3:45

Neuropsychological Correlates of Declarative Memory in Bariatric Surgery Patients with and without Mood Disorders
Presenter: Ms. Maria Restivo

Maria Restivo graduated from the University of Toronto with a joint degree in Biochemistry and Psychology. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in clinical neuroscience at McMaster University in conjunction with the Mood Disorders Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Her current research interests include the interactions between weight and cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and mood disorders, and the application of brain imaging techniques in understanding cerebral mechanisms underlying the neurobiology of both major depressive and bipolar disorders. She has presented her work at numerous national and international conferences, and has been awarded several grants from the CIHR.

4:05

Suicidality and Bariatric Surgery Candidates
Presenter: Dr. Susan Wnuk, PhD

Susan Wnuk, Ph.D., C. Psych
Psychologist, Bariatric Surgery Program, Toronto Western Hospital

Dr. Susan Wnuk is a clinical psychologist at the Toronto Western Hospital bariatric surgery
program, the assessment centre for the University of Toronto Collaborative. She
completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at York University in Toronto. Prior to joining
the bariatric surgery program in 2010, she conducted research and clinical work in eating
disorders and borderline personality disorder. Current research interests include the
psychological characteristics of bariatric surgery candidates and predictors of long-term
successful adaptation to surgery.

4:25

Psychiatric Disorders and Functional Health Status in Canadian Bariatric Surgery Candidates
Presenter: Ms. Rachel Strimas

Rachel Strimas, MA

Rachel holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University (2007) and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Ryerson University (2009). Currently, Rachel is a psychometrist in the Bariatric Surgery Program at Toronto Western Hospital and is completing a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Ryerson University.  Her primary research interests include psychosocial predictors of weight loss in bariatric surgery patients, emotion regulation and psychopathology, and cognitive-behavioural approaches to the treatment of eating disorders and obesity. 

4:45

A Shift in Perspective: Not “What’s Wrong and How Do We Fix it?”, but “What’s Right and How Do We Use It”?
Presenter: Dr. Lize Jalbert, PhD

Lize Jalbert, Ph.D., C.Pysch.
HSN-Bariatric Regional Assessment and Treatment Centre, Sudbury, ON

Lize Jalbert works as a clinical psychologist with the Health Sciences North-Bariatric Regional Assessment and Treatment Centre in Sudbury, ON.  She graduated from the Clinical Psychology program at Lakehead University in 2004.  Lize has worked at Health Sciences North since 2001, at the Eating Disorders Program and the Mood & Anxiety Disorders Program.  In July 2011, she transitioned to the Bariatric Surgery Program, where she currently provides assessment and treatment services for bariatric surgery patients. Her primary theoretical orientation is cognitive-behavioral, with additional interests in the areas of dialectical behavior therapy, other mindfulness-based therapies, and positive psychology.  Her primary research interest lies in the area of psychological resilience and its relationship to post-surgical outcome.

5:05

Bridging the Psychosocial Gaps During the Transition from Pediatric to Adult General Hospital Settings: A Model for Mental Health Delivery
Presenter: Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff, PhD

Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff, Ph.D., C. Psych
Psychologist, Bariatric Surgery Program, Toronto Western Hospita

Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff joined the Bariatric Surgery program at the Toronto Western Hospital in August 2011. Prior to this she worked as a clinical psychologist at the Centre for Student Development and Counselling at Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario. She also has worked as a clinician-investigator at the Princess Margaret Hospital in the Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care. She has extensive experience providing cognitive behavioural therapy to individuals experiencing a variety of emotional and behavioural difficulties, including depression, anxiety and eating disorders. She has published in a variety of academic journals and her current clinical and research interests include patient education, support for bariatric patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care, and issues facing young adults with obesity. She has also served on the board of the Ontario Psychological Association.

5:15

Discussion

Dr. Brian Stonehocker

Dr. Brian Stonehocker is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Alberta.

His primary area of interest and expertise is Consultation Liaison Psychiatry.  This is a branch of psychiatry that specializes in the interface between medicine and psychiatry.  He currently provides consultation services at the University of Alberta Hospital.

Dr. Stonehocker is also the consulting psychiatrist for the multi disciplinary team at the Alberta Health Services WeightWise Program, and works with the Community Support Team.

He is actively involved with medical education as the Associate Program Directory of the Psychiatry Residency Training Program.