![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mist on April 21, 2002, at 20:45:46
Dr. Bob, I'm curious to know the answer to these questions if you don't mind answering them:
1. What motivated you to become a psychiatrist?
2. Do you believe psychotherapy and cognitive therapy have any value in treating depression?
Thank you,
mist
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 21, 2002, at 23:33:46
In reply to Dr. Bob, questions for you., posted by mist on April 21, 2002, at 20:45:46
> 1. What motivated you to become a psychiatrist?
>
> 2. Do you believe psychotherapy and cognitive therapy have any value in treating depression?Sorry, but I'd like to try to stick to my administrative role here. But I'd be curious why you asked...
Bob
Posted by mist on April 22, 2002, at 0:37:52
In reply to Re: questions for you., posted by Dr. Bob on April 21, 2002, at 23:33:46
> > 1. What motivated you to become a psychiatrist?
> >
> > 2. Do you believe psychotherapy and cognitive therapy have any value in treating depression?
>
> Sorry, but I'd like to try to stick to my administrative role here. But I'd be curious why you asked...Question number one I asked because you seem different than most psychiatrists I've known or heard of. I think mainly because of starting and running this board—you seem very cyber-oriented and possibly less traditional because of that. You also sound very young at times (not that I was asking your age). So it's really just curiosity.
Question number two I asked because I wanted your opinion. And also, there have been disputes among posters on this site about nature vs. nurture as causes of depression and other mental illness, meds vs. psychotherapy as treatment, etc. In fact many of the most heated arguments I remember center around these issues. So I was curious what you thought.
I also wish sometimes more professionals would post (as such). You have some on the meds board but I at times would like to ask more general questions (such as from psychologists). In fact, I've thought it might be a good idea to have a board here that was a cross between online group therapy and a support group, with a therapist facilitating it.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 22, 2002, at 1:13:40
In reply to Re: questions for you., posted by mist on April 22, 2002, at 0:37:52
> Question number one I asked because you seem different than most psychiatrists I've known or heard of. I think mainly because of starting and running this board—you seem very cyber-oriented and possibly less traditional because of that. You also sound very young at times (not that I was asking your age). So it's really just curiosity.
Maybe I am kind of different, but psychiatrists are getting more cyber-oriented every day...
Really, I *sound* very young sometimes? Can you give me an example? :-)
> Question number two I asked because I wanted your opinion. And also, there have been disputes among posters on this site about nature vs. nurture as causes of depression and other mental illness, meds vs. psychotherapy as treatment, etc. In fact many of the most heated arguments I remember center around these issues. So I was curious what you thought.
I hope you'll understand if I don't jump into any more heated arguments right now. :-)
> I also wish sometimes more professionals would post (as such). You have some on the meds board but I at times would like to ask more general questions (such as from psychologists).
Hmm, there's an idea...
> In fact, I've thought it might be a good idea to have a board here that was a cross between online group therapy and a support group, with a therapist facilitating it.
That can get complicated, practicing therapy online...
Bob
Posted by Fi on April 22, 2002, at 6:28:00
In reply to Dr. Bob, questions for you., posted by mist on April 21, 2002, at 20:45:46
I'm no Dr Bob, but just to check you know there are sources of info out there with research findings eg PubMed (http://www.pubmed.gov).
And ones summarising it eg the Blue Pages at http://bluepages.anu.edu.au/ are good (look at the treatment bit, then select the therapy you are interested in) There will be other sites, of course.
I sometimes think it would be nice if Dr Bob went beyond his facilitating role, but also realise he prefers to stick to it!
Confession: I am a health information professional (OK, a sort of medical librarian, but I hate that label- I dont wear a beige cardigan and go 'shhh'..!)
Fi
Posted by LiLi80 on April 22, 2002, at 9:21:14
In reply to Re: questions for you., posted by Dr. Bob on April 22, 2002, at 1:13:40
I agree with mist. Dr. Bob you are very cyber oriented, you have no idea how difficult it is to explain Instant Messanger to 50-something yr old pdocs. I got my therapist to know the ins and outs, but its complicated to explain when a person rarely uses a computer. And since I am a college student who is hooked on IM, its nice to know that some pdocs know how to use a computer.
lili :)
Posted by mist on April 22, 2002, at 14:21:24
In reply to Re: questions for you., posted by Dr. Bob on April 22, 2002, at 1:13:40
> Really, I *sound* very young sometimes? Can you give me an example? :-)
One thing is what Lili has pointed out. My impression is that younger people overall tend to be more comfortable with and interested in using computers—even those in professions where it hasn't been necessary to know a lot about that kind of technology.
By *sound* I meant the impression of you I got from your posts versus how you look. You look young, too, of course, but it's sometimes hard to tell a person's age from photographs.
> I hope you'll understand if I don't jump into any more heated arguments right now. :-)
he-he
> > In fact, I've thought it might be a good idea to have a board here that was a cross between online group therapy and a support group, with a therapist facilitating it.
>
> That can get complicated, practicing therapy online...maybe it wouldn't have to be officially therapy, but a more structured support group. not to replace the current boards but in addition to them.
Posted by mist on April 22, 2002, at 14:25:09
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, questions for you. » mist, posted by Fi on April 22, 2002, at 6:28:00
Your job sounds interesting and I'm sure you'd never wear a beige cardigan. :)
Posted by Zo on April 22, 2002, at 16:36:45
In reply to Re: questions for you., posted by Dr. Bob on April 22, 2002, at 1:13:40
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 22, 2002, at 17:37:56
In reply to Well, which IS it? Nature or Nurture? (nm) » Dr. Bob, posted by Zo on April 22, 2002, at 16:36:45
Posted by CtrlAlt n Del on April 23, 2002, at 0:23:13
In reply to Re: questions for you. » Dr. Bob, posted by mist on April 22, 2002, at 14:21:24
You look young, too, of course, but it's sometimes hard to tell a person's age from photographs.On a good day 35
On a bad day 49
Posted by Zo on April 23, 2002, at 3:15:55
In reply to Re: questions for you., posted by CtrlAlt n Del on April 23, 2002, at 0:23:13
Posted by mist on April 23, 2002, at 9:46:32
In reply to Re: it depends :-) (nm), posted by Dr. Bob on April 22, 2002, at 17:37:56
It does depend, doesn't it? Especially with depression. That's what I thought. Thank you.
Posted by fi on April 23, 2002, at 16:53:04
In reply to Thank you for the links. » Fi, posted by mist on April 22, 2002, at 14:25:09
Posted by medlib on April 23, 2002, at 18:49:49
In reply to Re: Dr. Bob, questions for you. » mist, posted by Fi on April 22, 2002, at 6:28:00
Okay, which is it, "Fi" or "fi"? Or does it depend on your mood? How did you find PB? I ask because we share an occupation, apparently. (As sharp as med librarians are, you probably discerned that already from my rather literal "handle.") And, if you don't mind, what is "sort of", specifically?
Until my latest depressive downturn made employment impossible, I worked in an academic med library, specializing in electronic reference. I did a bit of everything, though--from writing "cheat sheet how-tos" to web pages, from teaching searching and web site evaluation to running comprehensive searches for faculty (and then trying to dissuade said faculty from ordering all 300 references through ILL). Now I volunteer when I can, teaching Internet classes at public libraries; most of my students are seniors, many of whom are sharper and more grateful than my former patrons. (I think that the fact that I'm such an abysmal typist reassures them, somehow.)
You're not from the US, are you? What type of educational preparation did you need? Here in the US, "librarian" has the distinction of being the occupation which requires the most education for the least amount of money (and respect).
Please excuse my nosiness and feel free to answer any or none of the queries above. Best regards---medlib
Posted by Fi on April 24, 2002, at 15:52:16
In reply to Hi Fi! » Fi, posted by medlib on April 23, 2002, at 18:49:49
Hiya! I would be happy to answer all your questions, but am a bit cautious in this particular setting as if I did it would be patently obvious to anyone who knows me who might come across PB who I was. Which is a bit of a thought!
> Okay, which is it, "Fi" or "fi"? Or does it depend on your mood?
I hadnt actually noticed I vary on this- its a nickname so doesnt somehow matter the same..> How did you find PB?
I was at a telemedicine conference where Dr Bob did a talk.>(As sharp as med librarians are, you probably discerned that already from my rather literal "handle.")
I hadnt actually! Peoples names here do vary such a lot- and unpredictable. Someone asked me if mine was chosen as I lived in Finland (I dont)!>And, if you don't mind, what is "sort of"
I dont work in a traditional main stream setting. And I'm uneasy with the job title 'librarian' and happier with 'information professional'.
> Until my latest depressive downturn made employment impossible, I worked in an academic med library,
ah- you were a 'proper' librarian! Sorry to hear that you've not been able to work. I have been lucky that the one episode I had in this job they let me work short hours for a while, and not do public enquiry work.> specializing in electronic reference.
Do a load of that, particularly with PubMed but also with lots of other sources.>I did a bit of everything, though--from writing "cheat sheet how-tos" to web pages, from teaching searching and web site evaluation to running comprehensive searches for faculty (and then trying to dissuade said faculty from ordering all 300 references through ILL).
I actually do all of that too, apart from the last bit!> Now I volunteer when I can, teaching Internet classes at public libraries; most of my students are seniors, many of whom are sharper and more grateful than my former patrons.
That sounds great that you are sharing your skills. I am not in the least surprised they are more appreciative- I did a teaching session yesterday with some medics and its definitely a tough job!
>(I think that the fact that I'm such an abysmal typist reassures them, somehow.)
I expect it does- shows you are a real human being and not such a huge gulf as they may fear. I find there are only a few things people need to know to use the internet in general (unlike some e resources), but its getting past the initial lack of confidence people have. Have you heard of 'hunt and peck' typing? Its a very good description of that non-expert level of typing- having to scan the keyboard to look for the right key, then typing it before another hunt..> You're not from the US, are you?
Nope, tho *very* appreciative of the resources that you and your fellow taxpayers provide on the internet which the rest of us can use. We're not up to the same level, tho there are some research resources our taxes pay for which you *might* find handy (eg OMNI, a quality checked subject gateway, including patient and professional sites at http://omni.ac.uk ) Let me know if you are interested in other ones- I'll have a look at work.> What type of educational preparation did you need?
I have an MSc, having done an initial degree in something else. Sorry- not sure how that translates; its a masters degree?>Here in the US, "librarian" has the distinction of being the occupation which requires the most education for the least amount of money (and respect).
Sounds familiar!! Much the same here. Pitiful wages in some settings. People who get more into the IT aspect of things sometimes then get IT type salaries, and bullish assertiveness that goes with that!Nice to have an echat with a fellow LIS prof!
Have *you* found the urge to rush off and find sites/references for fellow PBabblers? I havent really, but have occassionally! Its an occupational hazard to be helpful..
Fi
Posted by Fi on April 25, 2002, at 12:19:13
In reply to Re: Hi Fi! » medlib, posted by Fi on April 24, 2002, at 15:52:16
Realised my last message was very non-administrative! Have a couple of websites you *might* find interesting- will post message in PSB.
Fi
This is the end of the thread.
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