Question 4: According to its 2009 vision statement, APA aspires to be “a principal leader and global
Sandy’s Response: Addressing global challenges such as health, poverty and geopolitical violence requires globally aware partners working side-by-side. US psychology must broaden its global perspective. We could Define global partnership as central in APA’s strategic plan Integrate multicultural and cross-cultural methodology, training and practice throughout APA Encourage international psychologists to join APA Take action steps to develop paths for practica/internships ou
Question 3: How do you think APA should address the scientific process of developing, updating and
Sandy’s Response: We should, as a discipline and profession, take a significant role in developing and updating clinical guidelines, based on our best science, and establishing psychology as a meaningful part of interprofessional, evidence-based healthcare. We must also be diverse and inclusive scientifically if we want guidelines to be maximally helpful and effective for the public. For example, we can encourage use of mathematical optimization models with multiple variable
Question 2: How do you see APA’s role in providing assistance toward addressing the opioid epidemic
Sandy’s Response: The opioid epidemic presents a critical societal challenge where psychology can contribute both uniquely and significantly. We bring deep scientifically-based expertise regarding behavioral, non-pharmacological interventions for pain management and related conditions. We bring a bio-psycho-social perspective to opioid abuse treatment, identifying earlier co-existing conditions and developing more targeted strategies for treatment, respectful of specific po
Question 1: What is the single greatest challenge or opportunity facing the discipline of psychology
Sandy’s Response: Our ability to clearly define for the public the multiple roles of psychologists and psychology’s societal contributions—locally, nationally, globally—is key to our future. We need to build broad public support for our science, health and other applied psychology services. Why? An informed public becomes the psychologically-minded society of tomorrow--what is good for that informed public will be good for psychology. Psychology can embrace disciplinary and
