PSYCHIATRY, HEALTH AND DISEASE
SENIOR SELECTIVE-RESEARCH ROTATION
Contact:
Jon Hunter, Programs and Divisions
Tel: 416-586-4800 X 4557
fax : 416-586-8654
Jhunter@mtsinai.on.ca
Principal Supervisor
Mark Halman, MD
SMH
SENIOR SELECTIVE - RESEARCH ROTATION
HIV Psychiatry
Additional Supervisor(s)
Julie Maggi, MD
Ken Balderson MD
Completed by:
Mark Halman
Training Sites: St. Michael’s Hospital
Objectives: To develop clinically relevant scholarly activity in the area of HIV psychiatry and international response
to HIV in developing countries.
Description: Residents will join our clinical research team and will be encouraged to participate in ongoing work or
develop a new project in one of the priority areas of the program. These include: treatment of HIV associated
cognitive and mood disorders, collaborative care models in HIV psychiatry (working with Casey House Hospice),
HIV and concurrent disorders, the emotional and social support care needs of HIV + women and educational
models for training practitioners in high HIV prevalence, resource poor countries in HIV psychiatry.
Education Experiences: HIV Medicine Multidisciplinary Rounds (weekly)  HIV Psychiatry clinical group meeting (monthly)
CRICH research in progress meetings (weekly as relevant)  HIV and mental health: the series at Casey House (monthly)
Research Component: 50% (Depends on interests and expertise of resident)
Resident is encouraged to be knowledgeable about clinical aspects of HIV psychiatry. Clinical patient exposure to
inform research is available in several settings including ambulatory HIV psychiatry and medical clinics, HIV focused
inpatient psychiatry team and community based care at Casey House.
If, in the remaining percentage of the week, the resident wants to pursue clinical training unrelated to your
program/division, will it be feasible from your point of view?
It is feasible for the resident to pursue clinical training unrelated to the program/division if they previously have
acquired sufficient clinical skills in the area of HIV psychiatry.
Career Purpose of Rotation for Resident: The field of HIV psychiatry is now very broad and will meet different
goals for different residents. Residents may wish to focus their work in this area based on their interest in
international psychiatric outreach, working with immigrant populations, working with gay men, working with inner city
marginalized patients or working with cognitively impaired patients. The goal is to develop expertise in the area of
HIV psychiatry within the broad framework of patients who use our services.
Will a Fellowship, offering continuity to the research training of the rotation be available to a resident who
completes the rotation satisfactory?
Development of a fellowship project that will lead to external funding will be encouraged so that the resident will be
able to pursue further higher level academic training. Prior residents have successfully attracted external research
grant money for projects in our unit.
Way(s) this rotation will enhance your program: Students always bring new perspectives and invigorate our
thinking! Students who develop expertise in this area may help us better serve this population which has high
demand for psychiatric services.
Psychiatry, Health and Disease: SS Research - Page 1 of 9
TGH/CAMH
Principal Supervisor(s)
Allan Kaplan, MD
Marion Olmsted, PhD
Blake Woodside, MD
Jacqueline Carter, PhD
SENIOR SELECTIVE - RESEARCH ROTATION:
Eating Disorders
Completed by: Allan Kaplan
Training Sites: The University Health Network (TGH)/Center for Addiction and Mental Health
Objectives: To develop research expertise and to conduct a research project in this area.
Description: This rotation will focus on developing research expertise as applied in the study of patients with
eating disorders. The resident will join an established research team and will develop a specific research project in
this area. Specific ongoing research projects include prediction of treatment outcome, the genetics of eating
disorders, treating patients with CBT and medication, the effects of motivational enchancement strategies on
treatment response, psychological disturbances in women with eating disorders and the diagnosis and treatment of
eating disorders in young women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or other medical conditions.
Opportunities exist for community outreach and prevention research as well.
Percentage of research component of rotation per week: (Depends on interests and expertise of resident)
50% (2.5 days)
60% (3 days)
70% (3.5 days)
80-100% (4-5 days)
In the remaining percentage of the week, what clinical training related to the research subject of the rotation
do you propose to provide the resident?
Clinical experience and supervision in the assessment and multidimensional treatment of patients
with eating disorders.
If, in the remaining percentage of the week, the resident wants to pursue clinical training unrelated to your
program/division, will it be feasible from your point of view?
Yes
No
Career Purpose of Rotation for Resident: To develop research expertise relevant to eating disorders and to
establish a career interest in this area.
Will a Fellowship, offering continuity to the research training of the rotation, be available to a resident who
completes the rotation satisfactorily?
Yes
No
Way(s) this rotation will enhance your program: This rotation will provide an opportunity for a trainee to develop
expertise which may lead to an academic career in the area of eating disorders or other somatizing conditions.
Way(s) this rotation will augment academic psychiatry: Eating Disorders are endemic in our culture and
research in this area may lead to more effective treatment for this and other somatizing conditions.
Psychiatry, Health and Disease: SS Research - Page 2 of 9
UHN-TGH
SENIOR SELECTIVE - RESEARCH ROTATION:
Cancer, Gender and Psychiatry
Principal Supervisor(s)
Dr. Susan Abbey
Dr. Donna Stewart
Additional Supervisor(s)
TBA-depending upon project
Completed by:
Dr. Susan Abbey
Training Sites: The University Health Network – Toronto General Hospital
Objectives:
Conduct a research project through to completion of a manuscript under supervision. Gain clinical
expertise in the assessment and management of this project
Description: The resident will take part in the research program in the psychiatric and psychosocial aspects of
cancer and the role of gender. They may choose to develop their own project or assume primary responsibility for a
portion of an ongoing project. They will learn research methodology from literature review through to manuscript
completion. There will be the opportunity for a pilot project to be carried out over the summer with the assistance of
a medical student.
Percentage of research component of rotation per week: can be determined on the basis of resident’s
educational needs
50% (2.5 days)
60% (3 days)
70% (3.5 days)
80-100% (4-5 days)
In the remaining percentage of the week, what clinical training related to the research subject of the rotation
do you propose to provide the resident?
Can be tailored to resident’s interests. Participation in outpatient medical psychiatry assessments in either cancer
or other areas of medical psychiatry and the psychotherapy and psychopharmacology of patient’s with comorbid
medical and psychiatric illnesses.
If, in the remaining percentage of the week, the resident wants to pursue clinical training unrelated to your
program/division, will it be feasible from your point of view?
Yes
No
Career Purpose of Rotation for Resident: Academic preparation and clinical training towards a career in medical
psychiatry.
Will a Fellowship, offering continuity to the research training of the rotation, be available to a resident who
completes the rotation satisfactory?
Yes
No
Way(s) this rotation will enhance your program: Enhance the developing research program in psychiatric
aspects of oncology specifically and medical psychiatry generally.
Way(s) this rotation will augment academic psychiatry: Need for academic C/L psychiatrists. In particular,
psycho-oncology has been identified as a priority for the University of Toronto Program in Psychiatry, Health and
Disease.
Psychiatry, Health and Disease: SS Research - Page 3 of 9
UHN-TGH
SENIOR SELECTIVE - RESEARCH ROTATION:
Multi-organ Transplantation and Psychiatry
Principal Supervisor(s)
Dr. Susan Abbey
Additional Supervisor(s)
TBA-depending upon project
Completed by:
Dr. Susan Abbey
Training Sites: University Health Network – Toronto General Hospital
Objectives: Conduct a research project through to completion of a manuscript under supervision. Gain clinical
expertise in the assessment and management of this project.
Description: The resident will take part in the research program in the psychiatric and psychosocial aspects of
transplantation. They may choose to develop their own project or assume primary responsibility for a portion of an
ongoing project. They will learn research methodology from literature review through to manuscript completion.
Projects include:
1. mood disturbances related to immunosuppressives;
2. alcohol and drug use in pre and post-transplant patients;
3. panic disorder in end stage lung disease;
4. psycho-social adaptation to transplantation;
5. follow-up of living related kidney donors.
Percentage of research component of rotation per week: can be tailored to resident’s learning needs
50% (2.5 days)
60% (3 days)
70% (3.5 days)
80-100% (4-5 days)
In the remaining percentage of the week, what clinical training related to the research subject of the rotation
do you propose to provide the resident?
Residents can choose participation in a variety of different clinical activities to meet their learning needs including
outpatient assessments, inpatient assessments, psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy of the medically ill.
If, in the remaining percentage of the week, the resident wants to pursue clinical training unrelated to your
program/division, will it be feasible from your point of view?
Yes
No
Career Purpose of Rotation for Resident: Academic Preparation and Clinical Training towards a Career in
Medical Psychiatry
Will a Fellowship, offering continuity to the research training of the rotation, be available to a resident who
completes the rotation satisfactorily?
Yes
No
Way(s) this rotation will enhance your program: Enhance the developing research program in transplantation
specifically and medical psychiatry generally.
Way(s) this rotation will augment academic psychiatry: Need for academic medical psychiatry (C/L)
psychiatrists. The field of multi-organ transplantation provides exposure to a variety of disorders and problems
common to a wide variety of C/L settings.
Psychiatry, Health and Disease: SS Research - Page 4 of 9
UHN-PMH
RESEARCH ROTATION: Psychosocial Oncology &
Palliative Care
Supervisor(s)
Drs. Gary Rodin, MD,
Gerald Devins, PhD,
Camilla Zimmermann, MD
Kim Edelstein, PhD, Lucia Gagliese, PhD,
Jennifer Jones, PhD, Kim Edelestein PhD,
Lori Bernstein PhD
Completed by:
Dr. Gary Rodin, MD
Training Sites: The University Health Network – Princess Margaret Hospital
Objectives: Conduct a research project through to completion of a manuscript under supervision. Gain clinical
expertise in the assessment and management of this project
Description: The resident will take part in the research program in the psychiatric and psychosocial aspects of
cancer and of end-of-life care as part of a multidisciplinary team. They may choose to develop their own project or
assume primary responsibility for a portion of an ongoing project. They will learn research methodology from
literature review through to project completion.
Percentage of research component of rotation per week: can be determined on the basis of resident’s
educational needs
50% (2.5 days)
60% (3 days)
70% (3.5 days)
80-100% (4-5 days)
In the remaining percentage of the week, what clinical training related to the research subject of the rotation
do you propose to provide the resident?
This rotation can be tailored to resident’s interests. Participation in outpatient assessments in cancer or other areas
of palliative care and the psychotherapy and psychopharmacology of patients with comorbid medical and psychiatric
illnesses.
If, in the remaining percentage of the week, the resident wants to pursue clinical training unrelated to your
program/division, will it be feasible from your point of view?
Yes
No
Career Purpose of Rotation for Resident: Academic preparation and clinical training towards a career in palliative
psychiatry.
Will a Fellowship, offering continuity to the research training of the rotation, be available to a resident who
completes the rotation satisfactory?
Yes
No
Way(s) this rotation will enhance your program: Enhance the developing research program in psychiatric
aspects of oncology specifically and medical psychiatry generally.
Way(s) this rotation will augment academic psychiatry: Need for academic psychiatrists specializing in
palliative and supportive care.
Psychiatry, Health and Disease: SS Research - Page 5 of 9
HSC/NYGH
Principal Supervisor(s)
Dr. Rose Geist - Psychiatric Director,
Medical Psychiatry Program
SENIOR SELECTIVE - RESEARCH ROTATION:
Child and Medical Psychiatry Program
Completed by:
Training Sites:
Dr. Rose Geist
The Hospital for Sick Children and North York General Hospital
Objectives: To participate in a study designed to classify (DSM_IV) young people who suffer unexplained medical
symptoms with associated medical illnesses (comorbid medical and_Psychiatric disorders) and without associated
medical illnesses (Somatoform disorders). Semistructured psychiatric interviews will be used in the assessment
process.
Description: Unexplained medical symptoms in the paediatric population are common problems but poorly
understood by physicians. In our efforts to develop appropriate treatment interventions we would like to study the
psychiatric diagnoses associated with unexplained medical symptoms, using well-validated semi-structured
psychiatric interviews
Percentage of Research Component Per Week:
50% (2.5 days)
60% (3 days)
70% (3.5 days)
80-100% (4-5 days)
In the remaining percentage of the week, what clinical training related to the research subject of the rotation
do you propose to provide to the resident?
Training in Child and Adolescent psychiatric assessments, principles of individual and family therapy, parent
counselling, as well as pharmacological management.
If, in the remaining percentage of the week, the resident wants to pursue clinical training unrelated to your
program/division, will it be feasible from your point of view?
Yes
No
Career purpose of rotation for resident: To enhance the clinical and academic interest in child and adolescent
medical psychiatry
Will a Fellowship, offering continuity to the research training of the rotation, be available to a resident who
completes the rotation satisfactorily?
Yes
No
Way(s) this rotation will enhance your program: It would augment our clinical and teaching capacities.
Way(s) this rotation will augment academic psychiatry: Young people who suffer with unexplained medical
symptoms often are subjected to extensive medical investigations with inadequate attention to the assessment of
psychosocial issues/psychiatric illnesses. Treatment is not approached in a systematized manner. The patient
population includes Somatoform disorders, as well as a wide range of clinical problems including organic brain
syndromes, CNS effects of medical drugs and radiation, comorbid depression/Anxiety and medical illnesses and
other med/psych problems. An academic approach to the understanding of the comorbid psychiatric disorders
associated with these conditions will augment the knowledge in this area.
Psychiatry, Health and Disease: SS Research - Page 6 of 9
MSH
SENIOR SELECTIVE - RESEARCH ROTATION:
The Interpersonal Environment and
Adaptation to Illness
Potential Principal Supervisor(s)
Dr. Bob Maunder
Dr. Jon Hunter
Dr. Bill Lancee
Completed by: Jon Hunter, Robert Maunder
Training Sites: Mount Sinai Hospital
Objectives: To conduct a research project through to completion of a manuscript, under supervision.
To gain clinical experience in the role the interpersonal environment plays in adaptation to medical or surgical
illness, via patient assessment and psychotherapy.
Description: Understanding the role that relationships play in an individual’s adaptation to illness is a central focus
of the Integrated Medicine Project-a component program of the MSH Department of Psychiatry. The resident will
develop a focus on one aspect of this broad area, be it an aspect of current work, or a new area of their own
interest. Development of the focus will rely on the resident’s review of the appropriate literature, along with collegial
discussion with the supervisor(s). The intention will be to derive a project that can be completed within 1 academic
year, or which will lead into a grant application/fellowship project.
Percentage of Research Component of Rotation per Week: To be determined in discussion with the individual,
but no more then 80%, to allow for appropriate clinical grounding of the research.
50% (2.5 days)
60% (3 days)
70% (3.5 days)
80-100% (4-5 days)
In the remaining percentage of the week, what clinical training related to the research subject of the rotation
do you propose to provide the resident?
Assessment and (supervised) psychotherapy of medical/surgical patients, both in- and out-patients.
If, in the remaining percentage of the week, the resident wants to pursue clinical training unrelated to your
program/division, will it be feasible from your point of view?
Yes
No
Career purpose of rotation for resident: Advanced academic and clinical training for a career focused on
consultation-liaison psychiatry and psychotherapy.
Will a Fellowship, offering continuity to the research training of the rotation, be available to a resident who
complete the rotation satisfactorily?
Yes
No
Way(s) this rotation will enhance your program: It will expand our training beyond the ‘standard’ core and senior
selective rotations towards a focus on the ongoing research potential of the Integrated Medicine Project.
Way(s) this rotation will augment academic psychiatry: It will increase interest in a promising, if under-studied
aspect of consultation-liaison psychiatry, thus allowing the development of future productive academic staff.
Psychiatry, Health and Disease: SS Research - Page 7 of 9
WCH
SENIOR SELECTIVE - RESEARCH ROTATION:
The Interface between Endocrinology & Mental Health
Potential Principal Supervisor(s)
Dr. A Levitt
Dr. M Gupta
Additional Supervisor(s)
TBA-depending upon project
Completed by:
Dr. M Gupta
Training Sites: Women’s College Hospital
Objectives: To conduct a research project on the theme of the interaction between an endocrinological disorder
and mental illness under supervision. To gain clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of patients with
coexisting endocrinological and psychiatric problems.
Description: Within consultation-liaison psychiatry, there is a well-established link between endocrinological and
psychiatric disorders. Yet, there remain many unexplored areas of this interface, including those that go beyond
questions regarding possible shared etiological mechanisms. This is particularly true for disorders which have
increased significantly in incidence and prevalence such at Type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and the metabolic
syndrome. Residents will develop a focus on one aspect of this interface, whether it is an aspect of current work in
our department, or a new area of their own interest. Our strong clinical relationship with endocrinology at WCH will
allow for the development of important clinical research questions, particularly those pertinent to women’s mental
health, as well as advanced clinical training in working with the endocrinological-psychiatric population. The
intention will be to develop a project that can be completed within 1 academic year, or which will lead into a grant
application/fellowship project.
Percentage of Research Component of Rotation per Week:
50% (2.5 days)
OR 60% (3 days)
70% (3.5 days)
80-100% (4-5 days)
In the remaining percentage of the week, what clinical training related to the research subject of the rotation
do you propose to provide the resident?
Assessment and pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic treatment of endocrinological/psychiatric outpatients,
particularly in a women’s mental health context.
If, in the remaining percentage of the week, the resident wants to pursue clinical training unrelated to your
program/division, will it be feasible from your point of view?
Yes
No
Career purpose of rotation for resident: Advanced academic and clinical training for a resident interested in a
career in consultation-liaison psychiatry.
Will a Fellowship, offering continuity to the research training of the rotation, be available to a resident who
complete the rotation satisfactorily?
Yes
No
Way(s) this rotation will enhance your program: It will augment our clinical, educational and academic capacity.
It will also assist us in future recruitment.
Way(s) this rotation will augment academic psychiatry: It will increase interest in academic consultation-liaison
psychiatry encouraging trainees to consider an academic career in this area. It will also increase resident academic
output.
Psychiatry, Health and Disease: SS Research - Page 8 of 9
SMH
Psychiatry, Health & Disease
Supervisors:
Dr. M. Halman
halmanm@smh.toronto.on.ca
Dr. J Maggi
HIV Psychiatry (Psychosomatic Medicine) Research
Supervisors: Drs. M. Halman, J Maggi
Position:
One year Research rotation. Open to all residents who may wish to do a one-year elective
research project.
The resident will be encouraged to develop a project in one of the priority areas of the program. These
include the interface of cognitive and mood disorders in HIV disease, HIV and community-based care, the
emotional and social support care needs of HIV+ women and HIV and mental health in resource limited
countries. Residents will be encouraged to develop their own project or to build on ongoing studies.
Examples of current projects include: facilitating treatment of concurrent disorders in HIV+ patients,
collaborative care models in the provision of comprehensive HIV care, meeting the emotional and support
needs of HIV+ women, capacity building in HIV and mental health in resource limited countries.
Psychiatry, Health and Disease: SS Research - Page 9 of 9