Cynthia A. Pristach MD
Cynthia A. Pristach
MD
Professor of Clinical Psychiatry
Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Specialty/Research Focus
Psychiatry
Contact Information
Patient Care
Patient Care
This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.
View this physician on UBMDEducation and Training:
- MD, Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo (1983)
- BS, Biology, Niagara University, Summa Cum Laude (1979)
Employment:
- Professor, Psychiatry, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (2008-present)
- Attending Psychiatrist, Erie County Medical Center (1987-present)
- Clinical Associate Professor, Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1995–2008)
- Consulting Psychiatrist, Employee Assistance Program (1992–1997)
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1994–1995)
- Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1987–1994)
- Consulting Psychiatrist, Horizon Human Services (1985–1988)
- Clinical Assistant Instructor, Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (1983–1987)
Awards and Honors:
- Article selected for the Annual Meeting of Academic Psychiatry Special Article Collection (2023)
- Department of Psychiatry Award for Outstanding Contributions to Medical Student Education (2020)
- Gold Humanism Honor Society Faculty InducteeThe Arnold P. Gold Foundation, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Chapter (2015)
- Victor J. Teichner Award, American (2013)
- Dr. Josie Olympia Award (2009)
- Royal College of Physicians Educator Accreditation (2008)
- Certificate of Recognition, Career Services Division of Student Affairs (2005)
- Department of Psychiatry Recognition Award (2004)
- Bruno Lima Award (2004)
- Distinguished Fellow (2003)
- Mentor of the Year Award (2001)
- Mentor of the Year Award (2000)
- Seventh Annual Nancy C.A. Roseske, M.D. Certificate of Recognition for Exce (1997)
- Mentor of the Year Award (1995)
- Mentor of the Year Award (1994)
- Outstanding Teaching Award (1990)
Grants and Sponsored Research:
- January 1999–January 2000
Research for Health
Erie County
Role: Co-Investigator - January 1999–January 2000
Research for Health In Erie County
Erie County
Role: Co-Investigator
$15,000
Journal Articles:
- Pristach CA, Del Regno PA, Dubovsky S, Del Regno PA. (2019) More Than Meets the Eye: Using Art to Teach Psychotherapy. Acad Psychiatry (Feb), 43(1): 119-122.
- Dubovsky SL, Kaye DL, Pristach CA, Del Regno P, Pessar L, Stiles K. (2010) Can academic departments maintain industry relationships while promoting physician professionalism?. Academic Medicine (Jan), 85(1): 68-73.
- Pessar LF, Pristach CA, Leonard KE. (2008) What troubles clerks in psychiatry? A strategy to explore the question. Acad Psychiatry (May), 32(3): 194-198.
- Pessar LF, Pristach CA, Leonard KE. (2008) What troubles clerks in psychiatry? A Strategy to Explore the Question. Academic Psychiatry (Jan).
- Fan X, Pristach CA, Liu EY, Freudenreich O, Henderson DC. (2007) Elevated Serum Level of C-reactive Protein are Associated with More Severe Psychopathology in a Subgroup of Patients with Schizophrenia. Psychiatry Research (Jan).
- Fan X, Liu E, Pristach CA, Goff DC, Henderson DC. (2006) Higher fasting serum insulin levels are associated with a better psychopathology profile in acutely ill non-diabetic inpatients with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Research (Jan).
- Narendran R, Young CM, Pristach CA, Pato MT, Valenti AM, Fass AR. (2003) Efficacy of clozapine in the treatment of atypical antipsychotic refractoryschizophrenia: a pilot study. J Clin Psychopharmacol (Feb), 23(1): 103-104.
- Leo RJ, Pristach CA, Streltzer J. (2003) Incorporating pain management training into the psychiatry residency curriculum. Acad Psychiatry (Jan), 27(1): 1-11.
- Valenti AM, Narendran R, Pristach CA. (2003) Who are patients on conventional antipsychotics?. Schizophr Bull (Jan), 29(2): 195-199.
- Narendran R, Young CM, Valenti AM, Nickolova MK, Pristach CA. (2002) Is psychosis exacerbated by modafinil?. Arch Gen Psychiatry (Mar), 59(3): 292-293.
- Narendran R, Young CM, Valenti AM, Pristach CA, Pato MT, Grace JJ. (2001) Olanzapine therapy in treatment-resistant psychotic mood disorders: a long-term follow-up study. J Clin Psychiatry (Jul), 62(7): 509-516.
- Smith CM, Pristach CA, Cartagena M. (1999) Obligatory cessation of smoking by psychiatric inpatients. Psychiatr Serv (Jan), 50(1): 91-94.
- Pristach CA, Smith CM. (1999) Attitudes towards alcoholics anonymous by dually diagnosed psychiatric inpatients. J Addict Dis (Jan), 18(3): 69-76.
- Smith CM, Barzman D, Pristach CA. (1997) Effect of patient and family insight on compliance of schizophrenic patients. J Clin Pharmacol (Feb), 37(2): 147-154.
- Madoff SA, Pristach CA, Smith CM, Pristach EA. (1996) Computerized medication instruction for psychiatric inpatients admitted for acute care. MD Comput (Sep), 13(5): 427-431.
- Pristach CA, Smith CM. (1996) Self-reported effects of alcohol use on symptoms of schizophrenia. Psychiatr Serv (Apr), 47(4): 421-423.
- Pristach CA, Smith CM, Perkins C. (1993) Reliability of the Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test (SAAST) in psychiatricinpatients. J Addict Dis (Dec), 12(4): 77-88.
- Pristach CA, Smith CM, Perkins C. (1993) Reliability of the Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test (SAAST) in psychiatric inpatients. J Addict Dis (Jan), 12(4): 77-88.
- Block B, Pristach CA. (1992) Diagnosis and management of the paranoid patient. Am Fam Physician (Jun), 45(6): 2634-2640.
- Pristach CA Donoghue GD Sarkin R Wargula C Doerr R Opila D Stern M Single G . (1991) The development of a course to improve the teaching skills of PGY1 staff in multiple residency programs. Academic Medicine (Jan).
- Pristach CA, Smith CM. (1990) Medication compliance and substance abuse among schizophrenic patients. Hosp Community Psychiatry (Dec), 41(12): 1345-1348.
- Smith CM, Pristach CA. (1990) Utility of the Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test (SAAST) in schizophrenic patients. Alcohol Clin Exp Res (Oct), 14(5): 690-694.
- Pristach CA. (1987) Lithium intoxication of unusual origin. Psychosomatics (Dec), 28(12): 632 634-632 634.
- Pristach CA, Smith CM, Whitney RB. (1983) Alcohol withdrawal syndromes - prediction from detailed medical and drinking histories. Drug Alcohol Depend (Apr), 11(2): 177-199.
Books and Book Chapters:
- Pristach CA, Virk S. (2009) Principles of Inpatient Psychiatry. In: Education in the Inpatient Setting. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 155-167.
Professional Memberships:
- American College of Psychiatrists (2005–present)
- American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training (1990–2023)
- Western New York Psychiatric Association (1990–present)
- American Psychiatric Association; Member (1983–present)
Presentations:
- "More than Meets the Eye. Using Art to Teach Psychotherapy" Grand Rounds Presentation State University of New York Department of Psychiatry (2023)
- "Conners L (moderator), Benjamin S, White V, Forstein M, Tetirick R, Pristach CA, Regan CA." Meeting Challenges: Panel Discussion: Experienced Leaders Discuss Unexpected Problems for Training Programs. Invited Panelist at the at the 44th Annual American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training Meeting (2015)
- "An Abundant Shortage: The Role of Psychiatry Residents in Generating Medical Student Interest in Psychiatry" Annual Conference; American Association of Directors of Psychiatry Residency Training (2011)
- "Small Group Teaching: An Interactive Approach" Annual Conference; 37th Annual American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training (2008)
- "Psychological Sequelae of Disasters" Annual Conference; ; Protecting New York from Terrorism and Disaster: Taking Stock, Setting Directions, Looking Forward Conference (2008)
- "Tips for Teaching Large Classes: Classroom Management Issues" Quarterly Meeting; Teaching and Learning Center; University at Buffalo (2008)
- "C-Reactive Protein and Psychopathology Profile in Patients with Schizophrenia" Annual Conference; American Psychiatric Associationq (2004)
- "Using Creative Problem Solving Techniques at a Faculty Retreat to Establish a Reliable Resident Assessment Form" Annual Meeting; American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training (2004)
- "A Curriculum in Pain Management for Psychiatry Residents" Annual Conference; American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training Meeting (2002)
- "Emotional Stress Among Resident Physicians" Annual Meeting; American Psychiatric Association (2001)
- "Sexual Dysfunction in Schizophrenics on Atypical Antipsychotics" Annual Meeting; American Psychiatric Association (2001)
- "Treatment of Atypical Antipsychotic Resistant Schizophrenia" Annual Meeting; American Psychiatric Association (2001)
- "Depressive Symptomatology in Psychiatric Inpatients with Comorbid Alcohol Abuse" Annual Conference; 151st Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (1998)
- "Curriculum Changes: Measuring Outcome" Annual Conference; 27th Annual American Association of Directors in Residency Training Midwinter Meeting (1998)
- "Depression in Women" Annual Conference; Excellence in Women's Health Care: Total Woman 2000 Conference (1997)
- "Attitudes towards Alcoholics Anonymous by Dually Diagnosed Psychiatric Inpatients" Annual Conference; American Orthopsychiatry 74th Annual Meeting (1997)
- "Training in Turbulent Times: New Directions in Professional Education-A Multidisciplinary Perspective" Annual Conference; American Orthopsychiatry 74th Annual Meeting; Invited workshop (1997)
- "Effects of Abrupt Smoking Cessation on an Inpatient Psychiatric Population" Annual Conference; 45th Institute for Hospital and Community Psychiatry (1993)
- "Computerized Medication Instruction for Acute Psychiatric Inpatients" Annual Conference; 44th Institute on Hospital and Community Psychiatry (1992)
- "History of Alcohol Abuse by Psychiatric Patients-Screening Tests and Interview" Annual Conference; Research Society on Alcoholism (1991)
- "Alcohol Screening in Acute Psychiatric Inpatients" Annual Conference; American Psychiatric Association (1991)
- "The Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test (SAAST) in Schizophrenic Patients" Annual Conference; 5th Congress of the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (1990)
- "Alcohol Abuse in a Schizophrenic Population" Annual Conference; American Psychiatric Association (1989)
Service Activities:
- Appointment, Promotions, Tenure & Privileges (2023–present)
- Promotions Committee (2023–present)
- Clinical Competency Committee (CCC) (2023–present)
- Department of Psychiatry Appointment, Promotions, Tenure & Privileges; Chair (2023–present)
- Nickel City Canine Rescue; dog foster for abused and abandoned dogs; Volunteer (2023–present)
- Graduate Medical Education Committee; Member (2022–2023)
- Community Engagement Committee; Community Engagement Committee (2022–present)
- Department of Pediatrics; Facilitator, Resident Support Group (2022)
- Department of Internal Medicine; Facilitator, Resident Support Group (2022)
- Department of Internal Medicine; Facilitator, Grief Session (2021)
- Jacobs Educator Excellence Program; Facilitator, Peer Support Group Jacobs Educator Excellence Program (2021–present)
- League of Women Voters/ voting recruiter; Member (2021–present)
- Erie County Medical Response Team (SMART); Volunteer (2021–present)
- ; Incoming Resident Week Small Group Facilitator (2020–2021)
- UB HEALS; Faculty Advisor and Volunteer (2018–present)
- Examiner; Human Rights Initiative, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo (2017–present)
- ; Member, Ad Hoc Committee on Promotions to Clinical Ranks (2014–2017)
- Vive, Inc.; Volunteer Psychiatric Examiner (2014–2017)
- Buffalo Niagara Waterkeepers; Volunteer (2014–present)
- Graduate Medical Education Committee; Member (2013–2017)
- Anti-Violence Task Force; Anti-Violence Task Force (2013–2016)
- Consolidation Committee; Consolidation Committee (2013–2016)
- Clinical Competency Committee; Member, Clinical Competency Committee (2013–present)
- Member, RCP Advanced Educator Committee (2010–2012)
- Curriculum Review Subcommittee; Chair (2010–2023)
- UB/RCP Planning Committee; Member (2009–present)
- Pharmaceutical Affairs Committee; Pharmaceutical Affairs Committee (2005–2023)
- American College of Psychiatrists; Member (2005–present)
- Executive Committee; Executive Committee (2004–2023)
- ; Academic Affairs Committee (2004–2019)
- Western New York Psychiatric Society; Chair, Ethics Committee (2004–2005)
- American Psychiatric Association; Distinguished Fellow (2003–present)
- ; IFR Research Committee (Advisory) (2002–2015)
- Member, Graduate Medical Education Residency Grievance Committee (2002–2012)
- ; Member, Resident Allocation Advisory Team (2002–2003)
- ; Member, Psychological Services Review Committee (2002)
- Residency Evaluation Subcommittee; Residency Evaluation Subcommittee (2002–present)
- Residency Evaluation Subcommittee; Member (2002–present)
- IFR Research; Member (2002–present)
- IFR Research Committee (Advisory); Member (2002–present)
- Graduate Medical Education Residency Grievance Committee; Member (2002–2003)
- Resident Allocation Advisory Team; Member (2002–2003)
- Psychological Services Review Committee; Member (2002)
- Disaster Psychiatry Outreach Program World Trade Center Disaster, September 2001; Volunteer (2001–2015)
- Child Psychiatry Division Chief Search; Member (2001–2002)
- Education Policy Committee; Chair, Education Policy Committee (2000–2023)
- Program Evaluation Committee; Chair, Program Evaluation Committee (2000–2023)
- ; Member, Child Psychiatry Division Chief Search Committee (2000–2001)
- Junior Achievement Faculty Shadow Day; Host (2000)
- ; Member, Program Director Advisory Committee (2000–present)
- Residency Program Selection; Chair (2000–present)
- Graduate Medical Education; Chair (2000–present)
- Graduate Medical Education Committee; Chair (2000–present)
- Residency Program Selection Subcommittee; Chair (2000–present)
- Curriculum Subcommittee; Chair (2000–present)
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology; Examiner (2000–2005)
- ; Member, Third-year Clerkship Appeals Committee (1999)
- Western New York Psychiatric Society; Member Executive Committee (1999–2005)
- Western New York Psychiatric Society; President (1999–2000)
- Academic Psychiatry; Reviewer (1999–present)
- Host, Honors Undergraduate Student Program; Other (1998)
- Western New York Psychiatric Society; President-Elect (1998–1999)
- ; Member, Faculty Council Subcommittee on Student Affairs and Academic Standing (1997–1999)
- Faculty Senate; Alternate Member (1997–1999)
- Faculty Senate; Alternate Member (1997–1999)
- Student Affairs & Academic Standing; Member (1997–1999)
- Western New York Psychiatric Society; Secretary (1997–1998)
- ; Chair, Faculty Council Subcommittee on Appointments, Promotions, Tenure and Privileges (1996–1997)
- Western New York Psychiatric Society; Treasurer (1996–1997)
- Faculty Council; Alternate Member (1995–1996)
- Medical School Family Weekend Department of Psychiatry Faculty Participant; Panel Member (1995)
- Faculty Council; Alternate Member (1995–1997)
- Medicine Chair Search Committee; Member (1995–1996)
- Appointment, Promotions, Tenure & Privileges; Member (1995–1996)
- Western New York Psychiatric Society; Program Chair (1995–1996)
- Lector, St. Benedict's Church; Volunteer (1993–present)
- ; Advisor, PsychSign Psychiatry Interest Group (1992–present)
- American Director of Psychiatric Directors of Residency Training; Member (1992–2023)
- Journal of Psychiatric Services (1992–2000)
- Faculty Council; Member (1992–1994)
- Robert Wood Johnson Generalist Physician Initiative Subcommittee; Member (1992–1993)
- Psychiatry Chair Search Committee; Member (1992–1993)
- ; Chair, Residency Evaluation Subcommittee (1990–2004)
- ; Faculty Development Committee (1990–1994)
- Women in Medicine Panel Discussant University at Buffalo; Panelist (1990)
- Residency Evaluation Subcommittee; Chair (1990–2002)
- Faculty Development Committee; Member (1990–1994)
- Faculty Development; Member (1990–1994)
- Stress Recognition Committee, Incoming Residents Week; Member (1990–1998)
- ; Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (1989–2006)
- ; Undergraduate Medical Education Committee (1989–2000)
- ; "FASTALK" Program Participant for SUNY undergraduate students (1989)
- Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee; Member (1989–2000)
- Undergraduate Medical Education Committee; Member (1989–present)
- ; Member, Curriculum Subcommittee (1988–2000)
- ; Member, Graduate Education Committee (1988–2000)
- ; Residency Program Selection Subcommittee (1988–2000)
- ; Research Committee (1988–1993)
- Residency Program Selection; Member (1988–2000)
- Curriculum; Member (1988–2000)
- Curriculum Committee; Member (1988–2000)
- Graduate Medical Education Committee; Member (1988–2000)
- Graduate Medical Education Committee; Member (1988–2000)
- Residency Program Selection Subcommittee; Member (1988–2000)
- Research Committee; Member (1988–1994)
- Research Committee; Member (1988–1994)
- Teaching Committee, Incoming Residents Week; Chair (1988–1989)
- American Psychiatric Association; Member (1983–2003)
- Western New York Psychiatric Society; Member (1983–present)
- Institutional Self Study Process and LCME Evaluation Department of Psychiatry Representative; Member