Q3 | 2019
BRAINSTORMS Quarterly Publication of the University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Fa l l I s s u e In This Edition: Early Identification of a Child’s Learning Disabilities Rising Suicide Rates Among Law Enforcement Officers and How You Can Help Developing a Family Disaster Plan to Cope with Hurricane Season
A Message from the Interim Chairman
ear Friends, Fall has arrived in Miami! With the new season comes new endeavors—new members of the Department, a new mental health research center, new programs and more.
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I am delighted that our Class of 2023 has joined the training program. I am always thoroughly impressed with our trainees and this year is no different. They each represent different regions of the world and we are thrilled they have chosen the University of Miami to continue their medical education. As the Psychiatry Training Director, I look forward to working with all of them for years to come. As the summer ends, children are also returning to school. In these early stages of their education, it’s vital to be attentive to their growth and development. One in 10 children are affected by a learning disability, but early intervention can help prevent long-term challenges and consequences. Dr. Nicole Mavrides, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, explains what to look out for in an article on page 3. This summer, we welcomed Maggy PerezDickens to the Department of Psychiatry as our interim Vice Chair for Finance and Administration. Maggy has been the VCA for the Department of Neurosurgery the last five years and has been at UM for nearly 18 years in various business and finance roles. We are grateful to have her guidance and expertise in managing the business side of the Department. We were very fortunate to be spared from Hurricane Dorian in South Florida but were heartbroken to see the devastation it caused in the Bahamas. As South Floridians know, 2 | BrainStorms | Q3 | 2019
hurricane season is a precarious time as we attempt to prepare for the unknown. Fortunately, we have a great deal of information and resources available that can help us be as prepared as possible. Please turn to page 4 for some of these resources and a helpful article on developing a family preparedness plan by Dr. Zelde Espinel. For opportunities to support relief efforts in the Bahamas, please visit https://welcome.miami.edu/uresponds/. The 2019 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walk is right around the corner on Sunday, October 6th. The event draws more than 1,000 supporters. We hope you will consider joining Team UHealth and walking with us at Tropical Park. As the rates of suicide continue to rise, prevention is one of the most important issues to our Department. More details are on page 6. Lastly, the Department has officially joined Facebook! We hope you’ll join our online community where you can find the latest news, research, events and more in psychiatry inside and outside the U. You can find us on www.facebook.com/PsychAtUM or by searching @PsychAtUM once logged in. Wishing you a festive fall season, Radu
Identifying Learning Disabilities Early in School-Age Children By Nicole Mavrides, MD
earning disorders are so common that they affect at least one in 10 children of school age. Even though many students with learning disorders exhibit normal intelligence, their specific learning issues may affect math or reading leading some teachers to question children’s general abilities. Early intervention may help alleviate some long-term consequences of learning disabilities. However, if gone undetected, manyissues may surface.
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For instance, if kids don’t develop proficient reading skills in elementary school, they will find reading in high school to be challenging, and quite possibly be incapable of performing math problems that involve reading. Without intervention, children may get more and more frustrated which will impact self-esteem and invite generally negative feelings towards school and learning. Parents should be diligent observers and be on the lookout for signs that may indicate their child is having a problem. Signs may include: difficulty understanding
and following directions, trouble remembering what was just said, failing to master fundamental reading/spelling/writing math skills, difficulty telling right from left, tendency to reverse letters/words/numbers, lacking coordination in sports/walking/ holding a pencil/tying a shoelace, continually losing or misplacing homework/books, or difficulty understanding the concept of time. In order to embark on a successful school year, parents, students, and teachers must learn how to both ask for and accept help. It is imperative that parents communicate the specific challenges their child is experiencing so the educator can
be of help. It is also important for kids to communicate how they learn best and what makes them feel frustrated. Parents and teachers can be instrumental in helping children to feel less frustrated by making organization a priority. Helping to keep folders and backpacks orderly can make everything seem less overwhelming. Talking to kids about what to do if they miss an assignment or if they start to fall behind in class is critical. Communicating to your child that you are there to help builds trust and encourages a strong relationship.
Giving kids morale boosters, allowing relaxation time and finding activities they excel at is key to building self-esteem and creating successes. Also, planning events that your child looks forward to can make school feel less consuming. Establishing a time each day to discuss school, experiences and obligations is a gentle and more mindful way to review expectations than to drill or ask direct questions. In addition, giving kids the space and time to try on their own before
jumping in to help demonstrates that you have confidence in their abilities which is important in building self-confidence. The new school year is exciting for most students. To make a child’s transition easier, we must remember to be diligent observers, acknowledge and address learning differences, and always act as their advocates. Dr. Nicole Mavrides is Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the Medical Director of Child Psychiatry Consultation Service.
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Stressed Out by Hurricane Dorian? A Family Disaster Plan Will Help You Cope | By Zelde Espinel, MD t’s hurricane season again, and South Florida has already endured the threat of one of the most vicious storms in history to contend with— Hurricane Dorian. While our region was fortunately spared its wrath, our friends to the southeast in the Bahamas were not. Many of us who have lived through a hurricane know that they can carve a path of catastrophic destruction. They can leave behind not only physical damage, but psychological scars. This is partially a product of how we code such memories in our brains. Traumatic memories are literally etched into the brain and recalled with emotion-evoking intensity. Since Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida in 1992, we better understand the psychological footprint of these meteorological disasters. Simply distilled, more people are affected psychologically than are injured physically. When a hurricane strikes, persons in harm’s way experience a wide range of psychological, behavioral, physical and
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emotional reactions. Indeed, psychological distress is pervasive, palpable, and nearly universal among those who are directly exposed to strong winds, heavy rains, tornadoes, battering coastal waves and storm surge. Acute distress reactions tend to dissipate for most survivors. These individuals rebound, regain function and resume their life roles. But some hurricane survivors will experience more prolonged and intense symptoms. Factors that may cause enduring post-disaster distress are the severity of exposure to the storm hazards, ongoing adversity or lack of social support. One practical strategy is to design a family disaster plan targeted toward decreasing disaster stress and maximizing positive coping when a hurricane threatens or strikes. A family disaster plan is essential for disaster preparedness. It provides the blueprint for safeguarding your family during a disaster,
keeping family members connected and informed, handling disaster stress and taking effective action to respond and recover. Creating a family disaster plan should involve every member of the household and incorporate the particular needs of each family member, as well as pets. Special attention should be given to each child, older adult, persons with a disability or an individual with a health condition. Andrew was 27 years ago and the Miami community recreated itself as a model for disaster resilience. Nevertheless, climate change is making storms progressively more dangerous. This reality demands renewed efforts from South Floridians to prepare— at individual, family, community, and city-wide levels—and step up to meet these threats to health and well-being. A version of this article originally appeared in the Miami Herald on August 30th.
Resources When bad weather hits, some helpful resources and their social media channels may be helpful: UM Emergency Preparedness Site prepare.miami.edu @UMiamiENN Florida Division of Emergency Management FloridaDisaster.org @FloridaSERT Florida Department of Environmental Protection FloridaDEP.gov @FLDEP National Weather Service weather.gov/mfl @NWSMiami
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Time to Protect Those Who Protect Us By Elisa Diaz, PsyD and Marisa Echenique PsyD
ore than 47,000 people in the United States commit suicide annually, making it the 10th leading cause of death for all ages. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized suicide as a public health priority. National and international resources have been allocated for research, education and awareness, and to implement suicide prevention programs. Despite these efforts, the stigma around mental health remains and is particularly evident across different occupational fields. There is a disproportionate risk of suicide—and suicide completion—among the legal, medical and law enforcement professions. According to the NIH, law enforcement officers are one-and-a-half times more likely to commit suicide than the general population; more law enforcement officers die by suicide than from being killed in the line of duty. Data from Blue H.E.L.P., a nonprofit organization that tracks law enforcement suicides, shows that reported suicides are up 24% to 114 officers in 2019 from 92 in 2018. Unfortunately, Florida has one of the highest rates of suicide among law enforcement officers in the country. In 2018, ten officers committed suicide, and that number is likely underreported. An officer’s job is to protect the public. At times, this means witnessing
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violence and trauma, putting themselves in dangerous situations, enduring erratic work schedules, and operating in high-stress environments. Furthermore, over the past few decades, society has faced unimaginable tragedies such as school shootings and domestic terrorism. Law enforcement officers are the first line of defense against these events—it is reasonable to infer the after-effects take their toll on mental and emotional capacity. A recent study suggests that police officers who experienced a traumatic event reported a higher percentage of suicidal thoughts (27.2%) when compared to those who did not (7.7%). Leaving extreme stress, anxiety, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) undiagnosed or untreated can certainly cause an increased risk for suicide. However, due to many factors such as fear of repercussion, sense of failure, lack of insight, and stigma, mental health services tend to be underused or avoided entirely. Mental health providers are prepared to assist in these situations but when the aforementioned factors are barriers to seeking help, what other means are available? For one, commanding officers and loved ones can take an active role by speaking with officers who have recently been part of a particularly difficult situation. They can—and should—become familiar
with warning signs of an underlying mental health disorder or suicide and stay alert for any major changes in the officer’s behavior. Commanding officers, family and friends can help identify signs that a police officer is in distress and encourage the officer to reach out for support when needed. Warning signs of suicide include changes in their talk, behavior and mood. Some important examples include: l l l l l
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Withdrawing from others or their surroundings drug and/or alcohol abuse change of behavior or insubordination expressing feelings of hopelessness talking about ending their life and/or making arrangements, i.e. giving away personal belongings or making a will depression threatening self and/or others excessive carrying of weapons unrelated to work
No one can ever fully understand why an individual might choose to take their own life. However, suicide may be preventable and knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can save lives. If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help.
Text START to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, at any time, about any type of crisis Crisis Text Line
1.800.273.8255 (1.800.273-TALK)
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1.866.488.7386
The Trevor Project
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Events
Sunday, October 6th AFSP Miami-Dade County Out of the Darkness Walk Suicide has become a national epidemic. It is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. In Florida, one person dies by suicide every three hours on average. Join us for the 2019 Out of the Darkness Miami Walk and help raise funds for suicide prevention.
2019
IASR|AFSP International Summit on Suicide Research
Three days of plenary and symposia sessions on opioid abuse, EMA and ethics, social media and suicidal behaviors, and much more.
October 27–30
Loews Miami Beach Hotel Register at http://bit.ly/2mmeQpu
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Tropical Park 7900 SW 40th Street Miami, FL 33155 Registration 8am Walk Begins 10am Visit https://bit.ly/2krgrd8 to register with Team UHealth!
Clinical Trials Corner ne of the missions of the Department of Psychiatry is to conduct highly innovative research to increase our understanding about difficult to treat psychiatric conditions and advance new treatments in these areas. In this column, we highlight clinical trials in a breadth of focus areas.
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Mood/Anxiety Studies ALAUNUS Study This study looks to compare the effectiveness of a single stem cell infusion in reducing symptoms of depression and Alcohol Use Disorder. For patients with Major Depressive Disorder, AUD, and elevated levels of inflammation, a stem cell infusion may reduce inflammation and provide a non-pharmaceutical approach to improving symptoms. Bipolar/AUD Excessive alcohol use can exacerbate the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and present an obstacle to treatment. This study looks to compare the effectiveness of two “Nutraceutical” supplements (available over-the-counter) in reducing symptoms of Bipolar Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Takeda: Vortioxetine for Treatment of PTSD There are some treatments for PTSD that are approved, but their level of efficacy is
TIC DISORDERS STUDY A GENOMICS STUDY FOR PATIENTS WITH TIC DISORDERS OF ALL AGES
not optimal. This study examines whether a newly approved antidepressant therapy, Vortioxetine, may be effective in treating PTSD. Vortioxetine is unique because it is the only medication approved by the US FDA to improve cognitive functioning in people with mood symptoms. Thus, the cognitive changes seen in PTSD may also benefit from this treatment.
Cognition Studies EMA: Introspective Accuracy, Bias, and Everyday Functioning in Severe Mental Illness Self-awareness and the ability to directly evaluate one's own abilities and performance are important for everyday functioning. Impairments in this area extend to several domains of functioning including neuro-cognition, social cognition, and functional abilities. The present study explores how deficits (or absence of deficits) in self-awareness among those with severe mental illness relate to everyday outcomes which may have implications for treatment. We are using remote and in-person assessments to examine people's daily activities as well as their ability to evaluate their memory performance. This study involves 30 days of daily self-assessment and reports of everyday activities. A phone will be provided for the duration of the study.
DO YOU HAVE A DIAGNOSIS OF A TIC DISORDER? IS YOUR FAMILY (including parents and siblings) FREE OF SUSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED TIC DISORDER?
BI 1346-0038 Current treatments for patients with schizophrenia have focused on reducing positive symptoms associated with the diagnosis such as hallucinations and delusions. However, there is an ongoing need to address the cognitive impairments that are also associated with schizophrenia. This study will assess whether a new drug may improve cognition in patients with schizophrenia who will also receive adjunctive Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT).
Tics, Tourette’s, and other Anxiety Disorders: TIC Genomics Study Tourette disorder (TD) and tics disorders are poorly understood—often debilitating— neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by a combination of persistent vocal and motor tics. Our international team of clinicians and scientists point to gene variants that may contribute to TD and tic disorders risk. We aim to recruit 1,025 trios (parent & child volunteers) in the US and abroad to help us identify TD genes. The study involves a one-time visit with the doctor and providing a blood sample.
For more information about participating in a clinical trial, please contact 305.243.6489 or BRAC@miami.edu
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Involves: a single visit comprehensive psychiatric evaluation complete questionnaire a single blood draw compensation for your time and travel
ARE YOUR BIOLOGIGAL PARENTS ABLE TO ATTEND STUDY VISITS? IF SO, YOU MAY BE ELIGILBLE! For details, please contact us: 305.243.6489 or brac@miami.edu
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Center for Therapeutic Innovation Researchers Awarded $300,000 from Hyundai Hope on Wheels Foundation n September 10th, an awards ceremony was held in the UHealth Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center courtyard to honor investigators Ines Lohse, PhD and Warren Alperstein, MD for their work in pediatric sarcoma. The researchers are part of a large multidisciplinary team that has recently developed a cancer-specific drug sensitivity testing (DST) platform. The multidisciplinary group of experts behind these efforts is comprised of clinical researchers (Drs. Matteo Trucco, Warren Alperstein, Jonathan Trent), translational researchers at the Center for Therapeutic Innovation, (Drs. Ines Lohse, Claes Wahlestedt, Shaun Brothers, Claude-Henry Volmar) and computational researchers (Drs. Hassan Al-Ali, Sunil Rao) working on the common goal of helping patients with sarcoma and other malignancies. This platform aims to implement a precision medicine approach that allows rapid stratification of patients with different malignancies for cancer treatment in order to align them with the best possible treatment option, regardless of whether it was used for the particular cancer in the past. The approach provides improved potential for positive outcomes and reduced risk for side effects and toxicity, especially from unsuccessful treatment approaches for pediatric patients with different subtypes of sarcoma. This funding will allow us to implement a precision medicine approach that has the potential to change the treatment outcome of patients.” This precision medicine approach was successfully implemented as part of a clinical trial in patients with relapsed/ refractory acute myeloid leukemia, where the use of the screening platform for treatment stratification resulted in positive response to treatments that the patients would not have otherwise been prescribed. Other indications are currently under preclinical and clinical development.
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At the event, two teenagers, Braulio Hernandez and Sonia Rodriguez, spoke about their fight against cancer and treatment at Alex’s Place, Sylvester’s pediatric outpatient facility for children with cancer and blood diseases. Other young patients participated in the program’s signature Handprint Ceremony, where they dipped their hands in paint and placed their handprints on a white 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. Their colorful handprints on the official Hope Vehicle represent their individual and collective journeys, hopes and dreams. CTI pursues genomic/precision medicine inspired drug discovery across several therapeutic areas in addition to oncology.
The mission of Hope On Wheels is to help kids fight cancer. This is done so by funding innovative research, creating public awareness, stimulating social media conversation and serving as a thought leader.
from left: Shaun Brothers, PhD, Warren Alperstein, MD, Braulio Hernandez, Sonia Rodriguez, Ines Lohse, PhD and Claes Wahlestedt, PhD
Reception Launches New Mental Health Research Center to Combat Miami’s HIV/AIDS Epidemic | By Robert Benchley he University of Miami officially launched CHARM— its new Center for HIV and Research in Mental Health— at a reception held June 11 at the Miller School of Medicine. Co-directors Steven Safren, PhD, professor of psychology, Deborah Jones Weiss, PhD, M.Ed., professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, and Daniel Feaster, PhD, professor of public health sciences, were joined by Adam Carrico, PhD, associate professor of public health sciences and psychology, and director of CHARM’s Developmental Core, in explaining the Center’s mission to halt Miami’s HIV/AIDS epidemic to the dozens of researchers in attendance. “We are hoping to learn about the consequences of the combination of mental health and HIV infection in men and women, such as disparities in health outcomes. Understanding HIV in the context of mental health will allow us to design guidelines for health interventions,” said Dr. Deborah Jones Weiss. “The Miami metropolitan region has become ground zero for new HIV
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infections; this may be due in part to challenges gaining access to testing and HIV prevention services for those most at risk of infection.” CHARM is funded by a four-year $3.32 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. Researchers may apply for up to two $50,000 pilot program awards annually. Initial proposals are due in November and will be reviewed in December, with funding awarded in January of 2020. Support
In 2017, Florida reported the highest number of HIV diagnoses at
1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV today
4,800
Approximately
26,632
people are living with HIV in Miami
From left, Raymond Balise, PhD, Victoria Mitrani, PhD, Adam Carrico, PhD, Steven Safren, PhD, Daniel Feaster, PhD, Deborah Jones Weiss, PhD, M.Ed., Allan E. Rodriguez, MD, and Maria Alcaide, MD.
for researchers includes consultation, mentoring, centralized peer review and other forms of assistance. For additional information about CHARM, contact Paco Castellón, MPH, director of research support, at pcastellon @med.miami.edu or 305.243.0987.
1 in 7
30-50%
people with HIV in the United States do not know that they are infected
of people with HIV are also living with psychiatric disorders
Breakdown of people living with HIV
74.4%
42.5% Black
45.4%
male
Hispanic/Latinx
25.6%
10.7%
female
White
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We’re Growing! he Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is pleased to announce three openings for psychiatrists in the UHealth System, Miami’s premier academic medical center. Requirements are as follows. Compensation is commensurate with experience. UM offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package. The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer—Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.
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Consult-Liaison Psychiatrist Collaborative position with The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated cancer treatment center in South Florida Board certification in Psychiatry required Board eligibility/certification in C-L Psychiatry would be preferred but experience will be considered Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist M.D./D.O. with Board Eligibility or Board Certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry required Active State of Florida Medical License Addiction Psychiatrist Board certified or board-eligible in Psychiatry Board certified or eligible for Added Qualification in Addiction Psychiatry
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FACES
The UM Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences extends a warm welcome to new members of the team: Damien Brothers Research Assistant
Zelde Espinel, MD Assistant Professor, Clinical
Zachary Miller Post Doctoral Associate
Jonathan Brown Research Assistant
Christian Gonzalez-Jimenez Post Doctoral Associate
Lien Morcate Research Associate I
Job Donatien, Sr. Research Assistant
Katherine Gorman Post Doctoral Associate
Andres Vasquez-Ortiz Clinical Research Coordinator
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A vibrant and diverse academic and healthcare community, the University of Miami and the University of Miami Health System have rapidly progressed to become one of the nation’s top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation.
Established in 1925 during the region’s famous real estate boom, UM is a major research university engaged in $324 million in research and sponsored program expenditures annually. While the majority of this work is housed at the Miller School of Medicine, investigators conduct hundreds of studies in other areas. The University of Miami is focused on creating a future that cuts across geographic, cultural, and intellectual borders.
IT’S OFFICIAL! The UM Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is on Facebook! Keep up with the latest developments in psychiatry inside and outside of UM. Join our community at: facebook.com/PsychatUM/ @PsychatUM
Welcome, New Residents and Fellows!
NIKITA BODOUKHIN, MD PGY-1
STEPHANIE BONAFOUX DO PGY-1
KENEIL BROWN, MD PGY-1
ADAM GOLDENBERG, MD PGY-1
MOAYAD KABLI, MD PGY-1
ALEXANDER KATZ, MD PGY-1
ROBERTA LAGRANDEUR, MD PGY-1
SUNG MIN MA, MD PGY-1
OMAR MUNOZ, MD PGY-1
GHAITH SHUKRI, MD PGY-1
CONNIE SPELIUS PEREZ, MD PGY-1
AHMED VALDES, MD PGY-1
DENNIS VALERSTAIN, MD PGY-1
MICHELLE ZAYDLIN, MD PGY-1
FERAS ALKHARBOUSH, MD PGY-2
ABDUL ALTHUKAIR, MD PGY-2
MAITE CASTILLO, MD PGY-2
NATALIE CUMMINGS, MD PGY-2
JESSICA HEALEY, MD PGY-2
JACOB KANNARKAT, MD PGY-2
JORDAN LEVY, MD PGY-2
STEPHON MARTIN, MD PGY-2
DAVID MARTINEZ GARZA, MD, PGY-2
VALENTINA METSAVAHT CARA, MD, PGY-2
JESSICA MIKOLOWSKY MD PGY-2
JULIA SALINAS, MD PGY-2
JULIA SALINAS, MD PGY-2
AMY WATERS, MD PGY-2
NADA ALYOUSHA, MD PGY-3
NADEGE BARBE MD PGY-3
YASIN BEZ, MD PGY-3
MATT BOJANOWSKI, MD PGY-3
CODY BRYANT, MD PGY-3
C.EVAN COMBS, MD PGY-3
JOSH DELANEY, MD PGY-3
MARIA HADJIKYRIAKOU MD, PGY-3
FRED JONES-ROSA MD PGY-3
ROAA JAMBI, MD PGY-3
JESSICA LYDIARD, MD PGY-3
NATALIE MARTINEZ-SOSA, MD, PGY-3
SHUMAIA RAHMAN, DO PGY-3
TIMOTHY SAEED, DO PGY-3
SONYA SANDHU, MD PGY-3
KRISTI WINTERMEYER, MD PGY-3
MAHER ALMATRAFI, MD PGY-4
LINDSAY COX, DO PGY-4
BRYCE CRAGG, MD PGY-4
SHAILY DESAI, MD PGY-4
JULIE GUZZARDI, MD, PGY-4 CHIEF RESIDENT
GREGORY HUTTON MD PGY-4
NICOLAS LESCANO MD PGY-4
ELIZABETH PERKINS, MD PGY-4 CHIEF RESIDENT
CLAUDIA RODRIGUEZ MD PGY-4 CHIEF RESIDENT
MATTHEW STARK, MD PGY-4
JARED MENDELSOHN, MD PGY-5L
NADINA ABDULLAYEVA MD CAP 1
AREEJ ALFARAJ MD CAP 1
JONATHAN PARKER, MD CAP1
JEROME SIEGMEISTER, MD CAP 1
KEVIN WHITLOCK DO CAP 1
SARAH DENAUD MD CAP 2
NICOLE DERISH MD CAP 2
JOSHUA FRANKEL MD CAP 2 CHIEF FELLOW
SHIVANSHU SHRIVASTAVA MD, CAP 2
SALMAN ELFEKY, MD ADDICTION
MARYAM DAVARI, MD ADDICTION
SHADA ALJISHI, MD CONSULTATION LIAISON
AMALIA MARTINEZ, MD CONSULTATION LIAISON
MITCHELL ROVNER, MD CONSULTATION LIAISON
MOUSA BOTROS MD FORENSIC
LISA OLIVERI, MD FORENSIC
EMELIN SANCHEZ FONSECA, MD GERIATRIC
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What to Do & Where to Go For a Mental Health Emergency, CALL 911 if you believe someone is in danger of hurting themselves or others. Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital Triage 305.355.7332 Silver Alert If your loved one has gone missing, please CALL 911 immediately. Silver Alert is a statewide
initiative to involve the public in locating a cognitively impaired person who has gotten lost driving or while on foot. For more information visit florida silveralert.com. Office Numbers Main Psychiatry Appointment Scheduling 305.355.9028 *Option 1 Chairman’s Office 305.243.6400
Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital 305.355.9028 *Option 2 University of Miami Hospital 305.689.1352 Boca Raton 561.939.4044
Common Purpose
Transforming lives through teaching, research and service. Courtelis Center 305.243.4129 Deerfield Beach 954.571.0117 Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Aging (CNSA) 305.355.9080
Child & Adolescent 305.355.7077
Brain Fitness Pavilion 305.355.9080 *English, Option 3
Soffer Clinical Research Center 305.243.2301
Memory Disorders Clinic 305.355.9065
The University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is committed to: Conduct research that deepens our understanding of the development, pathophysiology, and prevention of psychiatric illness and the nature of human behavior, and apply this knowledge to the development and delivery of more effective, evidence-based treatments.
Offer comprehensive treatment and consultation to our patients, their families, and the community. Provide outstanding mental health education and multidisciplinary training to the next generation of healthcare providers and investigators. DIRECCT Core values l Diversity l Integrity l Responsibility l Excellence l Compassion l Creativity l Teamwork
Clinical trials are the backbone of evidence-based medicine. Broadly speaking, clinical trials evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a medical strategy, treatment, or device. Moreover, clinical trials provide an opportunity for the general public to participate in the process of developing novel treatments for a variety of conditions. The results from these clinical trials provide the data necessary to assist in future medical decision-making. The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to generating the scientific knowledge behind the clinical best practices we incorporate in the treatment of difficult and complex mental health conditions. The Behavioral Research Assessment Center (BRAC) is the research hub that fulfills the Department’s mission to develop the next line of treatments. For more information on participating in available clinical trials, please email brac@miami.edu or call 305.243.5840.
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BRAINSTORMS Quarterly Publication of the University of Miami Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Executive Editor Samantha Richter Soffer Clinical Research Center 1120 NW 14th Street | Suite 1457 Miami, FL 33136
Health
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HEALTH SYSTEM Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
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