Cynthia A. Pristach MD

Cynthia Pristach

Cynthia A. Pristach
MD

Professor of Clinical Psychiatry

Department of Psychiatry

Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences


Specialty/Research Focus

Psychiatry

Contact Information
University at Buffalo - Psychiatry
Erie County Medical Center
462 Grider St. Rm 1168
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: (716) 898-4221
pristac@buffalo.edu


Patient Care

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD


Education 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:

See all (14 more)

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)
See all (13 more)

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

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Contact Information

University at Buffalo - Psychiatry
Erie County Medical Center
462 Grider St. Rm 1168
Buffalo, New York 14215
Phone: (716) 898-4221
pristac@buffalo.edu

This faculty member is affiliated with UBMD, practicing physicians who are also professors in the Jacobs School.

View this physician on UBMD