We are at a tipping point in our nation and profession as the mental health crisis escalates and as the challenges of practicing medicine continue. Health disparities are impeding people from living their best and healthiest lives, and civility is declining. I believe in the dignity of each person’s life and their journey, and I choose to serve based on who I am and what I know I can deliver upon.
For me, doing what is right for the patient, doing what is right for the profession, doing what is right for the membership, and advancing health in our communities, is always a priority.
In the face of these challenging times, we need the APA to become relevant and bring back the thousands of psychiatrists who are no longer members, by providing value and demonstrating the positive outcomes of membership. I want our members to be proud of their association and see the best of what this organization can provide.
In this role, I will push forward key priorities to strengthen our profession, to improve reimbursement and the administrative burden, to impact marginalized communities, and to help build an APA that we can all call home. Our professional home—one we are proud of what it represents.
I am committed to APA initiatives that address access to education for underrepresented minorities, increase federal funding for research and residency slots, increase our visibility through more relevant channels, and serve the needs of the APA membership.
Access to Education
Psychiatrists are retiring at an unprecedented rate – and unfortunately, there are far too few residency slots in psychiatry to make up for the clinicians leaving practice. In the face of a worsening mental health crisis, it is critical that we increase funding for residency programs to empower them to increase capacity – ensuring we have a sustainable workforce ready to meet the clinical demands of the public. And, opening our doors to underrepresented minorities is necessary not only to bolster our workforce, but to ensure that those we serve have culturally competent care from providers that look like them.
Federal Funding for Research
The field of psychiatry is evolving rapidly – there has never been a more exciting time to practice. When we are appropriately resourced, we have the power to speed the time from bench to bedside. It is imperative that we secure the federal funding necessary to ensure researchers are equipped with the tools they need to innovate and save more lives.
Increased Visibility
Need more info here to be able to flesh this out
Improve Administrative Burden
On average, psychiatrists spend 20% of their time on administrative tasks. Imagine if we could shift that burden – we could spend that 20% of our time caring for patients, engaging in research, participating in APA initiatives. By working to bolster the use of technology, advocating for value-based care, and simplifying reporting and documentation requirements, we can effectively and efficiently ensure psychiatrists are empowered to spend their time engaging in meaningful work.
Reimbursement
When it comes to reimbursement, we’ve made great strides – through the advocacy of the APA, the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule resulted in improved compensation for psychiatrists. However, when it comes to commercial insurance reimbursement, rates are lagging woefully. It is critical that psychiatrists are fairly and equitably reimbursed for their work – bringing psychiatry to the forefront alongside internal medicine.