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I am pleased to share highlights of APA’s 2013 Institute on Psychiatric Services with you as we get ready to meet in Philadelphia from October 10 to 13. The conference theme is “Transforming Psychiatric Practice, Reforming Health Care Delivery,” and I am very excited about this year’s meeting for many reasons. As APA president, I had the privilege of selecting the theme and have worked closely with the Scientific Program Committee in planning a learning experience that is innovative, diverse, comprehensive, and professionally fulfilling. In this column I want to share my thoughts on how this year’s theme is particularly relevant given the changes we are experiencing in the profession and some of the exciting program events that I hope will support APA’s goal of being in the forefront of changes in the profession under health care reform.
I am also very excited to announce two special events planned for this year’s attendees. Thanks to the support of the American Psychiatric Foundation, former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, a strong advocate for improved access to mental health services as part of health care reform, will join me for a session in the “Conversations” format, where we will discuss changes in psychiatric practice, stigma, and the need for increased advocacy to improve access to psychiatric treatment. I am also chairing a special symposium on the role of psychiatrists in the transformed health care system with esteemed colleagues Ellen Katz, Ann Sullivan, and Grant Mitchell.
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