Victoria L. Brooks, MD

Professional Summary

Since graduating from residency training, I have worked clinically in CPEP, the psychiatric emergency room at the Erie County Medical Center. As my expertise in this clinical setting grew, I earned appointments as the Assistant Director and then Medical Director of CPEP in 2014. In this role I have dedicated significant time and attention to collaborating with community providers and government representatives, including law enforcement, recognizing the importance of such networking in the provision of care in the emergency psychiatric setting.

My passion for and experience in emergency psychiatiatry inspire ongoing didactic and clnical teaching of residents, fellows, and medical students in topics and skills highlighted by and required of psychiatrists conducting assessments, making recommendations and providing treatment for individuals in crisis seeking care in the psychiatric emergency setting. As an extension, I have developed the curriculum for an Emergency Psychiatry Fellowship, recently graduated the first trainee from this program (2023), and continue to represent the Jacobs School of Medicine in national forums committed to the development of emergency psychiatry as a growing subspecialty.

Through continued practice and leadership in this field, I hope to positively influence the system of care in this community, while shaping the development of trainees for years to come.

Personal Statement

Not only do I find gardening to be a personally rewarding and therapeutic pastime, but an appreciation for nature and for the lifecycle it displays is inspiring in my work with individuals in crisis as well.

Whether related to the understanding of human behavior that comes with being a psychiatrist or because of the strategy required, I also love playing and watching baseball/softball in my free time. Participating in a team sport especially in childhood and adolescence is such a wonderful way for people to develop social skills, and healthy minds as well as bodies. I’ve lately had the opportunity to coach girls softball, fortunate to be able to combine both the passion I have for my chosen field of work, and my pastime to contribute positively to healthy human development, not just focusing on psychiatric illness as at the hospital.