heal
A publication of the Sheppard Pratt Health System • SUMMER 2016
Already Feels Like Home New Sheppard Pratt Health System CEO Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi embraces a philosophy of deep patient respect and consistent caregiving.
PLUS BINGE DRINKING WARNING SIGNS INTERVIEW WITH PAUL DALIO BECOMING AN IRONMAN
In this issue.
SUMMER 2016
16
6 6
3 Interview with Paul Dalio
16
8 Dr. Steven Sharfstein Moves
Across Campus
Already Feels Like Home New Sheppard Pratt Health System CEO Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi embraces a philosophy of deep patient respect and consistent caregiving.
10
10
When Drinking Stops Being Social
11
Ask a Professional
12
Meet The Graduates
From Our Blog: Becoming an Ironman for Myself and My Patients
18 Philanthropy: You give. They heal.
19 Meet Our Therapist
14 In the News/Calendar
Patti Prugh
On the cover. Dr. Trivedi takes the helm of Sheppard Pratt. Photo by David Stuck
CMYK / .eps
CMYK / .eps
Connect with us.
facebook.com/SheppardPratt
@SheppardPratt
CMYK / .eps
youtube.com/user/SheppardPrattHealth
heal. is published three times a year by the marketing department of the Sheppard Pratt Health System, one of the nation’s top mental health systems. Sheppard Pratt provides compassionate solutions to help those suffering from mental illness and addiction recover and get back to their lives. Information provided is general in nature and should not be substituted for the medical advice of a physician. Please consult your health care provider for recommendations specific to your personal health, medical treatment, and medical conditions.
Editor/Director of Marketing & PR
Jessica Kapustin
Outreach & Project Manager
Chelsea Soobitsky
Design, Production, & Editorial
Mid-Atlantic Custom Media
Lindsey Bridwell, Cortney Geare,
Jeni Mann, Suzanne Pollak,
Joshua Runyan
Contributing Photographers
Brian Glock, David Stuck
If you wish to have your name removed from the list of those receiving communications from Sheppard Pratt Health System, please email the marketing department at marketing@sheppardpratt.org or call 410.938.3133.
Contributing Writers
Kristina Schiller
SHEPPARD PRATT
Interview with Paul Dalio THE BEAUTY of Paul Dalio’s feature film debut, Touched with Fire,, starring Katie Holmes and Luke Kirby and inspired by the written work of Kay Jamison, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, is the honesty and authenticity with which the two main characters portray life with bipolar disorder. This is not a surprise, given that Paul himself was diagnosed as bipolar in his 20s. We recently sat down with the filmmaker and former Sheppard Pratt patient to talk about his film and his diagnosis, and how he is using both as a way to educate others and reduce stigma.
Q: What I like most about your message is the fact that you try to educate people that having bipolar disorder is not a death sentence, but a gift. Can you talk a bit about that? A: The way I came to that conclusion was pretty organic. My own experience was extremely horrific at first. When I was first diagnosed, it was a death sentence. I was in college, like a lot of us are when we first are struck with this thing. You’re finally finding yourself, discovering who you are, and then you get the rug pulled out from under your feet and you get
Filmmaker Paul Dalio discusses an upcoming scene with Hopkins psychiatry professor Dr. Kay Jamison.
told that you’re not that person and you’re never going to be that person.
that this will give you. The combination
and the doctors and nurses themselves.
The only way to really thrive
of that strength with artistic sensibilities,
Most of the nurses were really friendly
with bipolar is to see this gift and to
when balanced with just the right
and really cared about the patients.
appreciate the veracity of your will that
amount of meds — that aren’t too much,
There was a warmth to them and a
will come out of pure necessity to
but aren’t too little — is really a test of
survive, and to recognize the strength
tenderness to the vulnerability of
character. Everyone has to have a hope
staying there. The people were really
that they can get through this thing. The
interesting people and from all kinds
only time I was on the brink of suicide
of backgrounds. It was a soulful group
with depression was when I had no hope.
of people. I had the most profound
Hopelessness is created by having very
connections with this group of individuals.
Paul Dalio and wife Kristina Nikolova set up a shot on the set of Touched with Fire.
few options for your life when you are given a disease that can be pitied.
Q: What was your experience like at Sheppard Pratt?
Q: How do we change society’s viewpoint on bipolar? Should we even be calling it a disorder or does that do it a disservice?
A: I spent six weeks on a Sheppard
A: I don’t think that’s what it is [a
Pratt inpatient unit. That was my best
disorder]; it’s not that simple. The human
experience and my fondest memories. It
condition is a complex thing and there
was the people there, both the patients
are all sorts of shades on the spectrum
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
3
SHEPPARD PRATT
Paul Dalio, left, sees being bipolar as another part of his identity.
of what one might experience. If you
open to the possibility of being different.
were to define bipolar disorder as a
And that’s from the medical side and the
disorder, it would be distorted. It’s not
general public.
true to the human condition. There are all
The more people can celebrate it
kinds of people who experience all kinds
and appreciate it, the more people are
of things and it’s the messiness of the
going to want to come out about it.
human condition that makes it beautiful.
examples of that. It can’t just be one or
Q: As someone who is not only living but thriving, and is bipolar, what advice would you give to someone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness and is trying to adjust to life now?
two people saying, “This thing is not a
A: You have to let go of the things that
disorder. Trust me because I experience
might seem important to you and that
it, too.” It’s got to be that [many] people
you might need right now. And just think
have to be proud of it and come out to
to yourself, “what matters?” Move forward
the world and share their gifts. And that
and be fanatical about looking for bad
will change the stigma. And that’s going
health habits. Push yourself harder to try
to take time. But it’s an exciting time,
to find ways to live healthier and control
because people are more than ever
everything in your environment you can.
That’s why characters in stories are flawed. The way that has to change is through demonstration — multiple people coming out and living and being
Bipolar Research Expanding Due in large part to the generosity of the Dalio family,
a TMS manufacturer, the Department of Clinical
the Department of Clinical Research Programs at
Research Programs is now enrolling bipolar patients
Sheppard Pratt continues to thrive. Donations are vital
with depression in a study to see if these positive results
to our program, because philanthropic support allows
hold true within a research setting. This will lay the
us to do cutting-edge research in areas that receive
groundwork for new treatment options for those with
limited funding.
bipolar disorder.
Bipolar depression is an understudied illness that
with scientists at Harvard to develop other techniques to
to treat the manic pole of bipolar disorder, there are few
stimulate brain activity in patients with psychiatric illness.
choices to treat the much more frequently occurring
Low-field magnetic stimulation, which uses technology
depressive pole. Many studies have shown that anti-
similar to that used in MRI scans, has shown preliminary
depressants either do not help in bipolar depression or
positive results for treating depression. We are now
can make the symptoms worse. When we looked at past
developing protocols to evaluate the use of these
results from using transcranial magnetic stimulation
techniques to help treat early stage dementias and
(TMS), a non-medication, FDA-approved treatment that
mood disorders.
uses magnetic pulses, to treat patients in our TMS
To learn more about supporting the Department of Clinical
program, we found that a stunning 70 percent of bipolar
Research Programs, please contact Marguerite Kelley,
depression patients responded! Using philanthropic
vice president of philanthropy, at 410.938.4018.
support and an equipment grant from Neuronetics,
4
Generous donations have also allowed us to work
currently has our attention. While there are many options
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
“Just know how Actors Luke Kirby and Katie Holmes discuss a scene with the filmmaker.
bright the light at the other side of the tunnel is if you can get through
You have to come to terms with it early
a metaphor for the two wrestling
on that you are going to have to let go of
aspects that live within you: the
all of the unhealthy habits. You’re going
need to belong and be part of
to have to fanatically focus on the
humanity and be grounded versus
healthy habits. It’s going to be difficult
the side of abandonment and panic,
and it’s going to take time, but it’s worth
which was the other side of me. It was
it. Just know how bright the light at the
that journey of being terrified of it,
other side of the tunnel is if you can get
romanticizing it, and the reconciliation of
the message that a meaningful life is
through the tunnel.
learning how to live with it and not give
a much deeper and richer magic and
up the gift of it.
emotion than any mania that could
Q: Touched with Fire is your feature film debut about two people with bipolar disorder who meet at a psychiatric hospital and make each other even crazier. Is it an autobiography?
the tunnel.” — Paul Dalio
destroy it. Realize your own gift, how
Q: What do you hope people walk away with after seeing the movie?
beautiful it is, own and be proud of it.
A: For the people who don’t have it, an
Q: How can people see the movie?
appreciation of it and of the beauty they
A: The movie is available on iTunes,
might not have been aware of and even
A: In terms of what the characters went
a respect and admiration for those who
through, it’s extremely autobiographical.
have it. For the people who have it, to
But there’s no love story. The love story is
see a path out of it … and to understand
Netflix, and Blu-ray DVD.
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
5
FEATURE/SHEPPARD PRATT
Incoming CEO Says Sheppard Pratt Already Feels Like Home NEW SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM CEO DR. HARSH K. TRIVEDI EMBRACES A PHILOSOPHY OF DEEP PATIENT RESPECT AND CONSISTENT CAREGIVING. BY SUZANNE POLLAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID STUCK
D
r. Harsh K. Trivedi, the new CEO and president of Sheppard Pratt Health
System, brings to the position a passion to improve mental health care, an easygoing personality, and an impressive resume. For the past six years, Trivedi has led Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital in Nashville, one of three main hospitals on the Vanderbilt University Medical Center campus, where he was described as one of the most promising physician administrators in the country. Trivedi became CEO on July 1, but his warmth and friendly manner make it seem like he’s been a part of the Sheppard Pratt family for many years. Trivedi is determined to work hard and take what he considers an already excellent health system to an even higher level. Calling himself “deeply honored” to be named CEO, Trivedi said Sheppard Pratt was one of the few health systems for which he would have left his current position. It “has such an incredible legacy and vibrant mission,” he said. Trivedi’s goal is to improve the health system here while being careful to leave in place the things that already work so well. “I am interested in meaningful change,” he explained. He accomplished that at Vanderbilt, according to Dr. Jonathan Becker, assistant professor of psychiatry. “He has developed
6
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
FEATURE/SHEPPARD PRATT
Trivedi is not new to public policy.
Vanderbilt Behavioral Health into a leader in mental health treatment in the middle
He was instrumental in writing the federal
Tennessee area. He is someone who has
Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which
a vision and a passion for how mental
provides funding for organizations that
health care systems can continue to
work to prevent suicide among young
improve to help the lives of those with
people and improve access to mental
mental illnesses.”
health services on college campuses. When he helped draft that
Trivedi was able to do this, Becker
legislation, Trivedi lived in Maryland; he’s
said, by making daily life at the Vanderbilt health care system as predictable as
Dr. Harsh Trivedi with his family.
excited to return to the area. Joining him will be his wife, Urmi, and two young
possible. Patients knew when their various appointments were scheduled, when they
meaningful dialogue,” he said. “It’s such a
children, Aarav, who is six years old, and
would receive medication, and that they
large system, I really want to spend some
Amar, who is four.
would always be treated with respect.
time across all of our programs.”
Through improvements such as
Trivedi also believes in the importance
Trivedi and his wife are avid hikers, discerning foodies, and enjoy learning
visitation and meal offerings, Vanderbilt
of impacting the local community while
about the richness of diverse cultures.
became “a place where families felt
shaping the national conversation
“We need to spend time understanding
welcome,” Becker said.
regarding mental health issues. “Whether
what it’s like to walk in someone else’s
we discuss lack of access to health
shoes and to see events unfold through
plans, Trivedi did say first on his agenda
care, incarceration of the mentally ill,
their eyes,” he explained.
will be to speak with patients, staff, and
surge in opioid dependence, or all too
stakeholders across the community to
frequent news reports of another school
decided to become a psychiatrist because
understand what makes Sheppard Pratt
shooting — we must acknowledge how
he believed the need was great. He will
one of the leading psychiatric care
intertwined mental health issues are in
continue seeing patients on a limited basis.
providers in the country.
these important societal issues and that
While his specialty is child psychiatry, “I very
more needs to be done to ensure the
much pride myself as being a physician
to do, first and foremost, is get a good
health and wellness of every member
first,” caring for patients of all ages.
sense of the organization and engage in
of our community.”
While he is not ready to talk about his
“I think the biggest thing I really want
And he truly loves helping people. He
Born in India and raised in New York, Trivedi earned his medical degree at
Changing of the Guard: Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi and Dr. Steven S. Sharfstein.
Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University before attending Long Island Jewish Medical Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he completed his general psychiatry residency and served as chief resident. He went on to complete a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital. Trivedi received his MBA from the University of Tennessee Physicians Executive MBA program. Reflecting on his new job, Trivedi vowed always to be mindful of the extraordinarily difficult life for anyone with mental health issues and to “focus on the respect, dignity, and care” delivered to them at Sheppard Pratt.
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
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SHEPPARD PRATT
Dr. Steven Sharfstein Moves Across Campus DEPARTING CEO HAS NEW OPPORTUNITY, NEW GOALS
BY SUZANNE POLLAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID STUCK
r. Steven S. Sharfstein may be
D
then called the Sheppard and Enoch
stepping down as CEO of the
Pratt Hospital.
not be going far. In fact, Sharfstein is only
that was “in the middle of a major crisis.”
emulated psychiatric center, the largest
moving across campus, his title changing
He further explained that insurance
private, non-profit mental health system
to president emeritus, after leading the
companies were only covering costs for
in the country.
largest private, non-profit mental heath
short-term stays when many hospitals and
system in America since January 1992.
residents alike were used to longer care.
Sheppard Pratt Health System, but he will
“I look forward to teaching and
At the time, he faced an industry
Soon after becoming CEO,
Sheppard Pratt did more than just thrive. Under Sharfstein’s tutelage, it became a well-respected and often
Much more than just a single hospital, Sheppard Pratt Health System includes services for both inpatients
writing,” Sharfstein said. He also intends to
Sharfstein helped the hospital evolve
and outpatients, as well as those
see clients in an outpatient setting at the
into the Sheppard Pratt Health System,
receiving special education assistance, and has more than 38 locations
“You have to love what you do. Coming to work every day is a joy. … This is the best job in American psychiatry.” — Dr. Sharfstein newly named Steven S. Sharfstein, M.D.
blossoming from a hospital at one
Integrated Health Care Center in
location into a continuum of care within
Baltimore City, as well as “whatever the
the community that supports people
new CEO wants me to do,” he said,
and stabilizes them with the goal of
referring to Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi, who
getting them back into their homes.
became CEO on July 1. Sharfstein started in 1986 as vice
8
“Changing our identity was the message to the community that we will
president and medical director. A mere
survive and thrive,” he explained. “My first
six years later, he was chosen to become
goal was to survive, and then to thrive,
the fifth president and CEO of what was
and we did.”
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
throughout Maryland. Dr. Sharfstein was hired as vice president and medical director in 1986.
SHEPPARD PRATT
Dr. Sharfstein poses for a photo in his office in 1992 and with his wife, Margaret, at the 2012 NAMI Walk.
When Sharfstein started,
people I recruited and hired on this
Sharfstein has every intention of
Sheppard Pratt had 850 employees
journey, both clinical and nonclinical.”
being at the forefront of that battle. He is
and an annual budget of $40 million.
They are “really dedicated to the mission,
writing two books, one on involuntary
It now has a staff of 2,700 and an
and also very talented.”
treatment and the other on the changing
annual budget of $350 million. An advocate for short-term hospital
Sitting in his virtually empty office that stands ready to welcome Trivedi, Sharfstein
mental health system in America, with a focus on hospitals. He will continue his leadership
stays, Sharfstein wanted to ensure the
reminisced about “the volumes of people”
health system’s ability to treat people
who have improved their lives thanks to
roles with the Group for the Advancement
where they are.
Sheppard Pratt. Yet, he knows more can
of Psychiatry, the Benjamin Rush Society,
be done for people who aren’t getting the
the American College of Psychology,
help they need.
Roberta’s House, and his synagogue,
“We have helped change the mental health landscape,” he said. “We are leading the way.” While the mental health system
A stigma around mental illness remains, and the staff of Sheppard
Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. And, of course, he also will
is “still a work in progress,” Sharfstein
Pratt must still fight to get people the
spend time traveling and enjoying his
said he is proud of how far Sheppard Pratt
help they need.
six grandchildren.
has come and all the people who helped along the way. “I am very proud of the
“We still have to fight that fight,” he said.
Sharfstein wishes his successor well and advises Trivedi to “keep your sense of humor.” It’s important, he said, for Trivedi
Dr. Sharfstein’s official portrait was unveiled in 2015.
to deal with the daily issues while keeping the bigger picture in view. The work is stressful, he admitted. “The job is all about having 25 balls in the air, grabbing one, working on it and then throwing it back in the mix before catching another one,” he said. Still, “I enjoyed it. You have to love what you do,” he added. “Coming to work every day is a joy. … This is the best job in American psychiatry.”
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
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SHEPPARD PRATT
When Drinking Stops Being Social
Helping a friend when they have a physical illness such as the flu is easy, but it’s hard to know when to intervene when they are showing signs of alcohol abuse. IN COLLEGE, Friday nights become a
meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder,
ritual. After class, some might venture to
which is characterized by uncontrolled
happy hour to indulge on half-price tacos
drinking, preoccupation with alcohol,
and cheap margaritas or get together
and negative consequences to drinking.
with other friends to come up with a plan
They also share that about half of college
for the evening ahead. Often, this
students who drink also consume
involves a “pre-game,” a pre-gathering
alcohol through binge drinking.
they are showing signs of alcohol abuse. Here are a few questions to ask if you think a friend or family member may
ahead of the main social event where
The psychological effects of
friends use alcohol to unwind from the
binge drinking, including depression,
prior week. But, sometimes, pre-gaming
anxiety, and memory loss, can be just
is taken to such an extreme that not
as, if not more, damaging than the
to mentally escape or cope
everyone makes it to the main event. No
physical consequences: between 1.2
with stress?
matter how hard you try to get them to
and 1.5 percent of students indicate
slow down, they won’t listen.
that they tried to commit suicide within
Because drinking in college has
the past year due to drinking or drug
become a ritual that many students see
use. Binge drinking can also seriously
as an integral part of their overall college
impair judgement, increasing the risk
experience, students have become
of uncharacteristic sexual behavior.
desensitized to binge-drinking behavior.
Excessive alcohol use can
So, how can they tell what constitutes a
cause stress in relationships
real problem?
as well. Helping a friend
According to the National Institute
10
it’s hard to know when to intervene when
when they have a
on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,
physical illness such
about 20 percent of college students
as the flu is easy, but
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
have a drinking problem: • Does this person use alcohol
SHEPPARD PRATT
• Does this person do dangerous things while drunk? • Has this person had a frightening experience because of drinking?
• Is it difficult for this person to stop drinking after they’ve had one or two drinks? • Is the person defensive
Did they continue to drink after
when people talk about their
that experience?
drinking habits?
• Does this person ever drink alone? • Does this person do things they regret later, such as get in fights, destroy property, drive under the influence, or have unplanned or unwanted sex? • How often does this person “black
HALEY PAAKAULA Haley is a recent graduate of Towson University where she received her
If you answered yes to four or more
undergraduate degree in Health Care
of these questions, it’s time to intervene.
Management with a minor in Business
If you are comfortable with it, you can sit down with your friend, express your concerns, and work with them to
Administration. She spent her last semester as the marketing and public relations intern at Sheppard Pratt Health System.
determine how you can best help them. Another option is to reach out to the local counseling or mental health center for support. How you decide to help is up to
out” or not remember what
you; what counts the most is stepping in
happened after a night out?
when you think your friend needs help.
Ask a Professional: Advice for Our Community DEAR DR. VIMALANANDA: How do I know if my child is depressed and needs help or if he is just having a rough week? – Concerned Parent Dear Concerned Parent: Know your child’s “normal,” and be
are very important. You can reach out
aware of drastic changes to his usual
to your child’s teacher or counselor to
behavior. Normal will differ from child to
check on school performance if you
child. If your child is normally a great
think that home or play might be out of
sleeper, and is all of a sudden waking up
balance. Notice if your child is no longer
multiple times throughout the night, this
interested in a sport he or she once
might raise a red flag. The same goes for
loved, or if your child is struggling
behavior in school. If your child usually
socially. Your pediatrician can be a great
raises his hand in class and socializes
resource if you’re concerned your child
with his friends, and then all of a sudden
might be depressed. Or you can call your
is quiet, won’t talk, and isn’t doing as
insurance provider to determine which
well academically, this may be cause
mental health professionals are in your
for concern.
plan. You can also call our therapy
I always tell parents to observe
referral service at 410.938.5000 for
behavior in three categories: school,
assistance in finding the appropriate
home, and play. All three of these areas
care provider.
As a parent, you know your child best; follow your gut and be on the lookout for sudden changes to “normal.” Sincerely, Meena Vimalananda, M.D., medical director, Child and Adolescent Services
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
11
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Meet The Graduates As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, several graduates from Sheppard Pratt’s Special Education Program, which includes 12 special education residential and day schools throughout Maryland, sat down with heal. to reflect on their schools, their accomplishments, and their plans for the future.
JOHN DEAN
ELLIE HOSKYN
TOM McHUGH
What do you love most
What do you love most
What do you love most
about your school?
about your school?
about your school?
The way we come together showing
I think The Frost School is a great
I love that this is the first year
sportsmanship when playing for the
supportive learning environment
I have not been bullied.
sports teams here and all the help
because of how great the staff are.
everyone gives you.
They are willing to help students
-HANNAH MORE CAMPUS
What are you going to do after you graduate?
extremely thankful for all that they do.
I plan to go to college. I am attending
What are you going to do
the Project Access program at Howard
after you graduate?
Community College this summer.
I am planning on attending Montgomery
I plan to major in computer software
College, and I want to study to get a
programming and business because
degree in art therapy. I look forward to
I want to eventually own my
what the future holds.
own business.
12
academically and emotionally. I am
after you graduate? After I graduate I am going to Montgomery College for cyber security. What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my family.
What are you most proud of?
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of how I have grown
I am most proud of my change
over the past year. When I look back
because without my changing
at the past year, I can see how I have
I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
become more at ease with myself.
I wouldn’t be a graduating senior
I have learned to love myself more and
and successful.
learned to stay present and mindful.
heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System
What are you going to do
NS CONGRATULATIO tes! to our 57 gradua
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
AARON PIERCE
BRIAN SHELL
ELIJAH WALEWSKI
-HANNAH MORE CAMPUS
What do you love most
What do you love most
What do you love most
about your school?
about your school?
about your school?
Going to work at Washington Middle
I like that they have nice staff
I love the school because I get to
School to clean up the cafeteria. My
that keep me safe.
hang out with my friends and learn
favorite thing about my school is the playground. I like to play on the slide.
What are you going to do after you graduate?
new things from my teachers. I love cooking in my culinary classes.
What are you going to do
I’m going to work on construction
What are you going to do
after you graduate?
and get a house.
after you graduate?
After I graduate I am going to go to Friends Aware. My favorite thing to do there is exercise with the group.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud that I am graduating and getting out!
What are you most proud of? I am proud of earning my radio to listen to Magic 100.5 and Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone.”
I am looking to attend a culinary school in North Carolina because my family is moving there after graduation. The school and my family are working to find a culinary school for me. I also plan to find a job after I move. What are you most proud of? Being able to play on the sports
49 students are receiving Maryland High School Diplomas and 8 students are receiving Certificates of Program Completion.
teams, graduating, being a chef in the culinary program, and having a great family.
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
13
IN THE NEWS
Congratulations to Dr. Sharfstein
The Retreat: Marketing Awards
STEVEN S. SHARFSTEIN, M.D., recently
CONGRATULATIONS to the marketing
received several awards to recognize his
department and The Retreat at Sheppard
many contributions to psychiatry throughout
Pratt for securing two 2016 Aster Awards
his distinguished career. Dr. Sharfstein was
and one 2016 Healthcare Marketing Report
named the American Hospital Association’s 2016
Award recognizing excellence in medical
Grassroots Champion. He also received the 2016
marketing and advertising. The program
American Psychiatric Association Distinguished
received gold and bronze recognition for
Service Award and was the 2016 recipient of
their 2016 print ad campaign and bronze
the C. Charles Burlingame, M.D. Award by the
recognition for the redesign of their
Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut.
website, retreat.sheppardpratt.org.
Mann RTC Initiates Heroin Education Project
Our ‘Unsung Hero’
THIS SPRING, The Berkeley and Eleanor Mann
of the Co-Occurring Disorders Program and
Residential Treatment Center, in collaboration with
medical director of the Adult Day Hospital in
their DBT Substance Abuse Committee, launched
Towson, was presented with the “Unsung Hero”
the Maryland State Department of Education’s
award by Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Center’s
Heroin Project. Through this initiative, students
Dr. George Kolodner at the annual National Council
conducted a service-learning project aimed at
on Alcohol and Drug Dependence of Maryland TUERK Conference.
reducing heroin use and overdose.
We are so proud of Dr. Khushalani and thankful for his contributions to
THIS APRIL, Sunil Khushalani, M.D., service chief
the field of addiction medicine and co-occurring disorders.
Mark Your Calendar! For a complete listing of events, continuing education classes, and lectures, visit sheppardpratt.org/calendar-events.
PHILANTHROPIC EVENTS 3rd Annual Sheppard Pratt Stride Saturday, October 8, 2016 Join us for our first 5k and third annual one-mile fun walk to raise funds to improve the lives of our patients and students! The Stride will be held at The Conference Center on Sheppard Pratt Health System’s Towson campus. Register now at spstride.org to join us for a
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The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 410.938.3900 for information.
family-friendly morning filled with
Wednesday Lectures @ Sheppard Pratt
activities and refreshments.
We offer a lecture series at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt
EDUCATIONAL CLASSES Dick Prodey Lecture Series Sponsored jointly by The Kolmac Clinic, Sheppard Pratt Health System, and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Maryland (NCADD-Maryland). A FREE, eight class series held Wednesday evenings at
most Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. to support continuing education of medical and mental health professionals. Anyone is invited to join; please visit sheppardpratt.org/education-training/ for more information.
IN THE NEWS
Students’ Art Recognized for Children’s Mental Health Matters! Week THIS MAY, in honor of Children’s Mental Health Matters! Week, four students from The Frost School had their art recognized as part of “Celebrating Through Art: The First Lady’s Mental Health Youth Art Display.” Children and teens from across Maryland submitted art for display, each piece depicting something which makes them feel “mentally happy, healthy, and hopeful.” Congratulations to all of The Frost School’s selected students and the art teacher, Ms. Painter.
From left: Kathy Daddario, Monique Bowie, and Lisa Catalano.
Baltimore Magazine Honors Our Top Nurses THREE NURSES from Sheppard Pratt Health System were
From left: Aaron S., Matt K., Ms. Kim Painter, Ellie H., Gianna C.
recently honored by Baltimore Magazine as 2016 Top Nurses in the greater Baltimore area. Hundreds of nominations were analyzed by a panel of registered nurse advisors, and 55 were chosen as winners. Among them: Kathy Daddario, TMS RN coordinator for The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt; Monique Bowie, day school nurse at The Jefferson School; and Lisa Catalano, charge nurse on the adolescent unit. Congratulations!
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
CONFERENCE EXHIBITING
LGBT Pride Month
Throughout the year, Sheppard Pratt
June 2016
Health System and its programs exhibit
National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month September 2016
World Alzheimer’s Month September 2016
at a number of conferences and community events. Make sure to stop by our booth if you plan to be at any of the following:
World Suicide Prevention Day
NASW-MD’s 11th Annual Clinical Conference
September 10, 2016
September 29-30, 2016 —
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Baltimore, Maryland
2016 National Eating Disorder Awareness Conference September 29-October 1, 2016 — Chicago, Illinois
Southern Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting September 29-October 2, 2016 — Baltimore, Maryland
28th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference October 5, 2016 — Baltimore, Maryland
October 2016
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THRIVE. A BLOG BY SHEPPARD PRATT
Becoming an Ironman for Myself and My Patients Fearing Stigma but Seeking Help I was a psychiatric intern at the time, and I was depressed. But I couldn’t bring myself to seek treatment. I suffered like that for months until I saw a colleague in consultation, where I described suffering from the symptoms of attention deficit disorder, but suggested that a third-line medication for that diagnosis, also used for depression, might help me. I needed so much more than that medication, but my depression, my own inhibitions, and stigma kept me from getting the help I needed. Difficulty concentrating seemed a safer problem to admit to than depression. I was worried that I wouldn’t be taken seriously as a THE SLIVER OF LIGHT coming under the door of the windowless office seemed
psychiatrist if it became known that I,
unbearably bright and offensive. I turned away from it and closed my eyes. There is a
too, was a patient.
flat spot on the back of my head that, if angled just right, would lie on the textbook I was
I continued to suffer off and on for
using as a pillow. In a few moments, I would be asleep again. I was supposed to be out
years, finally getting into real treatment
seeing patients, but it was all I could do to show up at work and hide in my office. My
for the first time after my training was
supervisor was a gentle woman who would come check on me a couple of times a day.
over. A combination of psychotherapy
She would crack the door and ask, “Dr. Franklin, why don’t you come out and see one
and medications led to the relief of
of the new patients?”
stabilization. Ultimately, psychoanalysis,
“I can’t. I just can’t... I’m no good to anyone.”
a more intensive therapy experience,
Drifting in and out of consciousness in that dark room seemed far superior to
helped me to fundamentally change
being up and about, feeling the pain that seemed to emanate from my chest and flow
how I thought about myself and the
throughout my body. It was as if my blood had been replaced by some impossibly dense
world, which led to not just relief, but a
material that could barely flow, making every step I took an effort. If I didn’t lie on that
transformation of how my mind worked.
floor and feel my body supported all the way from that flat part of my skull to the small
Eventually, I was able to stop taking
of my back, to the backs of my ankles, it felt like I might fall through to the center of the
medicines. The way I had felt only years
earth, through the dirt, rock, and then to the molten core where I would be incinerated.
before seemed so far away. I felt a part
I wondered if that might be better than living like this.
of the human race. Until now, I have kept quiet about my experience. A continued fear of
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THRIVE. A BLOG BY SHEPPARD PRATT
stigma has kept me quiet. I felt that if I was known as a psychiatric patient, even a so-called “cured” one, I would be labeled or disgraced or stereotyped. I thought it might hold back my career. But the only way to combat stigma is to speak out. This is not easy, but I am inspired by those that have traveled before me on this road and by my current patients. I can’t go on urging them to be
Dr. Franklin trains for the swimming portion of the Ironman.
courageous, to face down the stigma they were feeling, without doing all I can to fight stigma myself. Only by shining the light of truth on people’s lived experience of mental illness will stigma finally become a thing of the past.
Why a Triathlon? After my psychoanalysis was over, I took
“In triathlons, like in depression, you have to go on putting one foot in front of another for as long as it takes.” — Dr. Thomas Franklin, medical director, The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt
up triathlons. Exercise has not only helped my mood, but I found that
In triathlons, like in depression,
has to go without the treatment they
endurance sports are a powerful
you have to go on putting one foot in front
metaphor for what living with a mental
need. 100 percent of the monies donated
of another for as long as it takes. It will be
illness can be like. In some ways, training
to this fund are spent on patient care.
painful. Your best-laid plans will go awry.
for and finishing races makes me feel that
Maybe someone we help will become
Small mistakes early in the race can turn
I have mastery over that part of me that
the next courageous voice in the fight
into big problems before the end of the
suffered so much.
against stigma.
day. The finish line will seem an impossibly
Dr. Franklin and his wife after they completed the 2014 Diamond in the Rough Triathlon.
Please give generously, whatever
long way away. There are moments of
that means for you in your life by
despair, but also moments of triumph.
calling 410.938.4018. Thank you for
There is beauty around the next corner
your support.
that can give you hope, if you only look up long enough to take it in. But preparing for and finishing the race is much more about your mind than your body. On July 24th, I will be racing the
Dr. Thomas Franklin is the medical director of The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt. He is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a
140.6 miles of the Ironman Lake Placid
graduate analyst, having trained at the
triathlon to fight stigma, to show people
Washington Center for Psychoanalysis. He is
who are suffering that treatment works, and to raise money for the Sheppard Pratt Patient Care Fund so that no one
Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry, and has extensive experience in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and addictions and co-occurring disorders.
Like what you’ve read? Check out our blog at sheppardpratt.org/blog for more great posts from our staff, patients, and community members.
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
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SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM PHILANTHROPY
You give. They heal. You make great things happen when you give to the Sheppard Pratt Health System.
MORE IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCE IS THE GOAL The Women’s Hospital Foundation, one of
nurses will go through a three- to
by a psychiatrist, and suitable cases
Sheppard Pratt’s most generous donors,
four-month training program, depending
triaged to psychiatric nurse practitioners.
recently established the Women’s
on the specialty area, where they will be
The addition of more highly trained care
Hospital Foundation Nursing Practicum,
participating in patient evaluations and
providers will go a long way toward
which will benefit both nurses in training
building a patient case load with the
treating patients with the specialized
and our patients. Because we treat
attending psychiatrist.
care they need in a supportive and
patients with many complicated issues,
The aim of the Women’s Hospital
compassionate environment. We are
the Women’s Hospital Foundation
Foundation Nursing Practicum is to
so grateful to the Women’s Hospital
Nursing Practicum will allow us to
develop a clinical comfort and knowledge
Foundation for making it possible!
give psychiatric nurse practitioners
base to treat patients. Thereafter, new
more in-depth experience. The selected
patients will continue to be evaluated
SAVE THE DATE
for the 3rd Annual Sheppard Pratt Stride Saturday, October 8, 2016 The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt Join us for a family-fun day to raise awareness and funds to support Sheppard Pratt programs that help patients and students, their families, and those affected by serious mental illness. In addition to our 1-mile fun walk, we will also be hosting our first chip-timed 5K!
Register now at spstride.org
Share Your Story With Us Share with us your memorable story from your time with Sheppard Pratt, and help us fight stigma. Please contact us at 410.938.4466 or share@sheppardpratt.org.
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MEET OUR THERAPIST
Catching Up with Patti Prugh ART THERAPIST OPENS DOOR FOR VICTIMS OF TRAUMA
Patti Prugh, ATR-BC, LCPAT, CGP, is the senior art therapist for The Trauma Disorders Program and rehabilitation services coordinator for Sheppard Pratt Health System. For more than 23 years, Patti has utilized art therapy and the creative art process to bring stabilization and internal awareness to her patients.
Q. Tell us about your role as the
Q. What do you love
senior art therapist for The Trauma Disorders Program.
most about your job?
A. I am so grateful for the
A. I have the opportunity to design,
opportunity to work with people
develop, and conduct art therapy groups
who are willing to actively
in a risk-free environment, tailored to
challenge the profound effects
individuals who have been severely
that trauma has had on their
traumatized. Learning how to use art
lives. When people use their art
as a form of nonverbal self-expression
through art therapy to make a
provides a window to proactively
difference in their lives — it’s an
understanding one’s challenges and
amazing thing to see. It’s rich
strengths. By looking at art through
and rewarding to watch someone
an art therapist’s lens, I’m able to ask
connect with themselves in a way
questions that help to illuminate
they didn’t know they could,
a self-understanding that often did
which ultimately helps them
not previously exist.
to heal.
Q. What is art therapy?
Q. What have you found
A. Art therapy is not arts and crafts but psychotherapy. Both the art work
to be unique about The Trauma Disorders Program?
and art creation process can be
A. The treatment team that
therapeutic unto themselves, but as
I get to be a part of. It is the most
an art therapist, I’m trained to dive
professional, supportive, and
deeper, ask questions about the art or
dedicated team to be found
creation process, and serve as a bridge
anywhere in the country.
between the hidden messages in the art and a person’s self-exploration,
Q. What do you like to do
challenges, and strengths.
in your spare time?
Q. Why is art so important?
A. I always have projects going on, ranging from land preservation
A. Art documents a time, a society,
on a property in the mountains, to
an idea. It can put beauty into an
making art, to spending time with
environment and can transcend to
family and friends.
a philosophical experience. It’s mankind’s handprint.
sheppardpratt.org • heal.
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Providing compassionate care for 125 Years!
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