VISITING PROFESSOR PROGRAM

ABOUT THE VISITING PROFESSOR PROGRAM

Program Chair: Sagar Parikh, MD, FRCPC – NNDC Medical Director and John F. Greden Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan

One of the major roadblocks to meaningful, large-scale advancement of research-based fields in general is the lead time in publication and dissemination of new research. This is particularly true of studies on depressive and bipolar illnesses, which receive significantly less funding compared to other diseases like cancer or heart disease. The National Network of Depression Centers was formed in part to tackle this roadblock, and the Visiting Professor Program is just one way we are doing that.

The National Network of Depression Centers thrives on education and cross-collaboration. The Visiting Professor Program represents a direct contribution to that cause, as it supports rapid dissemination of new and innovative treatments. Visiting Professors will share results of research, treatments, and technology currently leading the way in the fields of depressive and bipolar illnesses, all for the purpose of inspiring collaborative efforts towards advancing these fields even farther.

The Visiting Professor Program provides a platform for researchers to share their work and goals, and breed new ideas and approaches for ongoing studies. Each quarterly event will feature one main topic of interest which the Visiting Professor will address. Topics focused on dissemination of new and innovative treatments or addressing underserved populations will be given precedence. The program will span two days of lectures, mentorship, case conferences/program review, or other educational presentations.


TYPICAL AGENDA
  • Grand Rounds on topic chosen by host institution via needs assessment survey
  • Mentorship/Q&A Session with psychiatry residents and fellows to discuss career path, research goals, general interest, etc.
  • Consultation Session with local researchers, to provide feedback and advice on their projects
  • Public Education Talk on research advances in the etiology and treatment of depression, or subject associated with host institution’s specified topic

2020 PROGRAM

NNDC Member Centers participated in a competitive application process to receive one of four unrestricted educational grant awards. The following centers were selected:

  • University of Florida: January 30-31
    Grand Rounds Topic: Biomarkers to Potentially Inform Clinical Practice & Drug Development in Mood Disorders
    Public Event Topic: A New Kind of Library: How Biobanks Will Transform the Clinical Practice in Bipolar Disorder
    Speaker: Mark A. Frye, MD
  • University of Michigan: Oct 7 (Virtual)
    Topic: Identification and Treatment of Cognitive and Functional Deficits in Mood Disorders
    Speaker: Katherine Burdick, PhD

The remaining sessions have been postponed due to COVID-19.