How does your background qualify you for this office?
I have served as a committee and task for member, a committee co-chair, and an organizational liaison for the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN). Throughout my involvement in the organization, I have developed a deep understanding of its mission, operations, and the complementary roles of the board and committees. In particular, my efforts as part of the Legislative Action and Advocacy Committee (LAAC) attest to my dedication to working with the board and committee members of NAN to meets its short-term goals and its long-term vision. As part of the LAAC, I participated in NAN’s Hill Day meeting with congressional members to discuss legislative issues key to the field of neuropsychology, helped revamp resources highlighting the value of neuropsychology, and aided in the creation of a quick guide for those who wish to advocate for the field. NAN is an organization committed to advocating on behalf of the profession and developing the skills of its membership. Meanwhile, my involvement in the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Task Force and as the representative to the Cultural Neuropsychology Council reflects my dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of the breadth of members of the NAN community as well as promoting an understanding of diversity in the neuropsychology, core to the values of the organization. My breadth of experiences with the organization equip me to contribute meaningfully as a member-at-large. I am dedicated to promoting the organization’s strategic priorities and supporting the board in ensuring that NAN remains a leader in neuropsychology.
What do you see as the major challenges to neuropsychology in the next 5 years? How do you believe NAN, under your leadership, can be effective in meeting these challenges?
In upcoming years, neuropsychology will continue to face challenges from changes in the healthcare system and insurance models. As reimbursement rates do not keep pace with increasing costs of living and practice, the financial health of individual practitioners is threatened which is, in turn, impacting access to high-quality services. Researchers in the field are also increasingly facing financial challenges as funding streams through the federal system are altered and eliminated. Threats to test security and the need for updated tools and normative samples complicate clinicians’ ability to select measures that can validly and reliably characterize their patient’s functioning. Rapid advances in technology, such as digital assessment tools, telehealth, and artificial intelligence, offer tremendous potential but also require thoughtful integration, training, and ethical oversight. As well, our field must respond to the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population, with considerations in training, professional development, and clinical care. As member-at-large, I would work with members of the board and committees as needed to meet the organization’s strategic goals of advocating for the field, strengthening training and professional development opportunities, and supporting our understanding of diversity. In particular, I believe that my commitment to training and mentorship, as well as my involvement in organizations focused on enhancing training and access to training, are assets that will help me support NAN as its addresses the challenges of the field.
How would you promote professional practice?
As member-at-large, I will work to ensure that NAN’s strategic priorities translate into tangible support for neuropsychologists in their daily practice. By serving as a bridge between the board and the membership, I hope to ensure that practitioner voices inform NAN’s direction, that advocacy for the needs of clinicians is at the forefront, and that consideration of trainees as the next generation of practitioners is emphasized. In particular, I value that NAN is an organization that represents a broad range of neuropsychologists, practicing across the developmental spectrum, working in different communities and settings, and serving a diversity of patient backgrounds. As a clinician trained to work predominantly with children but also with adults, who has worked in hospital-based and group practice settings, and who comes from a personally diverse background, I hope to bring a voice to the needs of a wide cross-section of neuropsychologists.
How do you plan to bridge science and practice?
NAN has a longstanding history of financially supporting and disseminating research as well as advocating for and providing resources for professional practice. I wholeheartedly believe that education is the bridge between science and practice. When clinicians understand the science behind test findings and interventions, they can provide patients with the best care. When researchers understand the needs of clinicians, they can target empirical studies toward meaningful goals. As member-at-large, I will support the board and committees in their goals not only to directly support research and clinical efforts but also the dissemination of knowledge through publications and presentations, the creation of professional development opportunities, and the support of education for trainees.
Dr. Badaly is a member of the following organizations:
- National Academy of Neuropsychology, Professional Member
- American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology, Active Member
- American Psychological Association, Member
- APA Division 40: Society for Clinical Neuropsychology, Member
- International Neuropsychological Society, Professional Member