APA Institute Offers Discussion, Clinical Consultations

By Michelle B. Riba, M.D.
Member
IPS Scientific Program Committee

Mark your calendars to attend the 1998 Institute on Psychiatric Services, which is being held October 2 to 6 in Los Angeles at the Westin Bona-venture. The institute offers a unique opportunity to learn and discuss important clinical and public psychiatry issues in a relaxed, friendly, hospitable setting.

In particular, this year's Scientific Program Committee has organized an extraordinary list of discussion leaders who will provide direction and insight on a variety of topics. The small-group format allows the committee to choose prominent experts who will guide APA members and attendees in dynamic, informed, and useful discussions.

Richard C. Christensen, M.D., will lead participants in a discussion about "Ethical Issues Within the State Hospital Setting," an important and timely topic. In a joint session with the California Psychiatric Association, Robert Paul Cabaj, M.D., will discuss the multitude of concerns and problems facing "Medical Directors of Public Sector Psychiatry Services."

Because the institute focuses on helping clinicians and those who work in the community sector, Charles W. Huffine Jr., M.D., will lead a discussion on issues in "Community Psychiatric Practice." There is hardly a psychiatrist who doesn't have to negotiate, barter, or cajole managed care reviewers for more time to treat patients. "How to Cope With Ethical Problems in Managed Care" with H. Steven Moffic, M.D., will be an important way for us to share clinical vignettes and strategies for providing high-quality, ethical care. Khushro B. Unwalla, M.D., and David Schultz, M.D., will lead the discussion titled "Racism and Mental Health."

An area of increasing opportunity to demonstrate cost-effectiveness and efficiencies is "Services Research: Informing and Improving Care," which will be led by Emily Harris, M.D., as part of the work of the APA Committee on Health Services Research. Medicolegal aspects of psychiatry are ever more a concern to practitioners, and Mark R. Nathanson, M.D., will discuss "Anatomy of a Malpractice Case." Finally, Susan L. O'Dell, Ph.D., will help us think about "Dying Patients: Opportunities for Transformation."

All of these discussion groups will be rich opportunities to learn from experts and leaders in their fields and from colleagues in small, relaxed settings, appropriate for conversation and debate.

Clinical Consultations

A popular format at the institute is the Clinical Consultations. Participants are given the opportunity to share clinical dilemmas and problems with experienced colleagues. This year, Gary W. Small, M.D., will provide consultations on the "Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease." Anna Maria Spielvogel, M.D., M.P.H., will give guidance and advice on the "Psychiatric Treatment of Pregnant and Postpartum Women." Michelle O. Clark, M.D., will extend her experience and knowledge on "Issues in Psychotherapy With U.S. Africans," and Joel E. Dimsdale, M.D., will counsel participants on "Unusual Problems in a Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry Setting."

The discussion groups and clinical consultations are just a small but important part of the scientifically broad program. There is a diversity of courses, innovative programs, special lectures, industry-supported symposia, and joint sessions with a number of allied and advocacy groups.

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