Promote Firearm Safety as a Public Health Issue