Kourtney Schroeder, Psy.D.
Clinical Psychologist & Assistant Professor
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
University of Florida, College of Medicine- Jacksonville
This Spring issue is jam-packed with a variety of remarkable articles to start off the first issue of the new year! I am thrilled to showcase several articles that were contributed by members who responded to the listserv, excited to publish their own work, as well as members who already participate in an appointed position, who put significant dedication into providing knowledge to the Division through their articles.
There is an article for everyone in this Spring 2023 issue, with an article in each of the following columns: Rare Diseases and Disorders, A Word from the Student Advisory Council, From the President, Research Highlight, Clinical Highlight, The Voice of Early Career Psychologists, Conversation Corner.
Both the Communications Chair and Diversity Chair of the Student Advisory Council interviewed accomplished psychologists, Dr. John Ruiz and Dr. Jesse Dietch, who provided insights into their experience as growing professionals and gave advice on how to navigate finding one’s own way into becoming an accomplished psychologist. In addition to those articles, Dr. Andrew Dunkle shared his voice as an early career psychologist in the exploration of expanding one’s career from the beginning in order to attain the broader professional life one hopes for. Our president, Dr. Barbara Ward-Zimmerman, showcased how our Division is taking steps to amplify the advancements of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She provides a detailed plan of actions to be taken and what tasks are being completed to achieve this goal.
Dr. Shawn Bediako discusses sickle cell anemia and broadens our understanding of this disease. He constructed a list of seven key items to know when learning about or working with patients who are living with sickle cell anemia. Drs. Brooke Palmer and Megan Petrik describe the nature of irritable bowel syndrome and how this disorder is a connection between the brain and gut. They provide an overview of multiple evidenced based practices that aid in the management of this gastrointestinal issue including, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy.
Positive psychology uses a patient’s strengths and focuses on the possibilities of what can be achieved. In the article written by George Scott and colleagues, they describe the GRACE Model and how this transdiagnostic framework uses positive psychology techniques in assisting patients in a medical setting. Dr. Debra Newborg created an overview of her dissertation that researched a provider’s experience and comfort in having conversations with children and their families when the child is dying of cancer. She sheds light on some of the beliefs providers have about the risks and benefits of having these incredibly difficult conversations with children.
From engaging in one’s career as a psychologist to assisting patients as a psychologist, what a blend of such interesting and helpful articles. Please do not hesitate to contact me at thehealthpsychologist@gmail.com if you have any questions or an idea for a piece (one does not have to be a member to contribute).
Kindly,
Kourtney Schroeder, Psy.D.
Editor in Chief, The Health Psychologist