I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers!), and completed my undergraduate studies at Hampton University in VA, a research university where I majored in Biology.  After graduation, I worked at the NIH for two years before completing an MD/PhD at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NY.  I then, completed my adult psychiatry training at Yale, where I served as Program Wide Chief Resident and completed an Addiction Psychiatry fellowship.  I am currently an Assistant Professor at Yale, where I conduct health disparities research in substance use disorders and teach medical students and residents.

I joined the APA in January 2013, and have been actively involved in the organization, initially as a prestigious American Psychiatric Leadership Fellow, then as an APA/SAMHSA Substance Abuse Fellow.  I was an active Member of the Communications Council for 2 years, where I helped in re-branding efforts and overall design of the current APA website.  I was also the recipient of the APA Resident Recognition Award--given to exceptional residents who demonstrate leadership and embody the values of the APA.   Currently, as an early career psychiatrist, I serve as the Secretary of the Black Caucus, where I had the honor of co-organizing the reception at the past annual meeting for president-elect Dr. Altha Stewart.

I believe increasing involvement by ECPs with varied interests is crucial in understanding Psychiatry and will help APA become an even more vibrant organization, representing a diverse group of constituents 

I plan to do this by Pushing Psychiatry tot the forefront of medicine through networking, collaboration and technological innovation.  Vote Dr. J for APA