Every year the American Psychological Association Society of Prescribing Psychologists selects an educator of the year. This year, New Mexico State University’s very own, Casey McDougall was awarded with the accolade.
McDougall is currently the training director and academic advisor for the postdoctoral master’s program in clinical psychopharmacology. McDougall explained that taking on this role at New Mexico State was an unexpected career change for him.
“I never thought I would be [an educator],” he said. “I was recruited and encouraged to do so, once I got my advanced degree, I had colleagues at NMSU [who said] you’d be a good fit for the role in becoming an educator.”
McDougall also mentioned how he is constantly taking in his performance reviews and using them to better himself as an educator.
“I need to know my deficits and also expand on my strengths,” he said.
McDougall elaborated on what he believed are his strengths within the profession and how his experience throughout his life have helped shape that.
“I was in the army [from] 1999 to 2006, I went to Iraq 405, so that kind of real-world experience changes how I conduct myself as a professional, I think I’m definitely more open, available, going to talk to you straight,” he said.
McDougall said he likes to teach in a more immersive style. He said his method gives students a better look at what they may be looking at when they are going to be prescribing medications. He also explained he is not worried about grades but is more worried about making sure students understand the content and can apply it.
“I’m not worried about grades, you are [students] here to learn,” he said.
New Mexico was the first state to pass legislation for psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medication and this post doctorate class is one of seven in the entire country. The legislation was passed in March 2002.
“The students in my program are unique in that they can take this degree and actually offer medication recommendations to patients or clients and help change patient outcomes or even take people off junk they don’t need to be on,” McDougall said.
“So, it’s important that people take up the mantle and help people suffering from silent injuries, right, like depression, PTSD, or whatever they may have.”
Jacque Strait, a current student in McDougall’s postdoctoral program, shared her thoughts on why she believed McDougall received the award and how his work continues to impact students in the program.
“Dr. McDougall’s role as a training director encompasses the role of educator as well,” she said. “He has been instrumental in providing high-quality education and training opportunities with unwavering dedication. His commitment to student success is evident, as his passion for advancing the field of prescribing psychology and addressing the needs of underserved populations in New Mexico and beyond.”
Strait also explained that his dedication is seen by his students.
“I would just like to add that Dr. McDougall makes all of this happen with very limited staff and support of his own, which makes this feat even more incredible,” she said.
McDougall mentioned he initially was not going to attend the award ceremony, but when he got there, he experienced a touching moment.
“I almost wasn’t going to go, so when I went there, I was really touched especially with Dr. Strait presenting, that really made me feel good,” he said. “I don’t usually seek recognition, but when you get it and it’s genuine, it kind of helps bolster that I’m making a difference.”
