Veritas Collaborative’s Erikka Dzirasa, MD, MPH, Earns Board Certification
Veritas Collaborative is proud to announce that the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) certified Erikka Dzirasa, MD, MPH, Veritas’ Associate Medical Director of Psychiatry, as a Diplomate in Psychiatry.
Those seeking the ABPN Board Certification must complete an application and examination to be reviewed by the credentials department. All candidates must work in the field of psychiatry, which is defined as a specialty that involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders, emotional disorders, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance-related disorders, sexual and gender identity disorders, and adjustment disorders.
Additionally, candidates must demonstrate that biological, psychological, and social components of illnesses are explored and understood in treatment of the whole person. Tools used may include diagnostic laboratory tests, prescribed medications, evaluation and treatment of psychological and interpersonal problems with individuals and families, and intervention for coping with stress, crises, and other problems.
“Erikka Dzirasa is an exceptional clinician; she exhibits such patience and compassion for our patients and families. We are so proud that she’s now fully recognized for her expertise and abilities.”
– Kerry Landry, MD, Medical Director, Veritas Collaborative
Erikka grew up in Buffalo, NY but began her high school career in Jacksonville, FL. She attended Spelman College, a small liberal arts school in Atlanta, GA, where she received a dual Bachelor of Science degree in Biology & French. During her tenure in college, she also completed studies abroad at Sussex University in England and at the Université de Schoelcher in Martinique.
Shortly after, Erikka pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a physician and earned her Doctorate of Medicine at Duke University. Her interest in not only improving the lives of individuals and families, but also the community at large led her to pursue a Master’s of Public Health Degree in Leadership and Health Care and Prevention at UNC Chapel Hill. Erikka then completed her residency in General Psychiatry and her fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center, where she served as Chief Resident in Emergency Services and Residency Education.
She has since worked in several inpatient and outpatient settings treating psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety/trauma, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders. Her interests include exploring mental health disparities among children and adolescents and increasing access to care and utilization of mental health services among underserved populations.