Candidates for Treasurer: David Fassler, M.D.

I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist practicing in Burlington, Vt. I'm also a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont. On a local level, I serve as the treasurer of the Vermont Psychiatric Association and as president of the Vermont Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

It's been an honor to serve as APA secretary/treasurer. In this capacity, I've tried to focus on advocating for our members and our patients. I've served as a spokesperson for APA on a wide variety of clinical and research issues, including children and medication, emotional reactions to war and terrorism, the juvenile death penalty, and enhancing access to data from clinical trials. I've also testified on our behalf before the FDA and several congressional committees.

As a member of the APA Board, I chaired our Task Force on Parity, which was actively involved in supporting our advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels. I also cochaired a presidential initiative that helped focus attention on the incidence of psychiatric disorders on college campuses and the challenges associated with providing appropriate consultation and treatment services in such settings. I've also tried to enhance the collaboration and coordination between APA and other allied and advocacy organizations. In particular, I have worked with APA to develop joint testimony, amicus briefs, and position statements with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, the American Medical Association, the American Society for Adolescent Psychiatry, Mental Health America, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. I believe that such partnerships and joint efforts enhance our ability to achieve our larger goals and objectives.

As secretary/treasurer, I've tried to simplify the information about APA's financial status for the Board, the Assembly, and our members. I've also chaired the Audit Committee and participated in the Budget and Finance, Investment Oversight, and Long-Range Planning committees. In the process, I've gained a working knowledge of APA's complex financial structure, current fiscal challenges, and potential future opportunities.

My current priorities for APA are as follows:

I have very much enjoyed serving on the APA Board. I believe I've been a consistent and effective spokesperson and advocate for the organization. If elected treasurer, I would look forward to continuing my efforts on behalf of our members, our patients, and our profession.