Dr. Vicki Berkus
Dolores Robu
Health Night Out will present Vicki Berkus, M.D., Ph.D., CEDS on Monday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom.
This presentation will introduce the listener to the new geriatric psychiatric unit at Oro Valley. Dr. Berkus will describe the problems which lead to an admission to the unit. She will discuss the tasks that we face as we age and how to deal with depression, dementia, physical pain, mental pain and suicidal thoughts. She will identify the resources that are available in the community for seniors and discuss how they could impact our lives. Dr. Berkus will also discuss medications and treatments for illnesses that most often affect older adults. She will explain how to set boundaries and what it means to be a caretaker. Time will be allocated for questions at the end of her presentation.
In Dr. Berkus’s own words, “I have learned the patient is the book and am constantly learning from my patients. I have been working in the area of eating disorders and have had the opportunity to work both inpatient and outpatient settings. I feel there is a real need in Oro Valley for geriatric psychiatry. I have been living in a retirement community for 20 years and have insight into the issues that go along with aging. I also had the privilege of being with my parents both as a daughter and a caretaker.”
“My patients know they are my main priority and I am willing to listen to their concerns and those of their family. I was very protective of my parents and their medical wellbeing was a challenge even though I have the knowledge base. I want to give my patients every opportunity to enjoy their retirement years.”
“I do not like to give someone a psychiatric diagnosis without first making sure they are eating and sleeping. Then I can better assess their mood and cognition. It takes a team to help people live to their potential and we have that at Oro Valley Hospital. I will be able to see my patients on the inpatient unit and then follow them in an outpatient setting.”
Dr. Vicki Berkus received her M.D. degree from the University of Oklahoma and completed her residency in Psychiatry from The University of Arizona.
Mark your calendars and be sure to join us at 7:00 p.m. in the MountainView Ballroom on Monday, June 23.
This is presentation is free to all residents of SaddleBrooke, the Preserve and the Ranch; brought to you as a service of SaddleBrooke Health and Wellness.