What has been your history of service to Division 42?

My history of service to Division 42 involved several leadership positions. As Finance Committee Chair, I obtained an overview of the Division’s operational systems and financial resources. I understand our fiscal responsibilities, but also our need to use our resources for innovative programs to improve practice. As Membership Committee Chair, we successfully launched a campaign that drew in many new members. As Resource Development Chair, I helped develop and implement innovative programs for the Division that engaged and benefited the membership. As Member-at-Large, I was able to have a voice on the Board which helped guide the direction of the Division.
What experience have you had relevant to the position you are seeking?

I served in many leadership positions in APA as well as in the Illinois Psychological Association (IPA), including: Chair of the Board of Professional Affairs, Chair of the Committee of Professional Practice and Standards, President of Division 31, Chair of Council’s Caucus of State, Provincial and Territorial Representatives, member of the State Leadership Organizing Committee, member of the Committee on Legal Issues and President of IPA. All of these leadership positions have dealt directly with issues facing practitioners. As a member of APA’s Board of Directors, I am liaison to the Practice Directorate and currently liaison to ASPPB, focusing great attention on practice issues and championing them within APA.
What are the most critical issues confronting independent practitioners?

As a full time independent practitioner, I directly experience on a daily basis the issues that are challenging our profession. Thus, I think about what affects my practice and what I need to sustain a successful career. Economic viability is one critical issue confronting practitioners. We must take back our profession and not allow issues such as managed care or lack of parity to cripple our ability to help the consumer. We must find ways to diversify our practices so that we can maximize our expertise to all aspects of human behavior. We must be savvy in business so that we can position ourselves competitively in the marketplace as well as operationalize and implement risk management procedures. We must demand due process and fairness for practitioners struggling with license board complaints and we must guarantee that we provide consumers with treatments that have been proven to be effective and efficient.

How do you propose that Division 42 address these issues?

Given the time constraints and limited resources that a Division President faces, it is prudent to focus on a few high priority projects during my Presidential term. First, because communication is vital, I would ask the membership what they need from Division 42 that would enhance their work. Second, I have begun developing resources that would give practitioners ways to diversify their practices and develop their business acumen. Third, our new website capabilities allows for innovative approaches to improve clinical skills via consultation with our esteemed “Masters.” Fourth, national and local advocacy efforts will also be a priority by developing due process legislation and ensuring the viability of our profession.

It is with a great sense of honor that I am running for President-elect of Division 42. By way of introduction, I am the managing partner of an independent group psychology practice in South Florida. I love being a Psychologist, have been in private practice for over 20 years and am intimately familiar with the slings and arrows of Independent Practice.

We are allotted very limited space for our statement. Therefore, I encourage those interested in learning more about me, my ideas and plans to contact me by e-mail at RLWernick@aol.com.

I have had the privilege of serving D42 in a variety of roles over the past 11 years, most recently as a Member at Large to the Board. I have chaired the hospitality suite, program, State Linkage and CE committees; I have represented D42 as Thematic Program chair for APA Convention and at State Leadership Conference. I have served on task forces and committees, presented on divisional programs at APA, and have been an active participant on the listserv.

I bring a long record of experience in teamwork, leadership, management and fiscal responsibility that is relevant to becoming President of D42. I have tried to be selective in my service to the profession and the community – volunteering for “jobs” where my talent could fit and where my effort could make a difference. I served on my county and state association boards for 16 and 10 years, respectively. I was a youth sports coach and sat on the boards of other community organizations. I am not on other boards at present and have no political ambition in APA beyond this position. I am prepared to make a 3-year Presidency commitment to D42 because I believe I can make a difference.

I see the critical issues facing independent practitioners falling into 2 broad categories. Our Professional Issues involve protecting and promoting our profession, investing in our future – the S/EC psychologists - and advocating for ourselves both within APA and externally. At the same time, we are confronted with complex business issues. In effect, the Business of Practice Issues are very much about finances, economics and quality of life for the independent practitioner. Special knowledge and skill sets are needed here in order to develop, maintain and grow economically viable practices.

I was drawn to D42 as I saw the Board as an active group that identified issues, problem solved, made decisions and then acted. That is my style as well. I would like to build on the legacy established by those “doers” which has continued into Jana Martin’s current term utilizing the vast talent among our membership, to address the Professional and Business issues facing us now.

I would like the opportunity to lead D42 as President and ask for your support and your vote. As a team, we can all profit and all make a difference. Perhaps we can even leave the division and the profession in better shape than we found it.