College of Health Science launches Distinguished Lecture Series

Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2017) — The College of Health Science at California Baptist University hosted Dr. Roderick Stuart to kick off its 7^th annual Distinguished Lecture Series on Sept. 18. Stuart, a psychiatrist with Kaiser Permanente, highlighted his career path and offered insight into his professional duties.    

Stuart, an Inland Empire native, practices at the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center in Fontana, Calif. He received his post-graduate training at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and is a certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 

After receiving his undergraduate degree, Stuart spent the next four years trying to get into medical school.

“I kept trying and trying to get into medical school and finally got in at Loma Linda, and from there the journey was difficult but doable,” Stuart said. “Getting through medical school is an obtainable goal but you have to work hard.”

Stuart said his profession allows him to be there for a person in their most broken hour. He treats clients with a variety of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

“When a person starts to recognize that their mind isn’t working the way it’s supposed to, people start to get desperate,” Stuart said. “People can be in their worst hour when they come to see me.”

Stuart is trained to offer traditional therapy practices in addition to prescribing medication for any physical ailments he diagnoses.

“My personality played a lot into my decision to become a psychiatrist,” Stuart said. “To be a good therapist, one must listen to and feel the emotions of the patients. It’s all about the connection.”

Stuart said that there is no shortage of jobs in the mental health profession.

“Anytime you receive training in the mental health field you are going to have a job,” Stuart said.

After the session, students had an opportunity to participate in a question and answer session.