heal. Summer 2016 by Sheppard Pratt Health System

heal

A publication of the Sheppard Pratt Health System â&#x20AC;¢ SUMMER 2016

Already Feels Like Home New Sheppard Pratt Health System CEO Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi embraces a philosophy of deep patient respect and consistent caregiving.

PLUS BINGE DRINKING WARNING SIGNS INTERVIEW WITH PAUL DALIO BECOMING AN IRONMAN

In this issue.

SUMMER 2016

6 6

3 Interview with Paul Dalio

8 Dr. Steven Sharfstein Moves

Across Campus

Already Feels Like Home New Sheppard Pratt Health System CEO Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi embraces a philosophy of deep patient respect and consistent caregiving.

When Drinking Stops Being Social

Ask a Professional

Meet The Graduates

From Our Blog: Becoming an Ironman for Myself and My Patients

18 Philanthropy: You give. They heal.

19 Meet Our Therapist

14 In the News/Calendar

Patti Prugh

On the cover. Dr. Trivedi takes the helm of Sheppard Pratt. Photo by David Stuck

CMYK / .eps

Connect with us.

facebook.com/SheppardPratt

@SheppardPratt

CMYK / .eps

youtube.com/user/SheppardPrattHealth

heal. is published three times a year by the marketing department of the Sheppard Pratt Health System, one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top mental health systems. Sheppard Pratt provides compassionate solutions to help those suffering from mental illness and addiction recover and get back to their lives. Information provided is general in nature and should not be substituted for the medical advice of a physician. Please consult your health care provider for recommendations specific to your personal health, medical treatment, and medical conditions.

Editor/Director of Marketing & PR

Jessica Kapustin

Outreach & Project Manager

Chelsea Soobitsky

Design, Production, & Editorial

Mid-Atlantic Custom Media

Lindsey Bridwell, Cortney Geare,

Jeni Mann, Suzanne Pollak,

Joshua Runyan

Contributing Photographers

Brian Glock, David Stuck

If you wish to have your name removed from the list of those receiving communications from Sheppard Pratt Health System, please email the marketing department at marketing@sheppardpratt.org or call 410.938.3133.

Contributing Writers

Kristina Schiller

SHEPPARD PRATT

Interview with Paul Dalio THE BEAUTY of Paul Dalio’s feature film debut, Touched with Fire,, starring Katie Holmes and Luke Kirby and inspired by the written work of Kay Jamison, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University, is the honesty and authenticity with which the two main characters portray life with bipolar disorder. This is not a surprise, given that Paul himself was diagnosed as bipolar in his 20s. We recently sat down with the filmmaker and former Sheppard Pratt patient to talk about his film and his diagnosis, and how he is using both as a way to educate others and reduce stigma.

Q: What I like most about your message is the fact that you try to educate people that having bipolar disorder is not a death sentence, but a gift. Can you talk a bit about that? A: The way I came to that conclusion was pretty organic. My own experience was extremely horrific at first. When I was first diagnosed, it was a death sentence. I was in college, like a lot of us are when we first are struck with this thing. You’re finally finding yourself, discovering who you are, and then you get the rug pulled out from under your feet and you get

Filmmaker Paul Dalio discusses an upcoming scene with Hopkins psychiatry professor Dr. Kay Jamison.

told that you’re not that person and you’re never going to be that person.

that this will give you. The combination

and the doctors and nurses themselves.

The only way to really thrive

of that strength with artistic sensibilities,

Most of the nurses were really friendly

with bipolar is to see this gift and to

when balanced with just the right

and really cared about the patients.

appreciate the veracity of your will that

amount of meds — that aren’t too much,

There was a warmth to them and a

will come out of pure necessity to

but aren’t too little — is really a test of

survive, and to recognize the strength

tenderness to the vulnerability of

character. Everyone has to have a hope

staying there. The people were really

that they can get through this thing. The

interesting people and from all kinds

only time I was on the brink of suicide

of backgrounds. It was a soulful group

with depression was when I had no hope.

of people. I had the most profound

Hopelessness is created by having very

connections with this group of individuals.

Paul Dalio and wife Kristina Nikolova set up a shot on the set of Touched with Fire.

few options for your life when you are given a disease that can be pitied.

Q: What was your experience like at Sheppard Pratt?

Q: How do we change society’s viewpoint on bipolar? Should we even be calling it a disorder or does that do it a disservice?

A: I spent six weeks on a Sheppard

A: I don’t think that’s what it is [a

Pratt inpatient unit. That was my best

disorder]; it’s not that simple. The human

experience and my fondest memories. It

condition is a complex thing and there

was the people there, both the patients

are all sorts of shades on the spectrum

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

SHEPPARD PRATT

Paul Dalio, left, sees being bipolar as another part of his identity.

of what one might experience. If you

open to the possibility of being different.

were to define bipolar disorder as a

And that’s from the medical side and the

disorder, it would be distorted. It’s not

general public.

true to the human condition. There are all

The more people can celebrate it

kinds of people who experience all kinds

and appreciate it, the more people are

of things and it’s the messiness of the

going to want to come out about it.

human condition that makes it beautiful.

examples of that. It can’t just be one or

Q: As someone who is not only living but thriving, and is bipolar, what advice would you give to someone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness and is trying to adjust to life now?

two people saying, “This thing is not a

A: You have to let go of the things that

disorder. Trust me because I experience

might seem important to you and that

it, too.” It’s got to be that [many] people

you might need right now. And just think

have to be proud of it and come out to

to yourself, “what matters?” Move forward

the world and share their gifts. And that

and be fanatical about looking for bad

will change the stigma. And that’s going

health habits. Push yourself harder to try

to take time. But it’s an exciting time,

to find ways to live healthier and control

because people are more than ever

everything in your environment you can.

That’s why characters in stories are flawed. The way that has to change is through demonstration — multiple people coming out and living and being

Bipolar Research Expanding Due in large part to the generosity of the Dalio family,

a TMS manufacturer, the Department of Clinical

the Department of Clinical Research Programs at

Research Programs is now enrolling bipolar patients

Sheppard Pratt continues to thrive. Donations are vital

with depression in a study to see if these positive results

to our program, because philanthropic support allows

hold true within a research setting. This will lay the

us to do cutting-edge research in areas that receive

groundwork for new treatment options for those with

limited funding.

bipolar disorder.

Bipolar depression is an understudied illness that

with scientists at Harvard to develop other techniques to

to treat the manic pole of bipolar disorder, there are few

stimulate brain activity in patients with psychiatric illness.

choices to treat the much more frequently occurring

Low-ﬁeld magnetic stimulation, which uses technology

depressive pole. Many studies have shown that anti-

similar to that used in MRI scans, has shown preliminary

depressants either do not help in bipolar depression or

positive results for treating depression. We are now

can make the symptoms worse. When we looked at past

developing protocols to evaluate the use of these

results from using transcranial magnetic stimulation

techniques to help treat early stage dementias and

(TMS), a non-medication, FDA-approved treatment that

mood disorders.

uses magnetic pulses, to treat patients in our TMS

To learn more about supporting the Department of Clinical

program, we found that a stunning 70 percent of bipolar

Research Programs, please contact Marguerite Kelley,

depression patients responded! Using philanthropic

vice president of philanthropy, at 410.938.4018.

support and an equipment grant from Neuronetics,

Generous donations have also allowed us to work

currently has our attention. While there are many options

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

“Just know how Actors Luke Kirby and Katie Holmes discuss a scene with the filmmaker.

bright the light at the other side of the tunnel is if you can get through

You have to come to terms with it early

a metaphor for the two wrestling

on that you are going to have to let go of

aspects that live within you: the

all of the unhealthy habits. You’re going

need to belong and be part of

to have to fanatically focus on the

humanity and be grounded versus

healthy habits. It’s going to be difficult

the side of abandonment and panic,

and it’s going to take time, but it’s worth

which was the other side of me. It was

it. Just know how bright the light at the

that journey of being terrified of it,

other side of the tunnel is if you can get

romanticizing it, and the reconciliation of

the message that a meaningful life is

through the tunnel.

learning how to live with it and not give

a much deeper and richer magic and

up the gift of it.

emotion than any mania that could

Q: Touched with Fire is your feature film debut about two people with bipolar disorder who meet at a psychiatric hospital and make each other even crazier. Is it an autobiography?

the tunnel.” — Paul Dalio

destroy it. Realize your own gift, how

Q: What do you hope people walk away with after seeing the movie?

beautiful it is, own and be proud of it.

A: For the people who don’t have it, an

Q: How can people see the movie?

appreciation of it and of the beauty they

A: The movie is available on iTunes,

might not have been aware of and even

A: In terms of what the characters went

a respect and admiration for those who

through, it’s extremely autobiographical.

have it. For the people who have it, to

But there’s no love story. The love story is

see a path out of it … and to understand

Netflix, and Blu-ray DVD.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

FEATURE/SHEPPARD PRATT

Incoming CEO Says Sheppard Pratt Already Feels Like Home NEW SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM CEO DR. HARSH K. TRIVEDI EMBRACES A PHILOSOPHY OF DEEP PATIENT RESPECT AND CONSISTENT CAREGIVING. BY SUZANNE POLLAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID STUCK

r. Harsh K. Trivedi, the new CEO and president of Sheppard Pratt Health

System, brings to the position a passion to improve mental health care, an easygoing personality, and an impressive resume. For the past six years, Trivedi has led Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital in Nashville, one of three main hospitals on the Vanderbilt University Medical Center campus, where he was described as one of the most promising physician administrators in the country. Trivedi became CEO on July 1, but his warmth and friendly manner make it seem like he’s been a part of the Sheppard Pratt family for many years. Trivedi is determined to work hard and take what he considers an already excellent health system to an even higher level. Calling himself “deeply honored” to be named CEO, Trivedi said Sheppard Pratt was one of the few health systems for which he would have left his current position. It “has such an incredible legacy and vibrant mission,” he said. Trivedi’s goal is to improve the health system here while being careful to leave in place the things that already work so well. “I am interested in meaningful change,” he explained. He accomplished that at Vanderbilt, according to Dr. Jonathan Becker, assistant professor of psychiatry. “He has developed

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

FEATURE/SHEPPARD PRATT

Trivedi is not new to public policy.

Vanderbilt Behavioral Health into a leader in mental health treatment in the middle

He was instrumental in writing the federal

Tennessee area. He is someone who has

Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which

a vision and a passion for how mental

provides funding for organizations that

health care systems can continue to

work to prevent suicide among young

improve to help the lives of those with

people and improve access to mental

mental illnesses.”

health services on college campuses. When he helped draft that

Trivedi was able to do this, Becker

legislation, Trivedi lived in Maryland; he’s

said, by making daily life at the Vanderbilt health care system as predictable as

Dr. Harsh Trivedi with his family.

excited to return to the area. Joining him will be his wife, Urmi, and two young

possible. Patients knew when their various appointments were scheduled, when they

meaningful dialogue,” he said. “It’s such a

children, Aarav, who is six years old, and

would receive medication, and that they

large system, I really want to spend some

Amar, who is four.

would always be treated with respect.

time across all of our programs.”

Through improvements such as

Trivedi also believes in the importance

Trivedi and his wife are avid hikers, discerning foodies, and enjoy learning

visitation and meal offerings, Vanderbilt

of impacting the local community while

about the richness of diverse cultures.

became “a place where families felt

shaping the national conversation

“We need to spend time understanding

welcome,” Becker said.

regarding mental health issues. “Whether

what it’s like to walk in someone else’s

we discuss lack of access to health

shoes and to see events unfold through

plans, Trivedi did say first on his agenda

care, incarceration of the mentally ill,

their eyes,” he explained.

will be to speak with patients, staff, and

surge in opioid dependence, or all too

stakeholders across the community to

frequent news reports of another school

decided to become a psychiatrist because

understand what makes Sheppard Pratt

shooting — we must acknowledge how

he believed the need was great. He will

one of the leading psychiatric care

intertwined mental health issues are in

continue seeing patients on a limited basis.

providers in the country.

these important societal issues and that

While his specialty is child psychiatry, “I very

more needs to be done to ensure the

much pride myself as being a physician

to do, first and foremost, is get a good

health and wellness of every member

first,” caring for patients of all ages.

sense of the organization and engage in

of our community.”

While he is not ready to talk about his

“I think the biggest thing I really want

And he truly loves helping people. He

Born in India and raised in New York, Trivedi earned his medical degree at

Changing of the Guard: Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi and Dr. Steven S. Sharfstein.

Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University before attending Long Island Jewish Medical Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he completed his general psychiatry residency and served as chief resident. He went on to complete a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Boston Children’s Hospital. Trivedi received his MBA from the University of Tennessee Physicians Executive MBA program. Reflecting on his new job, Trivedi vowed always to be mindful of the extraordinarily difficult life for anyone with mental health issues and to “focus on the respect, dignity, and care” delivered to them at Sheppard Pratt.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

SHEPPARD PRATT

Dr. Steven Sharfstein Moves Across Campus DEPARTING CEO HAS NEW OPPORTUNITY, NEW GOALS

BY SUZANNE POLLAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID STUCK

r. Steven S. Sharfstein may be

then called the Sheppard and Enoch

stepping down as CEO of the

Pratt Hospital.

not be going far. In fact, Sharfstein is only

that was “in the middle of a major crisis.”

emulated psychiatric center, the largest

moving across campus, his title changing

He further explained that insurance

private, non-profit mental health system

to president emeritus, after leading the

companies were only covering costs for

in the country.

largest private, non-profit mental heath

short-term stays when many hospitals and

system in America since January 1992.

residents alike were used to longer care.

Sheppard Pratt Health System, but he will

“I look forward to teaching and

At the time, he faced an industry

Soon after becoming CEO,

Sheppard Pratt did more than just thrive. Under Sharfstein’s tutelage, it became a well-respected and often

Much more than just a single hospital, Sheppard Pratt Health System includes services for both inpatients

writing,” Sharfstein said. He also intends to

Sharfstein helped the hospital evolve

and outpatients, as well as those

see clients in an outpatient setting at the

into the Sheppard Pratt Health System,

receiving special education assistance, and has more than 38 locations

“You have to love what you do. Coming to work every day is a joy. … This is the best job in American psychiatry.” — Dr. Sharfstein newly named Steven S. Sharfstein, M.D.

blossoming from a hospital at one

Integrated Health Care Center in

location into a continuum of care within

Baltimore City, as well as “whatever the

the community that supports people

new CEO wants me to do,” he said,

and stabilizes them with the goal of

referring to Dr. Harsh K. Trivedi, who

getting them back into their homes.

became CEO on July 1. Sharfstein started in 1986 as vice

“Changing our identity was the message to the community that we will

president and medical director. A mere

survive and thrive,” he explained. “My first

six years later, he was chosen to become

goal was to survive, and then to thrive,

the fifth president and CEO of what was

and we did.”

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

throughout Maryland. Dr. Sharfstein was hired as vice president and medical director in 1986.

SHEPPARD PRATT

Dr. Sharfstein poses for a photo in his office in 1992 and with his wife, Margaret, at the 2012 NAMI Walk.

When Sharfstein started,

people I recruited and hired on this

Sharfstein has every intention of

Sheppard Pratt had 850 employees

journey, both clinical and nonclinical.”

being at the forefront of that battle. He is

and an annual budget of $40 million.

They are “really dedicated to the mission,

writing two books, one on involuntary

It now has a staff of 2,700 and an

and also very talented.”

treatment and the other on the changing

annual budget of $350 million. An advocate for short-term hospital

Sitting in his virtually empty office that stands ready to welcome Trivedi, Sharfstein

mental health system in America, with a focus on hospitals. He will continue his leadership

stays, Sharfstein wanted to ensure the

reminisced about “the volumes of people”

health system’s ability to treat people

who have improved their lives thanks to

roles with the Group for the Advancement

where they are.

Sheppard Pratt. Yet, he knows more can

of Psychiatry, the Benjamin Rush Society,

be done for people who aren’t getting the

the American College of Psychology,

help they need.

Roberta’s House, and his synagogue,

“We have helped change the mental health landscape,” he said. “We are leading the way.” While the mental health system

A stigma around mental illness remains, and the staff of Sheppard

Baltimore Hebrew Congregation. And, of course, he also will

is “still a work in progress,” Sharfstein

Pratt must still fight to get people the

spend time traveling and enjoying his

said he is proud of how far Sheppard Pratt

help they need.

six grandchildren.

has come and all the people who helped along the way. “I am very proud of the

“We still have to fight that fight,” he said.

Sharfstein wishes his successor well and advises Trivedi to “keep your sense of humor.” It’s important, he said, for Trivedi

Dr. Sharfstein’s official portrait was unveiled in 2015.

to deal with the daily issues while keeping the bigger picture in view. The work is stressful, he admitted. “The job is all about having 25 balls in the air, grabbing one, working on it and then throwing it back in the mix before catching another one,” he said. Still, “I enjoyed it. You have to love what you do,” he added. “Coming to work every day is a joy. … This is the best job in American psychiatry.”

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

SHEPPARD PRATT

When Drinking Stops Being Social

Helping a friend when they have a physical illness such as the ﬂu is easy, but it’s hard to know when to intervene when they are showing signs of alcohol abuse. IN COLLEGE, Friday nights become a

meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder,

ritual. After class, some might venture to

which is characterized by uncontrolled

happy hour to indulge on half-price tacos

drinking, preoccupation with alcohol,

and cheap margaritas or get together

and negative consequences to drinking.

with other friends to come up with a plan

They also share that about half of college

for the evening ahead. Often, this

students who drink also consume

involves a “pre-game,” a pre-gathering

alcohol through binge drinking.

they are showing signs of alcohol abuse. Here are a few questions to ask if you think a friend or family member may

ahead of the main social event where

The psychological effects of

friends use alcohol to unwind from the

binge drinking, including depression,

prior week. But, sometimes, pre-gaming

anxiety, and memory loss, can be just

is taken to such an extreme that not

as, if not more, damaging than the

to mentally escape or cope

everyone makes it to the main event. No

physical consequences: between 1.2

with stress?

matter how hard you try to get them to

and 1.5 percent of students indicate

slow down, they won’t listen.

that they tried to commit suicide within

Because drinking in college has

the past year due to drinking or drug

become a ritual that many students see

use. Binge drinking can also seriously

as an integral part of their overall college

impair judgement, increasing the risk

experience, students have become

of uncharacteristic sexual behavior.

desensitized to binge-drinking behavior.

Excessive alcohol use can

So, how can they tell what constitutes a

cause stress in relationships

real problem?

as well. Helping a friend

According to the National Institute

it’s hard to know when to intervene when

when they have a

on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,

physical illness such

about 20 percent of college students

as the flu is easy, but

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

have a drinking problem: • Does this person use alcohol

SHEPPARD PRATT

• Does this person do dangerous things while drunk? • Has this person had a frightening experience because of drinking?

• Is it difficult for this person to stop drinking after they’ve had one or two drinks? • Is the person defensive

Did they continue to drink after

when people talk about their

that experience?

drinking habits?

• Does this person ever drink alone? • Does this person do things they regret later, such as get in fights, destroy property, drive under the influence, or have unplanned or unwanted sex? • How often does this person “black

HALEY PAAKAULA Haley is a recent graduate of Towson University where she received her

If you answered yes to four or more

undergraduate degree in Health Care

of these questions, it’s time to intervene.

Management with a minor in Business

If you are comfortable with it, you can sit down with your friend, express your concerns, and work with them to

Administration. She spent her last semester as the marketing and public relations intern at Sheppard Pratt Health System.

determine how you can best help them. Another option is to reach out to the local counseling or mental health center for support. How you decide to help is up to

out” or not remember what

you; what counts the most is stepping in

happened after a night out?

when you think your friend needs help.

Ask a Professional: Advice for Our Community DEAR DR. VIMALANANDA: How do I know if my child is depressed and needs help or if he is just having a rough week? – Concerned Parent Dear Concerned Parent: Know your child’s “normal,” and be

are very important. You can reach out

aware of drastic changes to his usual

to your child’s teacher or counselor to

behavior. Normal will differ from child to

check on school performance if you

child. If your child is normally a great

think that home or play might be out of

sleeper, and is all of a sudden waking up

balance. Notice if your child is no longer

multiple times throughout the night, this

interested in a sport he or she once

might raise a red flag. The same goes for

loved, or if your child is struggling

behavior in school. If your child usually

socially. Your pediatrician can be a great

raises his hand in class and socializes

resource if you’re concerned your child

with his friends, and then all of a sudden

might be depressed. Or you can call your

is quiet, won’t talk, and isn’t doing as

insurance provider to determine which

well academically, this may be cause

mental health professionals are in your

for concern.

plan. You can also call our therapy

I always tell parents to observe

referral service at 410.938.5000 for

behavior in three categories: school,

assistance in finding the appropriate

home, and play. All three of these areas

care provider.

As a parent, you know your child best; follow your gut and be on the lookout for sudden changes to “normal.” Sincerely, Meena Vimalananda, M.D., medical director, Child and Adolescent Services

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Meet The Graduates As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, several graduates from Sheppard Pratt’s Special Education Program, which includes 12 special education residential and day schools throughout Maryland, sat down with heal. to reflect on their schools, their accomplishments, and their plans for the future.

JOHN DEAN

ELLIE HOSKYN

TOM McHUGH

What do you love most

about your school?

The way we come together showing

I think The Frost School is a great

I love that this is the first year

sportsmanship when playing for the

supportive learning environment

I have not been bullied.

sports teams here and all the help

because of how great the staff are.

everyone gives you.

They are willing to help students

-HANNAH MORE CAMPUS

What are you going to do after you graduate?

extremely thankful for all that they do.

I plan to go to college. I am attending

What are you going to do

the Project Access program at Howard

after you graduate?

Community College this summer.

I am planning on attending Montgomery

I plan to major in computer software

College, and I want to study to get a

programming and business because

degree in art therapy. I look forward to

I want to eventually own my

what the future holds.

own business.

academically and emotionally. I am

after you graduate? After I graduate I am going to Montgomery College for cyber security. What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my family.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of how I have grown

I am most proud of my change

over the past year. When I look back

because without my changing

at the past year, I can see how I have

I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

become more at ease with myself.

I wouldn’t be a graduating senior

I have learned to love myself more and

and successful.

learned to stay present and mindful.

heal. • Sheppard Pratt Health System

What are you going to do

NS CONGRATULATIO tes! to our 57 gradua

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

AARON PIERCE

BRIAN SHELL

ELIJAH WALEWSKI

-HANNAH MORE CAMPUS

What do you love most

about your school?

Going to work at Washington Middle

I like that they have nice staff

I love the school because I get to

School to clean up the cafeteria. My

that keep me safe.

hang out with my friends and learn

favorite thing about my school is the playground. I like to play on the slide.

What are you going to do after you graduate?

new things from my teachers. I love cooking in my culinary classes.

What are you going to do

I’m going to work on construction

What are you going to do

after you graduate?

and get a house.

after you graduate?

After I graduate I am going to go to Friends Aware. My favorite thing to do there is exercise with the group.

What are you most proud of? I am most proud that I am graduating and getting out!

What are you most proud of? I am proud of earning my radio to listen to Magic 100.5 and Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone.”

I am looking to attend a culinary school in North Carolina because my family is moving there after graduation. The school and my family are working to find a culinary school for me. I also plan to find a job after I move. What are you most proud of? Being able to play on the sports

49 students are receiving Maryland High School Diplomas and 8 students are receiving Certificates of Program Completion.

teams, graduating, being a chef in the culinary program, and having a great family.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

IN THE NEWS

Congratulations to Dr. Sharfstein

The Retreat: Marketing Awards

STEVEN S. SHARFSTEIN, M.D., recently

CONGRATULATIONS to the marketing

received several awards to recognize his

department and The Retreat at Sheppard

many contributions to psychiatry throughout

Pratt for securing two 2016 Aster Awards

his distinguished career. Dr. Sharfstein was

and one 2016 Healthcare Marketing Report

named the American Hospital Association’s 2016

Award recognizing excellence in medical

Grassroots Champion. He also received the 2016

marketing and advertising. The program

American Psychiatric Association Distinguished

received gold and bronze recognition for

Service Award and was the 2016 recipient of

their 2016 print ad campaign and bronze

the C. Charles Burlingame, M.D. Award by the

recognition for the redesign of their

Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut.

website, retreat.sheppardpratt.org.

Mann RTC Initiates Heroin Education Project

Our ‘Unsung Hero’

THIS SPRING, The Berkeley and Eleanor Mann

of the Co-Occurring Disorders Program and

Residential Treatment Center, in collaboration with

medical director of the Adult Day Hospital in

their DBT Substance Abuse Committee, launched

Towson, was presented with the “Unsung Hero”

the Maryland State Department of Education’s

award by Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Center’s

Heroin Project. Through this initiative, students

Dr. George Kolodner at the annual National Council

conducted a service-learning project aimed at

on Alcohol and Drug Dependence of Maryland TUERK Conference.

reducing heroin use and overdose.

We are so proud of Dr. Khushalani and thankful for his contributions to

THIS APRIL, Sunil Khushalani, M.D., service chief

the field of addiction medicine and co-occurring disorders.

Mark Your Calendar! For a complete listing of events, continuing education classes, and lectures, visit sheppardpratt.org/calendar-events.

PHILANTHROPIC EVENTS 3rd Annual Sheppard Pratt Stride Saturday, October 8, 2016 Join us for our first 5k and third annual one-mile fun walk to raise funds to improve the lives of our patients and students! The Stride will be held at The Conference Center on Sheppard Pratt Health System’s Towson campus. Register now at spstride.org to join us for a

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The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 410.938.3900 for information.

family-friendly morning filled with

Wednesday Lectures @ Sheppard Pratt

activities and refreshments.

We offer a lecture series at The Conference Center at Sheppard Pratt

EDUCATIONAL CLASSES Dick Prodey Lecture Series Sponsored jointly by The Kolmac Clinic, Sheppard Pratt Health System, and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Maryland (NCADD-Maryland). A FREE, eight class series held Wednesday evenings at

most Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. to support continuing education of medical and mental health professionals. Anyone is invited to join; please visit sheppardpratt.org/education-training/ for more information.

IN THE NEWS

Students’ Art Recognized for Children’s Mental Health Matters! Week THIS MAY, in honor of Children’s Mental Health Matters! Week, four students from The Frost School had their art recognized as part of “Celebrating Through Art: The First Lady’s Mental Health Youth Art Display.” Children and teens from across Maryland submitted art for display, each piece depicting something which makes them feel “mentally happy, healthy, and hopeful.” Congratulations to all of The Frost School’s selected students and the art teacher, Ms. Painter.

From left: Kathy Daddario, Monique Bowie, and Lisa Catalano.

Baltimore Magazine Honors Our Top Nurses THREE NURSES from Sheppard Pratt Health System were

From left: Aaron S., Matt K., Ms. Kim Painter, Ellie H., Gianna C.

recently honored by Baltimore Magazine as 2016 Top Nurses in the greater Baltimore area. Hundreds of nominations were analyzed by a panel of registered nurse advisors, and 55 were chosen as winners. Among them: Kathy Daddario, TMS RN coordinator for The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt; Monique Bowie, day school nurse at The Jefferson School; and Lisa Catalano, charge nurse on the adolescent unit. Congratulations!

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

CONFERENCE EXHIBITING

LGBT Pride Month

Throughout the year, Sheppard Pratt

June 2016

Health System and its programs exhibit

National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month September 2016

World Alzheimer’s Month September 2016

at a number of conferences and community events. Make sure to stop by our booth if you plan to be at any of the following:

World Suicide Prevention Day

NASW-MD’s 11th Annual Clinical Conference

September 10, 2016

September 29-30, 2016 —

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Baltimore, Maryland

2016 National Eating Disorder Awareness Conference September 29-October 1, 2016 — Chicago, Illinois

Southern Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting September 29-October 2, 2016 — Baltimore, Maryland

28th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference October 5, 2016 — Baltimore, Maryland

October 2016

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THRIVE. A BLOG BY SHEPPARD PRATT

Becoming an Ironman for Myself and My Patients Fearing Stigma but Seeking Help I was a psychiatric intern at the time, and I was depressed. But I couldn’t bring myself to seek treatment. I suffered like that for months until I saw a colleague in consultation, where I described suffering from the symptoms of attention deficit disorder, but suggested that a third-line medication for that diagnosis, also used for depression, might help me. I needed so much more than that medication, but my depression, my own inhibitions, and stigma kept me from getting the help I needed. Difficulty concentrating seemed a safer problem to admit to than depression. I was worried that I wouldn’t be taken seriously as a THE SLIVER OF LIGHT coming under the door of the windowless office seemed

psychiatrist if it became known that I,

unbearably bright and offensive. I turned away from it and closed my eyes. There is a

too, was a patient.

flat spot on the back of my head that, if angled just right, would lie on the textbook I was

I continued to suffer off and on for

using as a pillow. In a few moments, I would be asleep again. I was supposed to be out

years, finally getting into real treatment

seeing patients, but it was all I could do to show up at work and hide in my office. My

for the first time after my training was

supervisor was a gentle woman who would come check on me a couple of times a day.

over. A combination of psychotherapy

She would crack the door and ask, “Dr. Franklin, why don’t you come out and see one

and medications led to the relief of

of the new patients?”

stabilization. Ultimately, psychoanalysis,

“I can’t. I just can’t... I’m no good to anyone.”

a more intensive therapy experience,

Drifting in and out of consciousness in that dark room seemed far superior to

helped me to fundamentally change

being up and about, feeling the pain that seemed to emanate from my chest and flow

how I thought about myself and the

throughout my body. It was as if my blood had been replaced by some impossibly dense

world, which led to not just relief, but a

material that could barely flow, making every step I took an effort. If I didn’t lie on that

transformation of how my mind worked.

floor and feel my body supported all the way from that flat part of my skull to the small

Eventually, I was able to stop taking

of my back, to the backs of my ankles, it felt like I might fall through to the center of the

medicines. The way I had felt only years

earth, through the dirt, rock, and then to the molten core where I would be incinerated.

before seemed so far away. I felt a part

I wondered if that might be better than living like this.

of the human race. Until now, I have kept quiet about my experience. A continued fear of

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THRIVE. A BLOG BY SHEPPARD PRATT

stigma has kept me quiet. I felt that if I was known as a psychiatric patient, even a so-called “cured” one, I would be labeled or disgraced or stereotyped. I thought it might hold back my career. But the only way to combat stigma is to speak out. This is not easy, but I am inspired by those that have traveled before me on this road and by my current patients. I can’t go on urging them to be

Dr. Franklin trains for the swimming portion of the Ironman.

courageous, to face down the stigma they were feeling, without doing all I can to fight stigma myself. Only by shining the light of truth on people’s lived experience of mental illness will stigma finally become a thing of the past.

Why a Triathlon? After my psychoanalysis was over, I took

“In triathlons, like in depression, you have to go on putting one foot in front of another for as long as it takes.” — Dr. Thomas Franklin, medical director, The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt

up triathlons. Exercise has not only helped my mood, but I found that

In triathlons, like in depression,

has to go without the treatment they

endurance sports are a powerful

you have to go on putting one foot in front

metaphor for what living with a mental

need. 100 percent of the monies donated

of another for as long as it takes. It will be

illness can be like. In some ways, training

to this fund are spent on patient care.

painful. Your best-laid plans will go awry.

for and finishing races makes me feel that

Maybe someone we help will become

Small mistakes early in the race can turn

I have mastery over that part of me that

the next courageous voice in the fight

into big problems before the end of the

suffered so much.

against stigma.

day. The finish line will seem an impossibly

Dr. Franklin and his wife after they completed the 2014 Diamond in the Rough Triathlon.

Please give generously, whatever

long way away. There are moments of

that means for you in your life by

despair, but also moments of triumph.

calling 410.938.4018. Thank you for

There is beauty around the next corner

your support.

that can give you hope, if you only look up long enough to take it in. But preparing for and finishing the race is much more about your mind than your body. On July 24th, I will be racing the

Dr. Thomas Franklin is the medical director of The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt. He is a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a

140.6 miles of the Ironman Lake Placid

graduate analyst, having trained at the

triathlon to fight stigma, to show people

Washington Center for Psychoanalysis. He is

who are suﬀering that treatment works, and to raise money for the Sheppard Pratt Patient Care Fund so that no one

Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry, and has extensive experience in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and addictions and co-occurring disorders.

Like what you’ve read? Check out our blog at sheppardpratt.org/blog for more great posts from our staﬀ, patients, and community members.

sheppardpratt.org • heal.

SHEPPARD PRATT HEALTH SYSTEM PHILANTHROPY

You give. They heal. You make great things happen when you give to the Sheppard Pratt Health System.

MORE IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCE IS THE GOAL The Women’s Hospital Foundation, one of

nurses will go through a three- to

by a psychiatrist, and suitable cases

Sheppard Pratt’s most generous donors,

four-month training program, depending

triaged to psychiatric nurse practitioners.

recently established the Women’s

on the specialty area, where they will be

The addition of more highly trained care

Hospital Foundation Nursing Practicum,

participating in patient evaluations and

providers will go a long way toward

which will benefit both nurses in training

building a patient case load with the

treating patients with the specialized

and our patients. Because we treat

attending psychiatrist.

care they need in a supportive and

patients with many complicated issues,

The aim of the Women’s Hospital

compassionate environment. We are

the Women’s Hospital Foundation

Foundation Nursing Practicum is to

so grateful to the Women’s Hospital

Nursing Practicum will allow us to

develop a clinical comfort and knowledge

Foundation for making it possible!

give psychiatric nurse practitioners

base to treat patients. Thereafter, new