Candidates forTrustee-at-Large

Abstract

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article INFORMATION ON THE CANDIDATESFull AccessCandidates for Trustee-at-LargeCharles Bensonhaver, M.D., Charles BensonhaverSearch for more papers by this author, M.D., Distinguished Fellow (Member Since 1978)Published Online:3 Dec 2004https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.39.23.00390050 Private Practice of General Psychiatry, Dayton, Ohio, 1971-2003Inpatient and Outpatient Care in South Carolina's Public Mental Health System, 2003-Representative, Ohio Psychiatric Association, APA Assembly, 2001-04Chair, Ohio Psychiatrists Political Action Committee, 1996-2003Wright State University: Associate Director of Residency Training, 1976-81; Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, 1991-2004Experienced, Proven, EffectiveThis is a terrific time to be a psychiatrist. We alone work in the center of the bio-psycho-social arena. Here we teach, conduct research, consult, and administrate, reaping the rewards of ever better treatment. We also have challenges. What might we best do for the future?Let us join the strong forces amassing for universal access to health care. It can give us “parity” and stronger public health. Universal access to health care by design will treat us more fairly. The W.H.O. and the I.O.M. document our value to public health. Let us think beyond nondiscrimination and work to be emphasized in the new system!Vigilance is needed to ensure continued support for ever better research and training. Psychiatrists working in the public sector deserve more recognition. Their patients must have a more dependable safety net. Private practice needs to be revitalized. Information technology, electronic medical records, and telepsychiatry should boom.It is vital to grow our leverage with government, especially the states. They, more than the federal level, control so much of what we do and are easier to influence. We can increase our power dramatically if we become more tactical and focused.Going forward, let us ever affirm our core values such as the medical model, privacy, and the high value of psychotherapy.Finally, I see us promoting the cause of child conservation as a new crusade. No one knows more than we how neglect and abuse ravage our youth. If we can conserve our environment, surely we can conserve our children! Let us work with APA and others to be in the vanguard of this movement.Why should you consider voting to place me on the Board of APA? In my view, it is my facility for getting things done guided by a broad clinical experience. Here are some highlights of my track record:Led the effort in the Assembly to establish a policy of universal access to health care. It passed unanimously in May 2003. The Board acted similarly in March 2004.Chaired the Ohio Psychiatrists Political Action Committee, doubling contributions in seven years.Identified a capable would-be Ohio legislator. Held fundraisers for him. Educated and lobbied him about our issues. He is now speaker of the Ohio House.Served on work groups to start a psychiatry residency and clerkship at Wright State University. Once up and running, administered them as an associate training director.Became chair of the board of a methadone clinic for the purpose of ridding it of corruption. Fired 25 employees, and the director was incarcerated. Rebuilt it as a professional agency.Served as a private-practicing general psychiatrist for over 30 years, seeing all age groups, conducting psychotherapy, medication management, and hospital-based services. Carried out inpatient treatment for opiate dependence for two years. Consulted in a maximum-security prison and presently in public mental health.Served for 16 years as medical advisor for Social Security Disability. Performed over 300 independent psychiatric examinations and served as an expert witness in over 100 depositions/trials.If you agree that my “can do” track record and broad clinical experience will bring valuable insights to the Board, please give me your vote. Thank you.Primary Professional Activities and Sources of IncomeProfessional Activities100%—Clinical care, Orangeburg Area Mental Health CenterIncome100%—Orangeburg Area Mental Health Center ISSUES NewArchived