Posted on October 29, 2002 at 12:44 p.m.

BIRMINGHAM, AL — University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) professor of psychology Rudy Vuchinich, Ph.D., has been selected as president of the American Psychological Association, (APA) Division 50.

The APA is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States. With 155,000 members, the APA is the largest association of psychologists in the world. Division 50 of the APA promotes advances in research, professional training and clinical practice within the broad range of addictive behaviors including the use of alcohol, nicotine and other drugs and disorders involving gambling, eating, sexual behavior or spending.

Vuchinich will oversee Division 50’s activities, which will include promoting continuing education for practicing psychologists, making recommendations for training in the field of addictions and lobbying to ensure addiction services are covered in any legislative agenda.

Vuchinich is associate director of the Medical Psychology program at UAB. His research interests include substance abuse, behavioral economics and self-control.