Convention Highlights
Keynote Address: Legal Advocacy and Compliance in a Changing World: Updates and a view ahead from the APA Practice Organization Wednesday, October 26 • 9-10 a.m.
Presenter: Alan Nessman, JD, Senior Special Counsel APA Practice Organization
This talk will highlight key legal and regulatory issues handled by Practice’s Office of Legal & Regulatory Affairs that impact practicing psychologists and their patients now, and in the future as the health care system transforms. This will help psychologists understand legal issues and trends that will impact their care of patients and/or compliance with applicable laws and regulations. These issues include: parity implementation and managed care, healthcare reform and HITECH and electronic health records (EHRs).
Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award Luncheon Wednesday, October 26 • 12:15-1:45 p.m.
OPA’s Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award honors businesses that make its employees’ work lives less stressful through policies and philosophies. This award, in its ninth year, selects recipients based on the following criteria: employee involvement, family support, employee growth and development and health and safety issues.
Welcome Reception Wednesday, October 26 • 5-5:30 p.m.
After a long day of workshops, wind down with some time for networking. Make sure to visit our exhibitors to win prizes!
Social Media 101 for Psychologists: Positive Use of Social Media to Promote Psychology Wednesday Dinner Program • 5:30 p.m.
Do you run in fear when someone mentions “tweeting?” Afraid to be on Facebook and be “friended” by a patient? Worried that social media will take over your time, your life, and then the world (insert sounds of mass hysteria here)? Social media is not only not as scary as you think, but can be used appropriately and positively to promote psychological knowledge and your practice. In this program, members of the Committee on Social Responsibility focus on four types of social media (Twitter, Facebook, blogging, & LinkedIn) and how psychologists across Ohio are appropriately using them to share psychological information professionally and with the public.
Plenary Session: Comprehensive Soldier Fitness: Making a Difference for Soldiers
Thursday, October 27 • 9-11 a.m.
Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) is a U.S. Army initiative designed to provide soldiers with the skills needed to cope successfully with the challenges of combat and its aftereffects. The purpose of this plenary session is to thoroughly describe CSF and to discuss ways that psychologists who are not associated with the military may leverage CSF principles to help veterans adjust when they return to the civilian sector. Based on positive psychology principles, CSF emphasizes a proactive approach to health and well-being, and may provide the state and local mental healthcare communities another strategy for helping our over two million combat veterans to adjust successfully to their post-military lives.
Michael Matthews, PhD is a regular consultant to senior Army leadership on matters pertaining to Soldier and Leader performance and psychological fitness. Recently, he has consulted with the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army on the development of a strategic plan to improve the psychological fitness of soldiers, their families and of Army civilians.
Political Action Committee (PAC) Luncheon Thursday, October 27 • 1:15-2:45 p.m.
Learn about OPA’s role in advocacy over the past year. At this time, we’ll also pass the hat for our friends of psychology in the legislature!
Foundation for Psychology in Ohio & COPA Wine Tasting Fundraiser Thursday, October 27 • 6 p.m. • $30 Donation
The Foundation for Psychology in Ohio and Central Ohio Psychological Association (COPA) will host a joint wine tasting fundraiser for the second year. Network with colleagues and enjoy tastes of fabulous wines! The eveningn includes a sampling of four wines and light refreshments. You’ll also learn more about the Foundation and COPA. Note: A social hour will be held in the exhibitor area with a cash bar for those not interested in attending this event.
Banquet Honoring Newly Licensed Psychologists Thursday, October 27 • 7 p.m.
Join us in welcoming newly licensed Ohio psychologists! Psychologists licensed during the prior year will take an official oath during our ninth annual Swearing-In Ceremony.
OPA Poster Session Friday, October 28 • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The OPA invites undergraduate and graduate students, along with faculty, conducting research on psychology-based topics to present poster summaries. Special recognition is given to students who have exemplary posters. Take time out of your day to meet with students and learn about their cutting edge research! While you’re there, make sure to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” for Best Poster!
Awards Ceremony and Annual OPA Membership Meeting Luncheon Friday, October 28 • 12:15-1:45 p.m.
OPA will recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization and the field of psychology during the past year, or in their lifetime. Join us in congratulating their accomplishments and honoring them. Following the awards ceremony, OPA members and guests are asked to stay for a brief membership meeting. OPA President John Rudisill, will review plans for the organization.