Our Researchers on the Rise lecture series continues on February 23, 2024 when we welcome two of our talented early-career scientists to the podium - Kristen Eckstrand, MD, PhD and Alfredo Sklar, MD, PhD.
The Role of Neural Reward Systems in Mental Health Symptom Development Following Adversity Exposure: Applications to LGBTQ+ Youth
Dr. Eckstrand is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Their research focuses on the neuropsychiatric underpinnings of trauma and resilience in adolescents, with an emphasis on minoritized communities and vulnerable populations. Their K award is focused on examining the impact of emotional abuse on neural circuitry in sexual minority youth. Dr. Eckstrand has also published four textbooks on the mental and physical health needs of LGBTQ+ communities, including the training of healthcare professionals to provide affirming and responsible care to LGBTQ+ individuals. They are board-certified child & adolescent psychiatrist and internationally recognized for their leadership supporting the health of LGBTQ+ communities. Dr. Eckstrand founded the Vanderbilt Program for LGBTQ Health, the second LGBTQ-focused program at an academic health center in the country, co-directs the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s LGBTQ Health elective, and speaks nationally on the importance of diversity and identity in health. Dr. Eckstrand’s commitment to diversity has been recognized through awards from the American Medical Association, American Medical Student Association, the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Tennessee Medical Association..
Perceptual Modulation in First Episode Psychosis
Dr. Sklar is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His research is focused on characterizing impairments in visual processing and selective attention as well as their impact on functional outcomes among individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders following their first psychotic break. With support from an NIMH-funded career development award, he is investigating visual network connectivity and perceptual modulation in early psychosis.
Join us in person in the UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital Auditorium or via Zoom using the following information:
Zoom Link: https://pitt.zoom.us/j/92284660997
Passcode: 999892
For More Information. Please contact Shardai Key Ward at keysj4@upmc.edu.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS. The entirety of this program will be a lecture by the speaker(s). All individuals able to control the content of this educational activity are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with any proprietary entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing health care goods or services, used on, or consumed by, patients. Registration is not required for this event. This event is free and there will be no refunds. The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Each physician should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Other health care professionals are awarded .15 continuing education units (CEUs), which are equal to 1.5 contact hours. In accordance with Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education requirements on disclosure, information about relationships of presenters with commercial interests (if any) will be included in materials which will be distributed at the time of the conference. WPH is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. WPH maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. This program is being offered for 1.5 continuing education credits. The indicated number of clock hours of continuing education is provided through UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital’s Office of Educational Resources and Planning, a PA-approved provider of social work continuing education in accordance with all the applicable educational and professional standards of the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapist. These clock hours satisfy requirements for LSW/LCSW, LPC and LMFT renewal. For more information, call (412) 204-9085.
