Issue 53 | September 4, 2024 | |
Editor's Note: To load pictures in this issue, right click the red X over images and select "Download Pictures." Every picture in this issue will instantly appear as intended. | |
|
Dear Faculty, Trainees, and Staff,
FY 2025 is about to kick off—and as we prepare for the annual State of the Department to be held Thursday, September 19, I would like to give a preview of the progress and accomplishments we will be highlighting, as well as the goals we are setting for the next fiscal year.
Over the last fiscal year, our Department has produced over 230 peer-reviewed journal articles, over 110 posters, over 230 presentations, and 12 manuscripts, while our faculty and staff members gave 50 interviews or guest article submissions in print, radio, and television. Our graduating class of residents produced 8 journal articles between them, and our residency program continues to be highly rated and significantly above the national average on the ACGME survey. We’re particularly proud of the fact that since 2012, our 194 graduates have a board pass rate of 100%, with 99.5% passing on their first attempt, compared to a national average of 90.5%. This strong track record has helped us notch a strong recruitment year, with 16 PGY-1 residents coming from 13 different medical schools across 11 states, with 4 being self-identified as underrepresented in Medicine or first-generation college students.
The diversity of our new resident class reflects our Department’s commitment to bringing in perspectives and talent from people across all backgrounds—a commitment that is also reflected in the work of our Diversity Committee and the 8 community events it has hosted or participated in throughout the year.
And while the achievements of all of our Divisions are too numerous to list here, I will be noting your biggest accomplishments on September 19, while also laying out our goals for FY 2025 and the work that remains for us—especially our goals of increasing our Blue Ridge rating and continuing to improve access to clinical care.
| |
Sincerely,
Jill A. RachBeisel, MD
Dr. Irving J. Taylor Professor and Chair, Department
of Psychiatry
| |
|
Dr. Elaine Weiner has served as Medical Director of the MPRC Outpatient Research Program Clinic for over 25 years. In her role, she has made multiple contributions to enhance the quality of care provided to our patients, including the implementation of smoking cessation interventions, wellness programs, and cognitive behavioral therapy. In 2020, Elaine also became the Medical Director of the MPRC First Episode Clinic. Under her leadership, we have obtained CARF accreditation for both of our clinics. In addition to her provision of state-of-the-art clinical care, Elaine has also been critical to our research mission, both through the pursuit of her own research interest and in the support of other MPRC investigators. Finally, she has been extensively involved in the training of medical students, psychiatry residents and social work students. In summary, Elaine excels in all areas of academic medicine and is a critical member of the MPRC and the Department.
| |
|
Elizabeth “Liz” Tafida joined the Department of Psychiatry in November 2003 and will be completing her 21st anniversary this year as Sr. Faculty Coordinator.
As an APT Partner, Liz is responsible for the overall execution of the faculty recruitment, appointment, credentialing, and faculty onboarding for the Department. Liz is, in the words of Dr. RachBeisel, “thorough and dependable,” and sets high standards for herself and accomplishes her responsibilities with dedication and on time. Liz is a key player in the Department and her knowledge and experience are vital to its success.
Thank you, Liz!!
| |
The Department of Psychiatry Diversity Committee | |
|
The Diversity Committee is excited for our FY25 Theme: Revisiting Diversity.
The committee is scheduled to meet on Thurs, Sept 24 at 4pm.
Please see the meeting invitation link here: https://umaryland.zoom.us/j/97407561683?pwd=ZWpoTW5ET1ROWVZPNW04YXpnT3JHUT09
For this academic year, we will be discussing what diversity means to us and how we can re-commit to diverse representation in leadership. Please see this graphic from our Year in Review presentation.
| |
Don't Miss: The Kahlert Institute's Cannabis Research Seminar | |
|
September 11, Noon
Hosick Lecture Hall, Bressler Research Building
Seminar Topics & Speakers:
“Parental THC Exposure Confers an At-Risk Opioid Seeking Phenotype in Adult Male Offspring”
Joseph Cheer, PhD, Professor, Department of Neurobiology, UMSOM
“Cannabis Use in Pregnancy: Patterns, Perception and Problems”
Katrina Mark, MD, FACOG, Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, UMSOM
A panel discussion will follow with the speakers. Submit your questions at the link below.
https://forms.office.com/r/xsRRC2ZyKV
| |
Sarah Edwards, DO, Associate Professor, Kay Connors, LCSW-C, Instructor, and Samantha Reaves, PhD, Assistant Professor, of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry received a five-year, $4,000,000 grant from the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration titled “Baltimore-Linking Actions to Unmet Needs in Children’s Health” (B-LAUNCH) to promote early childhood mental health and community partnership to prevent mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. | |
|
Dr. Alicia Wiprovnick penned an article in LawnStarter on the cost of chronic stress in our daily lives, how it impacts the environment and those around us, and three strategies to combat it.
You can read her thoughts and observations in full at this link.
| |
|
Dr. Jerica Knox, Assistant Professor, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, was interviewed for a Fox45 Morning News segment on August 2, 2024, to discuss tips to help students smoothly transition back to school from summer break.
You can watch her interview in full at this link.
| | | | |
