PT559 – The Penn Psychedelics Collaborative and the Power of Interdisciplinary Connections, with Taylor Andrews Flatt, PMHNP, Victor Pablo Acero, Ph.D., Jackie Tileston, and Michael Baime, MD
Oct 25, 2024
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In this discussion, Taylor Andrews Flatt, a pediatric nurse practitioner and co-founder of the Penn Psychedelics Collaborative, along with Victor Pablo Acero, a researcher on psychedelics, Jackie Tileston, a fine arts professor, and Michael Baime, director of mindfulness programs, converge in an enlightening conversation. They explore psychedelics' role in enhancing health beyond treatment, delve into the concept of psychoactive art, and share cutting-edge research, including using salvia for stroke recovery. Their collaborative insights highlight the power of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing psychedelic science.
The Penn Psychedelic Collaborative highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, merging insights from various fields to enhance psychedelic research and applications.
The podcast advocates for a broader cultural dialogue around psychedelics, emphasizing their utility not just in psychiatric treatment but also in creativity and societal improvement.
Deep dives
Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Psychedelic Research
The Penn Psychedelic Collaborative is characterized by its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts from diverse fields such as medicine, fine arts, and nursing. This collaborative approach aims to explore not only the psychiatric applications of psychedelics but also their potential in enhancing creativity and addressing broader societal issues. The collective believes that innovative insights arise when individuals from different academic backgrounds engage in open dialogue, thereby preventing the silos that often restrict groundbreaking research. The efforts at Penn illustrate the importance of developing a cohesive network that enables shared learning and collaboration across various disciplines.
Expanding the Scope of Psychedelic Applications
The podcast highlights the growing interest in exploring psychedelics beyond traditional psychiatric treatments, revealing their potential applications in pain management, creativity, and even art. Participants discussed the need for a broader cultural conversation around psychedelics, advocating for their use as tools for personal development and societal betterment. The Philadelphia Conference, organized by the collaborative, featured an impressive lineup of speakers discussing 42 topics, emphasizing the versatility of psychedelics in different contexts. This expansion of focus encourages a creative approach to psychedelics, allowing for varied interpretations and uses that resonate with diverse audiences.
The Role of Nursing in Psychedelic Research
Nursing professionals are playing an increasingly vital role in the discourse surrounding psychedelics, particularly in the context of public education and patient care. The discussion underscored the need for nurses to be equipped with knowledge about psychedelics, as they frequently encounter patients who may seek guidance on the subject. The Penn Nursing School's leadership in this area exemplifies the profession's potential to foster informed discussions and educate the public about both the benefits and risks associated with psychedelics. By addressing the growing interest from the public, nurses can serve as essential facilitators in the conversation about mental health and alternative treatments.
Addressing Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the exciting developments in psychedelic research, participants acknowledged the challenges posed by institutional structures and the need for more funding and resources. The lack of interdisciplinary support and collaboration can hinder the progress of innovative research initiatives. It was suggested that fostering connections between various departments at the university could lead to more impactful studies and applications. Participants expressed a hopeful outlook for the future, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts and community-driven initiatives to navigate these obstacles and promote a wider understanding of psychedelics.
In this episode, Joe interviews 4 members of the Penn Psychedelics Collaborative: Co-Founder, Taylor Andrews Flatt, PMHNP; Associate Director, Victor Pablo Acero, Ph.D.; Professor in Fine Arts and Co-Director of the Weitzman School of Design, Jackie Tileston; and Executive Director and Director of the Penn Program for Mindfulness, Michael Baime, MD.
Recorded earlier this month at the PhilaDelic conference – one of the primary initiatives of the PPC – they discuss their paths to psychedelics and why this transdisciplinary collection of faculty, researchers, and clinicians at the University of Pennsylvania was so necessary. Viewing psychedelics from different perspectives (Flatt from nursing, Acero from bioengineering, Tileston from the art and mysticism side of things, and Baime from a more mindfulness point of view), their group is a case study in collaboration – a place where connections can be catalyzed and shared goals can be addressed from different angles. How far can we go when different groups start working together?
They discuss:
The concept of psychedelics not just being used to treat conditions, but to make us healthier
Psychedelic art and the idea of the art itself being psychoactive rather than just representations of trips
The work of David Glowacki and bringing about non-ordinary states of consciousness through VR
Research into salvia being used to alleviate stroke symptoms