IMH Showcase | August 2024

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.

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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).

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  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
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  7. Suspicious attachments
  8. Unprofessional design

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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. 

Call for nominations: Learner representative for the Space Allocation Committee

** Sent on Behalf of Dr. Sophia Frangou, Associate Head, Research, UBC Department of Psychiatry **

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this message finds you well. We are currently seeking nominations for a learner representative to join the Space Allocation Committee at the Detweiller Pavilion or at Strangways. This is a unique opportunity for non-faculty learners to contribute to important decisions regarding space allocation within our facilities.

Eligible Nominees

  • Any non-faculty learners based at the Detweiller Pavilion.
  • Nominations can be submitted by Principal Investigators (PIs) or through self-nomination by individual learners.

Selection Process:

If multiple nominations are received, the representative will be selected through a random lottery to ensure fairness.

How to Nominate:

Please send your name [or the name of the nominee proposed by a PI], along with a brief statement of interest [not to exceed 200 words], to Terena Zhao, Administrative Assistant – Division Heads (terena.zhao@ubc.ca), by September 19th.

On behalf of the Space Allocation Committee, I encourage you to consider this opportunity to represent the learner community and have a voice in the allocation of our shared resources. Your participation will play a crucial role in shaping the environment in which we all work and learn.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to receiving your nominations.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sophia Frangou, MD, PhD, FRCPsych, FRCPC
Chair, Space Allocation Committee
President’s Excellence Chair in Brain Health
Associate Head – Research
Professor of Psychiatry

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

REMINDER: Deadline for 2024 Stimulus Grant Applications | October 1

** Sent on Behalf of Dr. Sophia Frangou, Associate Head, Research, UBC Department of Psychiatry **

Dear Colleagues,

This is a friendly reminder to apply for the Stimulus Grants Initiative, which is designed to enhance research capacity and provide vital support to clinicians and junior academics. The grants support small, self-contained studies or pilot projects aimed at securing more comprehensive funding in the future. The current application period closes at 11:59 pm on October 1, 2024. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to secure funding through one of the following streams:

  • Stimulus-Clinician Grant
  • Stimulus-Junior Academic Grant
  • Stimulus-Child & Youth Mental Health Grant

Each Application Package must include:

Please submit your application package as a single PDF document using the online SUBMISSION PORTAL by October 1 deadline. Only applications using the templates provided will be considered. Should you have any specific questions about the Stimulus Grants, please direct them to me at sophia.frangou@ubc.ca.

Please see our website for further details: https://psychiatry.ubc.ca/research/stimulus-grants-initiative/.  

I encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sophia Frangou, MD, PhD, FRCPsych, FRCPC
President’s Excellence Chair in Brain Health
Associate Head – Research
Professor of Psychiatry

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

Translating Mental Health and Substance Use Research into Health Systems Planning

September 17, 2024
4:00pm – 5:00pm PT

Please contact the speaker if you would like to view a recording of this session.

Summary

This webinar explored the process of translating mental health and substance use research findings into health systems planning. Of note, translational medicine frequently focuses on the first step of the translational continuum (“bench to bedside”), and this presentation highlighted the importance of also prioritizing the “bedside to community” step, a key component that frequently explains the multi-year gap that affects scale-up of evidence based interventions to the population level. This step is illustrated by the presenter’s work as British Columbia’s Chief Scientific Advisor for Psychiatry, Toxic Drugs, and Concurrent Disorders. The webinar offers valuable insights and practical knowledge to enhance practitioners understanding of the underpinnings of health systems planning. This webinar is essential for researchers looking to advance the population level impact of their work and deliver innovative strategies in mental health care.

Speaker

Dr. Daniel Vigo

Assistant Professor, UBC Departments of Psychiatry and School of Population and Public Health
BC Chief Scientific Advisor for Psychiatry, Toxic Drugs and Concurrent Disorders
Member, UBC Academy of Translational Medicine

Dr. Daniel Vigo is a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, and public health specialist, originally from Argentina. After obtaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, an MD, a University Specialization in Psychiatry, and a Doctorate in Public Health, Dr. Vigo worked in clinical, research, teaching, and leadership positions across the public and private sector, academia, and Government. In these roles, he has published peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and reports on public health, health systems, global mental health, psychiatric epidemiology, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and e-mental health. Dr. Vigo leads/led several landmark projects in BC, Canada, and globally, including on e-Mental Health for University Students, Needs-Based Planning for Mental and Substance Use Disorder Services, Care Options for People with Severe Substance Use Disorders at Imminent Risk of Death and Disability, Estimating Coverage and Quality of Care for Mental Disorders, and Estimating the Disease Burden of Mental Disorders. His contribution to improving the estimation of the disease burden caused by mental illness is among the most impactful papers in the field of mental health in recent years. He is currently an Assistant Professor at UBC’s Dept of Psychiatry and School of Population and Public Health, the Medical Lead for Tertiary Care for VCH’s Regional Mental Health and Substance Use Program, The Provincial Medical Lead of BC’s Assertive Community Treatment Advance practice, the Chief Scientific Advisor for Psychiatry, Toxic Drugs and Concurrent Disorders, and a member of the UBC Academy of Translational Medicine.

More IMH PROGRESS Webinars

FRAMES OF MIND Mental Health Film Series | “The Hearing”, Wednesday September 18 | The Cinematheque

A monthly film series promoting professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental health and illness. Presented by The Cinematheque and the Institute of Mental Health, UBC Department of Psychiatry. Screenings are generally held on the third Wednesday of each month at The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St, Vancouver, BC.

The Hearing (Die Anhörung)

Switzerland 2023 (81 min. DCP)
Director: Lisa Gerig
Wednesday September 18th @ 7:00pm
The Cinematheque (1131 Howe St)

Film Description

The Hearing explores the hidden world of asylum hearings—the process that millions of refugees worldwide experience when applying for citizenship in a new country. Through carefully crafted reenactments by real-life asylum seekers and employees of the State Secretariat for Migration in Switzerland, director Lisa Gerig vividly portrays the emotional stakes of these life-changing encounters. Each asylum seeker shares deeply personal stories of fleeing their home country; their vulnerability is underscored in stark contrast to the bureaucratic office setting in which the meetings take place. In a powerful role reversal, those seeking refuge challenge State interrogators with questions of their own, poignantly exposing the unbalanced power dynamics at play. Gerig’s social experiment not only sheds light on the asylum process but also raises critical questions about how best to reduce mental health stigma and encourage trauma-informed practices when working with those who are seeking refuge.

In English, Dari, French, German, and Tamil with English subtitles

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“Some ideas can be surprisingly simple, and the perfect execution of such an idea can result in something brilliant. That happens in The Hearing.” — Nick Cunningham, Business Doc Europe

Post-screening Discussion:

Post-screening discussion with Dr. Kirby Huminuik, a registered psychologist who has worked with refugees for over 20 years and Lesley Stalker, staff lawyer at the Immigration and Refugee Legal Clinic in Vancouver.

Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, series director.

About the Panel:

Dr. Kirby Huminuik holds a PhD in Counselling Psychology from UBC and has completed the Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery Certificate Program from the Harvard Medical School Department of Continuing Education. Dr. Huminuik provides clinical and assessment services for refugees, and consults with organizations and the government on refugee mental health. She is active in the profession of psychology and has served on the APA Task Force on Human Rights and the executive committee of the Human Rights and Social Justice Committee at CPA.

Lesley Stalker works with people who are looking for a safe place to live. Early in her practice, Lesley realized there is a conundrum in refugee law: those who are most in need of protection are often the least able to articulate that need due to the effects of trauma. She took a gap in her practice to work as regional legal officer with the United Nations Refugee Agency in Vancouver and worked with local groups to establish the READY Tours, a project which helps claimants understand the refugee process. Lesley also served as a member (decision-maker) with the Immigration and Refugee Board.

Dr. Harry Karlinsky, the Series Director of Frames of Mind and a Clinical Professor in the UBC Department of Psychiatry, has a longstanding commitment to professional and public education. He has presented nationally and internationally on topics ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to information technology to narrative medicine to PTSD and to the use of films in health care education.

Want to be a regular at Frames of Mind screenings on the third Wednesday of every month? Subscribe to the email list and be the first in line for tickets!

Examiners needed for live virtual Multiple Mini Interview Assessment of International Medical Graduates

Examiner Recruitment: IMGBC Clinical Assessment Program MMI 2024

** Sent on behalf of the UBC Faculty of Medicine Postgraduate Medical Education Team. Please direct related inquiries to imgbc.postgrad@ubc.ca **

Dear Psychiatry Clinical Faculty,

The International Medical Graduate BC (IMGBC) Program invites Clinical Faculty to apply to participate as an Examiner for the 2024 IMG Clinical Assessment Program (CAP) Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI).

IMGs seeking to be matched to a residency position in British Columbia are required to participate in UBC’s Clinical Assessment Program (CAP). The 2024 IMG CAP MMI will be held in live virtual format on November 16 and 17, 2024 using the Kira Talent platform.

Commitment:

To be an MMI Examiner, you must commit to ALL of the following:

  1. Kira Talent MMI Examiner Training Session: Attend the mandatory online platform training hosted by Kira Talent via Zoom, 7:00 – 8:30 PM (PST) on either:
  2. Tuesday, November 12, 2024, or
  3. Wednesday, November 13, 2024
  • MMI Examination: Examine live online candidate interviews undisturbed via the Kira Talent Platform, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM* (PST) on:
  • Saturday, November 16, 2024, and/or
  • Sunday, November 17, 2024

*This includes the mandatory IMG CAP MMI Examiner Orientation hosted by the IMGBC Program via Zoom, 7:30 – 9:00 AM (PST).

Program Timeline:

  • Examiner Recruitment: Physicians who are interested in becoming an IMG CAP MMI Examiner must fill out the application survey below by Sunday, September 8, 2024.
  • Examiner Confirmation: Upon reviewing the physician’s eligibility and availability, the IMGBC Program will provide MMI examiner position confirmation by the week of September 9, 2024.
  • MMI Examiner Orientation by Kira Talent: Confirmed examiners must attend this orientation, 7:00 – 8:30 PM, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 or on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
  • MMI Weekend: The IMG CAP MMI will be delivered on Saturday, November 16 and on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
  • CaRMS Submission: Following review of the MMI results, the IMGBC Program will submit them to CaRMS by November 25, 2024.

MMI Examiner Qualifications:

To qualify as a MMI examiner in the IMG Clinical Assessment Program, the examiner:

  1. Is an MD with full registration and licensed for independent practice, currently practising medicine in British Columbia,
  2. Or is a resident, PGY-3 or higher, and holds a registered position in a UBC FoM Postgraduate program (Note: Residents must not already be scheduled clinically, as attendance at the MMI Examiner Orientation and participation as an MMI Examiner should not interfere with clinical schedules.),  
  1. Is not under professional investigation, and
  2. Must not have family, friends, or a colleague applying to the program this year or in the near future.

Remuneration:

MMI Examiners will be compensated for the following hours at the UBC Faculty of Medicine rates:

Breakdown of Hours
3 hours of MMI Examiner Training/Orientation Kira Talent MMI Examiner Training Session, 1.5 hoursIMG CAP MMI Examiner Orientation, 1.5 hours
6.5 hours of Candidate Examination & Scoring

Practising Physicians/UBC Clinical Faculty – $106.03/hour
Residents – $69.30/hour

If you are interested in becoming a MMI Examiner, please complete the application survey linked below.

The survey will ask for your basic information, availability, and your program/discipline – all of which will be taken into consideration as we select a diverse group of examiners. It will take no more than five minutes to complete and will close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

Please note:

  • You must attend the Training and Orientation sessions and commit to the program timeline.
  • You do not have to be based in Vancouver to participate as a MMI Examiner.
  • Selection of MMI Examiners is not made on a first come, first served basis.
ONLINE SURVEY

Your availability and eligibility will be reviewed and a position confirmation will be sent to you the week of September 9, 2024. 

For more information about the IMG Clinical Assessment Program, please visit: https://imgbc.med.ubc.ca/clinical-assessment/

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please contact imgbc.postgrad@ubc.ca.

Sincerely,

IMGBC Office
Faculty of Medicine | Postgraduate Medical Education
The University of British Columbia
Email: imgbc.postgrad@ubc.ca

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. 

Satinder Narang

Clinical Instructor, UBC Department of Psychiatry

Email: satinder.narang@fraserhealth.ca