Insight Matters
Winter, 2003

Candidate for OPA Treasurer:
Alice A. Hale, M.D.

POSITION STATEMENT

Congratulations. If you read all these position statements, and vote, you are in an elite minority. The APA estimates that only 31 percent of members cast ballots in 2002. 1 don't know the OPA percentages. I do know that many psychiatrists feel that voting makes no difference. Likewise, psychiatrists who aren't OPA members feel that joining their professional organization makes no difference. We all need reminders.

It is my position that we members need to remind our non-member colleagues that our professional organization makes a difference. Would there be a DSM without the APA? Who would push for parity, protect privacy, uphold ethics, and advocate proper treatment for our patients? Our profession deserves a healthy and vibrant organization to represent it. That means we need to encourage all psychiatrists to join. They should think of annual dues as maintenance fees. Most people expect to spend at least $800 a year to maintain their car or home. Shouldn't we spend that much to maintain the profession by which we make our living?

Membership also provides the opportunity to serve. Every member will benefit by serving in some manner. This is important. In his OSU Commencement address, President George W. Bush said that "Service is not a chain or a chore - it gives direction to your gifts, and purpose to your freedom. " Regardless of politics, the man has a point. It is with this idea of service that I approach this position of treasurer of the Ohio Psychiatric Association. I have had three years experience as treasurer of the Psychiatric Society of Central Ohio. It would be my honor to serve as OPA treasurer.

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