July 7, 2023
As a geriatric psychiatrist, Lea Watson, MD, MPH, brings an important voice as a House of Delegates representative on the AMDA Board of Directors. She looks forward to addressing the many challenges facing this care sector, including the escalating prevalence of psychiatric disorders in nursing homes and increases in dementia and related behaviors.
Dr. Watson knows she and her colleagues have their work cut out for them, but she embraces the opportunities. “AMDA has given me so much support, and the organization has risen to the occasion of putting behavioral health front and center. I welcome this opportunity to give back,” she said. “I am excited to represent a diverse constituency and give everyone a voice.”
The world is a different place than it was a few years ago, and Dr. Watson knows that this reality needs attention. She noted, “The pandemic has changed things dramatically. Vaccine safety, access to care, and provider wellbeing have all become top priorities, and regulatory changes have also been impactful.” This presents challenges but also opportunities. As she explained, “Things have been brought to bear that we can advocate for to make this a safer and more compassionate space.” She looks forward to working on issues such as minimum staffing standards, psychotropic management, and ensuring compassionate end-of-life care.
Dr. Watson said of her role on the board that she is a “newbie to the process.” However, she is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work. “Everyone’s opinion matters—ideas big and small, and we are interested in listening to all of them,” she said, adding that AMDA is to be commended for bringing so many members of the interdisciplinary team to the table—everyone from pharmacists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to dieticians, geriatric psychiatrists, and social workers.
Like so many of her colleagues, Dr. Watson was charged up at the recent PALTC23 Annual Conference. “It was outstanding—so much fun to be with everyone in person. I met many people in Tampa for the first time who I previously had just communicated with online,” she noted.
In addition to her work as a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Watson is a professor of psychiatry and geriatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. In her spare time, Dr. Watson is an avid runner and a passionate pickleball player.
