Norah Fahad Aldawsari, a second-year clinical psychology student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), has been named to the American Psychology Association’s (APA) Membership Board.
Ms. Aldawsari’s appointment comes after a months-long, national search by the APA.
Ms. Aldawsari was chosen from hundreds of applications and will serve as a student
advocate on the Membership Board. In this position, Ms. Aldawsari will use her extensive,
real-world experience to engage with and advocate for underrepresented and marginalized
communities.
“As a student, I’ve always been really interested in cross-cultural competency and I pride myself on being an advocate for international and immigrant students,” shared Ms. Aldawsari. “I truly feel that I have a voice now and I will proudly represent the APA and work for positive change on behalf of the communities I am a part of.”
In addition to her studies at PCOM, Ms. Aldawsari has worked hard to make mental health resources available to underserved communities in her home country of Saudi Arabia and beyond. After graduating with a Master of Clinical Counseling and Psychology degree from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia, Ms. Aldawsari started the “NAFS Mental Health Promotion Team” in Saudi Arabia. Along with other mental health volunteers, Ms. Aldawsari worked in low-and middle- income communities overseas to make mental health resources available. She has brought this initiative to the United States and works to administer mental health services to Arabic speakers in Philadelphia.
Ms. Aldawsari will hold this position for the next three years. The Membership Board of the APA is responsible for member recruitment and organizing educational and engaging activities for members within the organization. With more than 120,000 members in the United States, the APA is the leading professional organization for psychology and represents educators, clinicians, students and more.
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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