July 2015 / VOLUME 10/ ISSUE 4 HEADLINES News from the Department of Psychiatry at Dalhousie University

FEATURE COVER STORY A seat at the CPA Dr. Pamela Forsythe appointed Chair-elect of CPA Board

The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) will welcome a new Chair of the Board during their Annual General Meeting in this October. That Chair is none other than our own Dr. Pamela Forsythe, assistant professor and psychiatrist in Saint John, New Brunswick. A Distinguished Fellow of the CPA, she becomes the first woman to chair the CPA Board.

In the fall of 2014, after some deliberation, Dr. Forsythe answered a call for candidates to fill the position of Chair of the Board. “I have always appreciated my involvement with the CPA and wanted to reconnect in a more meaningful way,” she says of her decision to put her name forward. The nominating committee issued an invitation for her to meet with the Board during their spring meetings in Ottawa in April, at which time she was voted into the position.

Dr. Forsythe is no stranger to the CPA. She joined the CPA as a resident. Not long after she began practicing in Prince Edward Island she served on a standing committee and subsequently became the

[Continued on page 3] www.psych.dal.ca Message from the Head in this issue This issue of Headlines calls for

1 congratulations to many members cpa board of the department, starting with Dr.

Pamela Forsythe, who is the subject

2 of our cover story. Dr. Forsythe will message from the head be making history as the first female

Chair of the Board of the Canadian

4 Psychiatric Association. In recent research report years, Maritime representation on

the Board has been strong, and Dr. Dr. Nick Delva

7 Forsythe’s service in this new role will education report completing the Global Health provide continued excellent leadership Certificate), toDr. Joseph Sadek (for from our area of the country. 9 completing the Global Clinical Scholars Research Training Certificate), to child and adolescent report Congratulations are in order for the Dr. (who published his winners of a number of awards, and Allan Abbass first book), toDr. Phil Tibbo (for work 10 worthy of special mention is Dr. Marie included in the Mental Health Strategy report from the sun life chair Claire Bourque, who received the for Canada), and Clerks’ Choice award for the third year Drs. Tomas Hajek and (whose original work 11 in a row (i.e., from three separate sets Cindy Calkin on the relationship between diabetes news and announcements of clinical clerks)! This is exceptional. and bipolar disorder was mentioned in Congratulations also to Dr. Margaret the Psychiatric Times). 15 Rajda on receiving the Program photo feature Directors’ Award for Leadership; her You will be interested to read about accomplishments included bringing Dr. John Fisk, and learn about his our postgraduate program to the research. This includes a considerable current status of full Royal College focus on Multiple Sclerosis, and work accreditation, which it has now enjoyed done here by Dr. Fisk has helped to for several years. demonstrate an increasing prevalence of this disease in Canada, a very Congratulations to the three graduates important finding. It is clear that more of our general psychiatry residency research on this fairly common and program, Drs. Rachel Bell, Jacob serious illness is very much needed. Cookey, and Vanessa Thoo, all of One hopes that the cause of this whom were successful in passing their condition will soon be found, and This newsletter is published for Royal College examinations! Dr. Bell effective treatments developed. the Department of Psychiatry at will be practicing in , Dalhousie University. Dr. Cookey will be staying with us, 5909 Veterans’ Memorial Lane, On July 2, we welcome our new PGY- 8th Floor, Abbie J. Lane Building working clinically at the Cole Harbour 1 residents: Drs. Laura Downing, Halifax, NS B3H 2E2 Clinic and doing research with the Nadia Hassanali, Matthew Havenga, Early Psychosis Program, and Dr. Melissa Lahti, Alexandra Manning, Editor: Dr. Aidan Stokes Thoo will be undertaking a subspecialty Katherine Radchuck, and Crystal residency in geriatric psychiatry in Compilation, Layout, and Design: Zhou; and PGY-2, Dr. Kerry Murray. Kate Rogers . We are sorry to lose Dr. Sanjay Rao Submissions should be sent to: Congratulations also to Ms. Sandra to Ontario, but happy that he will [email protected] Hennigar and Dr. Peter Adediran (for [Continued on page 3]

2 www.psych.dal.ca CPA Board continued from page 1 provincial representative on the they share with many voluntary years of her training part time to Board. She joined the executive professional organizations that are accommodate family responsibilities. when she started on the presidential largely supported by membership Now, as a working mother of four rotation and completed her year as dues. “Both costs and expectations adult children, she has had lots of past president in 2001. She co- are on the rise and we have heard experience searching for that elusive chaired the CPA section on physician from members that effective advocacy work/life balance. She hopes to health for a few years and during her should be an important function use this experience and knowledge presidential rotation, served as the we continue to provide,” says Dr. to engage the next generation of CPA representative to The Canadian Forsythe. “Another challenge for us psychiatrists in the CPA. “For me Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental is to be seen as a vital organization personally,” she says, “as I come Health (CAMIMH). Later she returned for subspecialty psychiatry, closer to retirement, I would like to to CAMIMH because of her position complementary to the Academies’ feel that I have contributed to our as the president of the Schizophrenia activities. We want to be the voice of efforts to improve the system in Society of Canada. That resulted all Canadian Psychiatry.” which we work and to promote the in further involvement organizing expectation of that our Dr. Forsythe is currently the director Mental Illness Awareness Week for a society values mental health equally of student affairs at the Dalhousie couple of years when she had further with physical wellbeing.” Medical School in New Brunswick. interactions with the CPA. When she Both this position and her clinical Between now and October Dr. starts her three-year term as Chair of work have been part-time for the last Forsythe will be briefed on current the Board in October it will mark 36 few years. As a result, when she issues and the strengths and years of involvement with the CPA. takes on this new role and her time as challenges of the CPA. She will have In her new role as Chair, she will be director of student affairs ends, she numerous meetings with outgoing working with the CEO and staff of doesn’t expect any great changes in chair, Dr. Donald Addington, as well the CPA. She will chair the executive her commitment to the Department of as outgoing president, Dr. Michael committee and all board meetings. Psychiatry, though admits, “There will Teehan, our own deputy head of Because the other executive and be a few more scheduling changes the Department of Psychiatry. Both board members have staggered for my admin assistant to sort out!” have been assets to the CPA. “I have terms, Dr. Forsythe will provide some big shoes to fill,” says Dr. Forsythe, Dr. Forsythe’s inauguration will mark continuity and context and will act as “and unfortunately will not have Dr. a new era at the CPA. For the first the representative for the organization Teehan’s calm presence at the table time since it was founded in 1951, the with some of the other mental because his presidential rotation is Board will be chaired by a woman. “I health sector NGOs and national concluding as I come on.” Despite am honoured to be the first woman organizations that are not within the Dr. Teehan’s exit, Dr. Forsythe’s in this position,” says Dr. Forsythe. president’s portfolio. experience and drive make her a “Our profession’s gender mix has very capable Chair of the CPA Board. Dr. Forsythe becomes Chair during changed a lot since I started my Congratulations Dr. Forsythe, a well- a period where the CPA will be residency back in 1979.” At that time deserved accomplishment. completing a governance review she was the first Canadian resident and addressing the fiscal challenges in psychiatry to complete several

Message from the Head continued from page 2 be retaining a connection with the for his latest photograph, a beautiful photographs in our recent issues of department and continuing to train study in green and white. We Headlines. therapists in Nova Scotia in CBT. have been fortunate to be able to In closing, I would like to wish include Dr. Amanullah’s excellent Thanks to Dr. Shabbir Amanullah everyone an enjoyable summer.

www.psych.dal.ca 3 Research Report BY MS. JANET BARDON, ADMINISTRATOR, RESEARCH

research day 2015

This year’s event is scheduled for training at Queen’s University. (MST) for refractory symptoms in Friday, October 23, 2015 at the Lord He entered residency training these disorders. He has been a Nelson Hotel. Now in its 25th year, in psychiatry at the University of NARSAD (Brain and Behaviour Psychiatry Research Day promotes Toronto. While still a resident Dr. Research Foundation) Lieber student involvement in research and Daskalakis began graduate studies at Young Investigator, a NARSAD showcases the department’s diverse the Institute of Medical Science at the Independent Investigator and holds expertise to our university and local University of Toronto, supervised by or has held CIHR, Ontario Mental communities. This year we will be Drs. Shitij Kapur (Imaging/Psychiatry) Health Foundation and Brain Canada giving presentation awards in the and Robert Chen (Neurophysiology). operating awards. He has also been following categories: He completed fellowship training awarded the Samarthji Lal Award in and his PhD in 2002 and began Mental Health Research from the * undergraduate; working at the University of Toronto. Graham Boeckh Foundation. He has * graduate; He holds the Temerty Chair in over 200 peer-reviewed publications, * resident; Therapeutic Brain Intervention books and book chapters in * junior faculty; and at CAMH. With an expertise in prestigious journals such as the * psychiatry staff. the neurophysiology of severe Archives of General Psychiatry, We are pleased to announce that psychiatric disorders, Dr. Daskalakis’s Brain and the American Journal of this year’s keynote speaker will be laboratory uses magnetic brain Psychiatry and is an editorial board Dr. Zafiris Jeffrey Daskalakis, Chief stimulation to study the role of cortical member for Biological Psychiatry. inhibition and plasticity as potential of Mood and Anxiety and Head of If you are interested in presenting pathophysiological mechanisms the Temerty Centre for Therapeutic at this year's Psychiatry Research in schizophrenia, depression and Brain Intervention at the Centre for Day, please contact obsessive compulsive disorder. Dr. Ms. Megan. Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), at Daskalakis also conducts treatment Bellefontaine and Professor of Psychiatry at the [email protected] studies using repetitive transcranial University of Toronto. for the registration form and submit it magnetic brain stimulation (rTMS) before September 4, 2015. Dr. Daskalakis was born and raised and magnetic seizure therapy in Toronto and completed his medical

meet a researcher: dr. john fisk This issue profiles Dalhousie neuropsychologist and researcher Dr. John Fisk. Meet a Researcher is a recurring article in the Research Section of Headlines. If you are interested in being profiled in an upcoming publication, please contact Ms. Megan Bellefontaine at [email protected].

Current research interests: My They include understanding the health-related quality of life. As a research interests are quite broad pathophysiology, epidemiology and neuropsychologist, I am particularly and reflect the various clinical symptomology of neurodegenerative interested in how these disorders populations that I am involved with. disorders and their impact on affect human cognitive abilities and

4 www.psych.dal.ca the impact on behaviour. Over the years that I have been in Halifax, my research has examined people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, including vascular dementia, as well as systemic lupus erythematosus, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

Current research projects: A major focus of my research at the moment involves two team grants, both of which are focused on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and involve collaborations with colleagues in British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Both involve linkage of data from MS specialty clinics (in our case the Dalhousie MS Research Unit) with provincial health care administrative data. One grant is funded by the Canadian Instituted of Health Research (CIHR) and is focused on the epidemiology and impact of comorbidity on MS. We have been able to confirm the very high, and increasing, prevalence of MS in Canada and have been able to demonstrate the increased prevalence of some comorbid conditions in people with MS in comparison to matched individuals from the general population; most notably we have found an increase in mental health disorders. We have been examining how these comorbid conditions, together with other demographic and clinical Dr. John Fisk characteristics, have an impact may help prevent its development or suspected or atypical presentations on self-reported quality of life and mitigate its progression and impact of neurodegenerative dementias. disability. Our new project, funded on people’s lives. For patients with established by the National MS Society of the diagnoses, the service is more USA, is using a similar approach A typical "Day in My Work Life": In directed to addressing issues of to identify medical conditions that my “day job” I provide a consultative management. A typical day in clinic are associated with an eventual neuropsychological assessment for me involves interviews of patients diagnosis of MS. The goals of these service within what is now the and their families, review of test projects are to find clues to potential Nova Scotia Health Authority. This results, discussions with colleagues pathophysiologic mechanisms for is primarily a diagnostic service and report-writing as well as follow- MS and to identify strategies that directed toward patients with up meetings with patients and their

www.psych.dal.ca 5 families for diagnostic disclosure research that gives me the greatest mentors from an early stage in my and education. I am also quite often satisfaction. The most frustrating undergraduate graduate training. involved in providing clinical training aspect of doing research is the They included: Dr. Doreen Kimura to pre-doctoral practicum students challenge and bureaucracy involved who ingrained in me the knowledge, and residents in psychology and in in finding and sustaining the money that research and clinical practice supervising the research activities to do it. At times, the amount of are indistinguishable aspects of of graduate students in the Clinical time devoted to the “professional neuropsychology; My PhD thesis Psychology Program, as well as begging”, otherwise known as grant supervisor, Dr. Mel Goodale, who postdoctoral fellows on occasion. writing, can feel disproportionate and helped foster in me the joy of doing overwhelming. research; and my post-doctoral What I wish I’d known when I supervisor, Dr. James Lackner first contemplated becoming a The experience that best prepared who provided me with tremendous researcher: To be honest, I can’t me for my position: My training at resources, opportunities and the recall that I ever “contemplated the University of Western Ontario was freedom to pursue my own ideas. becoming a researcher.” It seems what prepared me for this position. In to me that I just always was one. As particular, I had the fortune of being My second career choice: My long as I can remember, I wanted to trained as a clinical neuropsychologist second choice would have been an understand the biological basis of by Dr. Doreen Kimura at University astronaut. Not really, I’m far too near- animal behaviour and through my Hospital in London Ontario. I began sighted for that. But, my doctoral and undergraduate and graduate training with her as an undergraduate student, post-doctoral research was focused this evolved into a career in applied only a few years after she had on sensorimotor integration and human neuropsychology. However, established this clinic as one of the motor control and the applications one thing that I think I wish I had few hospital-based neuropsychology of this work were as aligned with had earlier in my career is a greater clinics in Canada at the time. This human factors research as with appreciation for a business and was a clinic that fully integrated clinical neuropsychology. Other than entrepreneurial perspective on the clinical practice and research within the salary support from the Natural pursuit of research. a teaching hospital setting and I Sciences and Engineering Research continued working there throughout Council of Canada (NSERC) for my The most satisfying and frustrating my graduate training. When I came post-doctoral fellowship, all other aspects of doing research: For me, to Halifax, I had the great opportunity funding came from NASA. I found the most satisfying part of doing to work with Dr. Jock Murray who this research to be tremendous fun research is being able to take the had done much the same thing to do and I would likely have pursued information that I have gained from in establishing the Dalhousie MS a career as a scientist in this field if my own work and apply it to my Research Unit and I have continued I had not had a stronger interest in clinical practice to help an individual to be involved in research and clinical health care. patient. Publications are nice “on practice in association with this clinic paper,” but being able to see the ever since. impact on a person’s life of new knowledge that you have been able My research mentor(s): I was to generate, is the aspect of doing lucky to have a number of excellent

6 www.psych.dal.ca Education Report BY MS. ANNETTE COSSAR, ADMINISTRATOR, EDUCATION undergraduate news

As mentioned in the May edition mental health as well as interest in and motivating to pursue a career of Headlines, the Department of the field of psychiatry. For example, in psychiatry. Thank you to the Psychiatry sponsored Med 2 student, some schools have developed Department of Psychiatry for funding Ms. Amy Gough, to attend the annual student-led forums where medical this unique opportunity! Psychiatry Student Interest Group students meet informally to share

Network (psychSIGN) conference strategies about reducing stress Updates 2014-2015 Clerks’ Choice award that was held in conjunction with the and promoting mental health during winner was American Psychiatric Association medical school and beyond. These Dr. Marie Claire for the third year in a conference in Toronto. Amy has types of ideas learned from other Bourque row! Our residents received 58 provided her conference highlights: students will be shared with the nominations from our clerks! Psychiatry Interest Group here at The PsychSIGN conference was an Dalhousie. and excellent learning opportunity and Dr. Cheryl Murphy Ms. Mandy will be doing a site visit to a chance to network with students The conference also offered a Esliger the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in from medical schools across the number of interesting sessions on July. United States and Canada. It was topics such as training and residency a wonderful learning environment, programs in psychiatry, subspecialty The Class of 2016 clerkship rotations with roughly one hundred students in areas, and new research ongoing in ends Sept. 20, 2015 and the Class of attendance. the field. It was particularly helpful to 2017 rotations begins Sept. 21, 2015. hear experiences of psychiatrists at One of the sessions on medical different stages of their careers, and Tutor recruitment continues for the student advocacy/activism and the different paths that led them into 2015-2016 academic year. Please mental health generated discussions psychiatry and their niches within contact Ms. Mandy Esliger at about what students are doing in it. Overall, the conference was a [email protected] if you are other medical schools to promote very valuable learning opportunity interested in tutoring. postgraduate news

The department hosted the 2015 The Douglas Mental Health University Clerks’ Choice Award: Dr. Marie graduation exercises on June Institute in as a child and Claire Bourque 5 at The Prince George Hotel. adolescent psychiatrist. Resident’s Choice: Teacher of the Congratulations to the Class of 2015: The evening allowed for the Year: Dr. David Lovas Drs. Rachel Bell, Jacob Cookey opportunity to celebrate the and Vanessa Thoo! Congratulations Above and Beyond Award: Sarah achievements of not only the are also in order for our fellows and Krieger-Frost and Heather Rea graduating class, but also other subspecialty residents: Dr. Malika residents and faculty. Awards were Robichaud, who will be returning to Horizon Health Network SJ Zone given out as follows: Quebec to practice psychiatry and PGY 1 Resident of the Year Award: Dr. Ferid Fathalli, who will be joining Dr. Abraham Nunes

www.psych.dal.ca 7 Alexander H. Leighton Resident of the Year Award: Drs. Alice Aylott and Marie Claire Bourque

Dr. Charles J. David Prize: Dr. Celia Robichaud

Dr. W.O. McCormick Award: Drs. Marie Claire Bourque and Vanessa Thoo

Loonie Award: Drs. Rachel Bell and Anita Hickey

Dr. Robert & Stella Weil Fund in Psychiatry: Dr. Michael Butterfield

Chief and Associate Chief Residents Recognition: Drs. Marie Claire 2015 graduates (L-R): Drs. Rachel Bell, Vanessa Thoo and Jacob Cookey. Bourque and Celia Robichaud psychiatrist in Powell River. beginning a one-year fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at the University Dr. Herb Orlik Child and Adolescent Dr. Jacob Cookey: Dr. Cookey is of Toronto. Dr. Thoo will also be Psychiatry Resident Award: Dr. joining the Department of Psychiatry welcoming a new baby in October. Sarah Fancy here at Dalhousie and will work at the Cole Harbour clinic. Future Plans of our Graduates: Dr. Rachel Bell: Dr. Bell is relocating to Dr. Vanessa Thoo: Dr. Thoo is B.C., and will be working as a staff

continuing education news

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS Our final University Rounds for 2014- 2015 was held on June 24, 2015 University Rounds (rescheduled from March due to On May 13, 2015, Dr. Scott weather). Dr. Ken Le Clair, professor Stuart, professor of psychiatry and chair of the Division of Geriatric and psychology, Departments Psychiatry, Queen’s University and of Psychiatry, Psychology and co-director of the Centre for Studies Obstetrics & Gynecology, University in Aging and Health, Providence of Iowa, presented on the topic Care, presented on the topic “Health “Structuring Psychotherapy: Trust Systems Transformation for the the Clinician and the Patient.” In Geriatric Population: Moving from addition, Dr. Stuart conducted a very Models to What Matters.” successful two-day Level A Course on interpersonal psychotherapy for R.O. Jones Memorial Lecture faculty members and Mental Health Named in honour of the late Dr. Dr. Scott Stuart and Addictions Program clinicians. R.O. Jones, who among his many

8 www.psych.dal.ca Canadian Psychiatric Association, the R.O. Jones Memorial Lecture is held annually in conjunction with the Atlantic Provinces Psychiatric Association annual conference.

This year’s lecture was held on June 10, 2015 with invited guest speaker Dr. Anne Basset, professor of psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada Research Chair in Schizophrenia Genetics and Genomic Disorders and Dalglish Chair in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, Dr. Ken Le Clair presenting on the topic “Clinical Dr. Anne Basset achievements founded the Dalhousie Application of Genetics in Psychiatry.” in the Maritimes over almost two Department of Psychiatry in 1949 Her presentation included results of decades. and was the charter President of the genetics research she has conducted

UPCOMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Clinical Academic Rounds EVENTS September 2 Drs. Margaret Rajda, Heather Milliken, Mark Bosma & Cheryl Murphy, We are already busy planning the schedule of Continuing “Education Opportunities: 2015-2016” Education Events for the 2015-2016 academic year and September 9 Dr. David Pilon, Ms. Joanne Brothers & confirmed events for September 2015 are: Dr. Rudolf Uher, “Conducting Depression Research in Partnership with Individuals University Rounds with Lived Experience: The CDRIN September 16 Dr. Eric Teboul, chief of psychiatric Experience.” emergency services, St. Jerome Regional September 23 Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Academic Hospital.“Gaining Insight into Lack Rounds, Guest speaker: Dr. Ann York, of Insight. An evidence-based examination “CAPA.” of lack of insight and its implications for the treatment of psychotic disorders.”

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry BY MS. MICHELLE LEBLANC, CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Reorganization of resources in the Sackville Community Mental disorders specific care clinic, which Dr. Herb Orlik will now be working Health and the CHOICES day and will be located on 4 Link of the in the eating disorders and autism inpatient clinics. IWK and emergency department/ clinics. consultation liaison service. Dr. Selene Etches will be working in Dr. Ahmed Alwazeer will be working the new addictions and concurrent

www.psych.dal.ca 9 Report from the Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health BY DR. STAN KUTCHER, SUN LIFE FINANCIAL CHAIR IN ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH: researchers and other stakeholders materials designed for youth living GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND engaged in helping students achieve with: a mental disorder; a friend OPPORTUNITIES mental health and enhance their or family member with a disorder; learning outcomes. improving the parent-teenager In May, a new text titled School relationship. The grant will be used to Mental Health: Global Challenges FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH distribute key resources to clinicians and Opportunities was published RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION for use with the families to whom they by Cambridge University Press. Dr. Kutcher and his team at are providing care. Materials will be Edited by Dr. Stan Kutcher and Ms. TeenMentalHealth.org received a delivered to the three Community Yifeng Wei of Dalhousie University Capital Health Addictions and Mental Mental Health and Addictions clinics and IWK Health Centre, and Dr. Health Program Grant from the – Halifax (Young Street), Dartmouth Mark D. Weist of University of South Mental Health Foundation of Nova (Wyse Road) and Sackville (Cobequid Carolina, the text provides vivid Scotia. The aim of this project is to Health Centre), the Garron Centre for examples of school mental health provide evidence-based information Child & Adolescent Mental Health at innovations from eighteen countries, and resources about mental health the IWK, IWK Emergency Services addressing mental health promotion to Nova Scotian families to help and the IWK Family Resource Library. and interventions head on. These them gain better understanding Information sessions will be held at initiatives and innovations enable about mental health and mental each location for staff to become readers from different regions and illness, reduce stigma against mental acquainted with the resources disciplines to apply strategies to illness and encourage help-seeking (both print and web-based) and to help students achieve and maintain behaviours. determine which hard-copy resources mental health, enhance their learning would be the most useful for their outcomes and access services, The group of resources includes client base. worldwide.

Through case studies of existing programs such as the integrated system of care approach in the USA, the school-based pathway to care framework in Canada, the therapeutic school consultation approach in Turkey and the REACH model in Singapore, the text highlights challenges and solutions to improving mental health outcomes for youth, even when resources are scarce.

School Mental Health: Global Challenges and Opportunities will be an essential resource for educators, health providers, policy makers, Family mental health resources.

10 www.psych.dal.ca BRAIN INJURY GUIDES

The second editions of the Brain Injury Guide for Youth (designed for youth) and the Brain Injury in Adolescence (designed for the adult in a young person’s life: a parent, a coach, a teacher, etc.) have recently been made available to download, free of charge, at TeenMentalHealth.org. These educational resources provide information on concussion prevention, management and recovery, as well as examining other potential mental health risks of a brain injury.

On May 30, Dr. Kutcher presented the keynote address at the Brain Injury his work in mental health in relation well received by the audience of Association of Nova Scotia Annual to both guides. The presentations, brain injury survivors, caregivers, General Meeting where he discussed as well as the resources, were very professionals and volunteers.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS news from the department

PROVINCE-WIDE TRAINING IN INTEGRATED AND EXPERIENTIAL CBT

Dr. Sanjay Rao and a team of are enrolled in the program. This invited workshop at the Canadian therapists are collaborating with training was previously delivered Association of CBT conference. It will the Nova Scotia Department of at the Annapolis Valley Health be presented at the Association of Health and Wellness to deliver an Authority and the Cape Breton Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies innovative web-based workshop Health Authority through telehealth. conference in Chicago as a and supervision program of The training includes patient flow successful Canadian example of CBT Integrated and Experiential Cognitive management and monitoring clinical dissemination. Thirty-six clinicians Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training outcomes. This model of CBT training have undergone or are undergoing across the province. Twelve clinicians in Nova Scotia was featured as an this training.

www.psych.dal.ca 11 MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY FOR CANADA: A YOUTH PERSPECTIVE FEATURES NSEPP

An excerpt about Dr. Phil Tibbo and accessible to anyone advocating outpatient program for youth the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis for improvements to the mental experiencing a first episode of Program (NSEPP) team has been health system. The excerpt is found psychosis. NSEPP involves a team included in the Mental Health below. To read the Strategy in its of psychiatrists, nurses, occupational Strategy for Canada: A Youth entirety please visit http://www. therapists, social workers, people Perspective. This is an adapted mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/ with lived experience, and more, all version of the original Mental Health document/72171/mental-health- working together to provide timely Strategy, Changing Directions, strategy-canada-youth-perspective. care in any form required. NSEPP Changing Lives: The Mental Health also provides art therapy programs ”The Mental Health Strategy for Strategy for Canada, created by as well as follow-up services and Canada in Action combining the The Mental Health Commission of continuity of care for up to five years skills and experiences of a wide Canada’s (MHCC) Youth Council. It — along with courses that encourage range of professionals is key to includes examples of best practices family members to become more delivering effective services. This is that help bring to life many of the involved in the recovery process. especially true at the Nova Scotia recommendations in the Strategy. http://earlypsychosis.medicine.dal. Early Psychosis Program (NSEPP), The MHCC believes this will ca/.” a specialized, community-focused make mental health policy more

RESEARCH FROM THE MOOD DISORDERS CLINIC FEATURED IN PSYCHIATRIC TIMES

A talk on diabetes in bipolar disorder Comorbid conditions are more of of diabetes on the brain. Indeed, given by Dr. Tomas Hajek at a rule than an exception in bipolar researchers from the Mood Disorders the recent American Psychiatric disorder and diabetes in particular is Clinic showed for the first time that Association’s (APA) Annual meeting important to consider. Besides having diabetes or even pre-diabetes may has been featured in an article in an elevated risk of developing type 2 be potentially modifiable risk factors Psychiatric Times. In his talk, Insulin diabetes, those with bipolar disorder for brain changes in patients with Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes and diabetes do not respond well bipolar disorders. To read the full Mellitus: Risk Factors for Brain to their treatment and their illness article, please visit: http://www. Alterations in Bipolar Disorders, Dr. tends to be more severe. These psychiatrictimes.com/apa-2015-BPD/ Hajek spoke about the research adverse psychiatric outcomes could diabetes-bipolar-disorder-takes-its- done in the Mood Disorders Clinic. perhaps be related to negative effects toll.

awards & honours

DR. SADEK COMPLETES TRAINING AT HAVARD

Congratulations to Dr. Joseph program of blended learning that is with computer-mediated activities Sadek for completing a one-year intended for clinicians and clinician- to form an integrated instructional research training program at Harvard scientists who desire rigorous training approach. Scholars have access to University and obtaining Global in the methods and conduct of clinical program faculty throughout the year Clinical Scholars Research Training research. The blended learning for methodological guidance and (GCSRT) certification. The Harvard approach combines traditional support. Medical School GCSRT is a one-year face-to-face teaching methods

12 www.psych.dal.ca The program is comprised of two foundation courses in epidemiology and biostatistics followed by 16 lectures representing a concentration in advanced epidemiology (the Epi- CSRT concentration) and in clinical trials (the Trials-CSRT concentration). The lectures are supported by regular interactive webinars and and interspersed by face-to-face workshops. Graduation requires a 70 per cent pass on all exams (final, midterm and monthly quiz) in addition to developing and presenting a research proposal at the conclusion of the program.Dr. Sadek received an award on his proposal entitled “A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Bilateral ECT treatment to a combination of Bilateral and Ultrabrief ECT treatment in Patients with Major Depression.” Congratulations Dr. Sadek!

Dr. Joe Sadek at Harvard.

DEPARTMENT MEMBERS RECEIVE GLOBAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE

Dr. Peter (Toluwatope) Adediran and Ms. Sandra Hennigar recently received certificates in Global Health at the 2105 Dalhousie Global Health Awards. The Global Health Certificate course is an overview of various aspects of health systems within a global context, rather than in-depth coverage of a single topic and it is meant to help learners develop a variety of perspectives through which to view and analyze other challenges in health. Congratulations to Dr. Adediran and Ms. Hennigar!

Dr. Peter Adediran (front centre) and Ms. Sandra Hennigar (back centre) with the Global Health Certificate group.

www.psych.dal.ca 13 DR. RAJDA RECEIVES PROGRAM DIRECTORS’ AWARD

Congratulations to Dr. Margaret She was instrumental in achieving Rajda who received the Dalhousie Full Accreditation Status for the Program Directors’ Award in the Psychiatry Residency program by leadership category in June. The the Royal College. Dr. Rajda has award recognizes outstanding given countless invited lectures and contributions of residency program frequently participates in community directors who teach residents educational activities by teaching and fellows; develop, organize physicians in the community. She and administer training programs; has also contributed to numerous develop innovative approaches to publications and abstracts. Dr. teaching, research, and evaluation; Rajda has indeed made exceptional or serve as mentors and advocates contributions to education in to postgraduate medical trainees. psychiatry as program director, Dr. Rajda has spent a substantial and is most deserving of this amount of time teaching and award. Ever humble she admits mentoring medical students, she certainly could not have internal medicine residents, and accomplished all she has on her psychiatry residents. She provides own. “I did it with a little help from direct clinical supervision not only my friends.” Congratulations again, to psychiatry residents, but also Dr. Rajda! Dr. Margaret Rajda with the 2015 oral and maxiollofacial residents Dalhousie Program Director’s Award. and respiratory therapy students.

DR. ALLAN ABBASS PUBLISHES FIRST BOOK

Congratulations to Dr. Allan Abbass psychotherapy have been glowing: who has published his first book, “Numerous clinical vignettes show Reaching through Resistance: how to put theory into practice, Advanced Psychotherapy leading to enduring change . . . Techniques, a detailed guide to If you want to know how to help psychotherapy assessment and clients change, this book is essential treatment for the very common reading.” —David Malan, DM, clinical population of treatment FRCPsych, noted researcher and resistant patients. author The book, based on 25 years of “Abbass demonstrates how one videotape-based case study and can reach behind the resistances empirical research and teaching, of even the most repressed and has met with great prepublication fragile character types and offer reviews and it has reached number them genuine, lasting change . . . one bestseller on Amazon.com and a gold mine of clinical insight.” — Amazon in Germany, the UK, Italy Stanley B. Messer, PhD, Dean and and Canada in the category new Distinguished Professor, Graduate Psychotherapy books. Dr. Abbass to brisk prepublication orders, it has School of Applied and Professional has been interviewed about the book had to go to a second printing before Psychology, Rutgers University (http://bit.ly/1FcQURm), three journals its publication date. Reviews by have requested to review it and due leaders in the fields of psychiatry and

14 www.psych.dal.ca Photo Feature UPCOMING AWARD DEADLINES BY DR. SHABBIR AMANULLAH, PSYCHIATRIST AND There are many awards that Department of LECTURER Psychiatry faculty, fellows, residents, and staff are eligible to win each year. The following is a list of awards with upcoming deadlines. If you would like to nominate someone please contact Ms. Kate Rogers at [email protected]. The awards committee will work with you to organize nomination materials. For further details and terms of reference for the awards please visit our website (http://www. medicine.dal.ca/departments/department-sites/ psychiatry/about/awards.html).

Granting Body: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada • Donald Richards Wilson Award (Aug. 30) • Royal College Teasdale-Corti Humanitarian Award (Aug. 30)

Granting Body: Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine Continuing Professional Development • R. Wayne Putnam Award for Outstanding Lily of the Valley. Contributions to Community CME (Sept. 30) Granting Body: Gairdner Foundation • Wightman Award (Oct. 1)

Granting Body: Department of Psychiatry • Outstanding Clinician Award (Sept. 30)

If you have any questions please contact Ms. Kate HEADLINES SUBMISSIONS Rogers at [email protected] or by phone at 902-473-1677.

Headlines aims to provide a forum for the exchange of information, ideas, and items of general interest to the faculty, fellows, students and staff of the Department of Psychiatry. Your contribution(s) are needed and greatly appreciated.

The next issue of Headlines will be distributed on Sept. 4, 2015, with the deadline for submissions to be Aug. 14, 2015.

Please send all submissions to Ms. Kate Rogers: [email protected]

www.psych.dal.ca 15