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Category: Awards and Recognition

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Congratulations to Jan Marhefka, MSN, RN, Lindner Center of Hope Chief Nursing Officer, on her nomination for Ohio Hospital Association’s 2025 Health Care Worker of the Year Award. Each year, OHA presents this prestigious award to one Ohio hospital caregiver who represents the excellence of health care workers statewide. Jan was nominated for demonstrating the qualities and characteristics worthy of honor and distinction.

Jan will be honored with the other nominees at OHA’s annual recognition dinner event, where finalists and an overall honoree will be announced. The dinner is Tuesday, May 20 in Columbus, Ohio.

 

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Recently, Lindner Center of Hope’s Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation team celebrated earning NeuroStar’s Better Me Provider designation. Better Me Providers are practices that demonstrate a commitment to standards of patient care and responsiveness.

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Lindner Center of Hope/University of Cincinnati researchers have received a $2.3 million grant to join the Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD²) Integrated Network, a collaborative research and clinical care model with a mission to improve care, interventions and outcomes for people living with bipolar disorder.

The BD² Integrated Network is a novel, two-pronged approach connecting bipolar disorder research and care. It combines a traditional longitudinal cohort study of 4,000 participants and a learning health network to iteratively improve outcomes for people with bipolar disorder. Clinical sites have accelerated recruitment, with more than 500 individuals already participating in the study.

 The new institutions expand the BD² Integrated Network to 10 sites alongside the six inaugural sites: Brigham and Women’s Hospital-McLean Hospital, University of California Los Angeles, Johns Hopkins University, Mayo Clinic, University of Michigan, and UTHealth Houston.

Bipolar disorder is a highly complex and heterogeneous disorder and more than 70% of people with bipolar disorder are misdiagnosed at least once. It takes seven years on average to diagnose bipolar disorder, and less than 50% of those who are diagnosed find an effective treatment. The BD² Integrated Network will propel clinical improvement in bipolar disorder treatment and diagnosis through the combined efforts of deep phenotyping, consensus guideline adherence and development, and integration of research and care across sites.

Sue McElroy                             

Susan McElroy, MD, Lindner Center of Hope Chief Research Officer, will serve as a site clinical co-lead. Francisco Romo-Nava, MD, PhD, Lindner Center of Hope Associate Chief Research Officer, will serve as a site research co-lead.  Drs. McElroy and Romo-Nava will be working alongside other University of Cincinnati researchers.

“The BD2 Integrated Network is an unprecedented collaborative effort to advance the clinical care model of patients with bipolar disorder through research and innovation. The selection of the Lindner Center of Hope in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati to join this groundbreaking initiative honors the superb work being conducted here and the effort towards improving the lives of individuals suffering from bipolar disorder,” said Romo-Nava.

Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio is a comprehensive mental health center providing exceptional mental health services and improving the health of our community. We achieve this through expertise, innovation, research, education, advocacy, and putting people first. We start by meeting individuals wherever they are on their journey and relentlessly pursue excellence in all we do.

 Lindner Center of Hope offers patient-centered, scientifically advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization, residential services, and substance use disorders treatment for adults, outpatient services for all ages, and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnerships with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as their clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally, and internationally. Patients and families who may benefit from Lindner Center services may call (513) 536-HOPE (4673) for an initial assessment. Learn more at LindnerCenterofHope.org

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Lindner Center of Hope has been approved by the Ohio Professionals Health Program as a provider in the OhioPHP Treatment Provider Network (TPN). The Lindner Center has been approved to provide the following services within the TPN:  mental health evaluations and all associated treatment services provided by the facility. The certification is effective through February 10, 2027.

“Becoming a preferred provider in OhioPHP’s network is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication of our team. This recognition expands our ability to support healthcare professionals, reinforcing our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care,” said Michael Groat, PhD, President, and CEO of the Lindner Center of Hope.

The Ohio Professionals Health Program, Inc. (OhioPHP) started as a group of physicians supporting their peers struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Today, OhioPHP assists hundreds of healthcare workers across the state with a wide range of concerns including stress, burnout, mental health, or substance use disorders and much more.

OhioPHP encourages healthcare professionals to improve their health and well-being through educational and confidential well-being programs.

Through certification with OhioPHP, Lindner Center of Hope becomes a noted resource for Ohio healthcare workers.

Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio is a comprehensive mental health center providing exceptional mental health services and improving the health of our community. We achieve this through expertise, innovation, research, education, advocacy, and putting people first. We start by meeting individuals wherever they are on their journey and relentlessly pursue excellence in all we do.

 Lindner Center of Hope offers patient-centered, scientifically advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization, residential services, and substance use disorders treatment for adults, outpatient services for all ages, and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnerships with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as their clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally, and internationally. Patients and families who may benefit from Lindner Center services may call (513) 536-HOPE (4673) for an initial assessment. Learn more at LindnerCenterofHope.org

 

 

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January 16, 2025 – Mason, Ohio – Tracy Suzanne Cummings, MD, and Danielle J. Johnson, MD, MHA, FAPA, leaders at Lindner Center of Hope, were named among Cincinnati Magazine’s 2025 Top Doctors. They were selected by peers in a survey asking which physicians they would turn to for care. These esteemed physicians made the list of 939 in 72 specialties.

Dr. Cummings, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Medical Director of Adolescent PHP/IOP at Lindner Center of Hope was named among six pediatric psychiatrists on the list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Johnson, Chief Medical Officer and Director of Women’s Mental Health at Lindner Center of Hope was named among seven psychiatrists.

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January 9, 2025 – Mason, Ohio – S. Craig Lindner, Chairman of the Board and Founder of Lindner Center of Hope, has named Michael Groat, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lindner Center of Hope in Mason, Ohio, effective January 1, 2025.

“The Board and I are confident that Dr. Groat will continue to lead the Center with excellence, with a strong focus on growth and the future. We look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with Dr. Groat at the helm,” said Mr. Lindner.

Dr. Groat shared his enthusiasm for the Center, “The Lindner Center of Hope is a special place. The staff bring warmth, compassion, and empathy to people facing complex mental health conditions, and blend this humanity with scientific expertise. I am thrilled to lead the Center’s team into a new era of growth and expansion that will broaden our reach.”

Dr. Groat joined the Center 13 months ago, in the role of Chief Clinical Officer, serving the last four months as interim CEO. He has a 16-year career in leadership in nationally renowned hospital, residential, and outpatient treatment programs, providing evidence-based mental health and addiction services for children and adults.

As President and CEO, Dr. Groat assumes leadership of all strategic and operational activities for the Center. Dr. Groat’s blend of leadership depth, clinical acumen, growth mindset, and his talent for creative and complex problem-solving will engage staff, improve patient experience, and drive organizational excellence. He has a proven record of successful partnerships with referrers, families, academicians, and behavioral healthcare organizations and will help build partnerships and grow capacity.

He is the former CEO of CooperRiis, a 95-bed residential program located in Asheville, North Carolina, and was Chief Clinical Officer of Silver Hill Hospital, a 129-bed hospital with seven residential programs, three inpatient units, and an outpatient clinic. He also previously served as the Director of Adult Services at the Menninger Clinic, overseeing its flagship professionals and executives’ program, subacute program, and outpatient clinic. Dr. Groat helped launch successful programs, including the framework for a grateful patient donor program at the Menninger Clinic, an aftercare support service at Silver Hill Hospital, expansion of CooperRiis’ community integration program, and an assessment service at Silver Hill Hospital. He has consistently driven increased patient satisfaction and high staff morale and helped launch successful patient outcomes.

Dr. Groat completed a four-year postdoctoral fellowship in the treatment of treatment-refractory personality disorders and other mental disorders at the Austen Riggs Center. He is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He was previously the Chief Clinical Officer and Director of Psychology and Assessment at the Silver Hill Hospital, where he was also Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine. While at Menninger, Dr. Groat was associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Groat has lectured widely on topics related to psychotherapeutic treatments, acute and intermediate levels of care, suicide prevention, personality assessment and recovery.

Lindner Center of Hope is currently in a $30 million campaign to support the expansion of treatment spaces and grow their endowment for recruiting and retaining the best clinicians. The Center expects to begin sitework for the expansion in the spring.

Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio is a comprehensive mental health center providing exceptional mental health services and improving the health of our community.  We achieve this through expertise, innovation, research, education, advocacy, and putting people first. We start by meeting individuals wherever they are on their journey and relentlessly pursue excellence in all we do.

 Lindner Center of Hope offers patient-centered, scientifically advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization, residential services, and substance use disorders treatment for adults, outpatient services for all ages, and partial hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, and research. The Center is enhanced by its partnerships with the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center as their clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally. Patients and families who may benefit from Lindner Center services may call (513) 536-HOPE (4673) for an initial assessment. Learn more at LindnerCenterofHope.org.

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Lindner Center of Hope Chief Medical Officer Elected as Distinguished Fellow of the APA

Danielle Johnson, MD, FAPA, Chief Medical Officer, Lindner Center of Hope, was recently elected as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association by the APA Board of Trustees. This is an elite group of psychiatrists who have made exceptional contributions to the field of psychiatry and to their communities.

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September 25, 2024

Lindner Center of Hope Outreach Specialist Recognized by Healthnetwork Foundation

 Sulcer Selected as Recipient of 2024 Exceptional Care Award

Maria Sulcer, Lindner Center of Hope outreach specialist, is the recipient of a Healthnetwork Foundation 2024 Exceptional Care Award. On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, representatives of the Healthnetwork Foundation’s Board of Directors and staff came to Lindner Center of Hope to honor Sulcer with lunch and the award.

 As a Healthnetwork Exceptional Care Award honoree, Sulcer was presented with a $5,000 check for Lindner Center of Hope to use towards efforts that will benefit the outreach team. She will be featured in an upcoming annual Healthnetwork magazine.

 The criteria for the Exceptional Care Award includes: assisting patients with timely appointments with the right doctors; excellent communication with both patients and Healthnetwork staff; a consistent record of positive feedback from patients; meeting patients and helping them as needed with questions; and going above and beyond with patient “touches”.

 

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The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has awarded a $3.4 million grant to the Lindner Center of Hope’s Dr. Francisco Romo-Nava, MD, PhD. Dr. Romo-Nava is Associate Chief Research Officer at the Lindner Center of Hope and Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati (UC) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience. This phased innovation R61/33 grant is titled “Modulating spinal interoceptive pathways to evaluate their role and therapeutic potential in MDD symptomatic domains” and will study a novel non-invasive form of spinal cord neuromodulation to study and treat major depressive disorder (MDD).

The multidisciplinary study team is led by principal Investigator and physician-scientist Dr. Romo-Nava and Co-Investigators Dr. Susan L. McElroy, MD, Chief Research Officer at the Lindner Center of Hope, Drs. Jeffrey Welge, PhD, and Dave Fleck, PhD at UC’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Dr. Oluwole Awosika, MD at UC’s Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, and Dr. Ishita Basu, PhD at UC’s Department of Neurosurgery. Dr. Martin Paulus from the Laureate Institute for Brain Research and Dr. Jeff Liu Chang-chia, PhD, from the University of Virginia, will be consultants on the study. Key team members at the Lindner Center of HOPE Research Institute are the lead research coordinator Georgi Georgiev, Research Nurse Nicole Mori, Biostatistician Thomas J. Blom, Dr. Anna I. Guerdjikova, Jakyb Stoddard, Aspen Madrid, and Genie Groff.

This study builds on a successful pilot clinical trial conducted by the research team at the Lindner Center of Hope and funded by a NARSAD Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Young Investigator Award (Dr. Romo-Nava), which also served as the basis for a USPTO patent (#10,857,356) issued for transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The intervention involved brief sessions where a mild and generally well-tolerated current is applied through the skin using an electrode placed at the level of the mid-back and another electrode placed over the shoulder. The pilot study showed therapeutic potential for this novel approach and was recently published at one of the top scientific journals in the field of psychiatry (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-023-02349-9).

This new R61/33 grant involves a project with two phases. During the first phase (R61 phase), the project will evaluate whether a non-invasive form of spinal cord stimulation at different doses can reach and modulate specific spinal interoceptive pathways among adults with MDD. These are neuronal pathways in the spinal cord that convey information about bodily states to the brain and are thought to be relevant for emotional experience and the concept of mood. This first phase will last two years and is expected to identify neurophysiological markers of target engagement that will inform on the optimal dose to modulate these spinal interoceptive pathways. Recruitment for the first phase is expected to start 12/2024.

If successful, the team will then conduct the second phase (R33 phase). This phase involves an 8-week double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this form of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation among participants with MDD. During this clinical trial the team will also aim to replicate the target engagement markers identified in the first phase and evaluate their relevance for treatment response. The second phase is expected to have a duration of three years.

When completed, the project is expected to generate important new knowledge on the role of brain-body interaction pathways in MDD and the potential of spinal interoceptive pathways as novel therapeutic targets. The results of this project will inform on the potential efficacy and safety of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation as a new tool to study and treat MDD and will guide future studies.

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Mason, OH, August 30, 2024 – Lindner Center of HOPE, Chief Research Officer, Susan L. McElroy, MD, was recently named to the Research.com “Best Female Scientists in the United States 2024 Ranking” for her contributions to the advancement of science. Dr. McElroy is ranked #105 in the United States among Best Scientists for 2024.

Dr. McElroy’s profile can be found at Susan L. McElroy: Medicine H-index & Awards – Academic Profile | Research.com.

This was the third edition of the Research.com ranking of top female scientists in the United States and was based upon data collected from a wide range of bibliometric sources. Position in the ranking is based on a scholar’s general H-index.​

Research.com’s ranking of best female scientists in the world comprises of leading female scientists from all key scientific disciplines. It was based on a meticulous evaluation of 166,880 researchers.​

The H-index threshold for approving a researcher to be considered for a global ranking was chosen independently for each scientific discipline, but was in most cases equal to 30 or 40. The acceptance standards for scientists to be considered into the global ranking of top female scientists are based on the H-index, rate of the publications made within a given discipline plus also on the awards and accomplishments of the scientists. Only top 1000 scholars with the highest H-index are included in the ranking.

Dr. McElroy is internationally known for her research in bipolar disorder, eating disorders, obesity, impulse control disorders and pharmacology. She is the author of over 600 scientific papers in leading medical journals and was the 8th most cited scientist in the world published in the fields of psychiatry and psychology since 1996. She has also authored over 150 reviews and chapters in major psychiatric textbooks. Dr. McElroy is the editor or author of 4 scientific books and serves on the editorial boards of 5 journals.

As Chief Research Officer she currently oversees multiple ongoing studies in mood, anxiety, eating and impulse control disorders, genetics and psychopharmacology.

The UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) estimates that less than 30 percent of the world’s researchers are women.