Bipolar Disorders Clinic Team
Terence A. Ketter, M.D. [Academic Profile]
Professor
Chief, Bipolar Disorders Clinic
Dr. Terence Ketter obtained his medical degree from the University of Toronto and had internship and residency training in psychiatry at the University of California at San Francisco. He had subsequent fellowship training in brain imaging and psychopharmacology research methods at the Biological Psychiatry Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland. He is currently Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Chief of the Bipolar Disorders Clinic at the Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, California. Dr. Ketter's research interests include the use of brain imaging methods such as positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to better understand the neurobiology of mood disorders and to explore the possibility of using these techniques to more effectively target treatments for patients with bipolar disorders. Dr. Ketter also conducts research in the use of novel medications and combinations of medications in the treatment of bipolar disorders, with an emphasis on the use of anticonvulsants.
In constant demand as a speaker, he presents at numerous national and international conferences and advisory boards, and sits on the review panel of several major scientific journals. Within the University, he serves on the Institutional Review Board, the body responsible for reviewing all new research proposals for scientific soundness, ethical conduct, and protection of human subjects.
Inspired by his clinical work with exceptionally creative individuals, Dr. Ketter has developed a strong interest in the relationship of creativity and mood disorders. In addition to his regular medical school and residency teaching duties, he is currently teaching a Sophomore Seminar course on Mood, Temperament, and Creativity. He is a featured panelist on the Alumni Association's Think Again tour.
Po W. Wang, M.D. [Academic Profile]
Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. Wang completed his medical education at Washington University in St. Louis, where his interest in mood disorders began, initially with work in volumetric brain imaging in major depression that, found that depression (duration of illness) may be correlated with brain changes (hippocampal atrophy). He came to Stanford University for his psychiatric residency training, served as Chief Resident, and then completed a research fellowship with Dr. Terence Ketter in the Stanford Bipolar Disorders Clinic on Bipolar Disorders treatment and neuroimaging. Dr. Wang also has had an active clinical practice specializing in Bipolar Disorder patients (particularly suffering Bipolar Depression and mood cycling) and treatment-resistant mood disorders since 1999. He has special interest in clinical research trials that advance our understanding of the biology of and new treatment approaches for Bipolar Disorders. He has published numerous manuscripts on treatment of Bipolar Disorders, covering mood stabilizers, new anticonvulsants, and new antipsychotic medications.
Shefali Miller, M.D., M.A. [Academic Profile]
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Dr. Miller obtained her medical degree at Columbia University and completed her psychiatric residency training at Stanford University, where she served as a Chief Resident. She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow working under the mentorship of Dr. Terence Ketter, with funding from the National Institute of Mental Health. She is also a Clinical Instructor at the Stanford Bipolar Disorders Clinic, where she treats individuals with bipolar disorder.
Dr. Miller is currently conducting a study investigating the impact of childhood and recent life stress, along with genetic factors, on individuals with bipolar disorder. The findings of this study may enhance understanding of the factors contributing to a more severe course of illness in bipolar disorder, and facilitate early identification of individuals at risk for more challenging forms of the illness.
Her other areas of interest include studying the link between creativity and bipolar disorder, and evaluating the efficacy of different treatment interventions for the disorder.
Jenifer L. Culver, Ph.D. [Academic Profile]
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Jenifer Culver graduated magna cum laude with degrees in Psychology and in Spanish from Furman University. She subsequently obtained her Master's degree from Wake Forest University and her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Miami. She completed her postdoctoral training in Behavioral Medicine at Stanford University. Dr. Culver's research interests include psychosocial treatments of bipolar disorders and enhancing quality of life and positive experiences of individuals with mood disorders. She conducts a weekly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) group adapted for individuals with bipolar disorder. In addition, she manages clinical trials, teaches, and supervises practicum students.
Kathryn C. Goffin, B.A..
Clinical Research Coordinator
Kathryn Goffin obtained a B.A. in Psychology from Wellesley College. She is currently coordinating clinical research, investigating factors relating to risk and resilience in children of parents with mood disorders, at the Pediatric Bipolar Research Program. Ms. Goffin also coordinates clinical research in bipolar disorder at the Bipolar Disorders Clinic, and serves as the National Network of Depression Centers Clinical Care Registry Coordinator. Her areas of interest include the understanding and treatment of mood disorders and the implications of age of onset of mood symptoms.
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