Veterans Day was a UT Southwestern holiday this year, a wonderful surprise. It allowed us to focus on the contributions of veterans to the lives we live today. Quoting Churchill, during WWII, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” This is true still today, even though the US is not in active war. However, we see the events of the Ukraine war every day, full of horror and triumph, with tremendous costs of all kinds to many people. On Veterans Day, I was grateful for our US military personnel and what they have done and still provide to citizens around the world.
--Carol A. Tamminga, M.D.
Department Chair
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In This Issue
Spotlight on Elena Ivleva -- UTSW Research Labs -- DARES -- Bass Decant -- Awards and Accomplishments -- Presentations -- Featured Media -- Upcoming Events -- PeriPAN -- OBI News
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Spotlight on... Elena Ivleva, M.D., Ph.D. |
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Elena I. Ivleva, M.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Director of the Early Psychosis Clinical and Research Program. In her research and clinical practice, Dr. Ivleva specializes in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, focusing on the development of brain-based biomarkers that can inform future diagnostic algorithms and novel treatments.
What motivated you to get into medicine?
I grew up in Russia in a family of successful professional and political leaders. The expectations for me were high. It was clear that one day I would need to choose a meaningful profession path. My interests ranged from becoming a doctor to a philosopher to a journalist. When my older sister went to medical school, I was determined to pursue the same path, mainly out of a sense of competition. But when I started medical school, I quickly realized, "This is it!"
What motivated me to gravitate toward psychiatry later on were my psychiatry
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faculty mentors. They were different from all the other medical professionals I encountered in my previous training. I was blown away by their approach to patients as a whole person and their genuine interest in their patients' personal journeys and struggles. They loved what they were doing; their hearts were in it. And so became mine.
What do you love about your job?
I love the patient population I work with, especially those with early psychosis, who are just beginning their journey with this complex brain disorder. I feel it is a great responsibility and honor to be there for these patients and their families. For many of them, treatment can be transformative, leading not only to substantial improvements in the illness itself but in their lives as a whole. I love my research. I believe it is the discovery of disease mechanisms that is of the outmost importance in our field today. It means a lot to me to be able to contribute to mechanistic and biomarker research with the same patients I see as a clinician. My work environment and the people I work with here are exceptional. I've been very fortunate to have incredible and supportive mentors who have shaped my career during my 18-year journey here at UT Southwestern. I am excited to see what the future brings.
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UTSW has updated the Research Labs homepage. Visit the new site to learn how scientists from all backgrounds work every day to gain new understanding and advance health.
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The Psychiatry Outpatient and Neuropsychology Clinics celebrated Halloween with their first annual pumpkin decorating and carving contest. The photo pictured left, designed by the nursing team, won 1st place. The 2nd place winner was designed by the Neuropsychology Clinic and inspired by Día de los Muertos.
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Disability Advocacy, Research, and Education |
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On October 27, Psychiatry Residents Donald Egan, M.D. and Tobi Saliu, M.D., hosted the kickoff event for the group Disability Advocacy, Research, and Education at UT Southwestern (DARES). During the event, they shared their experiences with disability and the barriers and disparities that exist for physicians and patients with disabilities or chronic illnesses. The goal of the organization is to create a community for physicians to discuss and learn how to better care for their colleagues and patients.
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The dates for the Psychiatry Bass Divisions to move to Empire Central are here!
Mark your calendars for January 2023:
- January 5-9: 3rd floor of 1440 building (Trivedi Lab and CDRC)
- January 12-15: 1st and 2nd floor of 1430 building (General Adult Psychiatry Clinics, BL6 and BL7)
- January 19-22: 2nd floor of 1440 building (Neuropsychology and Psychology)
- January 19-22: 4th floor of 1440 building (Brown, McAdams, and Tamminga Labs)
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Welcome New Faculty and Staff! |
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Faculty
- Saba Masood, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
- Crystalia Weidner, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
Staff
- Julia Bunton, Clinical Staff Coordinator, BL7 Clinic
- Stephanie Neaves, Clinical Research Assistant Lead, Psychology
- Marlyn Torres, Research Tech II, Neuroscience
- Emslie Lab
- Joyce Francis, Clinical Research Assistant I
- Gabriela Valenga, Clinical Research Assistant I
- Mood Disorders
- Amber Barker, Senior Program Coordinator
- Irvin Bello-Adame, Training Coordinator
- Reyna Castillo, Accountant II
- Lidya Gebresellassie, Clinical Research Assistant II
- Ann House, Clinical Research Assistant I
- Kelsey Robinson, Clinical Research Assistant I
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We have many opportunities!
for current openings.
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Awards and Accomplishments |
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The UT Southwestern Special Grant Incentive ( SGI) program provides funding to faculty members who obtain federal awards (e.g., NIH, NSF, DoD, NASA, DARPA). Faculty do not need to submit awards for consideration. Each quarter, the Provost Office automatically reviews faculty awards to determine which are eligible for SGI.
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Chadrick Lane, M.D., has been selected to serve on the American Neuropsychiatric Association Education Committee. Additionally, Dr. Lane has been selected as the only psychiatrist currently to serve on the Epilepsy Foundation Texas Professional Advisory Board. |
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Adriana Miu, Ph.D., has received the 2022 Texas Psychological Association Outstanding Contribution to Science Award. This award recognizes those who are exemplary contributors to research that supports Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the training of future mental health professionals.
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Congratulations to Sherwood Brown, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., for being named Vice President of the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. |
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Kipp Pietrantonio, Ph.D., received the 2022 Outstanding Contribution to Education Award by the Texas Psychological Association (TPA) and was appointed to the TPA Board of Trustees for the 2023 year. Dr. Pietrantonio chaired this year's event as the TPA Academic and Higher Education Chair.
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American Association of Directors of Psychiatry Residency Training |
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Congratulations to Tameka Ellis, M.B.A., Manager of Education Programs, and Bernice Yau, M.D., Psychiatry Resident, for their American Association of Directors of Psychiatry Residency Training awards. The Lucille Fusaro Meinsler Program Administrator Award recognizes outstanding leadership and highly skillful, day-to-day management of Psychiatry Residency programs and the George Ginsburg Award recognizes the excellence and accomplishments of residents interested in education and teaching. |
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Tameka Ellis, M.B.A., Lucille Fusaro Meinsler Program Administrator Award |
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Bernice Yau, M.D., George Ginsburg Award |
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2022 Clinical Psychology Fall Social Awards |
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Certificate of Appreciation: 20 Years of Outstanding Contributions to Graduate Student Education - Deanna Liss-Clarke, Ph.D.
The Sandra L. Warshak Outstanding Dissertation Award in Clinical Psychology - Blake Martin, Ph.D., "Examining Moral Injury in Legal-Involved Veterans"
The Rush C. Williams Award for Diversity and Inclusion - Karen Dorsman
FOCUS Awards:
- Outstanding Teacher - David Denney, Ph.D. - Biological Aspects of Behavior and Basics of Neuroanatomy
- Outstanding Research Mentor - Shawn McClintock, Ph.D., MSCS - UTSW Neuropsychologist and Program Research Training Director
- Outstanding Clinical Supervisor - Mary Dryden, Ph.D. - Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
- Outstanding Clinical Supervisor - Carla Pulliam, Ph.D. - UT Southwestern Psychotherapy Clinic Supervisor
- Outstanding Teaching Assistant - Ellen Andrews, BA - Theories & Methods Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
FOCUS Student Research Awards:
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Afsoon Gazor - "The Association of Specific Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes About Sleep with Outcome Variables in a Suicidal Adolescent Population"
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Allison Gregg - "Acute Verbal Learning and Memory Component Effects Following Combined Electroconvulsive Therapy and Venlafaxine Treatment in Older Adults with Major Depressive Disorder "
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Jessice Helphrey - "Predicting Time to Loss of Independence in Alzheimer's Disease"
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Anthony Longoria - "Allostatic Load and the Influence of Economic Adversity and Neighborhood Disadvantage on Cognitive Function in a Multiethnic Cohort"
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Sarah Baker, M.D., ( left) and Juan Sosa, M.D., Addiction Fellow (right) |
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Nyaz Didehbani, Ph.D., ( right) and Stephen Bunt, Ed.D., ConTex Study Coordinator ( left) |
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Drs. Baker and Sosa presented a poster on Reimagining the Culture of Adjudicative Competency Restoration with a Software-Based Program at the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law conference in New Orleans.
Drs. Didhebani and Bunt presented concussion research at the Concussion in Sport Group meeting in Amsterdam.
Dr. Schaffert presented Executive Functioning, Attention, and Speed are Important Predictors of Life Expectancy in Those with Dementia at the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN) meeting in Denver.
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Laura Howe-Martin, Ph.D., (pictured bottom) presented on survivorship and mental-health resilience as part of an AARP series on Breast Cancer.
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Ashley Tsang, BA, (left) second-year medical student, presented a poster on Impact of Sleep on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Youth Before and During COVID-19 during the AACAP Conference in Toronto. To her right is co-presenter Jane Hensley, MRC, Psychological Associate I and Pediatric Psychiatry Research Program staff member. |
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John (Russell) Dykema, M.D., presented on his pro bono work that is done at UTSW as a part of the Refugee Mental Health Program.
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Kipp Pietrantonio, Ph.D., and John (Russell) Dykema, M.D., presented Presidential Programing: The Future of Multicultural Training: Intersection of Identity, Skills, and Humility at the TPA Conference. |
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Gabriela Reyes, LMSW, Case Manager for the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic, has successfully completed her work and testing for her LCSW licensure. She began her career journey as an intern in the clinic for her LMSW, graduated, and then accepted a position as a Social Worker.
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Wyndham International, Inc. Scholarship Recipient |
Karen Dorsman, 4th year graduate student in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program, has been selected to receive the $10,000 Wyndham International, Inc. Scholarship, which is awarded to minority students. Karen was recommended by Arnaldo Diaz Vazquez, Ph.D., the Assistant Dean for Diversity for the Graduate School of Biomedical Studies and selected by the Southwestern Medical Foundation. |
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Aida Ramirez-Boyce, Senior Administrative Associate for General Adult Psychiatry, was selected to receive the most coveted and prestigious Colleen Barrett Award for Administrative Excellence at the 11th Annual Admin Awards. Congratulations Aida on a well-deserved recognition for many years of hard work and excellence! |
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Featured Blog Posts and Articles |
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Sherwood Brown, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., contributed to research that finds treating parents' depression boosts treatment of their children's asthma. Read the blog post.
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Celia Heppner, Psy.D., Pediatric Psychologist at Children's, explains various types of bullying, signs your child is being bullied, and what parents can do to help. Read the blog post.
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Laura Lamminen, Ph.D., ABPP, Pediatric Psychologist at Children's, explains how the environment kids are raised in plays a significant role in developing kindness. Read the blog post.
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Anthony Longoria, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate, Heidi Rossetti, Ph.D., and Laura Lacritz, Ph.D., contributed to a new study that reveals the link between Alzheimer's Disease and Environmental Risks. Read the article.
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Laura Stone, M.D., contributed to research that examines how the pandemic impacted children's mental health. Read the blog post.
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Sidarth Wakhlu, M.D., contributed to an article highlighting the new guidelines for prescribing opioids. Read the article.
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As we enter the season of thanksgiving, extend gratitude to your UTSW Department of Psychiatry family by sending virtual messages of appreciation. Tell your colleagues you are grateful for their support, dedication, and kindness by filling out the submission form. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, November 25. Happy Thanksgiving! |
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Survivors of Suicide Loss Day |
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On November 19, the CDRC team will gather with the North Texas American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for an event to honor International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The team will have a table set to provide resources, and survivors of suicide loss will come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through shared experience. |
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Select Wednesdays at Noon
- November 30, Diedre M. Anglin, M.D.
- December 7, Emmanuel Ohuabunwa, M.D., MBA
Watch for Emails with Calendar Invites, CME Codes, and Zoom Links
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Brave Space will be held online on Friday, December 9, 12pm.
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Tuesday, December 13, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (virtual only)
The Short History and Tenuous Future of "Professionalism"
Matthew Wynia, M.D., M.P.H.
Professor, Colorado University School of Medicine and Colorado School of Public Health and Director of the Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus
While there is no registration fee to attend, participants must register. Register to attend virtually. Upon registration, you will receive the Zoom event ID and link to join the webinar. For additional information, please see the announcement. |
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Mark your calendars to gather in celebration at this year's Psychiatry Department Holiday Party, taking place on Friday, December 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the A.W. Harris Alumni Faculty Club.
Look out for more details to come!
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Inspiring Careers in Mental Health |
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Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care |
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Sarah Gibson, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention lead coordinator, represented the CDRC team at the "Out of the Darkness" DFW Metro Walk. The walk honored those affected by suicide and raised awareness. |
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Perinatal Psychiatric Access Network (PeriPAN) |
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PeriPAN is a new state-funded pilot program available to clinicians who are treating new and expectant mothers with mental health concerns. PeriPAN's perinatal psychiatrist and clinical staff provide real-time support for medication management, treatment plans, referral assistance, and vetted resources. The service is free and available to OB/GYNs, pediatricians, family practitioners, psychiatrists, psychologists, midwives, and other primary care physicians. How to use:
- Call hotline at 888-901-2726, press option 1 for North/Northeast Region, then 2 for UT Southwestern Hub, then 2 for PeriPAN
- Speak with a clinician to assess needs and questions
- Receive resources and referrals from mental health clinicians if needed
- If the question is diagnostic or medication related, a psychiatrist will call you back or you can schedule a call-back time
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Psychiatry faculty are eligible to apply for the following internal grant programs supporting innovative brain research. Deadline = December 1, 2022.
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Visionary Neuroscience Program: The VNP grant supports highly innovative new research that, because of its novelty and risk profile, is not suitable for NIH funding. Maximum funding per project is up to $500,000. The grant supports research in either advancing fundamental insight into biology relevant to brain disease or translating scientific discovery into the clinical arena. These research projects must feature OBI Investigators from at least two different departments.
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Sprouts Grant Program: Sprouts grants fund the collection of pilot data to explore new research directions that are not easily covered by other sources. The awards are primarily aimed at supporting new ideas from trainees working with OBI Investigators. The program is intended to encourage creative, high-quality research that also advances the training of early-career laboratory or clinical scientists.
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Research Interest Group Program: This program is intended to encourage transdisciplinary groups of researchers focused on a shared research area to connect and build working relationships. The goal is to propel collaboration across the breadth of laboratory and clinical brain science at UT Southwestern. We encourage grass roots ideas for creative and productive groups.
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2022 Brain Summit Symposium
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2023 Bass Symposium in Neurosurgical Innovations: Topics in Pediatric Neurosurgery
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