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Dr. Kiran Rabheru is a Full Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa and Geriatric Psychiatrist at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH). He serves as Medical Director of the Geriatric Psychiatry, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), and the Behavioral Support Programs at TOH. He obtained his medical degree (MD) from University of Western Ontario. He is a Certificant and Fellow of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP, FCFP). First, as a Family Physician, he gained real life experience working in several rural and urban settings for 5 years. Subsequently, he went on to complete his specialty training in Psychiatry, subspecializing in Geriatric Psychiatry, in which he is Board Certified in Canada (FRCP) and the United States (DABPN).Dr. Rabheru is passionate and committed to serving older persons and is recognized nationally and internationally for his work. He is designated as a Founder of the subspecialty of Geriatric Psychiatry by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He is recipient of the Outstanding Achievements in Geriatric Psychiatry in Canada award by the Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry (www.cagp.ca) and has served as its President of the CAGP and a member of its Board for many years. He serves as a Co-Leader of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (https://ccsmh.ca/), Chair of the Board of the International Longevity Centre (www.ilccanada.org), Board member of the International Psychogeriatric Association (www.ipa-online.org ), Chair of the Section of Positive Psychiatry of the World Psychiatric Association (https://www.wpanet.org/) and a member of the National Leadership Team for the Fountain of Health (www.fountainofhealth.ca), which promotes healthy aging, brain resilience and vitality. In November 2020, Dr. Rabheru was honoured to be elected as Chair of the Steering Committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People – GAROP (https://rightsofolderpeople.org), a network of over 380 members from over 80 counties worldwide, united in the work to strengthen and promote the rights and the voice of older persons globally. The Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People seeks a world in which older persons live free from discrimination and are able to fully enjoy their rights.
MEDIA APPEARANCES
Robot helps deliver “shocking” world first
The Ottawa HospitalMarch 05, 2021
Mr. Smith, a robotic mannequin, helped Dr. Kiran Rabheru provide a shocking new world’s-first course for psychiatrists recently – hands-on training to administer electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
TOH pioneers geriatric psychiatry acute care in Ontario
The Ottawa HospitalNovember 13, 2013
“If it works here, it’ll be rolled out elsewhere,” said Dr. Kiran Rabheru, Medical Director of Geriatric Psychiatry. “To our knowledge, we are the first in Ontario to have these full-time dedicated nurses in acute care. It’s new and innovative.”
Articles
Loneliness and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic
International PsychogeriatricsThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to implementation of unprecedented “social distancing” strategies crucial to limiting the spread of the virus. In addition to quarantine and isolation procedures for those who have been exposed to or infected with COVID-19, social distancing has been enforced amongst the general population to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
Comparing a clinician-assisted and app-supported behavioral activation intervention to promote brain health and well-being in frontline care
International PsychogeriatricsPositive psychiatry offers an unique approach to promote brain health and well-being in aging populations. Minimal interventions through behavioral activation to promote wellness are increasingly available using self-guided apps, yet little is known about the effectiveness of app technology or the difference between clinician-supported behavioral activation versus self-guided app methodologies.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7067148/
Canadian Geriatrics JournalIn Canada, rates of hospital admission from opioid overdose are higher for older adults (≥ 65) than younger adults, and opioid use disorder (OUD) is a growing concern. In response, Health Canada commissioned the Canadian Coalition of Seniors’ Mental Health to create guidelines for the prevention, screening, assessment, and treatment of OUD in older adults.
Change in Prolactin Levels in Pediatric Patients Given Antipsychotics for Schizophrenia and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Network Meta-Analysis
Schizophrenia Research and TreatmentTreatment of schizophrenia with first- and second-generation antipsychotics has been associated with elevated prolactin levels, which may increase the risk for prolactin-related adverse events.
Some of the CANMAT Recommendations for the Pharmacological Treatment of Late-life Depression Are Not Congruent with Available Evidence or Expert Opinion
The Canadian Journal of PsychiatryThe Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) guidelines have become important references for clinicians and learners in Canada and elsewhere. Thus, we welcome the publication in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry of new guidelines focusing on special populations, including a well-written section on the treatment of late-life depression.
MORE INFORMATION
Area of Expertise
Affiliation
Global Alliance for the Rights of Older People (GAROP) : Chair – Steering Committee
International Longevity Center (Global Alliance) : Member
International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) : Member
World Psychiatric Association : Executive Committee Member
International Longevity Center (ILC-Canada) : Founding Board Member and Chair
Education
University of Western Ontario : Microbiology and Immunology
University of Western Ontario :