Portia Elise West, MD

Professional Licenses, Board Certification & Other Certifications

• Board Certification in Psychiatry and Neurology – September 2020 – Present
• North Carolina State Unrestricted Medical License – 2018 – Present
• United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 3 – January 2018
• North Carolina Resident Training License – June 2016 – August 2018
• United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 2 CS – April 2015
• United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 2 CK – August 2015
• United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 – June 2013

Education

Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC

June 2012 – May 2016

Doctor of Medicine

Georgetown University, Washington, DC

August 2011 – May 2012

Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics

Georgetown University Medical Center and George Mason University, Manassas, VA

August 2010 – May 2011

Advanced Biomedical Sciences Graduate Certificate

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

August 2006 – May 2010

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Postgraduate Training

East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC

July 2016 – May 2020

Psychiatry Residency

Other Certifications

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support – 2023 – Present
• Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety – 2016 – Present
• BLS Certification – 2014 – Present

Continuing Professional Development Activities

Uniformed Services University: Center for Deployment Psychology, 377th Medical Group

August 2022

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention Training

Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

July 2021 – September 2021

Officers Training School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

January 2016 – February 2016

Honors & Awards

• Squadron Field Grade Officer of the quarter – 2022
• Air Force Medical Service Physician of the Year – 2022
• 377th Medical Group FGO of the 4th Quarter – 2022
• 377th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron FGO of the 4th Quarter – 2022
• 377th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron FGO of the 1st Quarter – 2022
• 377th Medical Group FGO of the 1st Quarter – 2022
• Resident of the Year – 2020
• The Ruth E. Moore Service Award, Class of 1955 Scholarship – 2014, 2016
• The Pioneer Award – 2013, 2016
• Air Force Health Professionals Scholarship recipient – 2014
• Robert Lee Scholarship – 2014
• The HUMAA Dr. William A. Cleland Memorial Scholarship – 2012, 2013
• Student of the Year Class of 2016 – 2013

Military Service

United States Air Force

2014 – 2024
Rank: Major
Status: Veteran (Honorable discharge)

Leadership Experience

• Assistant Program Director at East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine Psychiatry Residency Program – August 2024 – Present
• Transition to Residency Course Director at East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine Psychiatry Residency Program – August 2025 – Present
• Mental Health Officer In Charge at Kirtland Air Force Base – July 2022 – May 2024
• Competent Medical Authority for the United States Air Force – June 2020 – May 2024
• Medical Director of the Mental Health Clinic at Kirtland Air Force Base – March 2021 – May 2024
• Chief Resident – July 2019 – May 2020
• Clinic Operations Committee Member – 2017 – 2018
• Diversity and Inclusion Committee Member – 2017
• North Carolina Psychiatric Association Resident Representative – 2017 – 2018
• Class President of the Class of 2016 – August 2012 – June 2016
• Student Council Member – August 2012 – June 2016
• LCME Site Visit Representative for the Class of 2016 – 2012
• Class Liaison – June 2012 – July 2016

Clinical Experience

Assistant Program Director

August 2024 – Present

East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine Psychiatry Residency, NC

The responsibilities include the development and enhancement of the central residency didactic curriculum scheduled for Thursday afternoons. It is essential to maintain ongoing communication with the Unit Directors and the Program Director to provide updates on resident performance and educational experiences.

Additionally, the role involves co-chairing relevant task forces at the request of the Curriculum Committee and/or Program Director. Active participation in departmental faculty development activities, particularly those focused on enhancing academic skills, is also a priority. Moreover, engagement in departmental research and scholarly activities, along with participation in the Graduate Medical Education Committee, is expected to contribute to the overall advancement of the residency program.

• Educational Responsibilities include overseeing and coordinating the overall rotation curricula, which entails chairing the Curriculum Committee and conducting an annual review of all curricular elements. Additionally, the Curriculum Guide will be updated annually. Furthermore, monitoring workshop evaluations and disseminating feedback to faculty presenters is a key responsibility.
• Residency and Departmental Responsibilities involve serving as a member of various residency committees as requested by the Program Director. This entails providing ongoing communication with Unit Directors and the Program Director regarding resident performance and educational experiences, as well as co-chairing relevant task forces at the request of the Curriculum Committee and/or Program Director. Active participation as a member of the central residency team is also expected, which includes providing backup to the Program Director during recruitment season, participating in policy meetings, and cross-training for the roles of Assistant Program Director in case of absence. In addition, participation in departmental faculty development activities, particularly those focused on enhancing academic skills, is essential, along with engagement in departmental research and scholarly activities. Involvement in the Graduate Medical Education Committee is also required.
• Clinical Activities consist of practicing clinically at one of the family health centers within the residency and fulfilling inpatient clinical duties as contracted.

Clinical Associate Professor

August 2024 – Present

East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine Psychiatry Residency, NC

Combine teaching and clinical care not only to improve overall patient care but also serve as opportunities that help facilitate resident and medical student learning in the inpatient setting. Collaborate with faculty and others in the inter-disciplinary team to ensure high-quality patient care that also integrates medical education, as well as high quality feedback to residents involved in patient care.

Transition to Residency Course Director

August 2024 – Present

East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine Psychiatry Residency Program

The Transition to Residency course gives fourth-year medical students a final chance to work with the faculty and current residents at the ECU prior to starting residency. The course is designed to prepare fourth-year medical students for their residencies by teaching them the skills they may not know, refining their current skills, or giving them the space to ask questions.

377th Mental Health Clinic

July 2020 – May 2024

Kirtland Air Force Base, NM

Sole psychiatrist and Medical Director, providing clinical oversight and ensuring quality care of 11 credentialed providers for Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT), and Family Advocacy for over 9 wings, 108 mission partners, and 20K beneficiaries. Leads clinical oversight and training as a Competent Medical Authority (CMA) for the Personnel Reliability and Assurance Program ensuring Global Strike Command can uphold its mission. Additional duties include Mental Health OIC and Mental Health medication and mental health consultant for medical group leadership, Unit Commanders, and Primary Care Managers (PCMs).

• Mental Health Flight Medical Director: Provided oversight of mental health in lieu of/Medical Evaluation Board to determine retainability in Active-Duty service members. Advises non-physician flight leaders on medical protocols and needs in the flight. Served as the ADAPT Medical Director and was responsible for reviewing and monitoring lab work for members in ADAPT treatment, random drug screens, prescribing medication to assist with rehabilitation, and providing consultation to ADAPT staff regarding potential detoxification issues or referrals to Primary Care or Flight Medicine (for members on flight status) for medical conditions. Ensured effective clinic operations to include performance of MH case management, At Risk Tracer procedures, and required peer review. Oversaw and documented mental health flight orientation for all staff, including military, civilian, and contractors.
• Mental Health Officer in Charge (MHOIC): Develops, mentors, and manages enlisted and officer personnel in the Mental Health Flight. Oversees and helps coordinate Mental Health Flight in-service and recurring training. Oversees officer and enlisted evaluation, feedback, recognition process and monitors all upgrade
  training for personnel in mental health. Provides oversight for the Multidisciplinary Clinical Case Conference to help coordinate the care of high-risk patients, complex patients who are involved in multiple elements of the mental clinic and track off base mental referrals for service members. Assist in training for specialty evaluations. In addition, provides education and assist unit commanders in completing specialty evaluations to include Command Directed Evaluations, Sanity Boards, etc.
• Disaster Mental Health Team Member/Lead: Provided services (psychological first aid) for individuals who either directly witnessed or were involved in an all-hazard incident (An all-hazard incident is any incident, natural or manmade, serious enough to warrant action to protect the life, property, health, and safety of military members, dependents, and civilians at risk, and minimize any disruptions of installation operations). Established standard operating procedures that include team composition, an assessment of local resources, high-vulnerability groups, and a response plan for team activation.

Electronic Health Records Experience

MHS Genesis

The Department of Defense’s new EHR for the military that supports the provision and coordination of care of 9.5 million beneficiaries worldwide

Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA)

A major component of the military’s EHR, used primarily for outpatient clinical information system

Epic Systems

One of the largest providers of health information technology, used primarily by large U.S. hospitals and health systems

Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS)

A Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) computer application

eNotes

An EHR developed specifically for Mental & Behavioral Health

Titanium

The leading EMR software for college counseling

Education – Formal Teaching

Behavioral Health Technician Training

June 2020 – May 2024

377th Medical Group at Kirtland Air Force Base

Trained and developed mental health technicians’ knowledge in understanding and utilizing the DSM-5, conducting psychiatric interviews, and understanding/interpreting labs used for treatment and motivational interviewing for the Alcohol Drug Assistance Program labs.

M1 Behavioral Science and M2 Basic Psychiatry Group Leader

January 2018 – June 2020

Brody School of Medicine

Assisted in leading small group sessions. Developed medical students’ basic clinical psychiatric knowledge and skills to facilitate effective outcomes through increased understanding of the nature of psychiatric illness, early and accurate detection of psychiatric disorders in patients, and enhanced awareness of treatment options.

MEDSTAR Tutor for SDSP

May 2013 – July 2013

Howard University College of Medicine

Taught Structure and Functions 2: Neurology course to 1st year students. Assisted in planning and coordinating quizzes.
Developed study guides and promoted group work and student learning.

Teacher and Student Guide for the Math and Science Education Network Summer Enrichment Program

September 2006 – May 2010

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Taught middle and high school science classes.
Assisted teachers in Saturday Academy, where middle and high school students take advance courses and prepare for applying to college.
Assisted in planning, monitoring, and coordination Science Decathlons.

Education – Lecturships, Seminar Invitations, Panels and Visiting Professorships

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Medical Students

1. DiversiFYI Panel for Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University 3rd year medical students – December 6, 2024
2. Elective Advising and ERAS Application Advising Sessions for Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University 3rd and 4th year medical students – November 4, 2024 and November 18, 2024
3. Psychiatric Emergencies for Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University 3rd year medical students – October 28, 2024
4. Life After Residency Lecture for Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Psychiatry Residents – September 22, 2022

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Residents

1. Military Medicine Lecture for Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Psychiatry Residents – March 20, 2025
2. Major Depressive Disorder in the Palliative Care Setting, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Palliative Care Fellows – March 5, 2024
3. Disaster Psychiatry Lecture for Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Psychiatry Residents – November 21, 2024
4. Military Medicine Lecture for Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Psychiatry Residents – February 16, 2023
5. Life After Residency Lecture for Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Psychiatry Residents – September 22, 2022

377th Medical Group at Kirtland Air Force Base Health Professionals

1. “Is it Burnout?” Lecture for Healthcare Professionals across different specialties and disciplines – July 26, 2023
2. Borderline Personality Disorder Lecture for 377th Mental Health Clinic Behavioral Health Technicians – May 18, 2021

Grand Rounds

Major Depressive Disorder in the Family Medicine Setting, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Family Medicine Program – December 19, 2024

Research Experience

Undergraduate Research Assistant

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Researched the effects Pharmaceuticals on memory reconsolidation of cocaine-seeking behavior and completed an independent research project. Assisted in editing grants and papers for publication. Made catheters and assisted with catheter placement. Assisted in editing research papers and grants. Performed stereotactic surgery, suture placement, and suture removal.

Posters & Presentations

• Is it Psychosis: An In-depth Cook into Child and Adolescent Psychosis, Vidant Medical Center Children’s Services Conference, August 2019
• Is it Psychosis: An In-depth Cook into Child and Adolescent Psychosis, Vidant Medical Center Grand Rounds, March 2019
• Improving Resident Wellness Resources, Vidant Medical Center GME Research Day, May 2018
• Exploring Stigmas of Healthcare Professionals Against HIV Patients, Howard University Medicine and Society Poster Day, March 2009

Professional Organizations

• American Psychiatric Association, Member – 2016 – Present
• North Carolina Psychiatric Association – 2018 – 2020

Civic Activities

• 377th Mental Health Clinic Moral Officer – 2021-present
  Championed 6 morale events within the mental health flight that promoted and improved camaraderie, physical fitness, and mental well-being of 22 staff members.
• Wing Airmen’s Council – 2022
  Targeted stigmas serving as a mentor at the Wing Airmen’s Council to develop training on coping skills and mental wellness that honed the resiliency for 1.4K junior enlisted members.
• Air Force Cadet Officer Association – 2022
  Provided mentorship training for 64 junior officers in military medicine, the Health Professions Scholarship Program, and Mental Health Professions in the military.
• Air Force Assistance Fund – 2021
  Served as team lead to secure donations for the Air Force Assistance Fund to help Kirtland Air Force Base reach their $23K goal. The Air Force Assistance Fund provides donations to charities that provide support to our Air Force family in need (active duty, retirees, reservists, guard and our dependents, including surviving spouses). The four charities provide support in an emergency, with educational needs, or help to secure a retirement home for widows or widowers of our Air Force members in need of financial assistance.
• Psychademic Newsletter – 2017-2020
  A monthly newsletter organized, edited, and written by residents at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine.
• Brody Rise Saturday Academy Program – 2019
  Provided education regarding mental health stigma, stress, and the HPA Axis to 6th-8th grade students. The program provides academic enrichment and health care exposure to learners from diverse backgrounds.
• Hope for Trenton – 2018
  Provided education, psychological support, and hope to members of a local community affected by Hurricane Florance.

Interests

• Boxing
• Watching movie
• African Dance
• K-Pop
• Cooking and Baking
• Reading
• Basketball