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In this month’s column, Donna Chen, M.D., M.P.H., discusses her experiences as an APA/Bristol-Myers Squibb fellow and the opportunities available to members-in-training (MIT’s) who participate in APA MIT fellowships. Dr. Chen is the chair of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Fellowship Program and chief resident at Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute. She plans to pursue a career in public psychiatry and health services research.
Although Dr. Chen is focusing on the MIT fellowships in this column, there are many other opportunities available for MIT’s in APA. If you’re interested in learning about those as well, or have other questions or concerns, I’d be happy to speak with you further. You may contact me by e-mail at abbusch@erols.com; fax: (410) 614-5914); or phone: (410) 955-5549).
-- Alisa Busch, M.D.
Member-in-Training Trustee
By Donna Chen, M.D., M.P.H.
The application deadlines for the APA member-in-training (MIT) fellowships are approaching. Many residents have asked me what is an APA MIT fellowship. I have found this is best answered over a cozy cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage), so grab a cup and let’s chat.
There are four APA MIT fellowships: Bristol-Myers Squibb (formerly Mead Johnson) for residents interested in public psychiatry; Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and Zeneca for residents interested in providing services to minorities and underserved populations; and GlaxoWellcome for residents interested in developing their leadership potential. All are competitive, target future leaders in psychiatry, and, except for the CMHS and Zeneca fellowships, require nomination by your training director.
The benefits of a fellowship fall into three categories: (1) a position on a national APA component, (2) the opportunity to attend and present at an APA conference, and (3) the ability to meet and network with other psychiatrists at various stages of their careers.
The components are the "work groups" of APA - in the form of committees, councils, commissions, task forces, special boards, and so on - that address every aspect of psychiatry and APA you can think of (and some you may not have). Many component members are appointed because of their expertise in a specific area or service at the district branch level, and so it can sometimes take years to get a component appointment. As an MIT fellow, working with such experienced members may seem intimidating at first, but it allows you to participate in discussions on myriad important issues facing psychiatry today. MIT’s have a unique voice as psychiatrists just entering the profession - you speak for yourself as well as for other MIT’s who do not have the opportunity to be in the room. You can offer a unique perspective, and component members always welcome thoughtful new participants.
My appointment to APA’s Joint Commission on Public Affairs has given me valuable experience. The members of the commission appreciated my perspective on many issues. We discussed my conviction on the importance of combating stigma and the need for psychiatrists to learn to speak in public and through the media. Unfortunately, these skills are not taught in medical school and residency curricula. Thus, working with the staff of the Division of Public Affairs and Bristol-Myers Squibb, I was able to channel my convictions into developing workshops for MIT’s and early career psychiatrists that provided on-camera experience and individualized feedback.
MIT fellows receive funding to attend APA’s national meetings. I have heard MIT’s refer to annual meetings as "jewels in the crown" and "a circus." They can be overwhelming, and one’s experience can be incredibly varied. Going as a fellow gives you some bearings; you have a group to belong to and someone always handy to help you find your way through the program. Some fellowships even provide dedicated suites. We were able to use the Bristol-Myers Squibb suite for getting morning coffee, meeting other fellows, listening to invited speakers of our choosing, holding receptions, and networking.
APA MIT fellows are also given the opportunity to present at a national conference and be mentored through that process. For many of us, this is our first experience with slides, overheads, and microphones. During this past October, the Bristol-Myers Squibb fellows had senior APA members (department chairs, respected attendings, and so on) attend each of our presentations and give us constructive feedback over lunch. They gave us helpful pointers and reassured us by sharing their own experiences. Two fellows were even invited to present their workshop at a grand rounds.
Through my APA MIT fellowship, I have met many people with similar career interests and found mentors and peers around the country with similar ideals. Developing a network of professional mentors is invaluable for getting advice on career decisions and finding opportunities after residency. My interest is in public psychiatry, and I have met people who work in a variety of capacities: consumer advocates, directors of agencies, public health researchers, and professionals providing care from vans and homeless shelters. Sitting at lunch or dinner and hearing about other people’s experiences, sharing career plans and concerns, and debating ideals bring a sense of connection and empowerment.
In addition to finding mentors, you get to meet and work with MIT’s from all over the United States and Canada, cementing bonds between colleagues who will undoubtedly be leading the field into the future.
Well, our coffee is probably gone (or cold) by now. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by telephone at (212) 543-5516 or by e-mail at dc175 @columbia.edu, or any of the fellowship staff (see box on page 11).
I hope to see you at the next meeting.