Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UBC
Member, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH)
Researcher, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI)
Affiliate Investigator, BC Children’s Hospital
Director, Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies Laboratory & Schizophrenia Program
Contact
Email: fidel.vilarodriguez@ubc.ca
Short Biography
As a Clinician-Scientist, I have a strong interest in conducting translational research that bridges our understanding on the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders with the clinical applications of this knowledge. My clinical practice is actively focused in those most severely afflicted by such conditions, and my research interests are directed at finding novel therapeutic interventions within Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies (NINETs) that can help mitigate the suffering of those with severe and refractory forms of psychosis and depression. I strongly believe that understanding NINETs’ mechanism(s) of action is a critical step towards translating research knowledge to clinical practice. More important, translating that knowledge to clinical practice will have a direct, immediate, and positive impact on the life’s of those who struggle and suffer the most devastating forms of mental illness and their families.
In the lab we actively investigate on all forms of NINET and we use a varied number of neurophysiological tools to research on biomarkers. The lab is also the only centre in Canada to host both simultaneous TMS-fMRI and tDCS-fMRI capability.
NINET Website
Research Focus
Dr. Yatham’s major areas of research interest include neurobiology and treatment of bipolar disorder and major depression. Dr. Yatham’s work has been funded by many peer-reviewed funding agencies such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation, Stanley Foundation, and National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, USA. He is a member of the College of Reviewers of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), was a chair of the Michael Smith Foundation Clinical Scholars Committee and has been a reviewer and a committee member of other peer reviewed funding agencies such as the CIHR. He is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the International Bipolar Foundation, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance and Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Publications
Significant Accomplishments & Professional Contribution
Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar