The Council on Minority Mental Health and Health Disparities represents and advocates for both minority and underserved populations and psychiatrists from those groups. The council seeks to reduce mental health disparities in clinical services and research, which disproportionately affect women and minority populations. The council aims to promote the recruitment and development of psychiatrists from minority and underrepresented groups both within the profession and in APA.
Highlights of Responsibilities
- Increase awareness and understanding of cultural diversity and to foster the development of attitudes, knowledge, and skills in the areas of cultural competence through consultation, education, and advocacy within both the APA and the field of psychiatry and public policy.
- In cooperation with other appropriate APA components, enhance the quality and quantity of medical education in addictive disorders, at all educational levels, including undergraduate, residency, fellowship, and continuing medical education
- Develop psychiatric leadership from minority and underrepresented groups both within the profession of psychiatry and in APA.
Staff Liaison
Council Members
- Walter Wilson, M.D., MHA – Chairperson
2024-2025 - Amir Ahuja, M.D., FAPA
2020-2026 - Dia Arpon, M.D., FAPA
2023-2026 - Shane Collins, M.D., M.S.
2023-2026 - Farah Herbert, M.D., DFAPA – Assembly Representative
2024-2025 - Christina Khan, M.D., Ph.D., FAPA
2019-2025 - Pamela Montano, M.D.
2024-2025 - Linda Nahulu, M.D.
2024-2027 - Oscar Perez, M.D., DLFAPA
2020-2026 - Deepika Sastry, M.D., M.B.A., FAPA
2023-2026 - David Tompkins, M.D., DFAPA – Chair of Assembly M/UR Representatives
2023-2026 - Muhammad Zeshan, M.D. – Early Career Psychiatrist Representative
2023-2026 - Jai Gandhi, M.D. – Corresponding Member
2024-2025