Baltimore Psychiatrist Hopes To Reduce Stigma Associated With Mental Illness
Dr. Munachim Ifeoma Uyanwune knows about all of this as a licensed clinical psychiatrist with the Sheppard Pratt Health System. In fact, Dr.Uyanwune's professional and more measured response was featured in a Baltimore Sun article in April, 2015 when an op-ed broadly alleged that antidepressants were likely responsible for the violent behavior precipitating the downing of Germanwings Flight 9525.
Dr. Uyanwune's extensive training includes a B.S. in chemistry and a B.A. in French, both from the University of Connecticut. She has an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut School of Business and her M.D. from the University of Connecticut Medical School. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Program and is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc.
What inspired you to enter psychiatry?
"During my medical clinical rotation, I was exposed to the study and treatment of psychiatric illnesses and learned about the struggles and obstacles that patients with mental illness face. I wanted to help create an environment of understanding and acceptance of mental illness."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"My training exposed me to a wide range of mental health disorders and different treatment modalities. This has led to me being a board certified psychiatrist at Sheppard Pratt Health System, where I currently work, treating patients experiencing issues with their mental health."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"Education has helped me develop perspective and understanding of people. My medical education directly prepared me for the work I do everyday treating patients with mental illnesses. My M.B.A. degree has been useful in helping me navigate the business aspects of medicine, a critical part in care delivery."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into psychiatry?
"Psychiatry is a rewarding career that requires heartfelt commitment as well as a commitment to being a life long learner. For those interested in psychiatry, I advise learning about the field through independent research and shadowing experiences. It could also be useful to speak with teachers or physicians about their path and how to begin a career path in medicine or mental health."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
