Candidate response: Ronald H. Rozensky, PhD

Ronald Rozensky, PhD, is a scientist-practitioner who received his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. As an undergraduate at the University of Illinois, he was captivated by the elegant science of psychology and has been dedicated to psychology ever since. He has focused his career on the integration of science and practice as an independent and hospital-based practitioner, scientist, academic departmental chair and educator, community mental health administrator, associate dean for international programs, journal editor and author. Rozensky believes that "No matter which of the many branches of psychology or diverse work settings we find psychologists, it is our rich, shared heritage of basic and applied science, critical thinking and dedication to service that shape psychology's future."

In practice over 20 years, Rozensky also served at Evanston Hospital's department of psychiatry and at Northwestern University as assistant chair for research, then associate chair for ambulatory services directing state-funded community mental health programs while teaching and supervising students. He is board-certified (ABPP) in both clinical and clinical health psychology

For the next eight years, Rozensky served as professor and chair of the University of Florida clinical and health psychology department where, under his leadership, the department increased its annual research expenditures from less than a million to almost $9 million per year. The department is responsible for a hospital and community-based, multispecialty clinical service as well as having both an APA-accredited graduate program and internship in clinical psychology. Rozensky teaches graduate seminars in advanced psychotherapy and behavioral medicine and an undergraduate honors course, and provides clinical supervision and direct patient care. Students awarded him both Classroom Teacher and Supervisor of the Year awards. The department received "APAGS Department of the Year" and APA's "Service in a Culture of Science" awards. Rozensky was named "Outstanding Educator" by the Association of Psychologists in Academic Health Science Centers and "Outstanding International Psychologist" by APA's Div. 51. He is associate dean for international programs.

Rozensky founded the Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings and was editor for 13 years. He published five books, numerous chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles on health psychology and professional issues. He received a $1 million grant from SAMHSA to found the National Rural Behavioral Health Center and serves on HRSA's Advisory Committee on Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Linkages.

Rozensky's leadership accomplishments include: APA's Board of Directors; two terms on APA's Council; chair of APA's Board of Educational Affairs and Board of Professional Affairs; member of CRSPPP; and president, Illinois Psychological Association. He chaired or served on numerous task forces including Work Force Analysis and Psychology; BEA's Advisory Council on Accreditation; two APA presidential initiatives--and Practice Guidelines for Geropsychology and for Treatment of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients. He was APA's JCAHO representative.

Rozensky's honors include: APA Fellow (Divs. 1, 12, 29, 31, 38 and 42); APA's Heiser Presidential Award for Advocacy; Distinguished Psychologist Award--Illinois; Distinguished Practitioner--National Academy of Practice; invited plenary speaker, U.K.'s Group of Trainers in Clinical Psychology, Oxford, England.

Rozensky's candidate statement

I am honored to be nominated for APA president. My goal in seeking this responsibility is to ensure that all psychologists work together to strengthen our field and build the best future we can for psychology. To accomplish this, we must highlight our interconnectedness as scientists, clinicians, educators, applied scientists and in public service. My goals, initiatives and leadership experiences in science, practice, education and public service are detailed at www.RozenskyforAPAPresident.com.

Psychology's future depends upon understanding our educational pipeline and accurately detailing employment opportunities for the next generation. I chaired the work-group that helped secure funding for APA's new Center for Workforce Analysis; this will assure APA takes a data-based lead in building our future.

No matter who wins the White House this fall, universal health care will be at the forefront. I have the successful advocacy experience to speak clearly and authoritatively for you on that issue. As your president, I will continue to vigorously advocate for mental health parity; IRB reform; improved health-care reimbursement; increased research funding based on peer-review; expanded funding for education and training; practice expansion including prescriptive authority; ensured diversity throughout our field. Our association must address its relevancy to members and potential members.

During my presidential year, we will concentrate on enhancing the quality of life, safety and financial security of all psychologists and focus on research and practice expansion opportunities for psychology in public health. These themes will bring together the many "communities of interest" in psychology.

My leadership record illustrates that I am a successful consensus-builder with the experience, skills and enthusiasm to bring us together to confront, and solve, the important issues impacting the lives of all psychologists. I look forward to working with each of you to successfully build the best and strongest future for all psychologists.