December 18, 1998

By Daniel B. Borenstein, M.D.

Remarkable research findings in the last decade have created a new scientific framework for psychiatry. Our historic renewal is driven by you-a 41,000 member group of courageous and enthusiastic colleagues committed to quality patient care. All of us must work together to defend fairness, justice, and decency for our patients under siege by profit-driven health care systems.

As your vice president and former secretary, I was a leading figure in recasting APA into an organization that truly reflects your hopes for our future. My actions on the Board during the past decade established APA openness, accountability, dues reduction, fiscal stability, and assistance to members struggling with managed care. Our New APA will be flexible and streamlined, reacting quickly to swiftly changing developments.

As your president I will advocate for

Patients

Members

• Accountability of APA leadership and staff


• District branches as full partners


• Dues reductions


• Outreach to members who feel underrepresented

Professional Values

• Litigation protecting psychiatrists and patients


• Markedly expanding state legislative assistance


• Psychiatrists' clinical decision-making autonomy

As a private practitioner, I personally experience how an economically driven health care system harms our patients and diminishes our profession. I am also active in teaching and community service, and I serve in the AMA House of Delegates and on the California Medical Association Board of Trustees, where I can, and do, forcefully advocate for psychiatry.

I bring you a long record of consistent APA leadership. I have the ability to identify and solve problems, and I know how to get things done. Integrity, teamwork, and persistence characterize my APA achievements. Those virtues will highlight my work as your president, leading APA into the 21st century.

I ask for your vote.