APA Division 38: What's New

CALL FOR SYMPOSIA & POSTERS
119^th Annual Convention of the
American Psychological Association
August 4-7, 2011
Washington, D.C.
Proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM, EST,
Wednesday, December 1, 2010.

Credit: Jake McGuire

In this time of health care reform, the 2011 APA convention is appropriately and conveniently located in our Nation’s Capital. This year’s Division 38 program will help to bridge the gap between the science and practice of health psychology by simultaneously featuring cutting-edge research, evidence-based practices, and the most pressing professional and education/training-related issues. Given that attendance at the APA convention is typically greater than 10,000, this will also be an excellent networking opportunity for individuals at all career stages with health psychology interests.

Division 38 (Health Psychology) facilitates collaboration among psychologists interested in the psychological and behavioral aspects of physical and mental health. We are committed to providing information about current practice and research, connecting our members, and creating opportunities for professional growth. Through our professional meetings and publications, we bring further focus on quality research to inform clinical practice.

We welcome submissions of symposia and posters in all areas of health psychology (please note that we are not accepting individual paper proposals). Awards will be given for the best student posters, so please indicate “student submission” under the proposal title if appropriate. To submit a proposal, go to the APA website at this link. If you have general questions, please contact the APA Convention Office at convention@apa.org or (202)336-6020. Questions about the Division 38 programming should be directed to Dr. Jesse Stewart, the 2011 Division 38 Program Chair, at d38program2011@gmail.com.

From the Education and Training Committee: At a recent panel discussion at the 2010 APA annual convention in San Diego, members of the Education and Training committee answered questions about training in the field.Slides from the presentation highlight each member? education background and current research and activities, nicely demonstrating the variety of tracks one can take to be a Health Psychologist.

Division 38: Health Psychology Endorses Suzanne Bennett Johnson PhD for APA President

Dr. Suzanne Bennett Johnson is a former Division 38 President (1994-5) who is particularly well-qualified to lead APA at this juncture in its history.

For the first time in 118 years, APA has a strategic plan, with three goals: (1) maximize organizational effectiveness, (2) expand psychology's role in advancing health, and (3) increase recognition of psychology as a science. Division 38 supports APA's strategic goals and recognizes the significant expertise it can offer the association it its effort to expand psychology's role in advancing health.

Dr. Johnson has not only served Division 38 as its President and APA Council Representative, but she has brought the Division's voice to the table in her many other service roles including Chair of APA's Board of Professional Affairs, Chair of APA's Board of Scientific Affairs, and member-at-large on APA's Board of Directors.

She has spent her entire professional career as a practitioner, educator, and researcher in medical settings. She has delivered psychological services to children with diabetes and their families as part of an integrated health care team. Her research on medical regimen adherence and childhood diabetes had been funded for more than 30 years by the National Institutes of Health. She served as a Robert Wood Johnson Fellow in the office of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (2001-2); she understands the critical elements of successful federal advocacy.

Dr. Johnson has the skill-set, experience, vision, and voice to successfully lead APA as it seeks to meet its strategic goals. Division 38 is pleased to endorse Dr. Suzanne Bennett Johnson for APA President.

For more information, go to http://www.SBJforAPA.com.