APA’s Fall Institute to Focus On Community Systems

A trip to the country’s midwest capital is just what you need this fall. Make plans now to travel to Chicago for APA’s 2002 Institute on Psychiatric Services, which will be held October 9 to 13.

APA’s smaller, intimate fall meeting offers an opportunity to expand your clinical knowledge while you catch up with colleagues and make new friends. The institute’s small size and flexible schedule allow attendees to reach their educational goals while enjoying the sights, cultural institutions, and culinary delights of the windy city.

The Scientific Program Committee has recently rewritten its mission statement, with the aim of helping attendees feel connected to this educational gem:

“The mission of the Institute on Psychiatric Services is to train and support psychiatrists to provide quality care and leadership through study of the array of clinical innovations and services necessary to meet the needs of individuals who suffer from serious mental illness, substance abuse, or other assaults to their mental health due to trauma or adverse social circumstances, in order to assure optimal care and hope of recovery.”

The theme of this year’s institute is “Community Counts: Creating and Supporting Systems of Care.” Among the sessions highlighting this theme will be a discussion group led by APA President Paul Appelbaum, M.D., on “Confidentiality in Psychiatric Treatment: HIPAA and Beyond.” The rest of our rich program reflects the clinical and service delivery issues we face in diverse communities.

APA members and colleagues have submitted their best work to address the issue of chronic illness and communities in distress. Invited lecturers will focus on a wide range of topics including children, policy, trauma, recovery, and chronic mental illness. The debates will address cost considerations and the best possible care for our patients. Intellectually exciting options abound.

When you receive the preliminary program, I am sure you will understand my pride in this meeting. Twenty-five national and local experts from multiple disciplines will offer stimulating lectures. The 2002 Adolf Meyer Award will be presented to Herbert Pardes, M.D., who was an APA president and NIMH director. The institute is honored to host this prestigious award lecture, which is presented for outstanding contributions to the science and practice of psychiatry. The Psychiatric Services Achievement awards, as well as the Arnold L. van Ameringen and Frank J. Menolascino awards, will be announced at the Opening Session. The “Innovative Programs” format will cover a range of topics in such sessions as “Connections to Community,” “Organizational Models for Community Care,” “Community Education,” “From Youth to Adulthood: Alternatives to Hospitalizations,” “Provider Education,” and “Telepsychiatry.”

Residents and medical students will join with other members in various stages of their careers to discuss clinical issues and the challenges of service delivery during the eight discussion groups and three clinical consultations. Other highlights include special sessions for residents and fellows, such as sessions on career and leadership development, CME courses in half-day and full-day formats, and useful research updates.

The 2001 institute occurred shortly after September 11. At that meeting attendees came together to learn, grieve, and offer support. One year later we will reflect on our work, healing, and future challenges. Please join us and continue the tradition of supporting community work and education at this wonderful fall meeting.

A copy of the preliminary program booklet, which includes registration, housing, and air travel information, can be obtained by calling (888) 357-7924 or by clicking on the institute’s logo on APA’s Web site at www.psych.org. ▪