Candidates for APA President
Given that there is only so much that an incoming APA president can do during his or her 12-month presidency, state and then discuss the one issue about which you feel passionate and that, therefore, you will pursue with vigor if you are elected.
Expand the practice and science of psychology by broadening our focus as health professions and becoming full partners in the health-care arena. Accomplishing this priority requires increased collaboration with primary-care providers, increased funding for psychological science and education, and more psychologists that reflect the diversity of our nation. Less than 5 percent of the National Institutes of Health budget is spent on behavioral and psychological research, yet 50 percent of health problems are caused by psychosocial factors. Electing a president who represents practice, science and education interests enhances our collaborative atmosphere and sense that APA will address issues that directly benefits our diverse membership.
In your opinion, what are the most important contributions of psychology to the education process?
Psychology is fundamental to our understanding of educational processes, development of effective educational programs and enhancing educational outcomes. Important psychological contributions range from neuroscience, learning and cognitive principles, designing and evaluating effective curricula, developing new distance-learning technologies, to implementing community level programs. Daily, clinicians conduct essential evaluations and treatments for individuals with learning problems. APA needs to better support the multitude of diverse ways that psychologists contribute to education, at all levels of society. For the future, psychology can make major contributions to society by developing and utilizing new technologies in educational programs. See www.bcm.tmc.edu/familymed/jbray for more information.
