The presentation, which is the first in a series of programs and lectures to be held around the State, was attended by physicians and health care providers from across specialties, including primary care, internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, family medicine and psychiatry.  The VMH-PCTI is designed to provide primary care physicians and health care providers with insight and training to identify, treat or refer military veterans with combat-related mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, substance use, as well as an understanding of military culture.

The VMH-PCTI is supported by a grant provided by the New York State Legislature and administered through the State Office of Mental Health.  Joining NYSPA for the kick-off of the VMH-PCTI were several local State legislators, including Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy (D-Albany), Assemblyman John McDonald (D-Cohoes), as well as staff from the offices of Assemblyman James Tedisco (R-Glenville) and Senator Kathleen Marchione (R-Halfmoon). 

Formatted as a “grand rounds,” the lecture was presented by Matthew Friedman, M.D., a Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College and prolific author or co-author of more than 250 publications. A nationally-renowned expert, Dr. Friedman served as the Executive Director of U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD for twenty four years, where he currently remains a Senior Advisor.

“We at Albany Medical Center Department of Psychiatry are extremely pleased and honored to host the first-ever presentation of the Veterans Mental Health – Primary Care Training Initiative,” said Victoria Balkoski, M.D., Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and President of the New York State Capital District Branch of the American Psychiatric Association.“This collaborative effort among the New York State Psychiatric Association, the Capital District Branch and my colleagues in the other departments at Albany Medical Center was integral to ensuring that this training reached as many primary care physicians and health care providers across the primary care specialties; all of whom have an important role in caring for veterans returning from combat.”    

"NYSPA is proud to offer this important training opportunity to ensure that returning veterans receive necessary care and treatment to treat both the visible and invisible wounds of war and to further reduce the stigma of mental health issues, particularly among members of the military,” said Seth Stein, NYSPA Executive Director.  "We are grateful to Dr. Balkoski and Albany Medical Center Department of Psychiatry for hosting the presentation and to Dr. Friedman for his knowledge and expertise.”

NYSPA is planning additional training sessions throughout the State.  Any psychiatrists who have an interest and/or experience in the issues of PTSD, TBI and psychiatric issues in the treatment of veterans and who may be interested in serving as a presenter should contact NYSPA Central Office (contact information below).  Honoraria and expense reimbursement are available from grant funds.  NYSPA is also seeking the assistance of Departments of Psychiatry throughout the state to reach out to their colleagues in family practice, emergency medicine and internal medicine to arrange for presentations in their hospitals or other venues.  Grant funds are available to defray meeting costs.

If you are interested in holding a training session at your hospital or in your local community or for more information about the Veterans Mental Health - Primary Care Training Initiative, please contact NYSPA Central Office at (516) 542-0077 or [email protected]