Wieland_CV_7-27-2016

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MELISSA E. WIELAND, PHD, MPH
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15202
melissawieland@comcast.net  412.592.6518
Curriculum Vitae
Accomplished professional with comprehensive experience steering all facets of research projects,
includingcollecting, tracking, analyzing, and reporting on both qualitative and quantitative data used in
a variety of trials and studies. Hands-on clinical performance in both clinical and community settings.
Broad knowledge and application of data systems and statistical software programs. Astute leader with
demonstrated skillsin supervising, supporting, and mentoring junior staff members and taking the lead
on projects.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
PhD in Psychiatric Epidemiology, 2004 –Universityof Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public
Health, Pittsburg, PA
MPH in Community Health Services 1989 – Universityof Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public
Health, Pittsburg, PA
BA in Medical Anthropology, 1986 – Pennsylvania State University, University Park
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, Pittsburgh, PA
Research Health Specialist, July 2012 to February2016
Coordinated project for NIH funded randomized controlled trial “Brief Intervention for Hospitalized
Veterans” with key responsibilities consisting of controlling trial, amending protocol, designing
measures for collection and evaluation of data, managing development of data management system,
and training study team.
 Oversaw dailyactivitiesof trial and supervised studyteam.
 Designed and conducted qualitative interviewswith Veteransand VA staff.
 Performed qualitative data analysis(grounded theory, content analysis).
 Performed quantitative data analysis (SAS statistical software).
 Trained in Brief Intervention (BI) techniques
 Ensured compliance with governingregulationsand VeteransAffairs Institutional Review
Board (IRB).
 Served on Implementation Team for newly-adopted Joint Commission Measures.
 Interviewed keyparticipantsto determine facilitatorsand barriersto implementation.
 Drafted complex implementation plan consistingof multiple healthcare disciplines.
 Designed document templatesfor electronicmedical record.
 Created and adhered to program evaluation plan.
 Established and maintained solid working relationshipswith multi-disciplined
stakeholders.

MELISSA WIELAND, PHD, MPH – Page 2 of 7
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UNIVERSITYOF PITTSBURGH MEDICAL CENTER – WESTERN PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTEAND
CLINIC –WOMEN’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, Pittsburgh, PA
Senior Program Coordinator, November 2011 to June 2012
Applied excellent research capabilities in coordinating and managing research protocols, while
maintaining an organized framework for implementation of protocols.
 Supervised activitiesassociated with program’sadministrative and research functions.
 Organized and executed daily operations of studies, includingsupervision of studyteam and
coordination of reliabilitytrainingrelated toclinical dutiesamong staff.
 Carried out protocol-based subject assessments.
 Interfaced with data managersto ensure completion of data collection.
 Compiled reports outliningrecruitment, attrition, and adverse activitiesfor review by
regulatoryand compliance committees.
 Submitted renewalsand modificationsof studyprotocols to the Universityof Pittsburgh
IRB.
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, Pittsburgh, PA
Research Associate, July 2010 to 11/2011
Rendered guidance and consultation on research methodology for proposals under development at
the Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC).
 Put together and oversaw random clinical trial encompassinga Web-based intervention to
assist OEF/OIF Veterans with symptoms of TraumaticBrain Injuries and their families.
 Administered tostudyparticipants a batteryof neurocognitive and psychiatricassessments
consisting of WAISIV, TrailsA&B, Hopkins Verbal LearningTest, Grooved Peg Board, N-
back, Boston NamingTest, STROOP, California Verbal LearningTest, Wisconsin Card Sorting
Test, and others.
 Employed Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) to diagnose participants.
CLINIC, Pittsburgh, PA
Senior Research Principal, November 2011 to June 2012
Managed the day-to-day activities associated with various projects and initiatives performed at
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.
 Project #1: Acted as Project Coordinator and Statistician in assessingRoter Interaction
AnalysisSystem as a useful tool for communicationsresearch in Psychiatry.
 Designed data management trackingsystem.
 Maintained approval of Universityof Pittsburgh IRB and prepared progressreports
required byNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
 Recruited, administered quantitative assessments, and conducted qualitative
interviewswith study participants.
 Analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data; developed results for presentation.
 Created and led secondary studyto outline the level to which psychiatristsinclude
patients’psychosocial functioning as part of the clinical evaluation duringmedication
management appointments
 Co-authored three published papers reportingresultsof study findings.

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 Project #2: Participated asProject Coordinator and Statistician in researchingtechniquesto
improve psychiatrist communicationsto reduce service disparities.
 Created data management and trackingsystem, as well as various forms to enhance
tracking and management of data.
 Initiated upgradestostudy design to heighten success of collected data.
 Recruited, interviewed, and managed follow up with all studyparticipants.
 Maintained approval of IRB and prepared progressreportsrequired byNational
Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
 Project #3: Performed assessment of race and age disparitiesin primarycare depression
evaluation study.
 Prepared and analyzed data.
 Compiled a separate report of findings from each of the eight participatingagencies, all
of which were membersof a community-based participatorypartnership.
 Presented findingsand proposed qualityimprovementstokey personnel at each clinic.
 Authored published manuscriptsfor publication.
YALEUNIVERSITY – DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY– PROGRAMFOR RECOVERY AND
COMMUNITY HEALTH, New Haven, CT
Associate Research Scientist, August 2005 to September 2007
Collaborated with senior researcher to plan, launch, and orchestrate complete investigative studies
to inform the development and implementation of recovery support and community health services
for psychiatric patients. Supervised research personnel in executing research for Department of
Psychiatry, Program for Recovery and Community Health initiatives used in reporting to senior
government decision makers. Organized projects and prepared research proposal assistance.
Trained and practiced in phenomenological interviewing and data analysis.
 Project #1: Served as Project Director in the development of Recovery Guide Intervention
for the Recurrent PsychiatricHospitalization Users.
 Designed case-control clinical trial for peer services.
 Established criteria and instrumentsnecessaryto evaluate and develop fidelity
standardsof intervention.
 Recruited, hired, and trained recovery guidesin specific areassuch as recovery
principles,communityresources, elementsof direct care, and appreciative inquiry
model to engage stakeholdersin self-determined change.
 Held weekly team and individual meetingstosupervise recovery mentors.
 Oversaw all aspects of study management, including Yale University IRB regulations and
data management.
 Recruited and randomized all studyparticipants to one of two conditions.
 Performed qualitative and quantitative assessmentsfrom each group.
 Co-authored published manuscriptsdetailingfindingsof study.
 Project #2: Project Manager for the Qualitative Studyof High Users of Health Servicesin an
Urban PrimaryCare Center study.
 Steered complete qualitative longitudinal studyencompassingdata management, IRB
requirements,and participant tracking.

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 Administered phenomenological interviewswith studyparticipantstogather each
individual’sperception; analyzed data to identify themesand prepared narrative
summariesof interviews.
 Developed continuityof care measurement leveraged in follow-up study.
 Co-authored four published papers.
 Project #3: Connecticut Mental Health Transformation Grant.
 Led development and launch of Connecticut CitizensSurvey, a random telephone survey
in which residentsof Connecticut respond to questionsrelated to the experience of
mental health symptoms and information/opinions about their experience of existing
mental health services.
 Employed SAS statistical software to analyze surveydata and compiled report of
findingsto be used by the State of Connecticut for policy and planning.
 Project #4: Citizenship Project Intervention.
 Formulated data for analysisand performed statistical analysisusing SASstatistical
software.
 Co-authored published manuscript of results.
UNIVERSITYOF PITTSBURGH EPIDEMIOLOGYDATA CENTER, Pittsburgh, PA
Research Specialist V, April 2003 to July 2005
Graduate Student Researcher, September 1999 toApril 2003
Performed statistical analysis of data collected from University of Pittsburgh Brain Trauma Center
for both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Utilized SAS software to conduct statistical analysis
of both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.
 Created data entrysystems to minimize error and increase qualityof data; monitored data
collection to ensure accuracy.
 Collaborated with team to ensure data collection was completed in a timelymanner.
Clinician Evaluator – Diagnostic Evaluation Center, September 1999 to April 2003
Conducted comprehensive assessments during intake in a high-volume psychiatric emergency
center. Performed thorough evaluations to obtain social, psychiatric, medical, and current crisis
history from patients in order to inform treatment decisions.
 Administered psychiatrictreatment on an as-needed basis.
 Analyzed results; created plansand offered recommendationson arrangementsfor best
level of care for each patient.
 Demonstrated abilityto make sound decisions duringtense situationsin an effort to calm
and comfort patientsin distress.
Research Associate – Optimization for ECT Study, December 2000 to May/2003
Transitioned case management skills into research based role in order to provide support to
psychiatric research processes to boost knowledge base and improve patient services. Participated

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in neuropsychiatric testing on patients enrolled in study to measure psychological function known
to be linked to treatment-resistant depression.
 Reviewed chartsto determine studyeligibilityof candidates; recruited patientsfrom in-
patient unit.
 Conducted longitudinal neurocognitive assessmentswith participating patients.
 Assumed role of Project Coordinator during their absence.
Supervisor – Intensive Case Management Program, October 1994 to September 1999
Promoted to senior level role in recognition for excellent leadership talents and subject matter
expertise in combined areas of psychiatric care and case management administrative processes.
Directed day-to-day operation of program designed to provide assistance to persons with serious
and persistent mental illnessin a varietyof ways to gain access to needed resources such as medical,
social, educational, and other services through natural supports, community resources and
specialized mental health treatment, rehabilitation and support services.
 Established ForensicSpecialist Case Management Team tasked with advocating for clients
involved at all phasesof criminal justice system from diversion to release planning.
 Partnered and fostered solid working relationshipswith personnel at the County Diversion
Program, publicdefender/district attorney/probation offices, and correctional facilities.
 Recruited, hired, and trained all case management staffon personal team; monitored
performance, and maintained open-door policy.
 Prioritized referrals,assessed level of care needed, and assigned cases to appropriate case
managers.
 Devised and instituted consumer satisfaction to measure performance and identifyareasin
need of enhancement.
 Support Adult CommunityCrisis Team by providing on-call services on a rotation basis.
Intensive Case Manager, June 1993 to October 1994
Leveraged comprehensive expertise in psychiatry and administrative management to provide
regulatorycompliant case management servicesto enhance client access to community services and
healthcare services. Promoted recovery and community integration by managing day-to-day
activities associated with a heavy caseload of 15 to 20 seriously mentally ill individuals.
 Provided high level of support to consumers as they transitioned from long-term staysin
state hospital and correctional facilitiesto communityliving.
 Served as an advocate for and coordinated use of mental health, D&A, and medical
treatment, aswell as housing, benefits, and legal services.
 Pin pointed and referred consumersto community activitiesthat met their interests.
 Took part in on-call services to addresscommunity crisissituations on a rotation basis.
 Advanced to supervisory role based on performance and desire to advance in career.
* * * * * * * * *

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Earlier roles included:
Senior Research Associate – Center for Medical Ethics
COMMUNITY HUMAN SERVICES CORPORATION, Pittsburgh, PA
Coordinator – Mental Health Homeless Outreach Program
COMMUNITY HUMAN SERVICES CORPORATION, Pittsburgh, PA
Mental Health Homeless Outreach Counselor
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
 FogartyG, Wieland ME (2005). Weak Ties and Schizophrenia: Promise and Problems.
Psychiatry, 68(3); 230-235.
 Wieland ME, Rosenstock J, Ganguli M, Kelsey SF, Wisniewski SR. (2007). Distal Support and
CommunityLivingAmong IndividualsDiagnosed with Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective
Disorder. Psychiatry, 70(1); 1-11.
 Wieland ME “Distal Support and CommunityLiving” poster presented at the UPENN
Collaborative National State of the Knowledge Conference, September 2006
 Davidson L, Wieland M, Flanagan E, Sells D. Using Qualitative Methods in Clinical Research. In
D. McKay (Ed.), Handbook of Research Methods in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology. Thousand
Oaks, CA: Sage. 2007.
 Rowe M, BellamyC, BaranowskiM, Wieland M, O’Connell M, Benedict P, Davidson L, Buchanan J,
& SellsD (2007)A Peer-Support, Group Intervention to Reduce Substance Use and Criminality
Among Persons with Severe Mental Illness. Psychiatric Services, 58(7); 955-961.
 Wieland ME., Schmitte T. The Citizens Survey: Report to the Commonwealth of Connecticut,
2007.
 Brown C, Dobransky-Fasiska D, Robinson M, Cruz M, Wieland M, RNDC-CommunityPartners,
Reynolds III CF. Process of DevelopingResearch CommunityPartnershipsto Reduce Depression.
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies(ABCT) Symposium 42nd Annual Convention
November 13 – 16, 2008.
 Wieland M, Dobransky-Fasiska D. CommunityHealthcare AccessAnalysis: ReducingHealth
Disparitiesin Co-morbid Conditions of Diabetes, Hypertension, and Depression in Underserved
Populations.Presented to the InterdisciplinaryQualitative Research Group, School of Nursing,
Universityof Pittsburgh, April 4, 2008.
 Wieland ME, Dobransky-Fasiska D, Brown C, University of Pittsburgh RNDC Community
Partners,ReynoldsCF. Poster Presentation: A Community-Based ParticipatoryResearch
Partnership leadingtothe Design and Implementation ofa Front-line Worker TrainingProgram.
NIH Summit, National Harbor, MD, December 2008.
 SellsD, Sledge WH, Wieland M, Walden D, Flanagan E, Miller R, & Davidson L.
 (2009). Cascadingcrises, resilience and social support within the onset and development of
multiple chronicconditions. Chronic Illness,5; 92–102.

 Davidson, L, RidgwayP, Wieland M, O’Connell M (2009). A CapabilitiesApproach toMental Health
Transformation: A Conceptual Frameworkfor the Recovery Era. Canadian Journal of Community
Mental Health, 28 (2); 35-46.
 Schmutte T, O’Connell M, Wieland M, LawlessM, Davidson L (2009) Stemmingthe tide of suicide in
older white men: a call to action. American Journal of Men’s Health 3(3), 189-200.
 Sledge W H, Wieland M, Sells D, Walden D, HolmbergC, Lin Z, Davidson L (2011). Qualitative Study
of High-Cost Patientsin an Urban Primary Care Centre. Chronic Illness,7(2) 107-119.
 Dobransky-Fasiska, Deborah Ph.D.; Brown, Charlotte Ph.D.; Pincus, Harold A. M.D.; Nowalk, Mary
P. Ph.D., R.D.; Wieland, Melissa Ph.D.; Parker, Lisa S. Ph.D.; Cruz, Mario M.D.; McMurray, Michelle
L. M.S.W.; Mulsant, Benoit M.D.; Reynolds, CharlesF. III M.D.; RNDC-CommunityPartners(2009)
Developing a Community-AcademicPartnership toImprove Recognition and Treatment of
Depression in Underserved African American and White Elders. American Journal of Geriatric
Psychiatry, 17(11): 953-964.
 Cruz M, Wieland M. Influence of Psychiatrist Talk in Med Checks on Patient Satisfaction and
Appointment Adherence. Poster accepted for presentation at the International Conference on
Communication in Healthcare. Miami, FL, October 2009.
 Cruz M, Roter D, Cruz RF, Wieland M, Cooper LA, Larson S, Pincus HA (2011). Psychiatrist-Patient
Verbal and Nonverbal CommunicationsDuringSplit-Treatment Appointments. PsychiatricServices
62(11), 1361-1368.
 CastilloE, PincusHA, Wieland M, et.al.(2012)Communication Profiles of Psychiatric Residents
and AttendingPhysiciansin Medication-Management Appointments: A Quantitative Pilot Study.
AcademicPsychiatry36:2
 Cruz M, Roter D, Cruz R, Wieland ME, et.al (2013) Appointment Length, Psychiatrists'
Communication Behaviors,and Medication Management Appointment Adherence. Psychiatric
Services 64(9)
 Broyles LM, Wieland ME, Confer AL, et. Al (2015) Alcohol brief intervention for hospitalized
veteranswith hazardous drinking: protocol for a 3-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial.
Addiction Science & Clinical Practice 10(1):13

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