Interviewed by John Boscardin over Zoom.

About Theodore’s Role/Ongoing Projects
Theodore utilizes language analysis to pinpoint indicators of positive change in individuals dealing with substance use disorders and PTSD. As a part of a collaborative team, he contributes to the development of an innovative language coding system specifically designed for PTSD, complementing existing protocols for substance use treatment. By examining various therapist and patient statements, Theodore aims to uncover insights that can enhance the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments for substance use and PTSD. The project also focuses on quality improvement in outpatient mental health community care referrals. Its primary goal is to identify the most critical areas of need in mental health, providing valuable insights for the allocation of personnel and resources. Theodore is excited about the opportunity to analyze data and offer key information to leadership, contributing to informed decision-making. Ultimately, these efforts align with the broader VA priority of ensuring the highest possible quality of care for Veterans.

Theodore’s favorite part of his job is the breadth of support from peers, VAQS faculty, and mentors across multiple disciplines. The Geriatrics Work in Progress (WIP) has proven to be a valuable resource for him. He enjoys the opportunity to discover and learn from the diverse approaches his colleagues employ to tackle similar challenges, drawing on their varied backgrounds and training.

What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
Theodore's goal is to complete remaining licensure requirements necessary for independent practice as a Psychologist in California.

More about Theodore
What’s one “fun fact” about you that not many people know? (e.g., hidden talent)
Theodore recently finished the entire Star Wars canon (more than 150 hours) in timeline order.

What are you happiest doing in your free time?
Theodore is the happiest when spending time with his wife and cooking.

What is the best advice you've ever heard?
“Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don't.”

Who is someone you admire, and why?
Theodore holds great admiration for his grandmother because of her ability to manage adversity with grace.

What are some causes you care about?
Theodore is passionate about helping Veterans obtain access to benefits and services (e.g., the GI Bill).

What would your back-up career be?
Theodore would be a helicopter tour pilot!

Interviewed by Theodore Fetterling over Zoom.

About John’s Role/Ongoing Projects
John is engaged in the development of prognostic models for health outcomes in older adults, utilizing various extensive secondary data sources. His work operates at the intersection of traditional statistical modeling and cutting-edge machine learning approaches. The primary objective of this project is to enable personalized healthcare and precision medicine for older adults, aiming to match the right treatment with the right individual.

John’s favorite aspect of his role is getting to work with so many amazing people.

What is a professional goal you would like to accomplish by the end of this year?
John's professional goal is to write more papers.

More about John
What’s one “fun fact” about you that not many people know? (e.g., hidden talent)
John had a traditional biostatistics faculty appointment at UCLA for 10 years before arriving at UCSF. He is much happier being embedded in the scientific community at UCSF!

What are you happiest doing in your free time?
John is the happiest when spending time with his family and his dog. He also enjoys going on runs.

What is the best advice you've ever heard?
“You don't really learn something well until you have to teach it to others.”

Who is someone you admire, and why?
John holds great admiration for the group of statisticians in the laboratory. They are the most awesome and talented collection of individuals!

What are some causes you care about?
John is passionate about the preservation of natural spaces, with a particular focus on the East Bay Regional Parks District.

What would your back-up career be?
John would be a park ranger!