Update from the University of Iowa Family Medicine - Psychiatry Program 
 
Julie Voelker, M.D., PGY-2, recently gave a presentation on cardiovascular risk and mental illness for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).  She is also leading a NAMI program for improving the medical care mentally ill patients receive in primary care, OB-GYN, and Emergency Medicine.  Dr. Voelker also lead a Family Medicine - Psychiatry team on this year’s NAMIWALK, an event that raises awareness and money for programs serving the mentally ill. 
 
Michelle Weckmann, M.D., faculty and 2005 graduate of the program, will have an article entitled, “Strategies for finding and negotiating a first position in hospice and palliative medicine” published in the September, 2010 issue of The Journal of Palliative Medicine.  She has been invited to speak at the American Geriatric Society annual meeting on psychiatric issues at end of life.  She is also participating in AAHPM-LEAD, a 3 year pilot project for leadership development for Hospice and Palliative Medicine junior faculty.
 
Erik Vanderlip, M.D., PGY-3, submitted an article entitled “Factors Associated with Adherence to Treatment in Late-life Depression” to The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.  He recently led a Family Medicine Psychiatry journal club on anticonvulsants and the risk of suicide.  Dr. Vanderlip is a volunteer staffer at the Iowa City free medical clinic.  He is also the proud father of the most adorable, gifted child in the US.  She is second internationally to Igor Baryshnikov, age 2, of Russia.  Igor’s parents have offered an arranged marriage which Dr. Vanderlip is considering.
 
Steven Pallone, M.D., PGY-4, and George Bergus, M.D., faculty and former director of the combined program, published an article entitled, “Fertility Awareness-Based Methods: Another Option for Family Planning,” in the March, 2009, issue of The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.
 
Bess Mehring, M.D., PGY-4 and chief resident, presented a poster entitled, “Alcohol in moderation and risk of cognitive decline and dementia: Review of prospective studies” at this years annual meeting of the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatrists.  Dr. Mehring also founded the Rapid Cyclers, a cycling enthusiast group that includes residents and faculty.  Several members of The Rapid Cyclers will participate in RAGBRAI, an annual bike ride across Iowa.  She also founded The Gustatory Delusions, which is now defunct following a catastrophic meeting involving crème brulée. 
 
Alison Abreu, M.D., program director and first graduate of the combined program, continues to practice obstetrics and see patients in the Family Medicine clinic.  She is also the Director of the Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic and provides staffing for psychiatry and combined residents.  Dr. Abreu also staffs consultations and continuity visits for combined residents in the Counseling and Health Promotions Clinic. 
 
Benjamin Shepherd, M.D., PGY-4, Bess Mehring, M.D., PGY-4, and Erik Vanderlip, M.D, PGY-3, provide psychiatric services to inmates of the Iowa Department of Corrections.  These services are provided in person locally and by telemedicine to other facilities in Iowa.