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UF Health Research Explores Connection Between PTSD and Orthopaedic Trauma
In collaboration with Carol Mathews, M.D., and Ludmila Barbosa De Faria, M.D., Dr. Hagen and her team recently explored the use of fluoxetine (Prozac) as a preventive measure for orthopaedic trauma patients at UF Health Shands Hospital. Their research could transform recovery by treating both body and mind.
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2025 COM Celebration of Research
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Psychology Today recognizes UF studies among top addiction research articles in 2024
Congratulations to MBI researchers Drs. Linda Cottler, Lori Knackstedt, and Barry Setlow for being recognized amongst Psychology Today‘s “Top Findings on Addiction in 2024.”
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Gator Kudos: Winter 2025
We’re proud to share that two of our faculty members, Josepha Cheong, M.D. and Cheryl McNeil, Ph.D. have been recognized in the UF College of Medicine’s Winter Kudos for their outstanding contributions! Their dedication to advancing medical education and patient care continues to make a meaningful impact. Read more about…
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Some young adults consider ditching booze amid sobriety trends
Dr. Sara Nixon, suggests easier access to medical information may be fueling a neo-temperance movement. However, awareness of alcohol-related harms alone isn’t always enough to reduce consumption, as social stigma can make non-drinking challenging. She notes that the limitations of alcohol reduction efforts are reflected in rising liver transplant rates, with demand for…
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As Super Bowl nears, UF Health expert warns sports gambling is a 'rising problem'
Dr. Scott Teitelbaum addresses gambling addiction ahead of Super Bowl LIX and shares strategies to minimize exposure to triggers.
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Welcome
We’re excited to welcome our two new work-study students! Be sure to say hello if you haven’t already! They're both located in the MBI Suite L4-100.
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Please join us in welcoming Shameika Joseph to the Department of Psychiatry! Shameika has joined us as a Human Resources Generalist I, bringing over six years of HR experience supporting both corporate and union employees in diverse work environments. Originally from Jamaica and raised in Long Island, NY, Shameika earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Economics from SUNY Empire State College. Her background includes expertise in training and development, benefits administration, labor relations, performance management, conflict resolution, and process improvement. In December 2024, she relocated to Gainesville, Florida, and most recently worked as an HR Assistant at the University of Florida’s College of Education. In her new role with the Department of Psychiatry, Shameika will oversee all aspects of OPS, Adjunct Clinical Postdocs, Residents, Fellows, and Volunteer appointments, including recruitment, offboarding, payroll, moonlighting, training, and leave. She will also serve as the Department Security Administrator (DSA), ensuring proper role assignments for employees. Outside of work, Shameika enjoys reading, exercising, and spending quality time with her dog, Kingston. She also considers herself a self-proclaimed top chef! She is excited to collaborate with everyone and serve as a valuable resource for our department. Sameika is in the Fiscal Office at 1329 and can be reached at shameika.joseph@ufl.edu
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Snapshot Spotlight
Each month, our faculty, staff, and trainees are out and about, sometimes advocating in Tallahassee, presenting research at conferences, or simply capturing moments worth sharing. Here’s a few snapshots highlighting some of the things happening across our department!
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Faculty and alumni from our programs gathered at the Florida Capitol for Behavioral Health Day, meeting with state leaders to discuss the future of mental health care.
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UF Health Florida Recovery Center was highlighted at the Gator men's basketball game, with Dr. Scott Teitelbaum delivering the game ball and being recognized for his contributions to recovery care. Before tipoff, staff talked with fans, sharing information about FRC’s services and the program’s impact.
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Dr. Rea Romero and her research team traveled to New Orleans to present their work at the International Neuropsychological Society conference.
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Research Spotlight
We’re excited to introduce a new feature highlighting the incredible research happening in our department! Each month, we’ll spotlight a recent publication from our faculty, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the important work being done across our department. For our first Research Spotlight, we’re featuring a publication from Amanda Elton, PhD.
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The effects of adverse life events on brain development in the ABCD study®: a propensity-weighted analysis
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Authors: Amanda Elton, PhD; Ben Lewis, PhD; Sara Jo Nixon, PhD (UF Department of Psychiatry)
Published in: Molecular Psychiatry
Read More: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-024-02850-9
What’s This Study About?We sought to characterize the impacts of early life adversity on adolescent brain development over two years, using robust methods and a well-powered longitudinal design. Key Findings:- Early life adversity promoted more rapid maturational changes in functional connections between cortical networks and subcortical brain regions.
- These changes were consistent with positive adaptations that attenuated the development of internalizing symptoms in response to adversity but were simultaneously associated with poorer academic performance.
Why It Matters:The results indicated a more complex relationship between risk and resilience processes in the brain than previously recognized. Additional research will be needed to identify the brain mechanisms by which adversity in early adolescence affects mental health in later adolescence and adulthood. Stay tuned for next month’s Research Spotlight, where we’ll continue to showcase the impactful work happening in our department! If you're interested in submitting your work for highlights please see submission instructions below!
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Faculty Research Highlights: Call for Submissions
As discussed at the last faculty meeting, we’d like to highlight a publication from one faculty member in each monthly newsletter. To get this started, we’re asking for volunteers to suggest one of their recent publications that can be summarized in a few sentences. If you are interested, please send the following information to Dr. Setlow: Title Full names and affiliations of all authors Journal/book in which it is published Electronic link to publication if available (e.g., DOI, publisher’s website, PubMed link, etc.) One sentence summarizing the goal or problem addressed in the publication One-two sentences summarizing the findings described in the publication One-two sentences summarizing the conclusions and broader implications of the work described in the publication.
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Psychiatry Staff Professional Development Program
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Faculty from across UF Psychiatry have created a Staff Professional Development Fund designed to provide direct support from faculty to our support staff in their efforts to advance professionally
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UF CARD Update
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Teaching Students with Extensive Support Needs
Thursdays 1/9, 1/23, 2/13, 2/27, 3/13, 3/27; 4:30 - 6:00 pm | ONLINE Join us for the virtual 6-part series to learn more about how to support learners with extensive support needs. Using real-life examples, a shared case study, and group discussion, we will explore how to assess need, design instructional goals, implement evidence-based strategies across content areas, and assess progress. Understanding Peer-Mediated Interventions, An Evidence-based Practice
Tuesday, March 25, 2025; 4:30 - 5:30PM | ONLINE Ever wish you had a classroom full of peer mentors who could help students with autism shine in social situations, work together, and maybe even teach you a few tricks along the way? Well, that’s exactly what peer-mediated interventions (PMIs) are all about! Join us for an hour of exploring how peers can become the unsung heroes in helping students with autism master social skills, communication, and even academics.
Life Care Planning: Making the Future More Secure for your Dependent with Special Needs
Wednesday, April 16, 2025; 7:00 - 8:00PM | ONLINE In this workshop, we will discuss what a Life Care Plan is and the steps recommended to create one for a loved one with special needs. As a caregiver of a dependent with special needs the single most important issue on your mind, regardless of the age of the dependent, is what will happen to my dependent after I’m gone. There are some needs that will always be present and they must be carefully considered and planned for appropriately. This workshop will address such critical issues as protecting government benefit eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, creating Special Needs Trusts, the importance of a Will, Guardianship, Financial Strategies including ABLE Accounts and preparing Letters of Intent. You will learn about the comprehensive steps, available resources, and necessary tools to help develop your personal agenda – a customized path that will keep you on track as you consider what’s right for your situation. Following the planning stages can help insure the type of care and quality of life for your loved one’s well-being today and tomorrow. All About the Smart Driver Program
Monday, May 12, 2025; 5:00 - 6:00PM | ONLINE Driving and community mobility enables adolescents to begin to develop social capital (relationships and social connections that an individual has within his or her community). This can affect their overall quality of life long-term. Neurodiverse novice drivers face challenges to participate in this area that begin long before they take the learner’s permit test. This presentation will cover barriers to participation, pre-driving skills and the role driver rehabilitation may play in achieving the goal of independent mobility.
Parent/Caregiver Lunch and Learn Series
Third Friday of every month; 12:00 - 1:00PM | ONLINE Each session focuses on one of the following areas: - A special guest speaker addressing topics based on your interests and questions from our support group discussions. - A monthly theme, such as Autism Awareness Month or other dedicated events. - A deep dive into a specific topic, like caregiving, self-care, or accessing services, etc. This session is a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, reflect, and grow as parents/caregivers. You will gain valuable insights, enhance your skills, and leave feeling energized and supported. Find us at these community events! 03/08/25 Union County Housing Authority’s Family Fun Day (Lake Butler) 03/27/25 The Education Foundation of Alachua County's Inclusive Futures: Career Connections Event (Alachua) 03/29/25 16th Annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism Acceptance and Awareness (Gainesville) 04/12/25 UF Health Shands Children's Hospital's Healthy Heroes Day for Kids Safety Fair (Gainesville) 04/12/25 Waldo Community New Vision Coalition's 3rd Annual Waldo Community Health and Education Fair (Waldo) 04/19/25 Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo's Party for the Planet (Gainesville) 04/26/25 Just Between Friends’ Safe KIDS Day (Alachua) Sign up for the UF CARD eNews, visit the UF CARD website, and follow the UF CARD Facebook Page to stay informed about events. If you know someone in need of UF CARD services, please direct them to the UF CARD registration page or have them call 352-265-2230.
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March 7 | Grand Rounds
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Brian Fuehrlein
Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Yale School of Medicine
Director, Psychiatric Emergency Room
VA Connecticut Healthcare System Time: 12 – 1 p.m. This presentation will be given in-person at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901, with watch parties held at the McKnight Brain Institute, Room L4-101, and AOPC, Room 3242.
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March 21 | Grand Rounds
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Marco Bortolato
Professor
Dept. of Pharmacodynamics
College of Pharmacy, University of Florida Time: 12 – 1 p.m. This presentation will be given in-person at the McKnight Brain Institute, Room L4-101, with watch parties held at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901, and AOPC, Room 3242.
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March 28 | Grand Rounds
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Sahiti Gilela
PGY-2
Department of Psychiatry Imaan Mir
PGY-1
Department of Psychiatry Time: 12 – 1 p.m. This presentation will be given in-person at the UF Psychiatric Hospital, Room 1901, with watch parties held at the McKnight Brain Institute, Room L4-101, and AOPC, Room 3242.
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March 28-30 | FPS Spring Meeting
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Please join FPS for the Spring 2025 CME Meeting Required Relicensure & Expo! This live event will be held on March 28-30, 2025 and offers up to 12.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM and will ensure that you are covered for your license renewal requirements.
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March 29 | Stomp the Swamp
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Join us for the 16th Annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism Acceptance and Awareness hosted by the UF CARD Constituency Board!
Saturday | March 29, 2025
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
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Dr. Christensen Advocacy Day Donation Drive
A registry for Advocacy Day donations has been set up on Amazon. This annual event helps support our Street Psychiatry mission and is done in the honor of Dr. Richard C. Christensen, a former faculty member who spent his life helping the unhoused population.
Each spring, the department holds a manna bag drive in his honor and the bags are distributed to members of our community in need. Your donations matter and are appreciated!
You can access the registry via the link below. In person donations can also be dropped off to the following locations:
Vista- Ricky Snyder, Thomas Womble, Jackie Garcia, or Kayla McCray Springhill I- Mel or Dr. De Faria Springhill II- David Roberts or Shelly Flanagan FRC- Hannah Hatcher MBI/1329- Nancy Boyd
Deadline for donations April 11th
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Employee Assistance Program
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The UF Employee Assistance Program aims to support UF employees by providing a safe space and quality mental health and wellness resources. EAP therapists and affiliated employees uphold UF’s non-discrimination policy (UF Regulation 1.006), ensuring services are inclusive and respectful of everyone, regardless of their background or identity.
UF employees and their household members may call the EAP at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (833) 306-0103, and anyone experiencing a crisis with more urgent needs should call the Alachua County Crisis Center at (352) 264-6789.
You can also request an appointment online.
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Let Us Know!
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Do you have some news or an announcement you would like to share? Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond and who you would like to recognize? Want us to save the date for an upcoming event?
Editorial Team:
Melinda Fawcett
Aubrey Bonsal
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