Who We Are
WFMH Board Candidates for Election
2025-2027
David Baron
Country: USA
Region: North America & Eng. Caribbean
Nominator: Self
Candidate 1000 word statement
I am writing to express my strong interest in becoming a Board member of the WFMH. This personal statement will follow the recommended outline provided in the instructions to apply.
Experience in MH advocacy, education and awareness
I have had over 40 years of experience in all these areas. As the former Deputy Clinical Director of the NIMH (USA), I was the Director of Education for NIMH and liaison to Congress and NAMI. My graduate degree in Education was in global MH literacy. In 1983 the US Dept of State sent me to Saudi Arabia to help develop mental health education throughout the Kingdom. I have been a 2-time Fulbright Scholar working on MH advocacy and community-based MH education in Calgary, Canada and Sabah, Malaysia. In 2001 I was awarded the Presidential Medal for my work in exercise and MH by President Nathan of Singapore. I have extensive experience working in advocacy and MH education in Egypt, Malaysia, Canada, Turkey and the USA. I have won the HHS Award for promoting MH and Sport (USA), the 2024 Presidential Award For Exemplary Contribution to global MH(Afzal Javed , WPA President) and the 2025 Presidential Commendation for Outstanding Contribution to Global Mental Health, Lifestyle Psychiatry and Sport by APA President Vis. I currently have grant funding for my work in community MH and MH Awareness. I was a multi-term Chair of the WPA Education Section and Section on Medicine, Psychiatry and Primary Care and have published many books, chapters and papers in this area.
Why I am interested in serving on the WFMH Board
I have dedicated most of my career in global MH and have been fortunate to serve in leadership roles the past 20 years. I have also had the privilege to work with many of the senior leaders of WMMH and admire their commitment to promoting the goals of the Organization. I share their passion and believe I could contribute to those goals, through my experience as a part of the leadership team of WFMH.
Other Organizations and Boards
I have served as President, Vice President and Treasurer of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry(the oldest psychiatry think tank in the US), President of the American College of Neuropsychiatrists, senior Board member of the International Society of Sports Psychiatrists, American College of Psychiatrists, Addiction Research Institute, and Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics(Also co-Chair the Division of Psychiatry). I have been the Scientific Program Chair for the American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Psychiatrists.
Areas to Contribute
Use my extensive global contacts to promote and expand the work of WFMH. Work closely with senior leadership to attain the goals and objectives of the Organization. Discuss possible areas of expansion and collaboration with other global and regional MH organizations sharing the goals of WFMH. Provide mentorship and education to promote global MH equity and access to care worldwide.
Identify myself
Longtime academic psychiatrist, with extensive administrative experience (Chair of Dept of Psychiatry Temple Univ School of Medicine, Chair Univ. of Southern California, Asst Dean of Medicine USC, Deputy Clinical Director of NIMH, Provost, Executive VP and Chief Academic Officer, Western U of Health Sciences. I also have shared experience as a survivor of the recent LA fires where I lost my home and everything I owned.
Specific skills
Award winning educator, clinical researcher, and administrator. Extensive global experience in addressing MH issues around the globe (especially in LMIC’s) Significant experience in MH public policy issues and program development, strong working relationships and friendships with many global leaders in MH, taught and worked closely in nursing schools, dental schools, PT and graduate schools around the world. I believe I am a good communicator and a very good team player, always focusing on respect and fairness.
Willingness to participate in Board meetings and conference calls
Having served on many Boards, I believe attendance is critical for an effective Board. If selected to serve, I will make every meeting, short of an emergency. My work and professional schedule allow me the flexibility to attend meetings around the globe.
I believe my career has prepared me to make a contribution to the WFMH. I am a paid life member of the Organization, so I will never be late with my dues, and will do all I can to promote the growth and effectiveness of WFMH, especially in assisting with collaborations with other Organizations I have worked with over the years. I respectfully request I be chosen to serve on the WFMH Board.
Candidate additional statement if provided