Valeria Martinez-Kaigi, PhD, MS
Clinical Health Psychologist
Division of Health Psychology, Institute of Living
Spine Wellness Center, Ayer Neuroscience Institute
Hartford Healthcare
Research Clinical Psychologist
Yale Depression Research Program
Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
The Society for Health Psychology is proud to officially launch The Health Psychologist E-zine! The electronic magazine or e-zine reflects the transformation of the society’s newsletter publication that thoughtfully disseminates relevant information in the field of health psychology and highlights works in clinical practice, program development, research, advocacy for the practice of health psychology and equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. It was my goal during my tenure as editor to evolve and improve the publication by disseminating information that is intriguing, pertinent, educational, practical, inspiring, and easy to digest. I am excited for this publication to continue to evolve and improve as I hand over the leadership to the new editor, Dr. Kourtney Schroeder, at the conclusion of this year’s convention. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served in the society as editor of The Health Psychologist!
In this issue the Conversation Corner column highlights Dr. Miraj Desai’s research on institutional bias and racism that has informed his recent advisory roles with national organizations including the American Hospital Association, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the American Psychological Association – the latter in its ongoing efforts to operationalize the APA resolutions on systemic racism.
In the Presidents column, Dr. Barbara Andersen highlights the pillars of the society’s Long Range Planning (LRP) working groups which optimizes the function of the SfHP as a professional home for health psychologists.
Dr. Grace Kao beautifully points out the difficulties and feats of navigating her role in a leadership position as an early career psychologist midst a pandemic in The Voice of Early Career Psychologists column.
The Research Highlight column proposes a vital call to action from new NIH leadership to recognize the impact of the field of behavioral science on understanding burden of chronic disease on both a micro and macro level.
Enjoy the latest issue of The Health Psychologist and official launch of the E-zine!
Very Respectfully,
Valeria Martinez-Kaigi, PhD, M.Sc.
Editor-in-Chief, The Health Psychologist