Chief's Corner
Welcome to the Winter/Spring edition of the "Diversity & Health Equity at APA" newsletter. This issue opens with our Mental Health Equity Champion Spotlight, featuring Sudhakar Shenoy, M.D., F.A.P.A., who shares insights into addressing mental health care disparities, drawing from his experience training in India and the United States. In our Policy in Action Corner, Octavio Martinez, M.D., D.F.A.P.A., underscores the power of personal stories to drive change. Kaleigh Wingate, M.D., first year psychiatry resident at Dartmouth College, reflects on the 2026 APA Workforce Development Initiative Spring Leadership Summit at the Equal Justice Initiative (supported by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Minority Fellowship Program award), while APA intern Michael Thomas shares his work on rural mental health with Division of Diversity and Health Equity’s Elvis Gyan, Ph.D. In Culture Corner, Vybhav Lagannath, M.D., explores mental health through Indian classical dance.
We also feature upcoming events and resources, including a Coffee and Connections networking event for APA SAMHSA MFP resident fellows and alumni happening at the 2026 APA Annual Meeting in San Francisco; the inaugural Women’s Leadership Institute coming in fall 2026… stay tuned; and highlights from the APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit and Community Fair hosted in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with our President Theresa Miskimen Rivera, M.D., D.L.F.A.P.A.; and the 2nd Social Determinants of Mental Health Convening and recap of the APA "Looking Beyond" webinar series.
There are so many impactful events happening around APA, and none of these activities would be possible without the dedication and collaboration of our members. Thank you for being part of this important work.
In closing, I’d like to reflect on the words of Dolores Huerta, who inspired generations with her powerful yet simple phrase, "sí se puede." This expression carries a quiet strength, reminding us that meaningful change is not only possible but also achievable when we work together with purpose and determination.
Regina James, M.D.
Deputy Medical Director | Vice President, Diversity & Health Equity
American Psychiatric Association
Thank you to the following APA members for their contributions to this newsletter:
- Sudhakar Shenoy M.D., F.A.P.A.
- Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., D.F.A.P.A.
- Kaleigh Wingate, M.D.
- Vybhav Jagannath, M.D.
Mental Health Equity Champion Spotlight — Sudhakar Shenoy, M.D., F.A.P.A.
Sudhakar Kateel Shenoy, M.D., F.A.P.A., is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist practicing in Chicago, where he serves as medical director of Downtown Psychiatry Chicago and as a staff psychiatrist at Madden Mental Health Center. He is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois Chicago, engaged in teaching medical students and residents.
Advocacy in Action — Octavio Martinez, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., D.F.A.P.A.
Octavio N. Martinez, Jr., M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., D.F.A.P.A., is Senior Associate Vice President and Executive Director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health at The University of Texas at Austin.
Mental Health Needs in Rural Communities — Michael Thomas, APA Intern Spotlight
Michael Thomas has a B.S. in Biology from Morehouse College and an M.P.H. degree from Emory University with a concentration in behavioral science and health education.
Reflecting on the Equal Justice Initiative | APA Workforce Development Initiative Spring Leadership Summit — Kaleigh Wingate, M.D.
I had the privilege of attending the 2026 APA Spring Leadership Summit in Montgomery, Alabama, focused on "Changing Landscapes and Informed Mental Health Policy." It was an incredibly meaningful weekend of learning.
Culture Corner: Exploring Mental Health Advocacy through Indian Classical Dance — Vybhav Jagannath, M.D.
Bharatanatyam is considered the ballet of Indian classical dance, with emotional expression and coordinated hand-foot movements playing an essential role in storytelling.
Highlights From the 2nd Annual APA Social Determinants of Mental Health (SDoMH) Convening — Elvis Gyan, Ph.D.
The APA hosted its 2nd Annual Social Determinants of Mental Health (SDoMH) Convening Nov. 7, 2025, bringing together psychiatrists, educators, researchers and policymakers to advance equitable mental health care.
Don’t Miss the APA SAMHSA MFP (Vanguard Resident Fellows) Poster and Networking Session
Join us Sunday, May 17, for a day of connection, community and shared learning with the APA Vanguard Resident Fellowship (SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program) community.
On the Horizon: APA Women’s Leadership Institute
Women physicians continue to drive change across the house of medicine while navigating the realities of career advancement and caregiving.
APA & APAF MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk & Roll — July 11
Register today for the 6th annual APA and APAF MOORE Equity in Mental Health 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Walk & Roll taking place Saturday, July 11. Join us in Washington, D.C., or participate remotely from your home community and help us make an impact together.
MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Fair
The APA, in partnership with the NLBHA, community leaders and local organizations, hosted the 5th annual MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Fair in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Resources for APA Members
We invite readers to explore the APA’s SDoMH webpage, a growing hub for tools, research and guidance designed to help psychiatrists and mental health professionals better understand and address the social and structural factors that influence mental health outcomes.
APA Webinar Bundles
This convening series introduced participants to SDoMH assessments, which are crucial in psychiatric care. This event brought together leaders in psychiatry to explore how SDoMH affects patient outcomes and how these factors are integrated into clinical assessments and treatment planning.