In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI), a Penn State Health Enterprise owned by Penn State Health, proudly showcases the academic journey of Dr. Elisabeth J. Kunkel. With a career spanning decades, Dr. Kunkel’s path from an intellectually curious student at McGill University to a pioneering leader as PPI’s Chief Medical Officer has been marked by significant contributions to psychiatry and relentless support for equity in medicine.
Creating a Supportive Culture
Under Dr. Kunkel’s leadership, PPI has become a model of diversity and inclusion, creating a nurturing environment for all staff and enhancing patient care through a broadened perspective. “I knew I wanted to start a community and public psychiatry fellowship,” to provide expertise to patients and their families. “Mentoring faculty and developing them and their careers has given me great pleasure.” Her mentorship and leadership development initiatives have fostered a supportive culture that values every individual’s contribution, paving the way for future generations of all medical professionals.
Dr. Kunkel’s leadership extends to building a nurturing workplace at PPI, where providers are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities that contribute to their personal growth. This makes providers feel that their work is meaningful and valuable. This support enhances the team’s overall effectiveness and academic productivity. Her emphasis on mentorship, respect and academic nourishment forms the cornerstone of an inclusive culture that values everyone’s contribution.
“I think mentorship and support for faculty and making them feel respected, valued and academically nourished is important. Academic support, including education, research and clinical care are always on the top of my list,” Dr. Kunkel explains. “If somebody says to me, ‘Doctor Kunkel, I want to do XYZ. This is an educational opportunity for me, and this is what it’s going to bring back to the team.’ If I can make it happen for them, I make it happen.”
This philosophy not only underscores Dr. Kunkel’s importance on individual development and team synergy, but also reflects PPI’s overarching mission to provide a workplace where diversity is embraced and every staff member is empowered to reach their full potential. Through such a supportive framework, PPI stands as a model institution that excels in psychiatric care and fosters a culture of inclusivity and professional growth.
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
With a deep understanding of the current mental health landscape, Dr. Kunkel has been at the forefront of efforts to make mental health care more accessible and effective.
“We’re in a mental health crisis nationally right now,” stresses Kunkel. “The rates of mental illness and suicidal ideation have skyrocketed, leading to full and congested emergency rooms. So many people are knocking at our door that it’s harder to get in. There’s an access crisis that drives the mental health crisis.”
This surge in demand for mental health services has led to the significant access crisis. Recruitment of providers can’t keep pace with the request for services. Recruitment must blend in a plan to meet each applicants’ personal and professional career development goals.
Explaining the difficulties patients face in accessing care, Kunkel offered, “One thing that people don’t understand is if they call up, and they say I want an appointment with you, and the person on the other end of the phone says we don’t have anybody taking new patients right now. That isn’t the end of the conversation.”
In these situations, Dr. Kunkel advises:
- Asking if there is a waiting list
- If so, requesting to be put on the waiting list
- Following up regularly to see where they stand on the list
- Doing the same steps at multiple locations and programs simultaneously
At PPI, patients can contact the Admissions Department, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by phone at 717-782-6493 or 866-746-2496.
A Legacy of Leadership
Dr. Kunkel’s influence extends beyond PPI, with her advocacy work, contributions to organized medicine, and national networking impacting mental health policy at both state and federal levels. Nationally, Dr Kunkel is Past Chair of the AAMC CMO Group Steering Committee and at the State level, she sits on the Board of Directors for HAP.
Her leadership style, marked by compassion, innovation and resilience, inspires women and people of diverse backgrounds to excel in medicine, psychiatry and beyond.
As we honor Dr. Kunkel’s achievements, PPI reaffirms its commitment to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity, encourages innovation and academic productivity and supports the well-being of all her colleagues.