APA Institute Offers Scientific, Social Events in Vibrant Setting

By Tana A. Grady, M.D.

APA's 1998 Institute on Psychiatric Services, which is being held October 2 to 6 in Los Angeles, offers not only a standout program but also marks the 50th anniversary of this "user friendly" meeting.

The fall institute has been APA's undiscovered treasure for many years, but that situation is now changing as more APA members are coming to appreciate its smaller size, focus on clinical issues, abundance of more intimate discussion groups, and patient-care oriented formats. Moreover, APA is continuing to grant a substantial discount of 40 percent on registration fees for APA members.

All of the scientific sessions will be held at the Westin Bonaventure, eliminating the need for shuttle buses and the frustration of having to run from one hotel to another to enjoy the benefits of these presentations.

Diverse Topics

The 1998 institute theme is "Kaleidoscope of Care: Clinical Advances and Research and Educational Excellence." The interdisciplinary nature of many of the presentations enhances the breadth of clinical perspectives and approaches to learning.

One of the goals of the Scientific Program Committee was to select a wide range of topics that reflect the diversity in our field and our patients. With this in mind, an interesting spectrum of clinical topics will be covered at the meeting. For example, HIV/AIDS in women, treatment of gay and lesbian patients, and the future of child mental health care services are among the full-day sessions scheduled, and one of the debates will highlight the controversial issue of dissociative identity disorder.

The popular format "innovative programs" will provide overviews of noteworthy, novel, and effective program interventions from around the country. Because of the increasing interface of medical and psychiatric illness in clinical settings, a medical update series has been added to the institute program. Asthma, breast cancer, AIDS, and hormone replacement therapy are the topics.

The clinical consultations and discussion groups will feature a number of notable psychiatrists, including Drs. Robert Cabaj, Michelle Clark, Joel Dimsdale, Charles Huffine, Mark Nathanson, and Anna Spielvogel. Featured lecturers will include Drs. Elissa Benedek, Joel Feiner, Mindy Fullilove, Allen Frances, Ranga Krishnan, Keh-Ming Lin, James McCracken, Sylvia Olarte, Herbert Pardes, and Marc Schuckit.

Each day there will be breakfast, lunch, and evening symposia featuring leaders in the field providing high-quality presentations on diverse topics in psychiatry.

Through a selection of 16 popular courses, the institute offers additional educational opportunities to enrich participants' knowledge base (see article on page 19).

Other Activities

On Monday evening, October 5, there will be a special reception to celebrate the institute's golden anniversary.

A number of allied and advocacy groups will be sponsoring joint sessions or holding their meetings in conjunction with the institute. These groups include the American Association of Community Psychiatrists, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Association of Psychiatric Administrators, Therapeutic Education Association, California Psychiatric Association, and the Mental Health America.

Resident SessionsThe institute's more intimate environment makes it particularly suited to trainees. "Clinical Approaches to Working With Homeless Mentally Ill Individuals: Challenges and Rewards," a joint session with the Center for Mental Health Services and the APA Committee on Poverty, Homeless-ness and Psychiatric Disorders, is a full-day session that was developed for residents and trainees only.

Presentations by current and former APA/Bristol-Myers Squibb Fellows are scheduled throughout the program and are a tribute to the creativity, promise, and professional development of these outstanding young psychiatrists.

Vacation City

Los Angeles, the "City of Angels," is a vibrant and exciting city. The institute's downtown location is near a number of museums and the Los Angeles Music Center, where the annual Academy Awards ceremony has often been held. Moreover, two family attractions-Disneyland and Universal Studios-are within an hour's drive from the meeting location.

In the weeks to come, watch for articles describing various aspects of the institute in greater detail. Mark your calendars and prepare to join us for what promises to be APA's most exciting fall annual meeting ever.

A copy of the institute's preliminary program is available by calling (202) 682-6000 or clicking on the institute logo at APA's Web site at . Dr. Grady is chair of the Scientific Program Committee for the 1998 Institute on Psychiatric Services.