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Dr. John Santopietro Elected President of the CT Psychiatric Society
July 13, 2022
John Santopietro, MD, DFAPA, physician-in-chief at the Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network and senior vice president of Hartford HealthCare has begun his term as the next president of The Connecticut Psychiatric Society for the 2022/2023 term.
“This is a very important organization and I am looking forward to taking on many current challenges including the growing need for access to quality psychiatric care that we are experiencing statewide and across the country,” said Dr. Santopietro.
As a District Branch of the American Psychiatric Association composed of nearly 700 members, the 88 year old, Bloomfield CT based organization is devoted to advocating for patients, promoting and disseminating professional values, supporting education and career advancement, and strengthening the scientific basis of psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Santopietro noted that coming out of the pandemic and its effects over the past few years have presented trying times for mental health professionals who have been doing their best to maintain cohesion and momentum in the field.
“My agenda will be to help revitalize and strengthen the Society with an emphasis on the community aspects of psychology and to reengage members through in-person meetings and our current listserv where our brainstorming and problem-solving have led to valuable insight and improvements,” he said.
The Society is also looking to build on the strong track record the Society has with the Connecticut State Legislature through its committed advocacy and government relations efforts that supported several bills to improve and expand patients care this past session.
Dr. Santopietro served a term as President of the Society from 2012 to 2013 and is assuming the post from immediate past president Dr. Tobias Wasser. Dr. Santopietro has published and lectured extensively, especially on the use of technology to enhance the delivery of behavioral health services, and integration of behavioral healthcare into primary care practices.
Before joining Hartford HealthCare, Dr. Santopietro served as president and medical director at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT, and prior to that as chief clinical officer for behavioral health and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Carolinas HealthCare System.
The Connecticut Psychiatric Society is the professional association in the state of Connecticut that offers advocacy, information, support, and educational opportunities to Psychiatrists at all levels of practice. Because the Society is a district branch of the American Psychiatric Association, members are able to enjoy the combined benefits of both organizations.