Greater Access to Mental Health
Dr. Patricia Ares-Romero will advocate for excellence in patient care and physicians’ rights as the sixth female president of the Dade County Medical Association.
By Debby Teich
Photography by Tom Salyer
Patricia Ares-Romero, M.D., UM/Jackson Psychiatry Resident ’03.
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atricia Ares-Romero, M.D., UM/Jackson Psychiatry Resident ’03, has been a staunch advocate for behavioral health locally and nationally. In June, she became president of the Dade County Medical Association (DCMA), only the sixth woman to hold the post in 100 years. “As a psychiatrist by training,” Dr. Ares-Romero said, “one of my primary goals is to elevate mental health awareness and support within our community and among health care professionals.”
“As a psychiatrist by training, one of my primary goals is to elevate mental health awareness and support within our community and among health care professionals.”
Previously, Dr. Ares-Romero was the chief medical officer for Jackson Behavioral Health System, where she pioneered the first medication-assisted treatment clinic to combat the opioid crisis. She was also an associate professor for the Miller School’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
What are your top priorities at the DCMA?
I hope to put stringent guardrails in place to ensure physicians have the necessary training and credentials to be licensed in Florida. Since prior authorization requirements often delay patient care and treatment, I plan to push for greater transparency from insurance companies and the opportunity for peer-to-peer conversations to discuss cases. I will work on aligning adult Medicaid reimbursement rates with Medicare to encourage physician participation in Medicaid and improve health care access for underserved populations. I intend to implement programs that empower more women to assume leadership roles in medicine.
What are the greatest challenges with mental health?
Mental illness affects one out of five adults, including health care professionals. It is essential to create supportive environments where mental health conversations are normalized and stigma-free. Advocacy, education and strong support systems are crucial to improving access to mental health services.
Describe your experience in the Jackson Health System as a resident and CMO.
In both positions, I had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in medicine. My residency training provided exposure to diverse populations and reinforced the importance of compassionate medicine and human connections. My tenure as CMO deepened my commitment to advocating for vulnerable patients and medical professionals.
What are your plans beyond your DCMA tenure?
I am passionate about my work. I will continue to fight for excellent patient care and physicians’ rights to create a more equitable and effective health care system for future generations. 
