Neuropsychologists are well-trained in brain-behavior relationships but are not always at the table when major decisions are made that directly impact patients or the provision of neuropsychological services. The term advocacy often calls to mind impassioned speeches on the Senate floor or engaging in public political action in a manner that feels daunting or unappealing to many individual neuropsychologists. Similarly, the term professional service suggests volunteer committee or board work that takes hours of unpaid time from practitioners/researchers/academics facing increasing time demands with decreasing reimbursement. Advocacy and professional service are essential elements of competent practice as a neuropsychologist and require a community approach to ensure that neuropsychology has a seat at decision-making tables. The purpose of this talk is to demystify the concepts of advocacy and professional service, highlight successful advocacy efforts, help to identify barriers to getting involved, and assist in creating a plan to increase engagement at levels that are comfortable and achievable for each neuropsychologist. Together, we can make a difference for our professional community and for our patients.
Learning Objectives:
Define advocacy and professional service in neuropsychology
List several successful advocacy efforts in neuropsychology
Identify barriers to engaging in advocacy and professional service
Create a plan to become involved in advocacy and professional service
