I come at this position differently than most. I am an ABPP board-certified psychologist (Organizational and Business Consulting Psychology), as well as a board- certified physician and Fellow in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The primary focus of my research and practice was the treatment of chronic pain and addictive behavior. Following the completion of my PhD program in Clinical Psychology and my psychology internship, I led a treatment program for at-risk adolescents, and managed a methadone maintenance program. I began a private practice in psychotherapy but was vexed by my inability to approach medical journals, as well as lack of autonomy regarding medication management.  In college, I was a psychology major and science minor. As a result, having already taken the prerequisite courses, I enrolled in medical school, intending to pursue a psychiatric residency. However, I became interested in occupational medicine, and realized that my expertise in the psychological components of chronic pain and substance misuse came in handy.

 I continued my psychotherapy practice through medical school, internship and residency. My first job following the completion of my medical residency was at GE Corporate Medical, where I was an attending physician and managed the EAP program. I subsequently led two hospital based occupational medicine programs, where my work included the development of cardiac behavioral counseling.  I next accepted a position at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company where I worked for fifteen years, retiring as National Medical Director. During my tenure at Liberty Mutual, I led the development of the prediction of delayed recovery for soft tissue injuries as a result of identified psychosocial variables. More recently, I launched a consulting company, with a specialty focus on the interaction between psychological and physical disability management. 

I have published approximately 20 peer reviewed publications and book chapters, including a paper over 25 years ago in the American Psychologist entitled the “Dawn of a Revolution in Mental Health.”  This paper outlined the case for prescriptive authority for psychologists who wished to receive additional training. I worked with then APA president Dr. Pat DeLeon on developing evaluation tools to ensure safety and quality.

For over ten years I taught a course on International Health, with a focus on cultural dimensions. I have also taught courses in Behavioral Medicine, and on Psychopharmacology at a PsyD program. I presently serve an invited editor for the WHO Bulletin on studies involving mental health issues. (I also have a master’s degree in Humanitarian Services Administration, as well as an MBA, and have done consulting work for the United Nations). 

I am married with three children and live in the Midwest. I serve on the executive committee of the ABPP Foundation, and on the diversity committee of my town.  I would consider it the honor of my career to have the opportunity to serve as APA president. I bring managerial and practice experience, familiarity with large payer systems, and a passion to further the development of our profession.