Date: December 5, 2007 (Wednesday)
Time: 12:30 – 14:00 (sandwich lunch from 12:30 –12:45; seminar begins at 12:45)
Venue: Seminar Room 6, LG-1/F, Laboratory Block, Faculty of Medicine Building, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Abstract:
Prevention of depression in adolescence has emerged as a key public health goal in the United States and other developed countries. Face-to-face interventions led by mental health professionals may reduce risk. However, low cost, easily disseminated and culturally acceptable interventions are needed. This seminar will describe the development and preliminary results of a low cost primary care/Internet based depression prevention intervention for adolescents. Primary care/Internet-based depression prevention, including screening for risk, engagement and internet-based behavior change, may be feasible for both physicians and adolescents and may reduce depressed mood in adolescents.

Bio-sketch:
Benjamin Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, is currently an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of Chicago. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Vanderbilt University, and his Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. He completed a Combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Residency at Vanderbilt University Hospital and a General Internal Medicine Fellowship at Johns Hopkins. The focus of Dr. Van Voorhees post doctor fellowship and public health training was the development and evaluation of preventive interventions for mental disorders in community and primary care settings. Dr. Van Voorhees has developed a translational/implementation research program at the University of Chicago. He has received grant support from the Centers for Disease Control (2002), National Association for Research on Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders (NARSAD, 2004), Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2005) and National Institute of Mental Health (2006).

Registration:
For registration and enquiries, please call Ms Maggie Cheuk at 2819-2841 or email mhrn@hkusua.hku.hk