Annual Report 2022-2023: Unity Health Toronto - St. Michael’s Hospital

Submitted by Dr. Karen Shin, Interim Psychiatrist-in-Chief

St. Michael’s Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry had another year of successes for clinical, educational and research excellence in 2022-2023.

The Interventional Psychiatry Program (IPP) continued to grow with Dr. Perry Menzies joining the program to enhance its educational focus. Under the leadership of IPP Medical Director, Dr. Venkat Bhat who was the recipient of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Paula Clayton Early Career Research Award, over 20 learners gained clinical experiences from working in the program and the research group published over 30 articles. The IPP’s focus on novel research therapeutics stood out, such as stellate ganglion blocks for treatment-resistant depression and future funded trials nitrous oxide and Functional Electrical Stimulation.

Another noteworthy enhancement to mental health services at St. Michael’s Hospital was the expansion of its therapy programming. A 20-week skills group Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) launched after a successful pilot to provide a much-needed and difficult-to-access therapy modality that shows strong evidence-based effectiveness. Individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) also became available, ensuring patients received Health Quality Ontario’s standards for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Educational leadership is another strength at St. Michael’s Hospital. This past year, Dr. Kien Dang contributed to medical education locally and nationally. He took on the role of Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Transition to Clerkship/Transition to Residency Director and launched curricular renewal for both courses. Additionally, he became the Associate Program Chair for the Association for Academic Psychiatry.

Overall, these highlights mark the achievements of the Department over the past year and lay the groundwork for additional growth and success in the next twelve months.