News
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Janine M. Rowe Promoted to Clinical Director of Westfall Associates and EAP Services
Friday, November 15, 2024
We are excited to announce the promotion of Janine M. Rowe, MSEd., LMHC, CASAC, CEAP, SAP, CCC, NCC, to the role of Clinical Director of Westfall Associates and Employee Assistance Services in the Division of Collaborative Care and Wellness.
Janine joined the division of Collaborative Care & Wellness in 2021 as the EAP Services Manager for the UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program, where she has led initiatives in individual and group interventions to reduce work-related trauma sequelae, provided interdisciplinary supervision, and overseen clinical services. Janine is currently pursuing a doctorate in Counselor Education at the Warner School at the University of Rochester. She holds licensure as a mental health counselor in New York and numerous other credentials, including Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, Substance Abuse Professional, Certified Employee Assistance Professional, Certified Career Counselor, and Nationally Certified Counselor.
Before joining our EAP team, Janine served as a Senior Chemical Dependency Counselor at Strong Recovery and prior to that, as Assistant Director of Disability Career Services at Rochester Institute of Technology. Among her many achievements, Janine received the New York State Career Development Association Early Career Professional Award in 2014 and the RIT Presidential Award for Excellence in 2018.
Please join us in congratulating Janine on this well-deserved promotion and in supporting her as she transitions into this expanded leadership role.
2nd Annual Psychiatry Holiday Food Drive
Friday, November 8, 2024
Our second annual Department of Psychiatry Holiday Food Drive begins November 25th! All donations will directly help patients in our Strong Ties, Strong Minds, Strong Recovery, and those discharged from our inpatient programs. Drop off non-perishables until December 9th at the Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (1-9017), the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Educator Office (1-9022), inpatient units, and several clinics!
View a list of example food items that will be accepted
Sally Rousseau Named New Director of Strong Minds
Friday, November 1, 2024
Sally Rousseau, LCSW, LMFT will be rejoining the Department of Psychiatry as the new Director of Strong Minds, which includes our General Ambulatory clinic, the Deaf Wellness Center, the Gender Patient Support: Health and Wellness program, and the Adult Ambulatory Access programs.
Sally is rejoining the Department of Psychiatry as she spent a good portion of her 36-year career with joint appointments in Family Medicine and Psychiatry. For the past 6½ years, Sally has been the Director of Social Work for Highland Hospital overseeing a team that covers 261 acute care beds. She brings an incredible array of experiences in healthcare and specifically behavioral health to this role, including but not limited to direct clinical, grant and research coordination and management, clinical and administrative supervision, management and director of large clinical programs and/or groups. Most of her experiences have been within the URMC system and Family Medicine. Among her experiences outside of the system, Sally was the director of Rochester Regional Health’s Evelyn Brandon Community Mental Health which is a large multi-program site similar to Strong Minds.
Sally obtained her bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Geneseo. She then completed her master’s in social work at Syracuse University. In addition to being dually licensed in social work and marriage & family therapy, Sally has certification/extensive training in process improvement supervision methods as well evidence-based practices. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles, numerous presentations at health system rounds and seminars, and taught courses at St. John Fisher University, the Nazareth/Brockport Collaborative MSW Program and the University of Rochester.
Please join us in welcoming Sally Rousseau back to the Department of Psychiatry and to this critical role for our adult ambulatory services
Julie Achtyl Named Psych Therapist Chief
Thursday, October 31, 2024
We are pround to announce Julie V. Achtyl, MS, LMHC, CASAC-M, NCC, ACS as the Psych Therapist Chief. This new position in the department will serve as the discipline chief for Psychiatry’s licensed/credentialed therapists (LMHC, LMFT, LCAT, CASAC) as well as related non-licensed clinical and clinical support roles. This position will provide overarching discipline leadership, support, and oversight for psych licensed therapists. The role will be a liaison between the therapist disciplines and the department’s senior leadership with close collaboration with psychiatry education. The Therapists Chief will collaborate with Clinical Program Directors and Division chiefs to support and educate regarding licensure regulations, scope of practice and supervision best practices for Mental Health Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Creative Arts Therapists, Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselors, junior therapists in all those disciplines working on licensure/credentials, as well as related clinical support positions. In this role, Julie will be a part of the Chief Administrative Officer’s office and work in partnership with Psychiatry’s Social Work Discipline Chief and in close collaboration with the Associate Chair of Education.
Julie brings 18 years of combined clinical and clinical leadership experience in the department to this pivotal role. Her current role in our Addiction Psychiatry Division includes oversight of the Adolescent/Young Adult clinic, the Adult CD clinic and CCBHC Outreach services as well as the Discipline Chief CASACs She also has oversight of counselor education and training programs and in 2022, she started a new CASAC Certificate Program in partnership with the Warner School for masters prepared clinicians. Julie completed her undergraduate studies at the State University of New York College at Brockport in Psychology and Health Science with a concentration in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling. Then she completed her graduate studies at the Warner School of Education mental health counseling. Julie is currently a PhD student in Counseling and Counselor Education at the Margaret Warner School of Education and Human Development. For a number of years, she was on the Faculty at Brockport as an Adjunct Professor in the Health Science Department, and she is a Clinical Supervision Foundations II Certified Trainer
Pie Sale Fundraiser for Adult Inpatient Psychiatry
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
The holiday season is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate than by filling the bellies of you and your loved ones with pie? Now through October 24th, you can order locally-made pies from Special Touch Bakery with proceeds benefiting our Adult Inpatient Psychiatry Services.
Order your cream or fruit pie here.
Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Ranked Top 50 in US News & World Report
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital's Division of Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness is among the nation’s best by the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospital rankings in Children's & Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospitals
The Division of Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness at UR Medicine is the largest provider of ambulatory children’s mental health services, the region’s only Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Inpatient unit, and the only adolescent partial hospital in Western New York. The division’s ambulatory services include two large clinic sites and satellites in pediatric primary care and pediatric specialty offices and public schools throughout the region. The division recently launched the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center, the only service of this type in Upstate New York.
The division consists of 50 faculty members and over 120 staff clinicians, including child and adolescent psychiatrists, child and adolescent psychologists, licensed mental health therapists, family and marriage therapists, licensed clinical social workers, creative arts therapists, and case managers. Research and education are also critical missions for the division, with multiple ongoing studies examining suicide risk and prevention, as well as training programs in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychology.
“I am honored and humbled to lead this team of clinicians and academics who are so committed to improving the lives of children and families in our region. Recognition in our ranking by US News and World Report provides welcomed and needed attention to the outstanding work they do." - Michael Scharf, MD, psychiatrist-in-chief at GCH.
Read More: Pediatric Behavioral Health & Wellness Ranked Top 50 in US News & World ReportBen 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:
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.
Caroline Easton
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
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.)
Myra Mathis
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, 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
Ben Lee
under the Strong Recovery brand.
Easton and Myra Mathis, MD, 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 75th 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 AwardsHispanic 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 EquityHow 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 StressCaroline 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 therapyNew 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?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.
Managing Anxiety Going Back to School: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Students
Monday, September 2, 2024
A confident, collective effort can make the experience rewarding for everyone
It’s normal to be concerned about your child's anxiety about returning to the classroom. Melissa Heatly, PhD, at Golisano Children’s Hospital, provides ways to demonstrate your support and confidence to your children as they return.
Read More: Managing Anxiety Going Back to School: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and StudentsSchool 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 Season2024 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
Corey Nichols-Hadeed, JD
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.
Kimberly Van Orden, PhD
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
Sandhya Seshadri, PhD
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.”
Reverend Phyllis Jackson, RN
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 AwardEnhancing 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!
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 EventsRochester 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 avatarsYoUR 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!
Graduates:
General Residency
- Nora Douglas, M.D., M.P.H.
- Regina Fu, D.O.
- Teigan Ruster, M.D.
- Wei-Li Suen, M.D.
Child/Adolescent Fast Track
- Liliana Luna-Nelson, M.D.
- Tomo Monte, D.O.
- Hollis O’Nell-Meyer, M.D.
- Connor Tumiel, M.D.
Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship
- Mustafa Ghouse, M.D.
- Colleen Lynd, M.D.
- Carla Velarde, M.D., M.P.H.
- Elizabeth Wielgus, M.D.
Charles E. Steinberg Fellows in Psychiatry and Law
- Kelsey Hobart, M.D.
- Michael MacKay, D.O.
Fellow in Geriatric Psychiatry
Doctoral Interns in Clinical Psychology (Adult)
- Valery Benitez Santiago, M.S.
- Manuel Ocasio, M.S.
- Ilenia Perez-Palen, M.S.
CSPS Postdoctoral Training Program in Suicide Prevention Research
- Annamarie Defayette, Ph.D.
- Morica Hutchison, Ph.D.
- Alexandre Paim-Diaz, M.D.
Doctoral Interns in Clinical Psychology (Child & Adolescent)
- Tara Bord, M.S.
- Blair Burgin, M.A.
- Danielle Scharf, M.A.
- Daria Williams, M.A.
Postdoctoral Fellows in Clinical Psychology (Child & Adolescent)
- Samantha Stanford, Ph.D.
- Taylor Steeves, Ph.D.
- Colette Stenz, Psy.D.
Postdoctoral Fellows in Clinical Psychology (Integrated Care Family)
- Julia Augenstern, Ph.D.
- Kimberly Parkhurst, Ph.D.
Trainee Awards:
- Psychology Doctoral Intern Award- Daria Williams, MA
- Psychology Research Award- Ilenia Perez-Palen, M.S.
- Psychology Postdoctoral Award- Julia Augenstern, Ph.D.
- Psychiatry Resident Research Award- Sungsu Lee, M.D., Ph.D
- Richard Carl Albert Jaenike, MD Award- Wei-Li Suen, M.D.
- Child & Adolescent Consortium- Elizabeth Wielgus, M.D.
- John Romano, MD Award- Wei-Li Suen, M.D.
- Houghtalen Volunteer Award-Grace Ro, M.D.
- Nanavati Award- Jerold Lundgren, M.D.
Faculty/Staff/Friends Awards:
- David Barry Award- Patrick Gibbons, M.D.
- Mary Lou Meyers Award- Margaret Puelle, M.D.
- Christopher H. Hodgman M.D. Award- Irina Statnikova, M.D., PhD
- Medical Student Shining Star Award- Vicki Perry
- Social Work Educator Award- Brendan Switzer, LCSW
- Raymond Babineau Award- Tyler Fleming, D.O., M.P.H.
- Sydney Rubin Memorial Award- JeRrey Iler, M.D.
- Otto Thaler Memorial Award- Segundo Robert-Ibarra, M.D.
- Friends of Residents Award- Marylee Gramlich
- Stephen W. Munson Award- Stephen Munson, M.D.
- James Michael, PhD Award- Todd Bishop, Ph.D.
- Rita Underberg, PhD Award- Michelle Swanger-Gagne, Ph.D.
- Champion of Psychology Trainees Award- Rosalie Harrison, MS, LMHC
- Susan McDaniel Excellence in Teaching Award- Kristin Koberstein, PhD, LMFT
- Pieter LeRoux Excellence in Supervision Award- Shanice Aluko, MS, LMFT
- Associate Chair for Education
- “Parachute Award”-
- Linda Brown
- Yasmin Coley
- Breanna Dauphinee
- Emily Denzler
- Kristin Liotti
- Kathy Raniewicz
- Michelle Russo
- Winona Warczok
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!