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NAMI Walks 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's NAMI Walks Rochester! Together we surpassed our goal by raising $855 for NAMI Rochester's programs supporting the mental health needs of those in our community. READ MORE>>>


New Psychiatry Division Emphasizes Addiction Research, Education

We are excited to announce the start of a new Division of Addiction Psychiatry. This division will encompass all of our outpatient addiction services while also focusing on boosting research and education in the field. To make this transition as seamless as possible, there will be no visible change for patients, with clinical programs staying under the Strong Recovery name. READ MORE>>>

Ben Lee Named Visiting Professor at University of Florida


We're excited to share that our chair, Hochang Ben Lee, MD, has been named a visiting professor at the University of Florida's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.


Dr. Lee will be providing valuable mentorship to junior faculty while informing the development and expansion of Consultation-Liasion Psychiatry clinical programs at the University of Florida. READ MORE>>>

Hochang Ben Lee
William (Bill) Brien

Bill Brien Named Assistant Director of Business Administration in Addictions & Geriatric Divisions



Please join us in welcoming William (Bill) Brien into the role of Assistant Director of Business Administration in our Divisions of Addictions Psychiatry and Geriatric Mental Health and Memory Care. In this role, Bill will support the fiscal management and administrative operations of both Divisions. READ MORE>>>

Hispanic American Champions Changing the Landscape of Health Equity

Telva Olivares, MD, Maria Gaitan, Conner Lorenzo, MS, ATC, CSCS, Ramón Cruz, TTS, AnaPaula Cupertino, PhD

Telva Olivares, MD was among the changemakers at UR Medicine highlighted by the Center for Community Health & Prevention, URMC in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Read more about how these changemakers are tackling health issues and inequities in our community.


UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence Growing Resilience in Rural Communities

Throughout the past year, the UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence has been laying the foundations for several community-based projects around preventing substance use and substance use disorder (SUD) among youth with attention to trauma-informed care and e-cigarette use, managing pain in primary care and after surgery, and reducing stigma around SUD. READ MORE>>>

Anton Porsteinsson, MD to Present at CTAD Conference

Anton Porsteinsso

n, MD will be a speaker at the 17th Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease conference (CTAD) in Spain at the end of October. Dr. Porsteinsson will be presenting two sessions, "Fosgonimeton in Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease: Topline Efficacy and Safety Results from the LIFT-AD Trial," and "Timing and Duration of Adverse Events During 24-weeks of Brexpiprazole Treatment in Patients with Agitation Associated with Dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease: Results From a Randomized Trial and an Extension Trial."

Anton Pjetur Porsteinsson, M.D.

Blue Elevator Renovations

Starting September 30th, we will begin upgrading the Blue Elevators in the Mental Health and Wellness wing. This project will take approximately six months. During the span of the project, only one car will be replaced at a time, leaving the other car operational. During this project, please expect delays in response times from the elevator. READ MORE>>>

Pie Sale Fundraiser for Adult Inpatient Psychiatry


The holiday season is quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate than by filling the bellies of you and your loved ones with pie? Now through October 24th, you can order locally-made pies from Special Touch Bakery with proceeds benefiting our Adult Inpatient Psychiatry Services.


Order your cream or fruit pie here.

Out and About in the Community

Talking Gun Safety at the Brighton Farmer's Market

FIPPS, Kessler Trauma Center and RPD at Brighton Farmers Market

Our Firearm Injury Prevention Program (FIPP) joined Kessler Trauma Center and the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at the Brighton Farmer's Market last week to discuss firearm safety and storage. READ MORE>>>


Celebrating a Finished K23 Grant Proposal!

Aileen Aldalur, Kim van Orden Submission celebration

In research, it’s important to celebrate what we can control (such as submitting high-quality grants), not just the outcomes. Aileen Aldalur, PhD, and Kim Van Orden, PhD celebrated Dr. Aldalur’s submission of a grant proposal to the National Institutes of Mental Health by painting their pets at the Rochester Brainery, which provides ASL interpreters for their classes. Social connection and pets are great reinforcers for a job well done! 


Celebrating Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Katie Rice at Roc City Sicklers

Katie Rice, PhD joined ROC City Sicklers for their annual family picnic in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month. ROC City Sicklers is a community support group run by Pediatric Hematologist Suzie Noronha, MD. READ MORE>>>

Psychiatry in the News

Caroline Easton: Integrating AI and Compassion in Addiction Therapy

As the U.S. deals with a mental health crisis, Caroline Easton, PhD is merging therapy with artificial intelligence to provide holistic care for those battling substance abuse. Dr. Easton spoke with the University of Rochester on her research and path back to Rochester. READ MORE>>>


How To Deal with Political Stress

As election season approaches, we may find ourselves feeling anxious, depressed, or even hopeless. Tony Pisani, PhD shared a few tips with UR Medicine on managing political stress. READ MORE>>>


High Stakes, Higher Risks: Can Sports Betting Be Addictive?

With the rise of websites making sports betting more accessible, you may wonder: can sports betting be addictive? Myra Mathis, MD shared a few warning signs of gambling addiction and how to help yourself or others. READ MORE>>>

DICE Corner

Hispanic Heritage Month Events

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month banner

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th to October 15th! Please click here for upcoming events sponsored by OEI, the Department of Surgery, and the Department of Psychiatry in honor of the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans in the U.S.

Psychiatry DICE Grand Rounds Features Diane Schenandoah


Our next Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Culture, and Equity (DICE) Grand Rounds will take place on October 30th at noon. We are excited to welcome Diane Schenandoah, Faithkeeper of Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan of the Six Nations Haudenosaunee Confederacy, as the speaker for this event. Stay tuned for registration information coming soon!

diane schenandoah

September Publications

Upcoming Events

Oct. 9: The HEAL Collaborative: Addressing Barriers to Care for Individuals with IPV

Oct. 9: FIESTA

Oct. 10: Speaking of Language: Latino Physician Shortage Panel

Oct. 11: Best Practices in Aging Services

Oct. 21: The Quality Institute presents: Healthcare Equity Panel Series

Oct. 23: Leveraging Faith Communities for Suicide Prevention Research

Oct. 30: DICE Grand Rounds