Fidel Vila-Rodriguez

Dr. Fidel Vila-Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the School of Biomedical Engineering. He serves as Director of the Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies (NINET) Laboratory and the Schizophrenia Program. His research focuses on translational applications of non-invasive neurostimulation therapies (NINETs), particularly in severe psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and treatment-resistant depression. The NINET Lab is uniquely equipped with simultaneous TMS-fMRI and tDCS-fMRI capabilities, enabling advanced investigation of neurobiological mechanisms and biomarkers of neuromodulation.

Research interests include optimizing TMS protocols, understanding neuroplasticity mechanisms, and developing biomarkers to predict treatment responses. Key areas of exploration involve the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders and bridging clinical practice with neuroscientific findings. Dr. Vila-Rodriguez’s work emphasizes improving therapeutic outcomes for patients with refractory mental illnesses through innovative neuromodulation approaches.

His recent studies highlight advancements in single-day TMS regimens, theta-burst stimulation effects on depression subtypes, and the role of sleep and neuroplasticity in treatment efficacy. As part of the ENIGMA-Neuromodulation Working Group, he collaborates globally to standardize neuromodulation research methodologies.

Dr. Vila-Rodriguez’s lab integrates clinical practice with cutting-edge neuroimaging and computational tools to address unmet needs in psychiatric care, aiming to enhance personalized treatment strategies for severe mental health conditions.