Department of Psychiatry Faculty

Education

1978, M.D., Javeriana University
Residency: Yale University

Research Interest

I am working on a project funded by the National Association for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD): "Predictors of Medication Compliance in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders". The patients are invited to participate in the project if admitted to the inpatient service at CMHC. Baseline measures include, diagnosis, insight, alliance with the doctor and therapist, neurocognitive measures, etc. Patients are followed weekly after discharge for three months. Adherence to medication is measured by a special pill bottle that can record the number of openings, the MEMS (Medication Event Monitoring System). The project is also supported by the Medication Effectiveness Research Project under the direction of Scott Woods, M.D.

My interest on the impact of culture on the person has continued. With Robert Rosenheck, M.D., director of the Mental Health Services research Division of the Department of Psychiatry, we have prepared a survey for the Latino population consulting the Hispanic Clinic. The survey will provide data to understand better the Latino needs and services compared to the general population. Questions related to attitude about medications were included. The data will be eventually used to propose a grant to study the influence of culture on illness, psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, family supports, somatization, etc. In this era of managed care a specialized clinic like the Hispanic Clinic has a very different role that deserves special attention. Collaboration with other investigators in this area will be sought within the state and the country.

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