Classes & Events

We will explore the scientific research underlying the safe and appropriate use of non-pharmaceutical strategies in supporting mental health, operating on the principle that effective interventions that are natural and less invasive should be considered when possible. We will also discuss broader concepts of health promotion, prevention of mental illness, and lifestyle modifications to improve mental health.

Ripal Shah, MD, MPH
Director of Integrative Mental Health
Dr. Shah specializes in reproductive psychiatry, lifestyle and integrative approaches to health, and physician wellness. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry, Obesity Medicine, Addiction Medicine, and completed a two-year fellowship in Integrative Medicine. She has additional training in clinical hypnosis and psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Susan Payrovi, MD
Director of Integrative Nutrition
Dr. Payrovi specializes in integrative and functional medicine approaches for mental and physical well-being. She is board certified in Anesthesiology, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, as well as Integrative Medicine. Dr. Payrovi is also certified in Functional Medicine and medical acupuncture.

TOPICS

• Nutritional therapies
• Dietary supplements
• Mind-body approaches
• Exercise
• Restorative sleep
• Botanicals
• Phytotherapy
• Light therapy
• Manual medicine
• Behavioral activation
• Self-tracking and data-driven treatment

^{Sessions are offered via Zoom and billed as shared medical appointment with 2 physician specialists.}

Penny Donnelly, RN, LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for infertility, third party reproduction and a mind body program.

Please join us for an informational session evening to learn how to improve your communication skills with your partner as you go through fertility treatments.

• Improved listening skills
• Symptoms of a "stressed" couple
• Differences in how men and women cope with infertility
• Tips for supporting your partner in ways that feel helpful
• Strategies for maintain a healthy relationship when going through difficult times.
• Principles of a strong relationship

For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please call Penny Donnelly RN, LMFT, at 650-723-6408 or email pdonnelly@stanfordmed.org.

Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.

We will explore the scientific research underlying the safe and appropriate use of non-pharmaceutical strategies in supporting mental health, operating on the principle that effective interventions that are natural and less invasive should be considered when possible. We will also discuss broader concepts of health promotion, prevention of mental illness, and lifestyle modifications to improve mental health.

Ripal Shah, MD, MPH
Director of Integrative Mental Health
Dr. Shah specializes in reproductive psychiatry, lifestyle and integrative approaches to health, and physician wellness. She is board certified in Adult Psychiatry, Obesity Medicine, Addiction Medicine, and completed a two-year fellowship in Integrative Medicine. She has additional training in clinical hypnosis and psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Susan Payrovi, MD
Director of Integrative Nutrition
Dr. Payrovi specializes in integrative and functional medicine approaches for mental and physical well-being. She is board certified in Anesthesiology, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, as well as Integrative Medicine. Dr. Payrovi is also certified in Functional Medicine and medical acupuncture.

TOPICS

• Nutritional therapies
• Dietary supplements
• Mind-body approaches
• Exercise
• Restorative sleep
• Botanicals
• Phytotherapy
• Light therapy
• Manual medicine
• Behavioral activation
• Self-tracking and data-driven treatment

^{Sessions are offered via Zoom and billed as shared medical appointment with 2 physician specialists.}

Join the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics for our free webinar!
We invite you to join our free live webinar of the 31st Annual Jonathan J. King Lecture.

Betty Ferrell, RN, PhD, MA, FAAN, FPCN, CHPN has been in nursing for 44 years and has focused her clinical expertise and research in pain management, quality of life, and palliative care. Dr. Ferrell is the Director of Nursing Research & Education and a Professor at the City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte, California. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and she has over 480 publications in peer-reviewed journals and texts. She is Principal Investigator of the “End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC)” project. She directs several other funded projects related to palliative care in cancer centers and QOL issues. Dr. Ferrell was Co-Chairperson of the National Consensus Project for Quality Palliative Care. Dr. Ferrell completed a Masters degree in Theology, Ethics and Culture from Claremont Graduate University in 2007. She has authored eleven books including the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing (5th Edition, 2019) published by Oxford University Press. She is co-author of the text, The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Nursing published in 2008 by Oxford University Press and Making Health Care Whole: Integrating Spirituality into Patient Care (Templeton Press, 2010). In 2013 Dr. Ferrell was named one of the 30 Visionaries in the field by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. In 2019 she was elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine.

The Jonathan J. King Lectureship was established in 1991 to encourage the compassionate and humane care of all patients. It is part of Stanford Medicine’s mission to enhance patient treatment and the art of caring.

• Characteristics of resilient people
• How to cultivate resilience
• Mindfulness and "staying present"
• Eliciting the relaxation response
• Spirituality, Health, and Coping

For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please call Penny Donnelly RN, LMFT, at 650-723-6408 or email pdonnelly@stanfordmed.org.

Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.

Couples considering pursuing 3rd party reproduction- ovum donation, sperm donation, or the use of a gestational carrier have some important decisions to make over what they will share with others, and most importantly their intended child. This lecture focuses on what the current research has shown us about disclosure and how to best go about the process to best meet the needs of your family.

For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please call Penny Donnelly RN, LMFT, at 650-723-6408.

Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.

When patients come into a therapy room, they are curious about other patient’s experience- how other patients deal with the unexpected change overload, tolerate the distress of uncertainty while questioning the usefulness of talk therapy when it does not change the reality of having cancer. The lecture will demystify what happens behind the closed door. It will examine the psychological impact and the emotional changes of moving through various stages of cancer. It will also explore how patients have created a successful blueprint to integrate management of cancer while finding a way to continue on with their lives. Guidance will be provided in identifying therapy resources and how to find a point of entry for accessing therapy support.

Registration required.

The Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program provides FREE classes, workshops, fitness classes, services, and support to all cancer patients, regardless of where they receive their care.

View more classes and events at the Stanford Cancer Supportive Care Program »

Please join us for a conversation highlighting the specific challenges people between the ages of 14 and 39 face during their cancer journey. We’ll discuss practical skills and resources in helping people meet both goals of living longer AND living better.

We’ll be joined by Drs. Sammy Winemaker and Hsien Seow, co-hosts of the Waiting Room Revolution podcast, Dr. Joshua Fronk, a Stanford palliative care physician, and Max Li, an AYA cancer patient.

Registration required.

Penny Donnelly, RN LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for infertility, third party reproduction (donor egg, donor sperm, use of gestational carrier), and weight loss. Her programs reflect genuine caring, support and guidance. We have also recently implemented a designated group for single women exploring fertility preservation or parenting.

This dedicated group is for women that are overweight and would like to focus on Health and Wellness to improve their success with fertility treatments.

For more information about our fertility programs, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please email IVFnurse@stanfordmed.org.

Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.

NOTE: Our program is currently full. We are no longer accepting applications and do not have a waiting list.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Stanford Health Care!

Students must be 18 years old, high school graduates, and available for 12 weeks (between June – August). Students are required to volunteer for 2 shifts on a weekly basis (shifts are 3-4 hours long). All requirements must be completed prior to the first day of volunteering.

Roles

Volunteers serve in four ways:

• Assisting staff in patient care areas
• Providing information and service to patients and families
• Assisting in an clerical or office environment
• Providing Community Support (for example, work and assist aging adults)

Time Commitment

The minimum is 2 shifts per week (3-4 hours per shift) for 3 months.

Volunteering with Children

Please contact the Volunteer Services Department at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital by calling 650-497-8696, or visit www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/volunteer.

How to Become a Volunteer

• Volunteer requirements will include the following:
• Orientation
• In-person interview
• Criminal background check
• On-line training modules
• Health screening (TB test / vaccines)

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Stanford Health Care!

NOTE: Our Summer program is currently full, we are no longer accepting applications and do not have a waiting list.

High school students (age 16 and over) who are interested in volunteering on a year-round basis starting in Fall 2014 should periodically check back for future updates.

Eligibility

Students must be at least 16 years old in order to begin completing the requirements. The next opportunity to begin completing requirements will be Fall 2014.

Volunteer Opportunities and Roles

Volunteer opportunities include: Gift Shop, Information/Navigation Desk areas, and administrative areas. Students are not allowed to shadow, observe, or conduct research. Students placed throughout Information Desk areas provide escort, directions, or run errands. Gift shop volunteers will be assisting customers, stocking, etc.

Time Commitment

The minimum commitment is one shift per week (2-3 hours per week) on a year-round basis starting Fall 2014.

Volunteering with Children

Please contact the Volunteer Services Department at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital by calling 650-497-8696, or visit www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/volunteer.

How to Become a Volunteer

Students must attend an orientation, interview, and training. Dates for Fall 2014 will be tentatively scheduled in August, please check back on a periodic basis.

• Attend orientation / information session
• Attend interview (in-person)
• Provide health screening (TB test / vaccines)
• Complete online training
• Submit two letters of reference

Penny Donnelly, RN, LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for infertility, third party reproduction (donor egg, donor sperm, use of gestational carrier), and weight loss. Her programs reflect genuine caring, support and guidance. We have also recently implemented a designated group for single women exploring fertility preservation or parenting.

This group is for those exploring or moving towards using donor egg, donor sperm, or using a gestational carrier. We explore the many educational, emotional, ethical, and logistical considerations. 

For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please email IVFnurse@stanfordmed.org.

Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.

Support Along the Way

Losing weight takes a strong commitment on your part, and undergoing bariatric surgery as a significant part of a weight-loss program, is a major undertaking. While it's something you can do alone, there's absolutely no reason you have to – or should. We've found that to be truly successful both in the short- and long-term, it's best to have plenty of help and support along the way. And not just from your family and friends.

The Stanford Center for Bariatric Surgery offers you the opportunity to participate in numerous meetings and support groups before and after surgery to help contribute to your successful outcome. The different groups provide a friendly forum for people who are considering or have already had weight loss surgery. We offer education about the surgery, guidelines for nutrition, exercise and emotional well-being during the preparation and recovery process. The groups also involve our patients who have gone through the procedures, or who will be soon.

Patient groups are particularly helpful as they can share their experiences and provide the encouragement and reinforcement you need to succeed in changing your lifestyle behaviors. Here is a sampling of some of the meetings and groups at your disposal. Feel free to contact us regarding any of them.

Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meetings

The Stanford Weight Loss Surgery (WLS) Support holds meetings on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., at Blake-Wilbur Conference Room. Please contact the meeting facilitator or the clinic Patient Care Coordinator for meeting specifics, confirmation of date, and location.

These meetings are facilitated by a licensed professional. Discussions includes health goals, dietary requirements, exercise expectations, psychological preparation, role of family, short and long-term challenges, pre-op and post-op phases, etc.

When: Second Wednesday of each month
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Blake Wilbur Conference Room
Administered by: A licensed professional
Contact Information: Patient Care Coordinator at 650-736-5800

Each month features a special topic, followed by a Q&A. Samples of some topics include:

• Dietary Requirements – Staying On Track - RD
• Exercise Expectations – The Other Half of Equation - OT
• Post-Operative Course – What to Expect -  MD
• Psychological Adjustment – How to Cope - MSW
• Plastic Surgery – Body Re-Modeling - MD
• Social Events – Walk for Obesity

During these meetings, if desired, you will be assigned a Bariatric Surgery "Buddy" who can help you through the process and keep you on track.

The Li Ka Shing Center for Learning and Knowledge is a new building located at the far end of the main hallway of Stanford Hospital (from the main entry, go right and walk all the way to the end—the building is on the left)

See monthly email for details on topic and room assignment. Download an informational PDF about the group.

Note: Patients who have B cepacia, MRSA, and multi-resistant organisms may not attend in person. WebEx available for video or teleconference.

The Stanford Health Care Diabetes Care Program offers a monthly webinar for adults with diabetes and their families. Each month, an educational offering is provided in an open forum where individuals can share ideas and gain information. Diabetes can be challenging as it impacts many areas of life; it is important to have support. Meet with others virtually who live with diabetes.

Featured Topics for 2023

1/12/23: Bulk Cooking Made Into Weekday Meals
Leah Groppo, MS, RD, CDCES

2/9/23: Finding Reliable Health Information Online
Jean Johnson, MLS, AHIP and
Gillian Kumagai, MLIS, AHIP

3/9/23: Alternative Low Carbohydrate Pastas and Noodles
Anna Simos, MPH, MS, CDCES, CPT

4/13/23: Diabetes: It’s All in the Family – Managing the Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Living with T1 and T2
Joseph Solowiejczyk, RN, MSW, CDE

5/11/23: Traveling with Diabetes
Nancy Shin, PharmD, CDCES

6/8/23: Medication Cost Savings
Xin Gu, PharmD

7/13/23: Not Your Regular Salads
Jessica Shipley, MS, RD, CDCES

8/10/23: Story from a Child to Adult, Working in Health Care, Division 1 Athlete
Kristi O’Connor, OT

9/10/23: Yoga and Diabetes
Tracy Taylor, RD, CDCES

10/12/23: Food Psychology
Catherine Hu, RD, CDCES

11/9/23: Diabetes Technology
Michael Blyumin, PharmD

12/14/23: The Benefits of Plant-based Proteins
Alexandra Regalado, RD

For more information about Stanford Health Care Diabetes offerings:
stanfordhealthcare.org/diabetes

The goal of the Peer to Peer Support Program is to broaden healthcare for patients and families through the unique support and understanding of peer-to-peer mentoring, to foster happier, healthier lives and reduce feelings of isolation.

Peers mentors are carefully selected, trained and supported volunteers. They help other patients and their support circle address the challenges related to a disease or medical condition.

In this program, you are linked with a mentor who shares similar health and life circumstances. Through these trusted relationships, mentors provide support in many ways:

• They listen to concerns
• They share personal experiences
• They serve as a resource for developing coping strategies
• They provide guidance in negotiating healthcare systems

Peer mentors help patients and caregivers during the difficult waiting period for a donor heart and throughout the transplant process and recovery time.

This is a quarterly informational session and support group. Families and caregivers are welcome. A continental breakfast will be served.

Session topics:

• Basics of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD): How it functions and other helpful facts.
• Support group: Living with your ICD.

This group meets every other month. Approximately 10-15 LAM patients and their families attend meetings, which usually include a guest speaker on topics of interest, as well as time to visit and ask questions.

About our Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group

Our Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group was founded in April 2004 and is coordinated by Susan Jacobs RN, MS. Meetings are held every other month. Guest speakers have addressed topics such as:

• Experimental Therapies for IPF
• Updates from International American Thoracic Society (ATS) Meetings
• The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis IPF Research Questionnaire Results
• All You Need to Know About Oxygen
• Exercise and the IPF Patient
• Quality of Life at the End of Life

Please call Susan Jacobs at 650-725-8083 to confirm date and time as they are subject to change.

Penny Donnelly, RN LMFT is the director of the support programs at Stanford's Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center. She has developed and led a number of counseling and health education programs for patients and facilitates support groups for infertility, third party reproduction (donor egg, donor sperm, use of gestational carrier), and weight loss. Her programs reflect genuine caring, support and guidance. We have also recently implemented a designated group for single women exploring fertility preservation or parenting.

This group is for women (or couples) that would like support as they negotiate the "ups and downs" of fertility treatments.  We will share strategies for improved coping including some mind/body modalities. Sharing, restructuring negative or distorted thinking patterns, improving communication skills, and learning the gift of forgiveness and resilience are some sample agendas. The spirit of this on-going and open group is to provide the attendees with a sense of optimism and emotional stability as they undergo treatments and make decisions about fertility options. 

8/12/14 Stress Reduction Strategies    

• Eliciting the Relaxation Response
• Twenty things that bring you joy
• Being "in the flow"
• Mindfulness – focusing on the present and the foundations of a mindfulness practice
• Taping into your "inner" wisdom

9/9/14 Making the Most of Your Fertility Treatments

• Lifestyle Guidelines
• Staying connected
• Life Balance
• Positive thinking and optimism
• Finding the best in your partner

For more information, please navigate to the Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. If you are interested in more personalized information about our programs, please email IVFnurse@stanfordmed.org.

Private and couples counseling also available, with NO charge for the first session.