Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry
PRE-MEETING FALL
OCTOBER 2010
CIRCULAR LETTER #615
P.O. Box 570218 • Dallas, Texas 75357-0218 972-613-3044 • Fax: 972-613-5532 • www.ourgap.org
From the President School is back in session, the leaves are beginning to turn, football is dominating the weekend, and the next Mr. October is waiting to be crowned. That can only mean one thing, our Fall GAP meeting is right around the corner. I hope you all enjoyed a restful and enjoyable summer. It was a quiet summer in regard to GAP issues. I am happy to report there are no crises to address and things are stable overall. We continue to be financially stable, thanks to an improving market, Frances’ frugal nature and fiscal responsiveness, and Steve’s oversight of our books. As health care reform begins to kick in, it should offer many opportunities for GAP commentary and op-ed submissions. I’m hoping a few Committees take on the challenge of addressing these critical issues, particularly how this new legislation will effect our field. Many believe the expected increase in eligible patients seeking psychiatric care could potentially overload existing resources, including the available pool of psychiatrists. These topics will fit very nicely into our existing Committee structure. We have a valuable role to play in making sure the voice of psychiatry is heard as the political debates rage on in anticipation of the upcoming mid year elections. GAP was quite literally made for this. It is an excellent opportunity to increase our visibility nationally and let the Country know what we do. Our Fellows are hard at work on the plenary session they will present at their final meeting in 2011. Let’s all make a point to seek them out at the Fall meeting and offer mentorship on career issues as they prepare for the next phase of their professional lives. A number of Fellows and members have expressed interest in a Psychiatry and the Arts Committee. Don Fidler has agreed to help organize a discussion group to better assess how to best move forward. Don has over 30 years experience in this area and continues to be very active in the field. Anyone who has topics they would like to be addressed at the Fall meeting, please e-mail Frances. I look forward to seeing you all in White Plains. Safe travels.
Dave