A Practical Guide to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice Issues in Research for Those Seeking Success in Funding Competitions

A Practical Guide to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Justice Issues in Research for Those Seeking Success in Funding Competitions

An Introduction to Existing Problems and Some Solutions

October 8, 2024
4:00pm – 5:00pm PT

Summary

This is a talk to which everyone is invited and welcomed, but it is really designed for people in positions of power…Leaders of research groups, full professors. People who are applying for research funding as PIs. It’s geared towards helping you to think about how to be successful in funding competitions that are increasingly asking applicants to address issues around EDI.

Speaker

Dr. Jehannine (J9) Austin

Professor, UBC Departments of Psychiatry and Medical Genetics
Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Genetic Counseling

Jehannine Austin

Dr. J9 Austin is a Professor in Psychiatry & Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia. J9 is a board certified genetic counsellor, and their research work involves studying how to improve access to genetics services for people who have historically been marginalized, and working to ensure that those services are safe and effective. They founded the world’s first specialist psychiatric genetic counselling service that has won an award for its impact on patient outcomes, and in addition to peer-reviewed publications, has written a book, and won awards for teaching, leadership, and research. J9 is a member of the College of the Royal Society of Canada, and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. J9 is also Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Genetic Counseling.

More IMH PROGRESS Webinars

UBC Psychiatry IT update | Software rollout for latest Microsoft Office 2021

*ATTN* Please be award of the upcoming automated software rollout scheduled to take place over the next three weekends. This update is crucial for the upcoming email changes being implemented by UBC IT.

Software Effected: Microsoft Office 2019 and older on PYST IT supported PC
Rollout Period: Weekends starting on Friday 5pm – Monday 8am over the next 3 weeks (September 20 – October 7, inclusive)
Action Required: Save all work before leaving office on Fridays, and please ensure your computers are left on over the weekends during this period.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as it will help ensure a smooth and efficient update process.

Thank you for your attention and support.


If you have any questions or issues, please feel free to reach out to Psychiatry IT.

Psychiatry IT
UBC Department of Psychiatry
psychiatry.it@ubc.ca
604 827 5695

The UBC Department of Psychiatry Administration Office respectfully acknowledges the land on which we live, work and play is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories.

Funding Opportunities | Societal Issues Competition & 2024 Research Facility Support Grants

New Funding Opportunity | Societal Issues Competition

**Forwarded on behalf of Dr. Robert McMaster, Vice Dean, Research, Faculty of Medicine, and Dr. Michelle Wong, Executive Director, CIEBH and Senior Director, Research, Faculty of Medicine**

Genome BC recently held an information session for a new funding opportunity, Societal Issues Intake 4 (SOC4). SOC4 is open to academic researchers and aims to explore and test countermeasures to local challenges (such as awareness, access, communication, and trust) for adopting genomics in BC’s healthcare system. Projects can request a budget of up to $250,000 for a maximum duration of 24 months. No co-funding/matching funds are required.

Information about the opportunity, including a recording of the information session and the SOC4 guidelines, is available on Genome BC’s website. The deadline for Statements of Interest (SOIs) is October 7, 2024.

2024 Research Facility Support Grants

**Forwarded on behalf of Dr. Robert McMaster, Vice Dean, Research, Faculty of Medicine**

Apply for funding to extend the useful life of shared research equipment at UBC. Funding can be used for operation, replacement of parts, repair or upgrades to facilities and research equipment shared by three or more principal investigators.

The 2024 Research Facility Support Grants (RFSG) competition is open to faculty located at the UBC Vancouver campus and affiliated hospital sites. RFSGs provide up to $50,000 for a term of one year, to improve the capabilities of shared equipment, or to provide one-time bridge funding to support staff in shared facilities.

Further details on this program are available from the UBC Research + Innovation website. The deadline for grant applications is November 1, 2024.

For any question about RFSG, contact Stacey Herzer, Manager, Internal Research Competitions at stacey.herzer@ubc.ca.

Congratulations to 2024 FoM Applegarth Staff Service Award recipient, Sahil Kanani!

The Department of Psychiatry congratulates Sahil Kanani, a recipient of the 2024 Faculty of Medicine Applegarth Staff Service Award! The award is in recognition of his outstanding contributions by UBC staff members to the Faculty of Medicine.

EDI Research Assistant and Technician, Sahil Kanani, has worked has worked with the Department’s CREST.BD research team and the BC SUPPORT Unit of Michael Smith Health Research BC since 2022. During this time, he has made impactful contributions to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in patient-oriented research. Leading a situational analysis, Sahil developed strategies that shaped EDI priorities across BC. His initiatives include creating and facilitating workshops, such as “EDI in Practice,” and developing open-source educational resources. Sahil’s expertise with the Tapestry Tool has enabled the creation of digital literacy modules and podcasts, improving access to mental health resources. His proactive approach continues to foster inclusive research environments, empowering diverse voices and advancing digital accessibility in health research.

PGE 2024-25 Mock OSCE examiner recruitment – availability survey

** Shared on behalf of the UBC Psychiatry Postgraduate Education Team**

Dear Faculty Members,

I hope this email finds you well.  We are starting to recruit examiners for our 2024-25 Mock OSCE’s. The Mock OSCEs are an integral part of preparing our residents for their Royal College OSCE exams. We have finalized the dates for each of the mock exams and have created a survey for you to put down your availability. Please check off as many days (mornings and/or afternoons) as you would like.

Our Mock OSCE days are broken into two sessions: AM (8:15am-12:30pm) & PM (12:30pm-4:30pm) and you can sign up for either session and/or both. All eligible faculty are paid (you must have an active UBC Faculty appointment). All Mock OSCE exams will be over Zoom.

If you are interested in being an examiner, please take a moment to complete the following survey:

https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7aOaVfy3Wpuopx4


It shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes to complete and we really appreciate you taking the time to do so, not to mention helping our residents prepare for their exams. Once we know everyone’s availability, I will start to create the schedules and confirm with you as soon as possible.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks and have a great day!

Regards,

Raquel Portillo Henriquez 
Senior Program Assistant, PGE
UBC Department of Psychiatry

I humbly acknowledge, with gratitude, that I live, work, and play as an uninvited guest on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations. 

IMH Showcase | August 2024

IVAN TORRES

Clinical Professor & Neuropsychologist


Meet Dr. Ivan Torres, a Stimulus Grant Awardee and dedicated Clinical Professor at UBC’s Department of Psychiatry. Trained as a clinical neuropsychologist, his research focuses on cognitive functioning in severe mood and psychotic disorders, bridging research with clinical practice to enhance patient care. When he’s not advancing mental health research, Dr. Torres enjoys keeping active and playing in a rock band.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I was trained as a clinical neuropsychologist, and I am currently a Clinical Professor within the Department of Psychiatry at UBC, investigator within British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services, research neuropsychologist within the BC Psychosis Program and Mood Disorders Centre at UBC, and Consulting Neuropsychologist at Red Fish Healing Centre for Mental Health and Addiction.  I have broad clinical and research interests in neuropsychological functioning in psychotic and mood disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Can you describe what kind of research you are involved in?

My work involves investigation of cognitive functioning in people with severe mood and psychotic illness, including understanding the pattern, severity, and diversity of cognitive impairment in these clinical populations.  I am particularly interested in understanding client’s subjective assessment of their own cognitive functioning and how this relates to their everyday functioning and well-being.  Overall, my work aims to bridge the gap between clinical research and clinical practice so that we can learn information that can be utilized to help patients in a direct and clinically meaningful way.

Can you tell us about an interesting project or initiative you are working on?

Through research support from a UBC Department of Psychiatry Stimulus Grant, our team is embarking on a research project investigating the use of cognitive compensatory cognitive strategies in people diagnosed with mood and psychosis spectrum psychiatric illnesses.  Despite the fact that these individuals are at high risk for experiencing cognitive problems in daily life, there is very little understanding of their spontaneous use of these compensatory strategies to overcome their cognitive challenges.  An example of this would be the use of lists, organizers, mnemonics, digital supports, or other aids in everyday life.  By better understanding the use of these strategies this may lead to development of therapies aimed at increasing their effective use in these individuals.

What aspect of your work do you enjoy the most, or find most exciting?

I find it extremely rewarding to be able to collaborate with highly talented colleagues and trainees, to share ideas, and to work collaboratively on projects that are clinically informed and that will be useful to improving patient’s lives and functioning.  I am grateful that in my career I am able to be involved in various roles as clinician, researcher, and educator.

What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?

Outside of work I like to take my yellow Labrador “Sunny” out on the trails for hikes and to remain active playing basketball.  I also enjoy playing the drums in a rock band composed of fellow clinical psychologists.

If you are an IMH member and would like to share more about yourself and your research with the community, please contact Megan Rollerson, Communications and Partnerships Manager, at megan.rollerson@ubc.ca.

Relaunching the Space Committee

We are relaunching the departmental space committee to enhance the efficient use of space and foster a positive working environment that meets our members needs and aligns with departmental priorities. 

Fraudulent email alert

Please be on the alert for a fraudulent email masquerading as a legitimate message from UBC HR, as shown below.  If you receive such an email, please do not respond or click on any links, and please delete the email.

Phishing attempts frequently occur. If you believe you have received a fraudulent email, report it by forwarding it as an attachment to PSYCH IT (psychiatry.it@ubc.ca) or UBC Cyber Security (security@ubc.ca).

Watch out for these common characteristics of phishing emails:

  1. Non-UBC Email (“CAUTION: Non-UBC Email” indicator at the top of the body of email)
  2. Sense of urgency and time constraint, very brief
  3. Requests to verify accounts or credit card numbers
  4. Anything too good to be true
  5. Unexpected Emails
  6. Information mismatches (e.g. when you hover over the link, the url does not match a recognized web address)
  7. Suspicious attachments
  8. Unprofessional design

Visit the following link for more information on how to spot phishing emails: https://privacymatters.ubc.ca/phishing-emails

Administrative Team & Psychiatry IT
UBC Department of Psychiatry

psychiatry.it@ubc.ca
604 827 5695

The UBC Department of Psychiatry Administration Office respectfully acknowledges the land on which we live, work and play is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories.

Inviting expressions of interest for the role of Associate Program Director for the Prince George track

** Sent on behalf of Dr. Irfan Khanbhai, PGE Program Director, UBC Department of Psychiatry **

Dear Faculty,

It is with regret that I wanted to announce that Dr. Dmitri Zanozin will be stepping down from his position of Associate Program Director for the Prince George Track.

After having been a family physician in many underserved communities, Dr. Zanozin returned to the UBC Psychiatry PGE Program and graduated in 2016. Since then, he has been a very valued member of the clinical faculty in Prince George at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia in many areas including in the areas of Severe and Persistent mental illness, Addiction psychiatry and on the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit and supervised our residents in these key core rotations.

He took on the role of Associate Program Director for the Prince George track in November 9, 2020 and since then, has been a truly valued member of the Residency Program and the Program Executive. He was key in growing the track having been one of its founding members, and was considered an inspiring mentor and leader to the residents within over these last few years. His leadership will be a significant loss to the Program, but I am glad to say that he will continue to serve as a preceptor in the years to come as his passion for teaching remains undiminished.

I would now like to ask for Expressions of Interest from Clinical Faculty in the North who may be interested in applying for the role of Associate Program Director for the Prince George Track. The role description can be read here, and I am happy to answer any further questions that you may have. If interested, please send me your CV and a letter expressing your interest in the role, your experience regarding medical education and any future vision that you may have for the Prince George track.

The deadline for submissions will be Friday, September 20th by end of day. We will then conduct interviews the following week and hope to have the successful applicant begin in October or November. There would be a period of active mentorship and shadowing for several months to allow for a successful transition into the role.

Thank you for your consideration and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I can be reached at irfan.khanbhai@ubc.ca.

Sincerely,

Dr. Irfan Khanbhai MD, FRCPC
Clinical Associate Professor
Program Director
UBC Department of Psychiatry Postgraduate Education Program

Interim Associate Head
Postgraduate Education and Continuing Professional Development 
UBC Department of Psychiatry

We humbly acknowledge, with gratitude, that we live, work, and play as an uninvited guest on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations. 

Inviting expressions of interest for the role of Associate Program Director for the Fraser track

** Sent on behalf of Dr. Irfan Khanbhai, PGE Program Director, UBC Department of Psychiatry **

Dear Faculty,

In June, we had made the announcement that Dr. Faiza Hameer was stepping down from her role as Associate Program Director for the Fraser Track of our Residency Program as of July 31, 2024, and that Dr. Anyssa Shakeri was stepping in as Interim APD for the time being.

I would now like to ask for Expressions of Interest from Clinical Faculty in Fraser who may be interested in applying for the role of Associate Program Director for the Fraser Track. The role description can be read here, and I am happy to answer any further questions that you may have. If interested, please send me your CV and a letter expressing your interest in the role, your experience regarding medical education and any future vision that you may have for the Fraser track.

The deadline for submissions will be Friday, September 20th by end of day. We will then conduct interviews the following week and hope to have the successful applicant begin in October or November. There would be a period of active mentorship and shadowing for several months to allow for a successful transition into the role.

Thank you for your consideration and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I can be reached at irfan.khanbhai@ubc.ca.

Sincerely,

Dr. Irfan Khanbhai MD, FRCPC
Clinical Associate Professor
Program Director
UBC Department of Psychiatry Postgraduate Education Program

Interim Associate Head
Postgraduate Education and Continuing Professional Development 
UBC Department of Psychiatry

I humbly acknowledge, with gratitude, that I live, work, and play as an uninvited guest on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations.