Ralph Jan Koek

Ralph Jan Koek is a Health Sciences Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. With a medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine (1985) and psychiatric training at Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center (1989-1990), Dr. Koek has dedicated his career to psychiatric research and clinical practice, particularly in the areas of PTSD, neuromodulation, and bipolar disorders.

• Staff Psychiatrist and Full-time Faculty, UCLA/San Fernando Valley Psychiatry Training Program (1990-2018)
• Full-time VA Psychiatrist (2018-2022)
• Clinical Faculty, UCLA Neuromodulation Service and TMS Clinic (2022-2025)
• Consultant and Teaching Psychiatrist, Glendale Adventist Family Medicine Residency Program (1997-2021)
• Staff Psychiatrist, Glendale Community Free Health Clinic (2011-2025)

Dr. Koek's research has evolved from studying bipolar disorders, psychopharmacology, and suicide (1994-2014) to focusing on treatment-resistant PTSD and depression (2018-2024), with particular emphasis on deep-brain stimulation for treatment-resistant PTSD (2014-2024). His work bridges clinical psychiatry with advanced neuromodulation techniques, making significant contributions to understanding and treating complex psychiatric conditions.

His publication record spans from 1996 to 2024, with recent work heavily focused on transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), deep brain stimulation of the amygdala, and novel approaches to treatment-resistant conditions. The publications reveal a clear trajectory from traditional psychiatric research toward cutting-edge neuromodulation techniques, with increasing focus on precise targeting, individualized treatment approaches, and understanding the neural mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders.

• UCLA Department of Psychiatry Outstanding Housestaff Teacher (2006-2018)

Throughout his career, Dr. Koek has maintained a strong commitment to teaching and clinical service while advancing research in challenging areas of psychiatry. His work with veterans and in community clinics demonstrates a dedication to serving diverse patient populations, while his research collaborations with leading institutions reflect his standing in the academic psychiatry community.