Come to Toronto to Learn, Discuss, and Relax!

APA's annual meeting remains the premier meeting for psychiatrists not only throughout the United States but increasingly throughout the world. It represents far more than an opportunity to earn CME credits; it links psychiatrists in all practice settings, academia, and research.

"The annual meeting is an ideal venue for psychiatrists to meet their colleagues, learn the latest research findings and their clinical applications, and help address the challenges that are facing the field as we prepare to enter a new millennium," said Daniel K. Winstead, M.D., chair of APA's Scientific Program Committee.

Moreover, the location for this year's meeting gives members a chance to take a deep breath and move at a relaxed pace as they enjoy Toronto's ascendant ambiance as an international, world-class city with a wide diversity of historic and cultural attractions, critically celebrated restaurants, and inviting surroundings.

The last time APA held its annual meeting in Toronto was in 1982. Since that time, Toronto's reputation as the "most livable city in North America" and "an example of how a city could grow" has clearly solidified. Some have commented that today Toronto has all the excitement of New York City, but without the slums, crowding, and danger. (More information on Toronto appears elsewhere in this issue; additional articles will be published in future issues.)

The theme of this year's meeting is "New Challenges for Proven Values: Defending Access, Fairness, Ethics, Decency," chosen by APA President Herbert S. Sacks, M.D. Sacks has played a key role in planning this year's meeting, and APA members will see his professional interests and concerns reflected throughout the program.

A particularly innovative aspect of this year's meeting is a special track of sessions developed in collaboration with the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This is the first time that a special track of related sessions has been scheduled at the meeting.

"The NIDA track will be clearly identified for our registrants so that one can choose to attend these sessions to get an update on various aspects of substance abuse, ranging from basic neuroscience to novel treatments and outcome studies," commented Winstead.

One session that APA members should be sure to include on their schedule is a forum in which APA Medical Director Steven M. Mirin, M.D., will meet and talk with members. This session will be held at noon on Monday, June 1.

Another important forum addresses a topic vital to the essence of psychiatric practice in the future. The APA Commission on Psychotherapy by Psychiatrists (COPP) is sponsoring "Toward a Neurobiology of Psychotherapy" on Tuesday, June 2, at noon. The speakers, who are all members of COPP, will present evidence suggesting the means by which psychiatric psychotherapists can begin to reconceptualize their practice as part of the emerging paradigm shift created by major advances in the neurosciences.

With an appreciative nod to the expertise and experience of colleagues living and practicing north of the U.S. border, the Scientific Program Committee has planned a number of sessions sponsored jointly with Canadian psychiatrists.

"This will give us a chance to compare and contrast practice patterns, health care systems, and outcome data," said Winstead. "It is hoped that novel approaches to the various imperfections in both our systems will result from these efforts."

The Task Force on Local Arrangements is chaired this year by Ray Freebury, M.D., of Toronto. His group has put together an enticing schedule of activities and local tours for meeting goers and their guests who want to break from the myriad scientific sessions.

"Fortunately-or unfortunately-there is much to see and do in a short period of time in Toronto," said Winstead. "You may want to come early or leave late to take full advantage of all that Toronto has to offer."