Vanessa Vélez, MD

EDUCATION

Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center- Brick, New Jersey

Residency in Psychiatry, June 2023

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine- Scranton, Pennsylvania

Doctorate of Medicine, May 2018

Medical School Electives:

UCLA: Inpatient, July 2017

Medical University of South Carolina: Inpatient, September 2017

University of Colorado: Psychiatric Emergency October 2017

Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona: Integrative Medicine: November 2017

University of Washington: Consult Liason, December 2017

Humanistic Elective in Activism, Reflective Transformation and Integrative Medicine (HEART-IM) funded by American Medical School Association and University of New Mexico: April 2018

Austen Riggs Center: Psychoanalytic Center September 2018

Cornell University, College of Human Ecology- Ithaca, New York

Bachelor of Science, Human Biology, Health and Society

Minor in Global Health, 2009-2013

LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERING

Hackensack Meridian Ocean Medical Center Wellness Committee, Wellness Champion 2019- 2023

Organize and coordinate Wellness Hour including: Attending’s Pearls of Wisdom, Local Community Speakers and the Larger Community
- Topics included: Career Development, Financial Wellness, Medical Humanities, Socioeconomic Determinants of Health, LGBTQ health, Spirituality and Clinician Wellbeing
Create quarterly Ocean Seasons Wellness Newsletter
- Featuring Reflection on the Season, Nutrition, Joyful Movement, Mindfulness, Photography
Lead monthly meetings

Hackensack Meridian Ocean Medical Center Outreach Committee, Outreach Champion 2019- 2023

Organize outreach opportunities for fellow residents at local high schools
Present at High School Career Days
Present at Cornell University Pre-Med Club

Mind-Body Medicine Skills Group, The University of Arizona College of Medicine Psychiatry Department July 2021

Learn breathing techniques, meditation, biofeedback, guided imagery, mindful eating and nutrition
Participate in small group sharing and family history with the use of genograms

Lama Foundation August 2018

Volunteer at the Lama Foundation, a sustainable spiritual community and educational center dedicated to the awakening of consciousness, spiritual practice with respect for all traditions, service and stewardship of the land.
Cook, clean, help with compost, and with other daily needs during Women Singing in Circle Retreat and All Wisdom's Children: The Universal Legacy of Samuel Lewis Retreat.
Participate in community practices, including morning meditation, Heart Club, Zikr, and Shabbat service.
Learn about community development and sustainability.

Geisinger Commonwealth Black Diamonds Art and Literary Magazine, Editor, Recruiter, Contributor

2015-2019

Recruit submissions from peers, faculty, and staff to contribute to the magazine
Contribute several mixed medium artwork pieces
Organize and created a feature on peer’s knitting and crocheting talents
Edit the magazine
Participate in monthly meetings

Scranton Love Public Art Project, April 2016

Design an umbrella to inspire a positive message for the city of Scranton
Display artwork in an outdoor art-arch installation

Geisinger Commonwealth Chapter of Psychiatry Student Interest Group Network (PsychSIGN), Member 2014-2014; Co-President, 2014-2015

Coordinate the Find Your Specialty Series for psychiatry
Arrange events for local psychiatrists to share career experiences
Organize discussions with fourth year medical students in order to share insights
Coordinate volunteer opportunities such as the Alzheimer’s Walk
Attend PsychSign Conference at the American Psychiatric Association Institute of Psychiatric Services Conference: The Mental Health Services Conference 2016

Geisinger Commonwealth Student Ambassador

2015-2016

Conduct interviews to prospective students
Facilitate tours of the medical school campus
Volunteer during luncheons to answer any questions and speak about Geisinger Commonwealth
Host candidates overnight and provided orientation to the Scranton area

Geisinger Commonwealth Peer Mentor

2015-present

Dedicate mentorship to first and second year medical students
Provide support, guidance, advice, and information regarding medical school experiences and opportunities

Geisinger Commonwealth Medical Student Council, Health and Wellness Chair Class of 2018

2014- 2016

Organize a 10 week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workshop for peers and faculty members to learn the importance of the present moment and develop awareness
Coordinate wellness fairs with different health providers such as reiki masters, nutritionists, wellness coaches, music, massage therapy, and dog therapy
Prepare healthy snack breaks for fellow students
Surprised students with an egg hunt
Posted positive and optimistic notes around campus

Build A Miracle, Volunteer

2013-2014

Help build homes for the communities in Tijuana, Mexico
Paint homes, mixed cement, played with children, spoke and shared with the community
Celebrate Christmas with a community celebration of music, games and arts and crafts

MEDLIFE, Executive Director 2011-2012; Membership/Recruitment Representative 2010-2011

Provide leadership to a ten person executive board, organize and conduct weekly executive board and general body meetings
Promote awareness and encourage education about healthcare inequality and global health
Organize medical brigades to Ecuador, Panama, and Peru
Coordinate fundraisers for the communities in South America

Cornell University Human Ecology Peer Partnership Program, Mentor 2012

Address the needs of incoming students as they made their transition to Cornell
Provide mentorship and organize weekly academic and social activities

LOL Cornell, Founder 2012-2014

Create to help alleviate stress by providing fun events in spontaneous and unexpected scenes
Organize Ghostbusters library flash mob, fun pillow fights, bubble blowing, Clock Tower light show, posted happy signs at the library

PRESENTATIONS

American Psychiatric Association. PTSD in Spanish. TEPT ESPAÑOL.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhqDoa89-yA&t=1s. Sep 18, 2023

I have to take care of myself too with Dr Vanessa Velez. Mindful Living with Dr. Sogol. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindful-living-with-dr-sogol/id1556697892?i=1000627859125. September 14, 2023.

Art, Travels and Integrative Psychiatry with Dr. Vanessa Vélez Healer Heal Yourself, Reduce Burnout, Discover Your Creativity While You Heal Others by Dr. Hisla Bates. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healer-heal-yourself-reduce-burnout-discover-your-creativity/id1585536948?i=1000627807809 September 13, 2023.

A Life True to You by Dr. Jillian Rigert, DMD, MD Healing our Minds, Bodies, Spirits, & Planet with Dr. Vanessa Velez. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co26GvpkDYc August 13th, 2023.

Female Physician Entrepreneurs Podcast With Founder Sharon T McLaughlin MD FACS. Inviting the Psyche/Soul Back Into Psychiatry With Dr. Vanessa Vélez. July 10th, 2023. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/show/3qnXOtz72yIi117botg2IV

Univision, P. June 21,2023 “Hay mucha presión en las redes sociales”: Experta Sobre el Aumento del suicidio Entre Jóvenes. Univision. https://www.univision.com/local/nueva-york-wxtv/hay-mucha-presion-en-las-redes-sociales-experta-sobre-el-aumento-del-suicidio-entre-jovenes-video

Present Wellness with Dr. Nissa Keyashian, MD. Soul and Spirituality. May 16th, 2023. Instagram Live.

Physician Coach Support with Dr. Diana Londoño. "Bringing Psyche/Soul Back Into Psychiatry." May 1st, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCnaD_IMixI

Psychiatry Department Grand Rounds "An Antidote To Depression and Anxiety: One Small Emotion Leading to Self-Transcendence" Presentation on Awe. April 19th, 2023.

Brick Memorial High School Career Day April 15th, 2022

Brick Memorial High School Career Day April 5th, 2022

9th Annual Caring for the Human Spirit Conference & International Westberg Symposium March 28th, 2022 The Origins of Everything and Nothing In the Context of the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model

Criminal Justice Crisis Intervention Team Training Psychiatric Medication Awareness- Cranford, New Jersey June 11, 2021

Brick Memorial High School Pre-Med Club Meeting May 17, 2021

Brick Memorial High School STEM Medical Technologies Day April 14, 2021

Cornell University, The College of Arts and Sciences, Latinx Thrive! Series Latinx Thrive! Series Career Conversation with Vanessa Vélez, M.D. ’13, December 2, 2020

Hazleton Area High School Career Conversation Challenges and Failures Along the Way; College, Medical School and Psychiatry Residency December 3, 2020

Journal Club. Sara Ascenso, Rosie Perkins, Louise Atkins, Daisy Fancourt & Aaron Williamon (2018) Promoting well-being through group drumming with mental health service users and their careers, International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 13:1, 1484219, DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2018.1484219 presented on February 20, 2020

Vélez, Vanessa, Hackensack Meridian Ocean Medical Center Journal Club. Moral Distress, Moral Residue, and the Crescendo Effect; Elizabeth Gingell Epstein and Ann Baile Hamric, December 17, 2020

Psychiatry Department Grand Rounds The Origins of Everything and Nothing In the Context of the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model November 18, 2020

Violin Recital, Songs By The Sea, Avon-By-The Sea, NJ, June 10, 2021

PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH

Vélez, V. (2023, May 21). Restoring our connection to the cosmos: A vital step for healing our minds, bodies, spirits, and planet. KevinMD.com. https://www.kevinmd.com/2023/05/restoring-our-connection-to-the-cosmos-a-vital-step-for-healing-our-minds-bodies-spirits-and-planet.html

Vélez, V. (2023, May 7) 'Spotify Playlist: Spin Cycle' Medmic. https://medmic.com/spotify-playlist-spin-cycle/

Vélez, V. (2023, May 7) 'Inner flame : Grateful harmony,' Medmic. https://medmic.com/inner-flame-grateful-harmony/

Vélez, V. (2023, April 17). An Urgent Invitation To Bring "Psyche" Back Into Psychiatry. Psychiatric Times. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/an-urgent-invitation-to-bring-psyche-back-into-psychiatry

Velez, V.. (2022, June 7). Levity. in-House Online Medical Resident and Fellows Magazine- Testimony. https://in-housestaff.org/levity-1957

Wellness Winter 2022 Newsletter. Ocean Seasons. Curator, Writer and Editor.

Wellness Autumn 2021 Newsletter. Ocean Seasons. Curator, Writer and Editor.

Wellness Summer 2021 Newsletter. Ocean Seasons. Curator, Writer and Editor.

Wellness Spring 2021 Newsletter. Ocean Seasons. Curator, Writer and Editor

Tropical Oceans: Brilliant Summer Splendors. The American Journal of Psychiatry Residents' Journal. December 1, 2019. https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2019.150208

Vélez, Vanessa, Embracing Technology in Art. Doctors Who Create. November 1, 2019. https://www.doctorswhocreate.com/embracing-technology-in-art/

Green, C., Velez, V. (2019, April 01). Balwin in Bloom Pawtucket Family Care Center Spring 2019 Campus Greening Project Pamphlet.

Vanessa Velez, Charlita Lockett., Brent Medoff., Rachel Polinski., Dr. John Pamula, MD., Dr. Margrit Shoemaker, MD. (May, 2017). A Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Physical Activity Among Adult Patients Seen in Primary Care Settings of the Guthrie Health System. Poster session presented at the 8th Annual Research Symposium at Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA.

Velez, V.. (2018, May 01). Geisinger Commonwealth Black Diamonds Art and Literary Magazine-Untitled 2. https ://www.geisinger.edu/education/student-life/traditions-events/black-diamonds-magazine, Pub Status: Published.

Velez, V.. (2017, January 03). In-Training Online Medical Student Magazine- Testimony. http://in-training.org/testi mony-2016-12644, Pub Status: Published.

Velez, V.. (2017, September 26). In-Training Online Medical Student Magazine- Body Field Meets Sterile Field. ht tp://in-training.org/body-field-meets-sterile-field-14572, Pub Status: Published.

Velez, V.. (2017, June 27). Geisinger Commonwealth Black Diamonds Art and Literary Magazine- Pura Vida, Teacher, LA. https://issuu.com/geisingercommonwealth/docs/blackdiamonds2017, Pub Status: Published.

Velez, V.. (2016, June 09). Geisinger Commonwealth Black Diamonds Art and Literary Magazine- We Are One: In Each Other's Mind, Body, Spirit, Heart.

https://issuu.com/tcmc_campaign/docs/blackdiamonds2016, Pub Status: Published.

Velez, Vanessa., Tyler Berger., Alex Chop., Kyle Foley., Zaina Inam., Dimitra Landis., Kaitlyn Nielson., Bradley Miller, DO., Elizabeth Kuchinski, MPH., Janet Townsend, MD., Mark White, MD, MPH. (2015, May). Physician habits when treating and managing patients with non-malignant chronic pain. Poster session presented at the 6th Annual Research Symposium at The Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, PA.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCES

Cornell Nutritional Sciences Department, Lujan Lab Research Assistant

2010-2013

Investigate the role of nutrition, metabolism, and body composition in ovarian follicle development
Use ovarian ultrasonography to track changes in follicle development
Improve the diagnosis and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome

Cornell Global Health Minor Field Experience, Arusha, Tanzania, Participant

June-August 2011

Volunteer and observe pharmacy, surgeries, and medical rounds at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital
Teach HIV, nutrition, and hygiene education at schools and orphanages
Start a vegetable selling business for five HIV-infected people
Deliver flour and toys to Maasai village
Visit and deliver groceries to HIV-infected families

Summer Medical/Dental Education Program at Columbia Medical School, Participant

June-August 2010

Participate in a six-week academic enrichment program for the development of students underrepresented in the health professions
Receive clinical exposure in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology

MEDLIFE

Participant 2010, 2012

Participate in a medical brigade to provide healthcare to communities in Riobamba Ecuador in 2010 and Lima, Peru in 2012
Shadow and help medical doctors and dentists
Teach children how to brush their teeth
Build staircases for communities

WORK EXPERIENCES

Filgate and Kuhn Fabrications, LLC, Lyndeborough, NH, 2016-present

Commissioned artist for New England custom-crafted snowboards
Designed topsheet graphics for three snowboards
Designs can be viewed at http://www.filgateandkuhn.com/top-art/

City Year Los Angeles, AmeriCorps Team Member 2013-2014

Provide mentorship and tutoring for an education-focused, nonprofit organization that partners with public schools to help keep students in school and on track to graduate.
Support students by focusing on attendance, behavior, and course performance through in-class tutoring, mentoring, and after school programs.
Lead and organize a school community garden initiative
Coordinate two drum circles in the afterschool program to promote community and connection with self

AWARDS

Raymond Hanbury, PhD Excellence in Psychotherapy Award. June 2023.

In recognition of excellence and outstanding achievement in psychotherapy.

Best in Abstract Art and Use of Color Theory, Hazleton Art League Art Youth Expo, 2019

Exhibited artwork in an arts festival featuring artwork by young and emerging artists between the ages of 13-30.

Gold Humanism Honor Society, 2017

Recognized student for demonstrated compassion and excellence in patient-centered medicine

Geisinger Commonwealth 6th Annual Talent Show Art Winner Scranton, PA January 2016

Geisinger Commonwealth 5th Annual Talent Show Art Winner January 2015

ART EXHIBITIONS

Kelly-Mckenna Gallery. Secret Summer. Spring Lake, New Jersey. September 27 - November 12, 2023.

https://kellymckennagallery.com/show/kelly-mckenna-gallery-llc-secret-summer

American Psychiatric Association Art Exhibit. Fire Near the River Bank. Tapestry. Transilluminate. Painting presented at the Annual Meeting. Los Angeles, CA (Virtual). May 2, 2021.

Hazleton Art League Art Youth Expo, 2019

Exhibited artwork in an arts festival featuring artwork by young and emerging artists between the ages of 13-30.

Play!, First Friday Artwalk, Trinity Studio and Gallery, Scranton, PA July 2017

Selected artist in cultural event that fosters growth and supports art
Curated artshow

Baruch College Sidney Mishkin Gallery Small Works Exhibition NY, NY March 2017

Showcased in a juried exhibition by Richard Timperio, director of the Sideshow Gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Chosen from a broad range of styles in contemporary art ranging from abstract expressionism, pattern painting, and surrealism, to still life compositions, landscape paintings, and a variety of photograph

The National Association of Women Artists Gallery Small Works Exhibit NY, NY February 2017

Selected as an artist in the oldest women’s fine art organization in the country

Artists for Art Gallery Members’ Exhibition Scranton, PA August 2016

Share and cultivate an appreciation of the visual arts in the community

440 Gallery 12th Annual Small Works Show Brooklyn, NY December 2016

Selected artist for a national juried exhibition of 74 works curated by JoAnne McFarland, the former Exhibitions Director of A.I.R. Gallery, the first artist-run gallery devoted to women artists in the United States

Gallery Night, Benjamin Peters Gallery, Ithaca, NY September 2016

Selected artist in a walkable tour of art openings and other special cultural events in and around downtown
Curated art exhibit
Engaged with public and shared artwork postcards

Artful Exhibition 171 Cedar Arts Center, Corning, NY July 2016

Selected regional artist for exhibit and for gallery’s largest annual fundraiser where community leaders, artists, and supports came together to celebrate art

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Art Display, 2016

Selected artist for a 5 month feature

Scranton Love Public Art Project, April 2016

Design an umbrella to inspire a positive message for the city of Scranton
Display artwork in an outdoor art-arch installation

Northeastern Biennial Twenty-Fifteen Mahady Gallery, Marywood University Scranton, PA November 2015

Invited artist for the eighth juried exhibition by Hal Bromm, art dealer who opened Tribeca’s first contemporary art gallery in 1976

We Are One, First Friday Eden Café Scranton, PA October, November 2015

Selected artist for community art event
Curated art show

Zummo’s Café Scranton, PA June 2015

Curated art display

Artists for Art Gallery Members’ Exhibition Scranton, PA August 2016, December 2015, January 2016

Share and cultivate an appreciation of the visual arts in the community

First Friday Invitational, Connell Lofts Gallery,Scranton, PA July 2015

Selected artist in juried exhibition

HOBBIES AND INTERESTS

Meditation, yoga, dancing, cycling, violin, traveling, creating and showcasing art, recreational flying

PERSONAL SKILLS

Fluent in Spanish