Body and Mind: Healing the Rift

I hope you will plan to attend this year's annual meeting in Atlanta from May 21 to 26. Numerous sessions will be related to the theme I've chosen for the meeting—“Psychosomatic Medicine: Integrating Psychiatry and Medicine”—and you can read about many of them as you thumb through this issue of Psychiatric News.

In keeping with the theme, I've planned a series of Presidential Symposia in which nationally and internationally known researchers, scientists, and clinicians will focus on specific aspects of psychiatry's newest subspecialty. The symposia will be held Monday through Wednesday, May 23 to 25.

In addition, the meeting will feature a track of sessions in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that will emphasize the clinical applications of research advances. We are most grateful that NIMH Director Thomas Insel, M.D., will be among the presenters (see page 17).

It's been a long time since we held our annual meeting in this great southern town—27 to be exact. There is so much to do and see as, again, this issue of Psychiatric News will show you. Your leisure time will fill up fast—there are many wonderful restaurants and clubs; historic, educational, and entertainment attractions; outdoor activities; and shopping choices. The easy-to-use MARTA public transportation system will take you to your destination quickly. And with temperatures hovering comfortably in the mid-80s with low humidity, the weather should be delightful during our visit.

Most of the hotels in which APA members will be staying are close to each other and the convention center, so getting to scientific sessions and meeting with friends will be easy.

Other than presenting the latest information on a range of clinical topics, what is probably most important about APA's annual meeting is that it provides an opportunity to connect with former classmates and colleagues from throughout the country—if not the world—while we reengage with and become reinvigorated about our profession. Sometimes psychiatric practice can be quite isolating, and just reading about professional matters in our newspapers and journals doesn't capture what a discussion can, even if that discussion occurs while walking through the convention center with friends.

With so many medical schools in Georgia and nearby states, the attendance of medical students, residents, and fellows is expected to be quite high. We hope they will enjoy the sessions and events planned just for them (see page 65). In addition, we will be honoring, for the first time, teachers of psychiatry residents with APA's new Irma Bland Awards. We are looking forward to meeting these outstanding educators, along with those recognized by the Nancy Roeske Award for teaching medical students.

APPI will have an on-site bookstore where you can purchase the newest releases and pick up free copies of APA's journals. The APA Member Center (formerly the APA Resource Center) will have staff on hand to answer questions about the many services and benefits that APA provides to its members.

My congratulations to Miriam Butterfield, M.D., chair of the Scientific Program Committee, and our excellent annual meetings staff, headed by Cathy Nash. They have worked very hard to ensure that our meeting will be terrific. I especially want to thank Phil Muskin, M.D., who has helped me think through many issues involved with the meeting. Phil, a former chair of the Scientific Program Committee, has been generous with his experience, energy, and support.

I sincerely hope to see you in Atlanta in May. Your attendance and support of the annual meeting and of APA are very important. Safe travels! ▪