Leadership Rounds With Dr. Robert Trestman

AHA Board Chair Rod Hochman, M.D., president and CEO of Providence, and Robert Trestman, M.D., chair for psychiatry and behavioral medicine at Carilion Clinic and a professor at the Viriginia Tech/Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Va., reflect on the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and well-being of health care professionals, patients and families. During the conversation, Trestman emphasizes that to improve behavioral health care, “overcoming the stigma of asking for and receiving help is the single biggest challenge we all face.” He is passionate about helping health care professionals “to realize that we are human beings … with limits … and it’s OK to ask for help.” Trestman serves as 2021 chair of the AHA Behavioral Health Services Committee.