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CME-CEU Program – September 22nd – with Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH, CEDS

Acute, Chronic and Intergenerational / Historical Trauma and the Development of Eating Disorders and Substance Use Disorders

Research has demonstrated a strong link between trauma (including historical and race-based trauma), abuse and neglect and eating disorders and substance use disorders. Recent studies validate the importance of assessing trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in treating eating disorders and substance use disorders. Newer research has shown that early childhood trauma has a direct effect on the neural circuitry of the brain in such a way that traits such as compulsivity, impulsivity and emotional dysregulation are promoted. These traits are underlying cornerstones of both eating disorders (ED) and substance use disorders (SUD). The definition of trauma has changed over time, providing a clearer picture of the various types and timing of trauma and its effect on the brain. Studies beginning with the families of Holocaust survivors and now with Native populations and African-Americans are validating that the effects of trauma can be passed on to future generations through epigenetic changes. This intergenerational trauma can impact risk for ED and SUD in future generations through epigenetics. The synthesis of these factors associated with acute, chronic and intergenerational trauma is important. When trauma and PTSD is unrecognized and untreated, treatment for ED and SUD is not effective and relapse rates are increased.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to understand the various ways in which trauma, abuse, and neglect can foster the development of eating disorders and substance use disorders.
  2. Participants will be able to describe the specific effects of trauma, abuse and neglect on the brain
  3. Participants will be able to list 3 treatments that are geared towards improving cognition, impulsivity and recovery from trauma.
  4. Participants will be able to describe how insecure attachment can result from trauma.
  5. Participants will be able to describe prenatal stressors that can affect neurodevelopment.

Attend Virtually or In-Person

Friday, September 22nd – 11:00am CST

Earn 1 CME/CEU

Space is limited for on-site attendees. Please arrive at 10:30am if you’re attending in-person.

View the Learner Notification to see which licensing boards we have accreditation.

Dr. Carolyn Coker Ross is an author, speaker, expert in using Integrative Medicine for the treatment of food and body image issues and addictions.  She is board certified in Preventive Medicine and also in Addiction Medicine and is a graduate of Dr. Andrew Weil’s fellowship in Integrative Medicine.  She consults with treatment centers around the US who want to include her unique integrative medicine approach to treat eating disorders and addictions.  She is the author of three books; the latest is The Food Addiction Recovery Workbook.  Dr. Ross is the CEO of The Anchor Program™, an online coaching program for food and body image issues. Dr. Ross’ belief that addictions and eating disorders are a wake-up call to change not only on the physiological and behavioral levels but also on the mental and spiritual levels is a compelling thread that runs through all of her work with clients.

Joint Accreditation Statement

Joint Accreditation Statement: In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and Galen Mental Health. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. Amedco Joint Accreditation #4008163.

-Our Research Team-
Timothy D. Brewerton, MD, DLFAPA, FAED, DFAACAP, CEDS-S
Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Christopher Womack
Medical Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Dr. Christopher Womack joins SunCloud as our Medical Director, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Dr. Womack is board certified in Adult as well as Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, attending the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Adult psychiatry residency and child fellowship training were completed at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Dr. Womack’s treatment  philosophy hinges on strength based, evidence informed care, where collaboration is central to guiding individualized treatment.  He has experience caring for children and teens from varied backgrounds, appreciating the importance of how identity can inform treatment.

Favorite pastimes are cooking new recipes and exploring Chicago’s rich cultural diversity through its neighborhood and fine dining experiences.

Elizabeth E. Sita, MD
Medical Director of Adult Services

Dr. Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, is a Board Certified psychiatrist specializing in the care of patients with eating disorders. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Chicago and graduated with Highest Honors. She then earned her medical degree at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and was recognized with the Chairman’s Award for Excellence in Psychiatry. She subsequently completed residency with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, where she was elected Chief Resident and received the Resident Psychiatrist Leadership & Service Award.

Upon completing her training, Dr. Sita joined the staff atAscension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital Hospital, where she served as Assistant Medical Director of the Center for Eating Disorders and Director of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Services before transitioning to lead the new inpatient eating disorder unit as Medical Director of Eating Disorder Services at Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital – Chicago. In these roles, she has cared for a multitude of adolescents and adults struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other eating disorders as well as severe, cooccurring mood, trauma, personality, and substance use disorders.

Dr. Sita has been recognized throughout her training and practice for a commitment to excellence in patient care and for her ability to engage patients in their most challenging moments. Her passions include the care of treatment-resistant eating and mood disorders as well as questions of medical capacity and end-of-life decision making.

She believes that, first and foremost, human connection is key to mental health and well-being and strives to share this philosophy in each and every patient encounter. She is excited to bring her expertise to SunCloud Health as the Medical Director of Adult Services!

 

VIDEO: Meet Elizabeth E. Sita, MD, Medical Director of Adult Services

 

Lacey Lemke, PsyD
Assistant Vice President of Clinical Services

Dr. Lacey Lemke (she/her) is a licensed clinical health psychologist with specialized expertise in the treatment of eating disorders and the practice of medical and health psychology. She completed her doctoral training in clinical psychology with a Primary Care emphasis at the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Lemke went on to complete both her predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship through Ascension Health, where she gained advanced training working with individuals experiencing eating disorders and self-injurious behaviors, as well as within pediatric subspecialty settings including endocrinology, neurology, and adolescent medicine.

Dr. Lemke is deeply committed to providing evidence-based, compassionate care and collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive treatment. Her professional mission is to support patients in achieving their fullest potential by guiding them to the most appropriate level of care and empowering them to make meaningful, sustainable progress toward improved health and well-being.

VIDEO: 2. Meet Lacey Lemke, PsyD.