Hello, everyone! I am thrilled to share the most exciting news (along with my upcoming baby on graduation day) with you all. I recently heard that I became the recipient of the 2012-2013 Ruth and Martin Levine Scholarship in Graduate Medical Education. For those who are not familiar with it, the Ruth and Martin Levine Scholarship in Graduate Medical Sciences is made possible by the generous donation of Ruth R. Levine, PhD. Dr. Levine was the first Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Sciences and a faculty member at BUSM for many years. Given her own life experiences her wish was to allocate “income to provide annual scholarship awards to one or more graduate students enrolled in the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, who have demonstrated excellent scholarship.” Well, I am extremely honored as well as grateful for the opportunity that I have received.

To me, a good physician or any health care provider who treats patients in person should be very well trained not only in clinical diagnosis and modalities of care, but also in patient care and competencies in clinical skills. This is the main reason why I applied for a dual degree in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine (MHCBM) program where the primary objective is to learn in mental health counseling interventions with a complementary background in behavioral medicine and neuroscience. The emphasis of MHCBM program has taught me to gain insights and clinical skills in patient care in order to be a better-qualified physician.

As I will be receiving my masters in GMS and MHCBM program in May of 2013, I am confident to say that I have gained a strong foundation in both biological and clinical skills to become a better physician. I hope to continue my involvement with Boston University as a part of MHCBM program alumni in Boston University. May all the best to all of your future!!

My time in the program has given me many memories – I am honored to have been a part of the collective learning process we have undertaken together.  The group of professional and personal ties I now have will undoubtedly last throughout my life. I became engaged to my lovely wife Kimberly and recently married her in April. The clinical placement experiences I have had working with patients in an ER and students through a college counseling center were wonderful. The support I have received from the faculty, both academically and in an advising sense, were integral to my success within the program.  These are just a couple pieces of the difference that Dr. Levy-Bell spoke about.

 As speaker for the graduating class of 2012 I want to extend my gratitude to all my peers who felt that I was a good fit for the job. It is an honor for me to represent us as a group during commencement.  I would also like to say thank you to Dr. Jori Berger-Greenstein, my academic advisor and tireless advocate for me through all the clinical things I got myself involved in while a student. She helped me stay on the most fruitful path. Ultimately, I would also like to thank all the patients and clients who allowed me into their lives in order to help them the best I could.  The learning I experienced from their willingness to stand with me in a curious space has made the most, and the biggest, difference.

 Sincerely,

 TJ Dinsmore

Class of 2012

In the near future I plan on taking the National Clinical Mental Health Counselors Exam soon after graduating, begin working, and accrue the needed clinical hours required to be licensed in Massachusetts.  While in the program I have also developed an interest in supervising other psychotherapists and look forward to developing my skills in this area. Perhaps these aspirations will come together in a few years time, perhaps it will look different, either way I’m open to it.  A good deal can happen in two years time.

We would like to acknowledge and welcome Dr. Carryl P. Navalta as the newest faculty member in the Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine Program. Dr. Navalta will teach our Theory and Practice of Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy course, as well as our Practicum Supervision course, beginning January 2012.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20th

from 10-11:30am

(Information presentation only)

Location

Evans Seminar Room E112A

RSVP to nicey@bu.edu if you would like to attend this session.

This course will explore physiological, psychological, socio-cultural aspects of human sexuality, focusing on trends in the field, including teen sexuality, pregnancy, and early sexual experiences, sexual assault, HIV/AIDS and other sexually-transmitted diseases, sex addiction, sexuality across the lifespan , and ethics.