Committee Members and Representatives
Committees are the backbone of the San Diego Psychiatric Society. The work of committees has a direct impact on the decisions made by the Officers and Council. To have the kind of association we need you, our members, to participate.
Our committees are listed below and we hope you will join. If you would like to become a member, please contact us at info@sandiegopsychiatricsociety.org or (858) 279-4586.
Child and Adolescent Committee
Chair: Emily Troyer, M.D.
Keeps Council informed of all child and adolescent issues and makes recommendations to Council for appropriate action. Is the liaison between the San Diego Psychiatric Society and the San Diego branch of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
CME Committee
Chair: Andres Schneeberger, M.D.
Manages and implements CME Courses on select subject matter, ensuring that they meet accreditation standards and organizational goals. Evaluates activities for learning and budget purposes.
Communications Committee
Co-Chair: Chaitanya Pabbati, M.D.
Co-Chair: DeeAnn Wong, M.D.
Publish the quarterly e-newsletter and manage the website.
Correctional Systems Representative
Representative: TBD
Represents psychiatrists working within the jail and prison systems. Is the liaison between the two organizations.
County Mental Health Representative
Representative: TBD
Represents psychiatrists working at the County of San Diego and is the liaison between both organizations.
Early Career Representative
Representative: Stephanie Martinez, M.D.
Represent psychiatrists who have graduated from residency or fellowship within the past five years. Coordinate case consultation groups.
Executive Committee
President: Aaron Meyer, M.D.President-Elect: Stephanie Martinez, M.D.Vice President: Eric Rafla-Yuan, M.D.
Immediate Past-President: Andres Schneeberger, M.D.
Secretary: Katherine Kruckenberg, M.D.
Treasurer: Jason Keri, M.D.
Councilors: Chris Tjoa, M.D.
Emily Troyer, M.D.Executive Director: Karla Lapic
Composed of the President, President-Elect, Immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, two appointed Council members and the Executive Director (ex-officio). It is responsible for acting on behalf of Council in urgent situations, reviewing and selecting items for the Council agenda and making recommendations as necessary. Additional members may be temporarily added or invited when needed for consultation.
Fellowship Committee
Chair: Steven Ornish, M.D.
Reviews and recommends to Council, the nominations for the American Psychiatric Association Distinguished Fellowship.
Government Relations Representatives
Assembly Representative: Jessica Thackaberry, M.D.,
Local Legislative Representative: Steve Koh, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H.
State Legislative Representative: Eric Rafla-Yuan, M.D.
Area 6 Rep to the APA Board of Trustees: Larry Malak, M.D.
This includes the Assembly Representative, Assembly Deputy Representative and Local, State, and Federal Legislative Representatives. This group studies and reports back to the Society about pending and/or existing legislative matters, as well as governmental regulatory issues, rules and regulations and judicial decisions that are pertinent to mental health and to the practice of psychiatry in California. They make recommendations to Council on positions to be taken on such matters. In addition, they represent SDPS to the County of San Diego and the Senate and House of Representatives in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
Leadership Committee
Chair: TBD
Members appointed by Council for a one-year term. Chaired by the Immediate Past President. Submits to Council the nominees for the offices of the association.
Membership Committee
Chair: Holly Valerio, M.D.
Recruits, reviews and recommends to Council applicants for membership. Develops methods to promote maximum participation and retention among members. Reviews and recommends to Council changes in individual membership status changes.
Resident-Fellow Member Representative
Co-Representative: Matthew Abrams, MD
Co-Representative: Jeffrey Wong, MD
Represent and work on behalf of the Resident-Fellow members. Coordinate social, networking and mentoring events with Resident-Fellows and recruit Resident-Fellows.
Uniformed Health Services Representative
Representatives: Paul Sargent, M.D.
Represents the Navy psychiatrists and is the liaison between SDPS and the military.