Members need to be vigilant, and we must not slacken our efforts. We also need to develop networking at the government affairs level with each state to share information and strategies, so that we do not reinvent the wheel every year. Our specialty is heavily dependent on IMGs in our training programs and in caring for the underserved population in the public sector . The reduction in training slots and HCFA s regulations and cutbacks in graduate medical education funding have further impacted the training of psychiatrists. The presence of IMGs on the Board will give voice to this issue.
Leadership involves standing for core principles as well as building coalitions.
I cast the only dissenting vote on behalf of the Queens DB when a proposal to study the feasibility of floating a managed care entity by Area 2 was put forward. I was able to forge a coalition to help pass an action paper on universal uninterrupted health care for all U.S. residents in the Assembly. I am active in the National Minority Mentors Network . N.Y. Both IAPA and the Queens DB are financially sound. I am a clinician, a teacher, and a researcher, and I see patients who are on public assistance and who are affluent .