Victoria L. Brooks MD
Victoria L. Brooks
MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry; CPEP Medical Director of Education and Community Coordination; Emergency Psychiatry Fellowship Program Director
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 UBMDProfessional Summary:
The major focus of my educational, service and scholarly activities for the past 17 years has been in the area of Emergency Psychiatry, with a particular interest in the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) specific to New York State. The CPEP program at the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), in which I have served as the Medical Director since June 2014, conducts 10,000-12,000 evaluations annually. These programs are designed to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, able to intervene rapidly when patients pose a potential danger to themselves or others. There is tremendous diversity within the patients seen in CPEP, ranging from 2 to 99 years of age, coming from all socio-economic levels, cultures, referral sources and presenting with a wide range of problems and pathology. Rapid assessment of diagnosis, safety and treatment needs must be conducted, relative to both behavior within the unit and in determining the most appropriate level of care required by each patient. My clinical work requires a vast understanding of symptoms and psychiatric pathology, knowledge of community-based and hospital treatment resources, pharmacotherapy, systems of care, as well as the legal and ethical ramifications of involuntary commitment.
As a full-time attending psychiatrist in CPEP, my clinical area of practice provides a rich learning environment for trainees from which a wide variety of psychiatric pathologies can be identified, the art of lethality assessment can be demonstrated, developmental issues can be illustrated as can be the influence that derailments in these might have on mental health and well-being. There are regular opportunities to discuss the impact of social determinants on health, practice the prioritization of clinical tasks and responsibilities, time management, leadership as well as collaboration within a complex system of care and multi-disciplinary treatment team. Expertise in emergency psychiatry naturally lends itself to informing didactic commitments that I contribute to both medical student and resident education. I was designated the CPEP attending coordinator of resident education in 2008 and accordingly developed the current goals and objectives for the rotation and direct the Emergency Psychiatry, Crisis Intervention, and resident orientation lectures on supervision and handoffs. With an ever-growing appreciation for the educational value the psychiatric emergency room provides, promotion to Medical Director of the CPEP in 2014 allowed me to begin advocating for the development of a specialized fellowship program that could better highlight this unique teaching opportunity. In the fall of 2019, I secured funding to support one of only five nationally recognized Emergency Psychiatry Fellowships. I developed a curriculum, fellowship objectives, an evaluation process and website to define the fellowship. Through networking with the few other budding program leaders across the nation, I generated the first set of emergency psychiatry-specific milestones to guide teaching and supervision of incoming fellows. By November 2019, I created the organizational plan needed to earn approval by the office of Graduate Medical Education to begin recruitment, acknowledging this non-accredited fellowship program as affiliated with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The first trainee enrolled in this program successfully completed the fellowship in June 2023. To better support my position as the Fellowship Director, and ongoing networking within the psychiatric community in Western New York, in January 2023, my administrative role morphed into the more focused, novel position as the Medical Director of Education and Community Collaboration. These efforts also earned promotion within the university to Associate Clinical Professor as of August 2022.
Born and raised in Buffalo I remain devoted to not only fostering the development of quality psychiatric training locally, but also championing the Jacobs School of Medicine as a center of excellence for teaching emergency psychiatry specifically. I expect to advance this novel educational opportunity highlighting the UB Department of Psychiatry and its faculty as leaders in this nationally developing field, and thereby as leaders in the medical community, educating expert clinicians within our unique Emergency Psychiatry Fellowship. This includes involvement in local advocacy and leadership initiatives by serving on the Department of Mental Health Community Services Board in advisement to the Erie County Commissioner of MH, also the Board of Directors for Endeavor Health, and participating in collaboration initiatives working with the NYS Attorney General's Office, peer advocacy groups, the Office of Mental Health and Erie County SPOA Office. In doing so, I hope to shape the system of care in Western New York for the better, and not just practice within it.
Education and Training:
- Certificate, Royal College of Physicians Educator accreditation, Royal College of Physicians, c/o the Jacobs School of Medicine (2012)
- Residency, Psychiatry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (2006)
- MD, Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (2002)
- BA, English, Pre-Medicine, Boston College (1998)
Employment:
- consultant, University of Rochester (2023-present)
- CPEP Director of Education and Community Coordination, Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, Erie County Medical Center (2023-present)
- Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Jacobs School of Medicine (2022-present)
- Emergency Psychiatry Fellowship Director, Psychiatry, Jacobs School of Medicine (2019-present)
- Medical Director, CPEP, Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, Erie County Medical Center (2014–2023)
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, Erie County Medical Center Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York (2006–2022)
- Assistant Medical Director, CPEP, Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, Erie County Medical Center (2009–2014)
Awards and Honors:
- Professional of the Year Award (2022)
- "Top Doctor" recognition (2022)
- Nominee: Doctor of the Year Award (2021)
- "Top Doctor" recognition (2021)
- "Top Doctor" recognition (2020)
- Murray A. Morphy Mentor of the Year Award (2017)
- Outstanding Contributions to the Clinical Mission of the Department of Psychiatry (2014)
- Outstanding Contributions to the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (2012)
- Outstanding Contributions to Research (2012)
- Special Award for Service Above and Beyond the Call of Duty in CPEP (2011)
- Outstanding Contributions to Medical Student Education (2010)
- Outstanding Contributions to Resident Education (2010)
- Outstanding Contributions to CPEP (2008)
- Appointed Co-Chief Resident (2005)
- Appointed Outpatient Chief Resident (2004)
Journal Articles:
- Scott Simpson, Victoria Brooks, Dustin DeMoss, Ryan Lawrence. (2020) The Case for Fellowship Training in Emergency Psychiatry. https://www.mededpublish.org/manuscripts/3579 (Nov)
- Brooks V. (2020) COVID-19's effects on emergency psychiatry. Current Psychiatry (Jul), 19(7): 33-39.
- Mariano MT, Brooks V, DiGiacomo M. (2016) PSYCH: A Mnemonic to Help Psychiatric Residents Decrease Patient Handoff Communication Errors. Joint Commission journal on quality and patient safety (Jul), 42(7): 316-20.
- Antonius D, Mathew N, Picano J, Hinds A, Cogswell A, Olympia J, Brooks T, DiGiacomo M, Baker J, Willer B, Leddy J. (2014) Behavioral Health Symptoms Associated With Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy: A Critical Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Treatment and Research. Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience (Jun), 26(4): 313-322.
- Leo RJ, Brooks VL. (2006) Clinical potential of milnacipran, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, in pain. Curr Opin Investig Drugs (Jul), 7(7): 637-642.
Professional Memberships:
- American Psychiatric Association Fellow; Promoted to fellowship status, June 2021 (2021–present)
- American Association for Emergency Psychiatry; member (2015–present)
- American Psychiatric Association; I have elected to become a member of the American Psychiatric Association. (2007–present)
Presentations:
- "Attorney General Town Hall Hearing on Mental Health" Attorney General Town Hall Hearing on Mental Health (2023)
- "Update on Emergency Psychiatry Grand Rounds Presentation" Psychiatry Department Grand Rounds (2022)
- "Psychiatric Emergencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic" Lecture and panel discussion in the Medscape Live Spring 2021 Psychiatry Update virtual conference (2021)
- "Fellowship Training in Emergency Psychiatry: The Future of our Subspecialty" 11th Annual NUBE Conference (virtual) (2020)
- "Focus on Emergency Psychiatry" Western New York Psychiatric Society annual meeting keynote speaker (2020)
- "Convocation address at The Buffalo Seminary" convocation address (2015)
- "PSYCH: Teaching a Patient Hand-Off Mnemonic to Help Psychiatric Residents Decrease Communication Error" Institute of Psychiatric Services faculty advisor to resident project (2013)
- "Understanding Holden: Using The Catcher in the Rye to Inspire Teachers and Residents" Annual AADPRT Conference (2011)
- "Dual Intensive Individual Psychotherapies: Strategies for the Fragile Patient" Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds (2011)
- "Current Trends in Fibromyalgia Treatment" Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds (2006)
Service Activities:
- Invited participant to advise a grant-funded project that Endeavor Health Services and the Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo were awarded by Erie County to cross-train legal & health care professionals to incorporate a harm-reduction model into the criminal justice system's specialized courts.; Invited participant, advisor and trainer. (2024–present)
- Endeavor and Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo received grant funding from Erie County to develop training for health care and legal professionals on incorporating harm reduction model into specialized courts within the criminal justice system.; Panelist, Advisor (2024–present)
- Working with the Community Engagement Committee and CAB to develop initiatives in support of the needs of our patients, especially those in under served ares.; Community Advisory Board committee member (2024–present)
- Invited to join the Community Engagement Committee and participate in initiatives geared toward community outreach and education regarding mental health and improving access to care for under served populations.; Participant, Community Engagement Committee Member (2024–present)
- Invited member of the Erie County branch of the Consortium for Safe Communities.; Committee Member, Advisor, Participant (2024–present)
- Member of the planning committe for the annual psychiatry department conference.; Committee Member (2023–present)
- Monthly participant and advisor in the SPOA Coordination meetings to problem solve, recommend and implement treatment planning for challenging patients and high utilizers of the psychiatric emergency room, modeling collaborative care among regulatory bodies, hospital clinical staff and community prodivers.; Participant, advisor. (2023–present)
- Mental Health Advocates of WNY initiated ECCoMH-facilitated meetings designed to improve quality of care in WNY, reduce dependence on emergency services, and improve community collaboration.; Member of community collaboration group: CPEP/Community Steering Committee (2022–present)
- ; Peer review of manuscripts for consideration of publication. (2021–present)
- Initiated and organize weekly-to-monthly meetings of faculty members from various clinical settings, including the department chair, to develop informed treatment plans around high utilizers of the psychiatric emergency room, and improve clinical care and outcomes.; facilitator, organizer of weekly-monthly treatment planning meetings (2020–present)
- leadership meetings and subcommittee meetings bringing together community agencies for planning around improved access to care to reduce unnecessary dependence on the psychiatric emergency room for non-emergent issues; Co-Chair of External Work Group of the Erie County Department of MH High-Utilizer Task Force (2020–2022)
- volunteered time to warm line to field calls from peers/staff in crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic.; COVID-19 Warm Line Volunteer (2020–2022)
- Coordination and participation in weekly meeting to address children's system of care issues, involving OMH, DSS and CPEP leadership in advocacy of youth crossing the psychiatric emergency department.; Coordinator of weekly meeting. (2020–present)
- Grant-funded program designed to reduce suicide deaths derived from evidence-based program in Oregon.; psychiatric representative to the Suicide Fatality Review Team (2019–2022)
- fulfilled the requirement for inclusion of a psychiatrist on the task force executing the grant in a project designed to identify potential areas of early intervention for the development of prevention strategies in reducing the risk of suicide in this community.; Task Force Member, Suicide Fatality Review Team (2019–2022)
- Developed the curriculum for a new Emergency Psychiatry Fellowship training program, established funding and achieved GME approval. (2019–present)
- Jacobs School of Medicine; Emergency Psychiatry Fellowship Program Director (2019–present)
- Designed and administer the Emergency Psychiatry Fellowship Program at the Jacobs School of Medicine.; Fellowship course development and director. (2019–present)
- CPEP representative and leadership within the monthly SPOA coordination meetings to address the needs of high-utilizers of the psychiatric emergency department.; Coordinator and participant in monthly SPOA coordination meetings (2015–present)
- A member of the Erie County Department of Mental Health Community Services Board that advises the Commissioner of Mental Health.; Board Member, Advisor to Erie County Commissioner of MH (2014–present)
- advisory position to the Commissioner of Mental Health through monthly meetings; Erie County Department of Mental Health Community Services Board Member (2014–present)
- Faculty member serving as clinical advisor, evaluator and advocate to the residents rotating in the psychiatric emergency room.; Resident Liaison in CPEP (2008–present)
- Graduate Medical Education Committee; Member (2006–2014)
- Teaching of medical students, residents, fellows, and psychology interns.; Associate Clinical Professor (2006–present)
- Practice of emergency psychiatry. Administrative responsibilities, including representing CPEP in presentations to faculty, meetings that require CPEP input or involvement.; Full time clinical practice in CPEP at ECMC. (2006–present)
- Clinical Competency Committee, formerly the Evaluation Committee, meets monthly to assess and rate the progress of each resident through the established ACGME milestones.; Member (2006–present)
- Faculty member providing 1:1, weekly supervision to one, 3rd year resident annually to foster proficiency in the understanding of and practice of different modalities of psychotherapy.; Psychotherapy Supervisor (2006–present)
- Represent the board at regular IRC meetings, provide physician/clinical input into incident review, lead the board-level program & special review committee meetings and report to the board on programs & incidents.; Chair, Endeavor Health Program & Special Review Committee (2006–present)
- Curriculum Committee; Member (2004–present)
- Member of the Resident Representative Committee; Member, RRC (2004–2006)
- Member of the Resident Education Policy Committee, Jacobs School of Medicine General Psychiatry Training Program; Member of the Education Policy Committee, formerly the Curriculum Subcommittee (2004–present)
- Member of the Board of Directors of Endeavor (formerly Mid-Erie) Health; President of the Board from 6/2012-6/2014; VP from 6/2011-6/2012.; Board Member (2004–present)
- Community Mental Health Clinic I have served on the Board of Directors of Endeavor Health Services (formerly Mid Erie), a community mental health clinic in Buffalo, New York, since June of 2004. I am a member of the Nominating Committee of the Board, as well as the Chair of the Program and Special Review Committee, participating in Incident Review meetings bi-monthly. I served as the Board President for 2 years, and VP for another 1 year as well.; Board of Directors (2004–present)
- Admissions Committee; Member (2003–present)
- Member of the Resident Admissions Committee, Jacobs School of Medicine General Psychiatry Training Program; Member of the Admissions Committee of the General Psychiatry Residency Training Program (2003–present)