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By Helen Egger, M.D.
Member-in-Training Trustee I was an intern when I went to my first APA meeting--the 1994 annual meeting in Philadelphia. I remember the large convention center, the buses running from hotel to hotel, ubiquitous Scientology protesters carrying dire warnings about psychiatry, and a glimpse of the Rocky statue on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art looking small in the rain. I also remember feeling small myself. There was so much going on, but I was unsure how to begin figuring out how to spend my time. It also seemed that other participants, toting their meeting bags, knew where they were going. How do I choose which sessions to attend? How do I meet people? Does anyone else feel as I do?
This "clip and save" article, detailing the events planned specifically for residents, is meant to help you navigate the APA annual meeting, which convenes in San Diego later this month. Rodrigo Munoz, M.D., APA's next president-elect, and his wife, Alicia, co-chairs of the Task Force on Local Arrangements, have both spoken with me about their desire to welcome residents and young APA members to the meeting.
Here is a list of the activities planned for residents at press time. I've noted the events that require preregistration or that have limited enrollment.
This is an annual meeting orientation session for residents, fellows, and medical students; it's a useful and efficient way to get an overview of the meeting and meet other members. I will be one of the speakers at the session, and I look forward to seeing you there.
This is a hands-on opportunity to learn how to speak to the media. It will teach you useful skills as well as be fun. Space is limited, so sign up now! This session is sponsored by the Joint Commission on Public Affairs and the APA/Mead Johnson Fellows.
Join other psychiatry residents for a presentation on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions associated with HIV/AIDS. There will be lectures by nationally recognized experts combined with group discussion. Lunch is free. To reserve a space or obtain more information, call the APA AIDS Project Office at (202) 682-6147 no later than May 12.
At this breakfast session, exclusively for residents and fellows, you will have the chance to meet top researchers and clinicians from around the country. It's a great opportunity to talk with senior APA members. It is a popular session that fills up fast, so come early!
This is an important event that all residents and fellows should attend. We have convened this summit to discuss the issues and concerns of psychiatry residents and to formulate and implement plans of action for the future.
I strongly feel that these meetings should be a top priority for all residents attending the annual meeting. Only by participating and speaking up will your voice and the voices of other residents be heard.
Resident representatives from the Board, the Assembly, and all the fellowship groups have been organizing this event. Please make these meetings a priority.
This enjoyable luncheon is a great opportunity to meet other residents and psychiatry training directors. Outstanding teachers from various residencies are honored as recipients of the Nancy C.A. Roeske, M.D., Certificate for Excellence in Medical Education.
Come and meet other MIT's and medical students. Good food and good conversation.
For additional information on annual meeting events for residents, call Sherrie Batey or Rosalind Keitt of APA's Office of Education at (202) 682-6130. Badge ribbons identifying you as a resident, as well as information on resident activities, will be available at the Office of Education's booth in the APA Resource Center in the Exhibit Hall. You can also call me at (919) 416-7223 or e-mail me at hegger@psych.mc.duke.edu.
Remember to have fun, learn something, speak up, meet new people, and be bold. If you feel lost or confused, you can be sure that someone else does, too! I look forward to meeting as many residents as possible in San Diego.
See you there!
(Psychiatric News, May 16, 1997)