Organization Leadership

I have served as Vice President for one of the largest providers of mental health services in the state of New Jersey.

I personally managed the delivery of mental health services of over 30 psychiatrists. In that capacity, I ensured compliance with the various regulatory bodies including The Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and State Agencies.

Patient Advocacy and Community Outreach

I have served in various positions under three different past Governors of the State of New Jersey, from both Republican and Democrat administrations:

• Appointed by Governor Chris Christie to serve on the New Jersey Health Information Technology (HITEC) Commission.

• Served as a member of the Campus Security Task Force, Mental Health Subcommittee reporting our findings directly to Governor Jon S. Corzine.

• Appointed by New Jersey Governor James McGreevey to the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council.

Efforts devoted to attending to the needs of our community were acknowledged by the U.S. Senate in the form of a special recognition presented for Excellence in Hispanic Mental Health Advocacy and Leadership.

Invited as a guest and program presenter aimed at educating the general public on mental illness and combating stigma. Among them, the NAMI sponsored "Ask the Doctor" series and patient and family educations programs for Intensive Family Support Programs.

Clinical Care

I regularly provide direct services at all levels of care including inpatient, partial, intensive outpatient and outpatient.

I have been directly involved in disaster psychiatry care by providing services to first responders in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and to relocated victims of Hurricane Katrina.

I volunteered alongside a multidisciplinary team on the Veterans Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, work that was recognized in the form of a United States Army Freedom Team Commendation.

Academics and Research

As a Professor of Psychiatry, I am responsible for teaching and supervising medical students, residents and fellows. I have been honored to receive several teaching awards over the years. I believe that it is not only a privilege but a great responsibility to prepare the next generation of psychiatrists for the challenges that lie ahead for our profession.

As a clinical researcher, I have focused my attention on the impact of culture on symptom presentation and diagnosis. My participation in NIMH and private sector grants have resulted in various publications in peer reviewed journals including Archives of General Psychiatry.